The Albany Lions opened the playoffs with a strong showing Thursday night in Graham, powering past Santo 34–18 to secure the Bi-District championship and extend their postseason run.

Albany controlled the pace from the start, stacking up 429 yards of total offense and moving the chains 24 times. The Lions leaned on a balanced attack that kept Santo guessing—154 yards rushing paired with 275 yards through the air.

In Albany, mention of the “Bazaar” means the holidays are near — and this year’s event carries extra significance. Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its first Bazaar this Saturday, Nov. 15, continuing one of the town’s oldest and most beloved community traditions. What began as a small gathering of church women raising funds for local mission work in 1900 has grown into an annual event that continues to bring together friends, families, and neighbors from across the area.

Entries are being sought for the 2025 Lighted Christmas Parade set to roll through downtown Albany on Saturday, Nov. 30 starting at 6:00 p.m.

The annual event is sponsored by the Albany Chamber of Commerce.

Shop Small Town Saturday activities are also planned, with drawings for Albany Bucks at various times both before and after the parade.

Chamber manager Brandi Lehew said that parade entry forms are available online on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

What began as a police manhunt Sunday afternoon turned out to be a major misunderstanding.

Shortly after noon, a crew of windmill workers were parked outside a residence on Eaheart Street rented by one of their coworkers. The group, who do not speak English but are in the U.S. legally, were sitting in their vehicle while one member stood outside. When it was determined they could not stay at the residence, the driver reportedly called out to his coworker standing outside the vehicle, asking to use his phone to book a room at a local motel.