By Sam Waller

Rev. 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.

“I’d been praying about some place to be minister of a church and also be closer to family,” Heidecker said. “Albany is about four hours closer to our children.”

By Sam Waller

The 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).”

Also back will be the Fifth Quarter youth gatherings following home football games. That program is being tweaked just a bit this year, Wilkins said.

By Sam Waller

Two 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.

“We would love everyone to join us in prayer and continue to pray all throughout the school year,” Sutton posted on Facebook.

Sutton said in her post that she borrowed the idea from Jim Ned schools.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Meet 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., followed by students entering grades 4-6 at 5:30 p.m.

Students and parents are urged to meet with teachers at the secondary campus at 6:00 p.m., followed by an orientation meeting for all grade levels at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions football program enters every season with high expectations. This year, the Lions have a target on their backs.

Albany is the preseason No. 1 team in Class 2A Division II as selected by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine after reaching the state semifinals in 2021. It is a distinction Lions head coach Denney Faith refuses to worry about.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions volleyball team has some holes to fill after advancing to the Region II-2A tournament last year, but there are also some key pieces in place to build around for 2022.

After four days of practice, the Lady Lions will scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 5 and Saturday, Aug. 6. On Friday, the varsity will take on Benjamin at 11:00 a.m. and Breckenridge at noon in the Albany gym.

By Sam Waller

Two Albany athletes earned all-state baseball honors just in time for one to start the next sports season and a new school year.

First baseman Zane Waggoner and outfielder Cooper Fairchild were named to the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 2A All-State Baseball Team announced Tuesday, July 26.

“Both of them are very well deserving of that,” Lions baseball coach David Fairchild said. “It’s a big honor that tops off Cooper’s senior year and high school career, and a bright future for Zane coming in as a junior.”

By Sam Waller

Albany High School fall-sports athletes and cheerleaders will be introduced to the public Monday, Aug. 8 at the Albany Athletic Booster Club’s Ice Cream Supper at Bank Park.

Booster Club member Amanda Tabor said organizers are expecting around 400 people to attend.

The evening will get underway at 6:30 p.m. with hamburger meals being sold for $10 apiece. Meals will include a burger, chips, drink, and serving of ice cream.

“We’ve got all positions filled,” Tabor said. “We had some dads step up for the grilling.”

By Sam Waller

The Albany Golf Club will hold its annual Labor Day tournament Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 3-4, at Albany Golf Course.

Entries for the two person scramble are limited to 44 teams – 22 in the morning flight and 22 in the afternoon flight. Golf

Club president Randy Walker said four spots are still available in the morning with seven openings in the afternoon.

Entry fee is $200 per team and includes a brisket dinner on Saturday.

The morning flight will tee off at 8:30 a.m. with the afternoon flight beginning play at 1:30 p.m.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pictures for varsity and JV football players have been set for this week, with volleyball teams and cheerleaders scheduled next week.

Members of the Albany varsity and junior varsity football teams will be in full pads on Friday, Aug. 5 for team and individual photos to be taken at Robert Nail Stadium.

The Lions and their coaches will gather at 1:00 p.m. after the morning practice.