Donegal Racing’s Mo Donegal has not only qualified for the Kentucky Derby, the three-year-old – owned by several partners including the Picquet family, of Albany, Texas – is quickly gaining plaudits as a favorite to capture the first jewel in this year’s Triple Crown.

By Sam WallerFive Albany track and field athletes earned the right to compete for a state championship at last week’s Region II-2A meet.Albany has had a state qualifier every year since at least 1985, which is as far back as UIL archives go.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions baseball team tuned up for the playoffs with a 13-3 senior night victory over Hawley in five innings on Tuesday, April 26 at home.Before the game, seniors Luke Ivy and Cooper Fairchild were honored in a senior night ceremony.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions advanced to the second round of the Class 2A softball playoff by sweeping their bi-district series against Hawley.On Thursday, April 28, the Lady Lions won the first game 14-6, then completed the sweep Saturday, April 30 with a 7-6 victory.

By Sam WallerThe ladies of the Albany High School classes of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 showed that football isn’t purely a male domain Sunday, May 1, with an entertaining Powder Puff game at Nail Stadium.

By Sam WallerPlayer, coaches, and parents from Albany Little League took a break from competition Tuesday, May 3 to attend the Abilene Christian-Texas Tech game at ACU’s Crutcher Scott Field, helping make up a record crowd.

By Sam WallerWhen the 2022 Albany Lions golf team tees it up at the state tournament next week, it will be continuing a legacy that dates back more than 60 years.From 1959 through 1969, the Lions qualified for state 10 times in 11 years.

Alice Ruth (Wylie) Walker, born and raised in Albany, Texas, passed away in Belton, Texas, on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at the age of 87. Her husband of 65 years, Prosper Walker, born and raised in neighboring Moran, Texas, followed her to glory on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at the age of 90.

Harold Wayne Taggart passed away on Apr. 23, 2022, in a Galveston hospital.  A private memorial will be held by the family at a later date.Wayne was born Oct. 4, 1938 in Toronto, Ohio to Harold and Nellie Taggart.  He graduated from Toronto High School in 1956.

Patricia Newman, age 79 of Abilene, passed away Thursday, Apr. 28, 2022. Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 5 in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene with Jeff Pleasant officiating. Services have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.