By Donnie A. LucasA total of 560 fresh evergreen wreaths will be placed on the graves of local veterans as part of National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 17.

By Sam WallerThursday playoff games mean the Albany Athletic Booster Club has to move up the schedule of events, and they could be happily forced to move them up even earlier if the Albany Lions extend their season another week.

By Sam WallerThe No. 6 Albany Lions showed the No. 7 Collinsville Pirates that it takes more than a high-powered offense to win in the playoffs.Despite giving up season highs for points and yards allowed, the Lions dominated the Pirates in a 66-34 victory Friday, Dec.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions basketball team surpassed their win total from last season in a busy, productive week, winning five of seven games.The Lady Lions (6-5) began this week with a 50-17 win against Abilene TLCA on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at home.

By Sam WallerTwo Albany Lions basketball teams took part in the Albany JV Tournament last week with the JV winning two and the freshmen losing two.Coach Ryder Peacock said the next basketball outings will probably not come until after Albany finishes its football season.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High Cubs and Lady Cubs basketball teams won four of five games against Hamlin on Monday, Dec. 5, with the girls sweeping at home and the boys winning two of three at Hamlin.The junior high teams wrap up the first half of their season Monday, Dec. 12 against Anson.

By Sam WallerMoran FFA was recognized for finishing fifth in sweepstakes last spring on Monday, Dec. 5 at the Big Country District Banquet at Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

By Sam WallerIf the Lions advance past their Class 2A Division II state semifinal playoff, the team and its fans face a quick turnaround for the state championship game.The winners of the Albany-New Home and Mart-Burton semifinals will meet at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.

Olivia Reames, age 85 of Albany, passed away Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. Graveside services were held Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Albany Cemetery pavilion with Jeff Pleasant officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Melanie Dawn Mitchell, 54, of Albany, TX passed away on Nov. 30, 2022.Melanie was born on Jan. 28, 1968, to Eugene Edward Mitchell and Sharon Midkiff Mitchell in Gorman, TX. Melanie was baptized at Moran First Baptist Church.She attended Moran School and graduated from Albany Jr./Sr. High School.