By Sam WallerPreseason practice for Albany High School football and volleyball programs will begin Monday, July 31.

By Sam WallerFundraising for the Albany football monument fund has reached $35,000 toward the goal of $50,000, according to Albany Athletic Booster Club president Cari Heatly.

By Donnie L. LucasThe first of a two-week Summer Day Camp sponsored by ResourceCare is set to begin Monday, July 10 at the Albany Youth Center.This year the program is split between July 10-14 and July 24-28 to accommodate a number of the high school age workers to attend church camps.

By Melinda L. LucasChamber of Commerce members are reminded that there will be no Friday luncheon this week because the Icehouse Restaurant is closed for its annual week of vacation.Chamber manager Brandi Lehew said that Chamber lunches will begin again on July 14 at the Icehouse.

By Sam WallerAlbany Volunteer Fire Department is continuing its fundraising effort to upgrade facilities and equipment, not the least of which is this week’s delivery of a brand new 2022 Dodge Ram 5500 rescue truck.

Albany News readers and advertisers are asked to be aware that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, during the week of July 17.“There will not be an edition on Thursday, July 20,” said News editor Melinda Lucas.

By Sam WallerAlbany has drawn the attention of the syndicated television program Texas Country Reporter.Hosts Bob and Kelli Phillips were recently in town for a segment on Jim Nobles, who handcrafts wooden caskets under the Noblex Pine Boxes banner.

By Donnie A. LucasShackelford County residents recorded significant rainfall over the weekend and have had more rain in general over last year at this time.

By Melinda L. LucasThe deadline to register for this year’s summer workshops at the Old Jail Art Center has been pushed back to Friday, July 21, according to the OJAC’s director of education Erin Whitmore.

By Sam WallerAfter working around Fandangle participation the last two weeks, Albany Junior/Senior High’s summer conditioning program dealt with holiday absences this week as the boys portion of the program continued.Albany head football coach said a drop in participation at this time is typical.