By Sam WallerThe Moran Independent School District received a grade of C from the Texas Education Agency, holding steady from the last ratings handed out in 2019.The TEA assesses grades of A through F for accountability for districts and campuses throughout the state.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions showed big-play capability in their second preseason scrimmage, but they also had issues that will require improvement.The Lions outscored Early two touchdowns to one on Thursday, Aug. 18 in their final tuneup before the regular season at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

By Sam WallerSeveral factors combined to disrupt Brian Hamilton’s college baseball career, but he started getting things back on track in 2022 at Harding University.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Riley Reames enjoyed being part of the Texas Brigade program so much last year that she signed up for one of the other camps this year.

By Sam WallerAlbany junior high athletes began preseason practice in football last week with the start of school.Seventh and eighth grade teams will take on Dublin on Thursday, Sept. 1 at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady ­Lions capped off a 2-0 week Friday, Aug. 19 with a four-set victory against Eastland at home.After sweeping Olney 25-14, 25-12, 25-15 on Tuesday, Aug. 16 the Lady Lions defeated Eastland 19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-19 on Friday.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Bulldogs football team enjoyed another solid outing last week in its second scrimmage.The Bulldogs open the season at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 at Benjamin.The Bulldogs scrimmaged Lueders-Avoca on Thursday, Aug. 18 at Lueders.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County commissioners continued reviewing the budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year that starts Oct. 1 and got their first look at tax rate options during a meeting on Monday.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High Lady Cubs volleyball teams opened their season Monday, Aug. 22 by splitting a pair of matches at Abilene Christian.Junior high teams are not allowed to practice until the start of school under UIL rules.

By Sidney BarteeFootball season tickets are now available for 2022.The first game of the season is at home this Friday, Aug. 26 against Lubbock Trinity, followed by two away games in Dublin and Seymour and then two home games against Hawley and Comanche. District home games are Oct.