By Sam Waller

After taking an open date last week, the Albany Lady Lions got back to business in the District 6-2A volleyball race Saturday, Sept. 30, sweeping Coleman 25-13, 25-18, 25-15 on the road.

Albany (25-5 overall, 2-1 district) hosted Hawley on Tuesday, Oct. 3, losing a hard-fought four-set battle 14-25, 25-18, 22-25, 23-25. Details will be reported next week.

Albany returns to the road at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 with a district match at Ranger.

By Sam Waller

Xi Chi Pi Sorority expects to have a full field for its fourth annual Scholarship Golf Scramble, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7 at Albany Golf Course.

“We’re completely full at this point,” organizer Lauren Peacock said. “We even have a couple of extras on a list just in case someone has to drop out at the last second. That’s happened to us in the past, and we want to avoid that this year.”

Peacock said it’s still possible to get into the tournament if teams are forced to withdraw.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions relied on smothering defense during a 5-0 nondistrict run that pushed the program’s winning streak to 16 games.

The Lions, who had an open date last week, face another test from another high-powered offense at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, when they host Miles in the District 6-2A Division II opener at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

“I felt like we had a good open week,” Lions head coach Denney Faith said. “We were able to get some work in and put some things on that we’ve looked at.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

& Sam Waller

The deadline to make reservations for the 19th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala is Monday, Oct. 9.

The Gala is set for Saturday, Oct. 14 at Collins Creek Ranch, featuring Aaron McDonnell and the Neon Eagles, and includes a meal and silent auction.

Tickets are currently on sale at $50 per plate and can be purchased by emailing susanftgriffin@aol.com or leaving a message on the group’s Facebook page. Orders can also be sent by text to 325-762-5038.

By Sam Waller

Trinity Lutheran Church will hold its annual Mission Festival at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 with pastor Keith Reich of Cisco’s Redeemer Lutheran Church speaking.

After the service, a meal will be served in the Fellowship Hall.

“We will be encouraged to support the mission of the church, both in our actions and with our offerings,” pastor Tom Chandler said. “The offerings all go to the Texas District of the Lutheran Church to support mission efforts.”

By Sam Waller

The Feed Store hosted a record crowd for the Saw You at the Pole youth rally Wednesday, Sept. 27 to cap off the See You at the Pole prayer event.

The evening rally, organized by Paul Johnston, drew an estimated 270 to 300 participants. Johnston said that was an increase of about 130 youth over previous years.

“We had kids in from Woodson, Breckenridge, Moran, Cisco, and Albany, and we had quite a few adults there,” Johnston said, “Matt Stapp and Megan Ledbetter led worship.”

By Sam Waller

After two road games and an open date, The Feed Store’s Fifth Quarter youth gathering returns Friday, Oct. 6 with its third installment of the 2023 football season.

The program will begin  at The Feed Store following the conclusion of Albany’s District 6-2A Division II opener against Miles at Nail Stadium.

The postgame event is sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance and is open to all junior high and high school students. The gathering will run from the end of each game until 11:00 p.m.

By Sam Waller

Bethel Assembly’s The Patch fundraiser provided a morning full of family activities in addition to raising money for community outreach programs.

“We had a great turnout at The Patch this year,” organizer Christina Daugherty said. “Lots of community members brought their families and joined in on all the fun. There were smiles and fellowship all around, and it was just a beautiful time of togetherness.”

A few pumpkins were left after the sale. Anyone who wants to purchase one can contact Daugherty at 254-246-5956.

Albany students will have a holiday on Monday, Oct. 9 in observance of Columbus Day.

The staff will also have a holiday if they have fulfilled the required numbers of workshop hours.

Classes will resume for all AISD students on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at the regular time. The bell will ring at 7:55 a.m. at the elementary school and 8:00 a.m. at the secondary campus.

The second six weeks grading period started Oct. 2 and will continue until Nov. 10.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Members of the National Honor Society recently elected officers and discussed upcoming projects for the school year.

Kiana Roberson was elected as president of the group, while Brooklyn Abbate was named vice president. Jade Bean will serve as secretary, and Robyn Trail was picked as treasurer. Jaci Chapman will serve as reporter and Braylyn Abbate will be the parliamentarian.

All of the officers are seniors and were inducted into the organization last fall during their junior year.