By Sam WallerThree of Albany’s youth basketball teams reached the championship games of their respective divisions in the final weekend of competition Saturday, Feb. 12 at Eula.The fifth grade boys won their bracket to finish the season undefeated.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions were forced to open their softball season without benefit of a preseason scrimmage.The Lady Lions hosted Abilene Cooper JV on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Webb Park, winning 8-5. Details will be reported next week.Albany’s scrimmage at Snyder on Saturday, Feb.

With friends and family in attendance, Albany senior Jaheim Newton (seated, c) signs a letter of intent with Hardin-Simmons University to play football in the fall. Newton, who will graduate this spring, rushed for more than 1,600 yards in the 2021 season.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Little Dribblers opened the 2022 season  Saturday, Feb. 12, with 10 games at the Albany High School gyms.The start of the league was delayed a week because of the winter storm that hit Albany earlier in the month. The season will now extend into March.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Lady Bulldogs came agonizingly close to earning a spot in the Class 1A girls basketball playoffs, falling 39-38 in overtime to Baird in a District 13-1A playoff Thursday, Feb. 10, at Breckenridge.

By Sam WallerMoran ISD superintendent Dr. John Denson attended a meeting of the Region 14 Education Service West Texas Tech Co-op on Wednesday, Feb. 9, to discuss ways to improve internet availability for students.

Every year, wildfires burn across Texas, and a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. It is a peril that impacts all parts of the state and can occur throughout the year.

On Friday morning, Feb. 4, 2022, Wally passed away at his home in Sheridan, Wyoming with his wife and sole caregiver Louise by his side. He had endured the decline of Parkinson’s for the past eight years.Wally was born to Frederick Nelson and Johnnie (Hazle) Palm on Dec.

Carroll Wayne Hogan Sr, age 89 went to his heavenly home Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. Services were held Wednesday, Feb. 9, followed by graveside service at Murray Cemetery in Carbon, Texas, officiated by Jody Forbus.

By Donnie A. LucasIn-person early voting for the March 1 primary elections starts Monday, Feb. 14 and continues until Friday, Feb. 25, with balloting taking place in the first floor lobby of the Shackelford County Courthouse.Early voting hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.