By Donnie A. Lucas

The Texas Education Agency issued grades on Friday as part of the Texas A-F accountability ratings for districts and campuses in the state, with Albany ISD receiving a B.

This was the first time that the rating system has been used since 2019 due to two years of COVID-related disruptions.

The local district received an overall grade of B based on a score of 85 for the 2021-22 school year. The district had received a B when ratings were given for the 2018-19 school year.

James Ruff, age 97 of Breckenridge, passed away Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. Graveside funeral service with military honors were held Monday, Aug. 15 in the Albany Cemetery. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

James Allen Ruff was born April 18, 1925 in Albany, Texas to parents, James Houston Ruff and Eddith Dillingham Ruff. In 1943, James joined the United States Navy and served in World War II before his honorable discharge in 1946.

Allan Davis, age 73 of Albany, passed away Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 20 in the Throckmorton Cemetery. Interment will follow under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Allan Douglas Davis was born January 5, 1949 in Haskell, Texas to Kenneth Davis and Oma Dorris Everett Davis. In his younger years, he worked in the oilfield, working on drilling rigs. Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dorris Davis; one sister, Barbara Egeland.

Georgie Elizabeth Vandivere, 92, of Albany passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being made by Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde.

Nancy Moore West, 94, of Stamford passed away Monday Aug. 15, 2022 in Abilene. The family will welcome guests at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 18 at Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford.

A private family burial will be held in Spring Creek Cemetery. A memorial service will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, in St. John’s United Methodist Church with Pastors Steve Patterson and Paul Wright officiating.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Lady Bulldogs volleyball team hit the court Saturday, Aug. 6 for a scrimmage at Munday.

The Lady Bulldogs opened the season Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Rotan and will wrap up the first week of matches Thursday, Aug. 11 at the Benjamin tournament.

Details on Tuesday’s match will be reported next week.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Bulldogs football team joined other teams across the state in donning pads as the second week of preseason practice got under way.

The Bulldogs will get their first outing Thursday, Aug. 11 (tonight) in a scrimmage at Trent.

“It’ll be us, Trent, and Santa Anna in a three-way scrimmage,” Bulldogs coach John Hughes said. “We’ll work offense and defense, then take a break. When we come back, we’ll reverse the roles.”

By Sam Waller

Moran’s annual community garage sale has been scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27 starting at 7:00 a.m.

The deadline for community residents to register is 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25. Moran residents can register on the City of Moran and the Moran Buy, Sell and Trade Facebook pages.

“There are two different places to sign up,” organizer Michelle Taggart said. “I’ve got seven signed up so far.”

Taggart said there is no cost for Moran residents to sign up.

By Sam Waller

Moran ISD got a jump on many school districts in the state by starting classes on Monday, Aug. 8.

Moran started earlier than most districts because it is employing a four-day class week for this year.

Moran principal Jo Hise said the opening day of school avoided any major issues.

“I think it went fairly well,” Hise said. “We even enrolled a couple more kids, and that’s always a big plus. Everybody seemed excited and ready to go.”

By Sam Waller

The biggest thing Elia Hebel learned during her freshman year of college was how to find the right place for herself.

That involved changing schools and positions, but the former Albany softball standout feels she found her spot.