By Sam WallerRev. Bob Heidecker has assumed the duties as pastor of Albany Methodist Church, taking over for Tim Trimble.Heidecker, who has spent 43 years in the ministry, comes to Albany from Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church in Amarillo. His first sermon in Albany was Sunday, July 3.

By Sam WallerThe Feed Store is gearing up for another school year with several programs returning to the schedule.“We’re still finalizing some plans,” Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said. “We are working on kicking off our Tuesday lunches again that first Tuesday of the school year (Aug. 23).

By Sam WallerTwo prayer initiatives have begun in advance of the new school year.Albany PTO president Malarie Sutton started 33 Days of Prayer for Albany in mid-July with each day dedicated to praying for a different group – students, faculty and staff – within the school district.

By Donnie A. LucasMeet the Teacher will be held at both Nancy Smith Elementary School and the junior/senior high campus on Monday, Aug. 15.Students entering K-3 will be able to find out their teacher for the coming school year from 5:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

By Sam WallerMoran faculty and staff have spent this week conducting inservice programs in preparation for the upcoming school year.Inservice began Monday, Aug. 1 and will conclude Friday, Aug. 5.The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 8 at Moran, which is employing a four-day class week this year.

By Sam WallerLow numbers are a fact of life at Moran, and it’s having an impact on the first week of preseason practice for fall sports.The Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs both began with less than the expected complement of athletes, which could cause some delays.

By Melinda L. LucasFun and facts about Greece will kick off the Old Jail Art Center’s annual summer camps for kids next Wednesday, Aug. 3, with three spots open for students in grades 1-6.There are also two openings for the Aug. 9 safari camp for grades 1-3.

By Donnie A. LucasSchool safety has come to the forefront in Albany and across the state over the summer due to a directive issued by the governor to the Texas Education Agency following a mass shooting at Uvalde ISD in May that left 19 students and two teachers dead.

By Melinda L.

By Sam WallerThree performers with Albany roots will be part of the lineup for this year’s CareFest lineup, and through this Sunday, July 31, tickets are available at a discount, with VIP tickets already sold out.