By Jillian Lucas

Juggling performances, American Ninja Warrior  members, fireworks, ga-ga ball, ropes course,  archery,  and ziplining were just a handful of the activities that local kids got to experience while participating in a fun week at camp.

July 12-16, 25 preteen students  and four sponsors from First Baptist Church attended  Camp Copass.

“We had a fantastic time,” said FBC youth minister Campbell Terry. “It was an incredible week  for all of our kids and leaders.”

By Sidney Bartee

Organizers at Closet Angels are planning a Back to School Bash on Thursday, July 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“We are so excited to be able to continue hosting this event,” director Lori Reames said. “We had a great turnout back in 2019, with lots of door prizes. We are hoping to attract even more families this year.”

Families have the opportunity to win multiple prizes during the event.

First Financial Bank is providing hot dogs and gift cards, and Bethel Assembly will give Walmart gift cards for school supplies.

By Donnie A. Lucas

High school athletes planning to participate in football, volleyball and cross country have only 10 days of summer left before the start of two-a-day workouts on Monday, Aug. 2.

Summer conditioning programs ended this week for the boys, while the girls will continue to meet through July 29.

Prospective athletes for both volleyball and football were sent letters last week outlining two-a-day practices, along with several forms that must be filled out and signed by both students and parents by the opening day of practices.

The Albany Athletic Booster Club met on July 12 to discuss plans for the annual Hamburger Supper and other fall events.

The annual event will be held at the Bank Park on Aug. 9 at 6:00 p.m.

The meal includes a hamburger, drink, chips, and ice cream for $8.

Cheerleaders will provide ice cream for the event.

All athletic supporters are encouraged to attend the supper.

The Booster Club still needs volunteers to grill burgers.

By Donnie A. Lucas

While the boys are finishing their summer conditioning program today, the girls program will still offer sessions through next Thursday, July 29.

The girls conditioning and sport specific training picked up last Monday after a two-week break and will continue through next week.

Female athletes finished sport specific sessions for basketball skills in June, but volleyball sessions continued earlier in the month. Only conditioning will be offered next week since the volleyball team camp is scheduled for the afternoons.

By Jillian Lucas

The echoes of chants and cheers will be heard throughout the high school campus as Cubs Cheer Camp is set to begin Monday, July 26. 

Camp will be held at the AHS gym from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 26 to July 28.

Campers who are pre-registered are guaranteed a cheer shirt.

Pre-registration is now closed, but students can still sign up on Monday morning without the assurance of a shirt.

The cost is $35 per participant, with each additional sibling adding $20.

There will be a dress-up theme each day of camp.

By Jillian Lucas

Moran ISD enrollment packets will be available after Aug. 2, according to school officials.

All students planning to attend Moran schools in the upcoming year will need to stop by the MISD office to pick up an enrollment packet.

“Meet the Teacher” will be held on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

Any students that have not collected a packet before this time will be able to receive one at the event. 

By Jillian Lucas

A new Junior FFA organization is being established in Moran for the 2021-2022 school year.

Moran FFA advisor and agricultural science teacher Minnie Denson will be heading up the program.

“Moran students who are eight years of age and in third grade to sixth grade will be eligible to join the Moran FFA chapter as junior members,” said MISD superintendent John Denson.

Denson also stated that students in grades seventh through 12th are eligible now for “active” membership. 

Hugh Frank Lowe, of Albany, passed away July 6, 2021 at Hendrick Medical Center. 

He was born Aug. 16, 1933 in Palo Pinto to Lester and Wilma Couger Lowe. At the age of six, he moved to Albany with his mom and stepdad Talbert Crow. He attended Albany schools and graduated from AHS in 1950. 

After graduation, he worked for Marshall R. Young Oil Company and Gore Drilling Company before entering the U.S. Army on May 25, 1954. 

By Jillian Lucas

FEMA has officially added Shackelford County to the list of areas eligible for Individual Assistance following February’s winter storm, with storm victims able to apply online or at a special time to be scheduled in the next few weeks.

According to information received on Friday from county judge Robert Skelton, all applications are due by Aug. 23, 2021.