By Sam WallerConnor Smith put in a busy but productive final week of his summer vacation, taking part in the Coastal Brigade camp and returning home just hours before reporting for the first day of football practice.

By Sam WallerFans of Albany Lions and Lady Lions can meet student-athletes Monday, Aug. 7 at the Albany Athletic Booster Club’s annual Ice Cream Supper at the Bank Park.The evening will begin with the opening of the Spirit Shop at 6:00 p.m. Burgers will be served starting at 6:30 p.m.

By Sam WallerThe Albany cross country program officially began workouts with more than a half dozen runners taking part Monday, July 31.“We had a really good first morning,” coach Donnie Hart said.

By Sam WallerAlbany Lady Lions volleyball coach M.J. Reneau greeted 21 players for the team’s opening workout Monday, July 31 to begin preparations for the upcoming season.The Lady Lions conducted four days of two-a-day practices before hosting Benjamin for a scrimmage at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions officially began life as defending state champions Monday, July 31 with the first practice of the 2023 football season.Head coach Denney Faith had 39 players on hand for the first workout with a couple more expected to report later in the week.

The Albany News was presented with the Outstanding Publication Award for its efforts to promote agriculture science education by the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas during the association’s Professional Development Conference.The conference was held Monday-Thursday, July 24-28 in Dallas.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H members kept busy in July, placing in the state horse show, shooting sports games, and district record book contest.At the state horse show, held Saturday-Friday, July 22-28 at Bryan, four 4-Hers competed in multiple events.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Old Jail Art Center’s summer workshops got underway this week, with several in-person camps on the calendar for students in first grade and up.On Wednesday, campers met in the museum’s Stasney Room for “Re-Create!

By Melinda L. LucasA special July 26 city council meeting to take action concerning repair of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department’s 2002 “second out” fire truck resulted in a motion to spend $25,389 to upgrade the vehicle.

By Donnie A. LucasIn-person registration for new Albany ISD students continues this afternoon at the high school campus for both elementary and secondary students.Personnel from both campuses will be on hand from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m.