By Melinda L. LucasThe Albany Ministerial Alliance, of which Paul Johnston is an active member, announced Tuesday that they have set up a way to donate directly to help the Friendship Baptist Church pastor with his medical expenses.

By Sam WallerConnected Nation Texas recently released updated broadband coverage maps for all 254 counties in the state, including Shackelford, showing internet service coverage based on local surveys filled out last spring.

A Birder’s Point of View By Brad McBeeThe first time I saw a Cattle Egret I thought I had somehow taken a journey to the African Savannah. That is not far from the truth because the Cattle Egret originated on that continent.

By Donnie A. LucasMembers of the Old Jail Art Center will get an advance look at two new exhibits during a dinner reception on Saturday, Sept. 11, but tickets must be reserved by today’s deadline.

By Sam WallerAfter an unexpected delay, the Albany Lions finally got to kick off their football season last Friday.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions had their way against a pair of Class 1A opponents last week in District 2-6A volleyball action last week, sweeping both matches in three sets.On Aug. 31, Albany defeated Woodson on the road, winning 25-6, 25-8, 25-10.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s junior high volleyball teams opened their seasons Aug. 31 by sweeping their respective matches at Woodson.The seventh grade Lady Cubs got things started with a 25-13, 25-17 victory.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions junior varsity football team defeated Dublin 44-6 last Thursday at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium to improve to 2-0 on the season.Lute Wheeler passed for three touchdowns, and Ashton Bailey scored three times, twice on punt returns.

By Sam WallerThe team of Walker and Anderson cruised to a six-stroke victory Sunday in the Championship Flight at the annual Albany Labor Day Golf Tournament.Walker and Anderson posted a two-day score of 120 to finish ahead of Channer and Everett (126) and Barton and Owens (127).

By Sam WallerSeven Albany athletes opened the cross country season Sept. 1 by competing at the Haskell Cross Country Meet.“This first meet gave the kids a chance to see where they are and where they need to be as far as conditioning and pace,” Albany coach Tate Thompson said.