By Sam WallerThe Moran Bulldogs wrapped up their boys basketball season Tuesday, Feb. 15 with a 74-46 loss at Baird.The Bulldogs finished the season 2-16 overall, 1-9 in District 13-1A.Baird opened up a 24-11 lead in the first quarter and increased the margin to 42-16 at halftime.

By Sam WallerTwo Moran meat judging teams scored well in contests over the weekend at major livestock shows.Moran teams placed 25th and 35th out of 43 teams on Saturday, Feb. 19, at San Angelo. On Sunday, Feb. 20, the teams finished 33rd and 41st out of 77 teams in San Antonio.

By Melinda L. LucasAdvance tickets are now available for the Biennial Swedish Smorgasbord hosted by Bethel Lutheran Church in the Ericksdahl Community coming up on Saturday, March 5.At $30 per ticket for three different seating times, meals will be served at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerAlbany churches will conduct Ash Wednesday services Wednesday, March 2, to begin Lent, which continues until Thursday, April 14.Albany United Methodist Church will participate in “A Night With New Room” at 6:30 p.m. on Ash Wednesday.

By Donnie A. LucasWhen their parents moved their families halfway around the world in search of a better life, they probably weren’t thinking that a small West Texas community like Albany would provide its own version of the American Dream.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chamber of Commerce will honor two community members as Albany Stars on Thursday, March 3.The program will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Aztec Theater.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions boys basketball team opened the playoffs Tuesday, Feb. 22, with a 52-45 bi-district win against Petrolia at Graham, moving them on to the area round.The Lions will play the Italy Gladiators (21-4) Friday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions went 2-4-1 in their first week of the softball season, opening with an 8-5 victory over the Abilene Cooper JV before spending the weekend at the Eastland tournament.At Eastland, the Lady Lions lost 14-1 to Clyde before beating Merkel 7-2 on Friday, Feb. 18.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions started their baseball season with a scrimmage on Friday, Feb. 18 and a JV game on Monday, Feb. 21.This weekend’s Albany JV tournament, however, fell victim to winter weather, with coach David Fairchild making the decision Wednesday morning to cancel the event.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions tennis team battled both the elements and opponents Thursday, Feb. 17 at the Hawley Invitational, but won three draws.Players had to contend with cold conditions at Abilene’s Rose Park Tennis Center.“There was more confidence on the court,” coach M.J.