Junior high and high school cheer squads (top photo) combine for a three-basket toss at the beginning of Monday night’s traditional Ice Cream Supper sponsored by the Albany Athletic Booster Club. In addition to chants led by the varsity cheerleaders (at left), there were also appearances and performances by participants in last month’s Little Cheer Camp (above).
By Sam Waller
The Albany Lions and Lady Lions cross country teams have picked up the pace in preparing for their first meet of the season.
Training became a bit more intense as coach Ginger Norton has finalized her schedule, adding a meet a week earlier than originally planned.
Albany will now open the season Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Haskell. The runners will compete in seven invitational meets before district competition in October.
By Sam Waller
Moran’s annual community garage sale has been scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27 starting at 7:00 a.m.
The deadline for community residents to register is 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25. Moran residents can register on the City of Moran and the Moran Buy, Sell and Trade Facebook pages.
“There are two different places to sign up,” organizer Michelle Taggart said. “I’ve got seven signed up so far.”
Taggart said there is no cost for Moran residents to sign up.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Members of both local volunteer fire departments have been busy the last couple of weeks, but luckily not nearly as busy as they could be considering ongoing conditions of extreme heat and drought.
The departments have responded to at least four grass fires and two structure fires during the last couple of weeks, according to Albany VFD chief Travis Gardenhire, who said that even though structures were destroyed, volunteers worked hard to keep the fires from spreading to surrounding property.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Online registration is currently underway for students at both Albany ISD campuses, with two in-person registration days available as well for parents who are new to the district or who require assistance registering.
“We had quite a few students registered on the first day of online held Monday,” said Leigh Lowe, director of student services. “It seems to be going smoothly, and we have 10 students who are new to the district so far.”
By Melinda L. Lucas
The Old Jail Art Center’s summer workshops got underway this week, with both in-person and virtual camps on the calendar for students in first grade and up.
On Wednesday, campers met in the museum’s Stasney Room for the traditional Cultural Connections Camp, which this year highlighted Greek art and culture based on pieces in the Old Jail’s permanent collection.
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Friends of Fort Griffin have announced the 18th annual Gala is set for Saturday, Oct. 15 at Collins Creek Ranch.
This year’s event will highlight Jim Sadler and the Jak Creek Band as the featured entertainment in addition to the meal and both silent and live auctions.
The gala raises funding to support programs offered at Fort Griffin State Historic Site, which is operated by the Texas Historical Commission. The site and campground is located about 15 north of Albany.
The Chamber office will be closed Monday, Aug. 8, through Friday, Aug. 19, for vacation.
Jones said weekly Chamber luncheons will continue as scheduled on Friday, Aug. 12 and 19, at the Icehouse.
By Melinda L. Lucas
An annual event in Texas since 1999, this year’s state sales tax holiday is set for Friday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 7.
The law exempts sales tax on qualified items – such as clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks – priced below $100, saving shoppers about eight dollars on every $100 they spend.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Nine new COVID-19 cases were reported last week, based on the tests administered at Albany’s two health clinics.
The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Tuesday reported 9 positive test results out of 19 tests given at the two local clinics for the period of July 25-29.
The use of home testing has also increased after tests were made more readily available earlier this year, making it unclear as to the actual number of local cases.
The previous week, a total of 11 positives was reported from 19 persons tested.
