By Kathy Thomson Both the Bulldogs and the Lady Bulldogs began practices this past Monday, Aug 5. The football players started at 7:00 a.m., and volleyball two-a-days began at 8:00 a.m. Football “I was extremely pleased with practice,” said new head coach John Hughes on Monday.

By Kathy Thomson Moran’s annual city-wide garage sale will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, starting at 8:00 a.m., according to organizer Michelle Taggart. There is no charge to participate, and maps showing all of the garage sale locations will be available.

By Melinda L.

By Kathy Thomson  School bells will ring out the start of a new school year a week from today, and any students who are not yet registered should complete the process as soon as possible so teachers and administrators know how many students to expect. Local classes start on Thursday, Aug.

By Melinda L. Lucas The final two Old Jail Art Center sponsored children’s summer camps take place in the next week, with spots still available for both classes at press time. The traditional Cell Series Teen Workshop originally scheduled for next Tuesday, Aug.

By Kathy Thomson The Albany Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its new “Lights of Albany” awards. “We want people to call in, email, message, or stop by with their nominations,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones.

New teacher bios, along with faculty assignment and school supply lists, are included in the special back-to-school section in this week’s issue.

By Kathy Thomson Albany High School senior Alayna Koemel spent part of the hot Texas summer chilling out in a 36 degree cooler studying the basics of meat judging at a camp hosted by Texas Tech, and demonstrated, that like her older brother Newt, she may have what it takes to earn a spot on the...

By Kathy Thomson The third annual Shifters Truck Show has been scheduled to take place in Albany next Saturday, Aug. 17.

By Kathy Thomson The Albany city swimming pool will close for the season this Sunday, Aug. 11. There will be no public swim hours after Aug. 11. The pool will still be used for some private rentals through the end of August, but only for those that are already booked.