By Melinda L. Lucas Albany students and most of the staff will enjoy a break from classes on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14, with a student holiday and staff “comp” day scheduled.

By Kathy Thomson Reverend Ron Gebauer will preach at Trinity Lutheran Church’s Fall Mission Festival this Sunday afternoon, Oct. 14, at 4:30 p.m. and, according to pastor Tom Chandler, the entire community is invited to attend the service and stay for the free-will donation meal that will follow.

By Kathy Thomson Members of the Albany Ministerial Alliance will not sponsor Trunk or Treat this year, according to Alliance president Brad McBee.

By Kathy Thomson The Albany Mainstreet Players will present three performances of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this Christmas season, and rehearsals are already underway for the 25  or so members of the cast.

By Donnie A. Lucas The Lion football team found their ground game last Friday, rushing for 270 yards during a 50-6 rout of the visiting Menard Yellowjackets in the final non-district game of the season.

By Donnie A. Lucas The Lady Lions volleyball team ended the first round of district action last week with a 5-1 record, sitting firmly in second place behind Hawley at the halfway point.

By Melinda L. Lucas Dozens of runners were on the Albany Golf Course last week for an FCA-sponsored cross country event that saw three local athletes earn medals by placing in the top 10. Albany junior high and high school runners participated in the district meet held Wednesday, Oct.

By Kathy Thomson Twelve teams of local elementary school age boys and girls started playing in the Albany NFL Flag Football league last week, and the season will continue through October. Each of three divisions has four teams, with just under 100 participants.

By Donnie A. Lucas The junior high volleyball teams were busy over the weekend with tournament games in Graham. The seventh grade played in Newcastle on Tuesday, while the 8A girls played in Strawn. Results from those games were not available at press time but will be printed next week.

By Melinda L. Lucas Members of the Albany Golf Club are encouraged to attend the club’s annual business meeting at the municipal golf course on Saturday, Oct. 12, and then stay and play in the Championship Tournament starting at 1:00 p.m. that afternoon.