By Sidney Bartee

With the start of the school year, Albany churches and organizations have already begun youth and children’s services for students, with more activities scheduled to begin in the next few weeks.

Feed Store

Tuesday lunches for juniors and seniors will begin again on Aug. 23 at the Feed Store.

Starting after the first home football game on Aug. 26 are the traditional after-game fellowships.

Fifth quarter begins after the end of home football games and ends at 11:00 p.m.

Friendship Baptist

By Donnie A. Lucas

There were 16 new ­COVID-19 cases reported last week, based on the tests administered at Albany’s two health clinics, an uptick as the school year neared.

The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Tuesday reported 16 positive test results out of 19 tests given at the two local clinics for the period of Aug. 8-12, compared with nine cases the previous week.

The use of home testing also increased after tests were made more readily available making it unclear as to the actual number of local cases.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Bulldogs football team enjoyed a productive outing in its first scrimmage on Thursday, Aug. 11.

“It went very well last week,” Bulldogs coach John Hughes said.

Moran scored eight times during its three-team workout with Trent and Brookesmith at Trent, while not allowing a score.

The Bulldogs get their final tuneup at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 (tonight) at Lueders-Avoca.

By Sidney Bartee

Moran’s annual garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27, beginning at 7:00 a.m.

Community residents can register for the sale until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug 25 on either the City of Moran or the Moran Buy, Sell, Trade Facebook pages.

“So far I have had nine people sign up,” organizer Michelle Taggart said. “We are cutting off sign-ups on Thursday so I have time to prep and print out the maps and lists.”

Residents can sign up at no cost.

Maps and lists for the sale will be distributed by Taggart at the Sale No. 1 site.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Lady Bulldogs continued building team chemistry through the first week of volleyball matches, going 1-3.

Moran played its first home match Tuesday, Aug. 16, hosting Gustine, before visiting Knox City on Saturday, Aug. 20. Results will be reported next week.

The Lady Bulldogs opened the season Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Rotan, losing 10-25, 8-25, 15-25.

By Sam Waller

Moran ISD reported a total enrollment of 97 students for all grades, down slightly from the end of last school year.

Superintendent Dr. John Denson said he expects some fluctuation in the figure as other area districts begin classes.

Principal Jo Hise said she is still receiving calls about taking transfer students.

“We’ve had a really good start to the school year,” Denson said. “The kids were ready to come back, and they’re wanting to learn.”

DEAR Project

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions volleyball team upped its record to 5-3 Tuesday, Aug. 16 with a sweep of Olney. Albany won on its home floor, defeating the Lady Cubs 25-14, 25-12, 25-15.

The local girls will have a rematch with Eastland on Friday, starting with the varsity in the AHS gym at 4:00 p.m.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions held their own in their first scrimmage of the 2022 football season, matching and sometimes surpassing the Coleman Bluecats on Friday, Aug. 12 at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

The Lions make their second preseason outing Thursday, Aug. 18 (tonight) against the Early Longhorns, again at Nail Stadium, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Against Coleman, Albany matched the Bluecats with one touchdown as each team scored in the second segment with starters on the field.

By Sam Waller

Even though the Albany Golf Club’s annual Labor Day tournament has had a full field for more than a week, organizers are taking names for a waiting list in case any of the registered entries are forced to withdraw.

Albany Golf Club president Randy Walker said “several” names have been placed on the waiting list in the past week.

The two-person scramble is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3-4 at Albany Golf Course.

The field will consist of 44 teams – 22 in the morning flight and 22 in the afternoon flight.

By Sam Waller

Members of the Albany cross country program are continuing with their training as the first meet of the season draws nearer.

Albany will open the season Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Haskell. The runners are entered in seven invitational meets before district competition in October.

Following the Haskell meet, Albany will compete at Eula on Tuesday, Sept. 6 followed by meets in Abilene, Hawley, Hamlin, Rotan, and Anson. The District 10-2A meet is scheduled for Oct. 12 at Anson.