By Sidney BarteeThe 36th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale is set Sept. 10-11 at the Shackelford County Livestock Show Barn.The longest-running livestock sale in the U.S. benefits Shackelford County youth who participate at the county stock show.

By Sam WallerThe Feed Store is cele­brating the 10th anniversary of its grand opening on Thursday, Aug. 25 (today) but has already begun a full slate of fall programs.“We will have some acknowledgment throughout the month,” Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said.

By Sam WallerThe Feed Store’s Fifth Quarter fellowship following home football games returns for another season Friday, Aug. 26 following the Albany Lions’ game against Lubbock Trinity Christian.

By Melinda L. LucasFriendship Baptist Church is planning to mark the new school year with a kick-off event for their children’s ministry.According to one of the coordinators, Tanya Petree, Friendship will host a back-to-school bash on Wednesday, Aug. 31 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasBoard members of the Albany Chest will meet to organize the 2022 fund­raising campaign, nominate and elect new directors, and choose officers for the upcoming year during an Aug. 31 meetingThe meeting will be held at the Feed Store at 5:15 p.m.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Volunteer Fire Department has two fundraising projects in the works, including the return of its Burgers & Birds cookout.The event is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 at the fire station to celebrate the opening of dove season.

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 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 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 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.