By Sam Waller

The start of fall sports is drawing near with Albany High School starting football and volleyball preseason practices Monday, Aug. 1.

The summer conditioning program for boys wrapped up this week, while the girls have another week to go after taking a two-week break earlier in July.

Prospective athletes for football and volleyball have been sent letters outlining two-a-day practices, as well as forms that must be filled out and signed by both students and parents by the opening day of practices.

By Brad McBee

A few months ago, I sat at the labyrinth across from the Old Jail Art Center with my Bible and devotional. It was a beautiful early morning, and I was enjoying the day and my prayer time.

Suddenly I saw a flutter high up in the tree in front of me. I couldn’t quite make out what it was. I knew it was a bird, a small one of some kind, and then I saw the distinguishing mark, and I knew right away what it was.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Masonic Lodge Scholarship Golf Tournament already has a full field, but is taking names for a waiting list.

The four-person scramble is scheduled to tee off at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at Albany Golf Course.

All proceeds benefit the Albany Masonic Lodge Wisdom Foundation, which awards college scholarships to Albany High School graduates each year.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Moran Masonic Lodge #863 held its officer installation ceremony Saturday, July 16.

The event was hosted by the Clyde Masonic Lodge during a joint ceremony with both Clyde and Cisco Masonic Lodges.

Officers installed for the 2022-2023 year were Worshipful Master Earl McFerrin, Senior Warden Harley Wheeler, Junior Warden John Adams, Secretary John Denson,and Tiler Bobby Estes.

Masonic Lodge officers serve for a term of one year, with annual installations.

By Sam Waller

Moran ISD enrollment packets will be available after Monday, Aug. 1, according to school officials.

All students planning to attend Moran school in the 2022-23 school year will need to pick up a packet from the MISD office.

The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 8 at Moran, which is employing a four-day class week this year.

Principal Jo Hise said students from outside the district will need to provide an immunization record, a birth certificate, and a copy of their social security card in order to get a packet.

By Sam Waller

Closet Angels is once again planning a Back-to-School Bash to help families prepare for the start of the upcoming school year.

The event is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1.

Shoppers are encouraged to sign up for the drawings to win cash prizes, gas cards, and Zappos gift cards for shoes.

Everyone with school-age students in Shackelford County is invited to attend.

Director Lori Reames said Closet Angels will be closed until the event due to family issues and to ensure racks are well-stocked.

By Sam Waller

The past two weeks have seen youth groups from First Baptist Church of Albany enjoy outdoor activities while also strengthening their relationship with Christ as they attended summer church camps.

A total of  19 preteens (fourth through sixth grades) and two adults spent July 11-15 at Camp Copass near Denton.

"Camp Copass was great,” FBC youth minister Eduardo San Lucas said. “We had two salvations, six recommitments, and five wanting to get back to Christ. It was a blessing.”

By Sam Waller

Preparations for Community Vacation Bible School are under way with volunteers setting up for the event, which will run Sunday, July 24 through Wednesday, July 27.

A new feature for this year is the addition of the R.O.P.E. program (Rights of Passage Experience) for rising seventh graders. That group will meet 5:45-8:15 p.m. at The Feed Store.

Darla Cotter will lead the program, which focuses on learning to handle issues facing those entering adolescence.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Four members of the Albany FFA chapter and sponsor Chris Beard attended the Texas FFA State Convention in Ft. Worth last week, picking up a pair of awards won by the local chapter.

Representing Albany at the convention were Leddie Leech, Gracie Price, Robyn Trail, and Kenzie Neve. The students attended several leadership sessions while at the event hosted at the Ft. Worth convention center on July 11-15.

Three members of the group also served as voting delegates on several policy items, along with state officers and talent show winners.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Registration for all Albany ISD students will open online beginning Monday, Aug. 1, according to school officials.

The district is once again using the Ascender Parent Portal for registration, with a link available on the district website. Parents are instructed to access the “Parents Sources” tab, then look for the Ascender Parent Portal.

Parents can login to an existing account or create a new account if they do not have one. Follow the instructions provided on the website.