Max Balliew was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts and Science in Biomedical Science Pre-Medical at the Tarleton State University commencement ceremony on May 12.

Balliew is the son of Candy and Tim Balliew.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany ISD teachers and support staff started the school year on Wednesday with staff meetings and training.

Required professional development and meetings will continue through next Wednesday, with the first day of classes set for Thursday, Aug. 17.

Meanwhile, the Albany PTO is helping welcome school employees back by stocking the employee workrooms at both campuses with snacks and drinks.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Meet the Teacher will be held at both Nancy Smith Elementary and the junior/senior high campus on Tuesday, Aug. 15.

Students entering K-6 will be able to find out their teachers for the coming school year from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Students and parents are urged to meet with teachers at the secondary campus at 6:00 p.m. for an orientation meeting for all grade levels in the high school auditorium.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Ragin’ Red Lion Band has switched from sectionals to full band rehearsals this week, with just a couple of days of summer band practices remaining before the school year starts next Thursday, Aug. 17.

The band played at the annual Ice Cream Supper on Monday and are continuing with evening practices from 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. through next Tuesday, Aug. 15.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With the start of the school year, Albany churches and organizations are beginning to plan youth and children’s services for students, most of them with September start dates.

Many youth have remained active over the summer, especially those who have participated in camps and mission trips, but the organized study groups will begin in earnest in the next few weeks.

Feed Store

Tuesday lunches for juniors and seniors will start up again on Aug. 22 at the Feed Store.

By Melinda L. Lucas

There are several positions open for students who qualify for either the Head Start Program or the Pre-K Program at Nancy Smith Elelmentary.

Parents who are interested in having a child participate in either program should contact the school to determine if they qualify.

“As of Tuesday we had about 21 students total enrolled in those two programs,” said Leigh Lowe, director of student services. “There are still some spots available, but you have to qualify to participate.”

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H wraps up its Summer STEAM program Thursday, Aug. 10 (today), and begins preparations for the new 4-H year, which starts in September.

Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said the final STEAM session will be a pool party hosted by Tamara Trail. Starting in early June, the program offered local children education in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

On Monday, Aug. 14, incoming junior and senior officers will attend a meeting of the Shackelford County Commissioners Court.

By Sam Waller

The 19th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala will offer attendees a steak dinner and dancing under the stars to the music of Aaron McDonnell and the Neon Eagles.

The event, which raises funds for Fort Griffin State Historic Site, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14 at Collins Creek Ranch.

Tickets are $50 per person. Tables of 10 are $500. All attendees must be 21 or older. Cost covers the meal, an open bar, and entertainment. Dinner music will be performed by Finis Dean Smith.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions wrapped up the first week of volleyball practice with a pair of scrimmages over the weekend.

Albany opened its regular season Tuesday, Aug. 8 at Breckenridge, losing in three tough sets, 21-25, 14-25, 23-25.

The Lady Lions host their annual Albany Summer Slam tournament Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 10-12.

Lady Lions head coach M.J. Reneau said the team is ready to get the new season underway.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions wrap up their second week of preseason football practice with their first look at outside competition.

The Lions will scrimmage the Coleman Bluecats Friday, Aug. 11 at Coleman. The junior varsity portion will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the varsity to follow.