By Donnie A. LucasFor the first time since last summer, there were no new cases of COVID-19 cases reported from the three local testing sites in Albany.A total of 11 tests were administered with no positive results during March 14-18.

By Sam WallerThe Albany community garden has been tilled and is ready for planting, according to Ramby Anderson, who has helped coordinate the project for several years.The garden, which began five years ago, is located behind King & Robertson Insurance on Main Street and is open to the public.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany High School band will compete in the UIL Region 2 East Zone Concert and Sight Reading contest in Abilene next Tuesday.The contest will be held at Wylie High School, with the Albany band taking the stage at 10:15 a.m. for the concert portion of the contest.

By Sam WallerCallan Edgar and Kenzie Neve both came away with second place results last week at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as local exhibitors began wrapping up the winter show season.Edgar finished second with her crossbreed barrow.

By Sam WallerWhile the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show closed out in late January, the final payoff is still two weeks away.Statements were mailed recently by the Shackelford County Youth & Livestock Association, and donors and bidders are asked to respond as quickly as possible.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany High School seniors will be able to begin applying for local scholarships this week.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions won the small-school boys division team title Saturday, March 19 at the Possum Kingdom Relays in Graham.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions baseball team tuned up for District 8-2A competition with a 5-2 victory over Merkel on Wednesday, March 16, in Albany’s lone outing over spring break.“We had another good outing and had a pretty day,” Lions coach David Fairchild said.

By Sam WallerWeather continued to interfere with the Albany Lions golf schedule this week, with the Baird tournament scheduled for Monday at Shady Oaks Golf Course pushed back to Thursday, March 24 (today).

By Sam WallerAlbany athletes had one last opportunity to prepare for district tennis competition this week after taking a week off for spring break.Albany visited Snyder for a dual match Thursday, March 24 (today) in its final outing before the District 10-2A tournament.