By Donnie A. LucasA new federal program started Sept. 1 for students who have been identified as eligible to receive reduced-price meals to now get free breakfast through the 2024-2025 school year.

By Sam WallerMothers Day Out childcare program begins its new year Friday, Sept. 8 with a full enrollment.Director Meg Walser, who previously served as a teacher for several years, said 20 children ages 1 to 5 will meet 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

By Sam WallerFirst Baptist Church of Albany is offering a Parents Night Out childcare program once a month starting Saturday, Sept. 16.The program offers a fun-filled night for children six weeks old through sixth grade.

By Sam WallerThe Feed Store will hold its second Fifth Quarter youth gathering Friday, Sept. 8 following Albany’s home football game against Seymour.The postgame events are sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance and are open to all junior high and high school students.

By Sam WallerThe start of dove season saw continued extreme heat, but a surprise rain shower early this week cooled things off for a few hours.“It didn’t hurt us,” said Justin Trail, who guides hunts throughout the area. “I don’t know if it was enough to help us, but it certainly hasn’t hurt.

By Sam WallerA day-long fundraiser to assist Albany resident Willie Mosley with medical expenses is planned for Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Jackson Warehouse.

By Melinda L. LucasLocal singer songwriter Jeff Martin marked another item off his to-do list when he performed the National Anthem on Labor Day, Sept. 4 prior to the Texas Rangers-Houston Astros game.

By Melinda L. LucasTeam and individual pictures of the junior high football teams will be taken on Thursday, Sept. 14, starting at 3:45 p.m.Those packages, along  with Lady Cubs volleyball, will be ready for pickup in the next couple of weeks.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H started its new year Monday, Sept. 4 with a kickoff party at Webb Park.“There were a few families there that I had never met before, which is shocking in a town this size,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions took a step forward in their second outing of the season Friday, Sept. 1, rolling to a 55-7 victory over the Dublin Lions in the home opener at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.Albany (2-0) makes its second home appearance at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Sept.