By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions volleyball team won four of seven matches last week, finishing third at the Aspermont tournament in their final tourney of the season.Albany (10-8) began the fourth week of the schedule Tuesday, Aug. 30, with a 11-25, 11-25, 22-25 loss at Abilene Christian.

By Sam WallerHigh school football coaches stress the importance of playing a full 48 minutes.The Albany Lions provided an example of why that is important in a 19-15 season-opening victory Friday, Aug. 26 against the Lubbock Trinity Christian Lions at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the September distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Sept. 1 and Friday, Sept. 2.On Thursday, eligible families in Moran should pick up their food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

By Sam WallerBen Richey Boys Ranch will celebrate its 75th anniversary this fall with the Albany campus taking part in the festivities.A reception is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Abilene campus located at 501 Ben Richey Drive in Abilene.

By Donnie A. LucasThe number of new ­COVID-19 cases reported last week jumped to 18 positive tests, compared to five the previous week based information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.

By Sam WallerPreparations are in full swing for the 36th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Shackelford County Show Barn.

An Albany High School student has earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs.Albany High School senior Mayson Garcia has been awarded the National Hispanic Recognition Award.   “We’re thrilled that Mayson has earned this recognition.

By Sam WallerSeveral Bible study groups are forming for local residents, ranging from women’s groups to those open to the general public.One group has already started, while another is planning to start a new course after wrapping up its summer online program.

By Sam WallerAlbany churches and organizations have already begun fall youth groups, with children’s ministries about to start.Albany Church of Christ Youth in Action meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at The Feed Store.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany ISD students and staff get a day off for the first holiday of the 2022-2023 school year on Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day.Classes will resume as scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at the normal time of 7:55 a.m. for Nancy Smith Elementary and 8:00 a.m.