The Abilene Basketball Chapter (ABC) is actively recruiting new officials for the upcoming 2020-2021 junior high and high school basketball season. 

Training is available to all new ABC chapter members and help for uniforms will be provided by current ABC members.

ABC dues are $35 for new members and $70 for veteran officials. All officials are required to register with the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA) for $50. 

In the early morning hours of Aug. 22, 2020, Pastor Bob Boyce’s “paint was dry in his room.” (John 14:2-4 ESV)

Funeral Services were Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albany, Texas, officiated by Reverend Tom Chandler and Reverend Dick Goodwill of Cedar Park. Burial followed at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. 

Pallbearers were Tiel Rector, Alan Archer, Tim Tumulty, Riley West, Justin Hollums, Cody Hollums, Blake Bernstein, and Ethen Bernstein.

New self-service features on farmers.gov will help farmers and ranchers manage their conservation activities online and request assistance from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

By Lynsi Musselman

Every year Shackelford County seems to have an intense wildfire season, and this summer has been no exception.

With 13 consecutive days of 100 degree temperatures this month, and one day reaching 110 degrees, the threat for wildfires has increased.

Shackelford County Volunteer Fire Department secretary Kristy Brooker reported that within the last week, the department has been called to at least 10 fires.

Brooker added that three were put out by rainfall before the SCVFD could get there.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lion volleyball team opened its regular season last week with a string of three wins as they prepare for a long district run that begins next Tuesday.

Albany hosted Jim Ned on Tuesday, suffering their first loss in a hard-fought 18-25, 30-32, 14-25 match. Details will be reported next week.

The Lady Lions are on the road Saturday to Eastland for a full set of games slated to start at 10:00 a.m. with the JV II, followed by the JV at 11:00 a.m., and the varsity at 12:00 noon.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Coach Denney Faith is ready to see the 2020 version of the Albany Lions in action, and he certainly isn’t alone.

The Lion football team will make its debut on Thursday (tonight) in a scrimmage match-up against the Hawley Bearcats. The JV will start the action in Hawley at 5:00 p.m., followed by the varsity team.

No admission will be charged but a 50 percent capacity ruling is in effect, so fans should be prepared for changes.

Barrett Beal keeps his eyes on his receiver during a triple digit practice earlier this week. After a summer of wondering if they were going to get to play, the Lions are looking forward to lining up against Hawley today.

By Lynsi Musselman

Registration is nearly full for the annual Albany Golf Club’s Labor Day tournament being held on Sept. 5 and 6.

Club officer James Waters said there are only three spots available for the morning tee time.

“All 27 afternoon spots are booked and there are no longer golf rentals available for morning and afternoon tees time,” Waters explained.

He added that the morning tee time at 8:30 a.m. will cap off with 27 teams as well.

By Donnie A. Lucas

High school cross country runners are continuing to work out in preparation for the season, with the first meet set for Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Seven girls are participating in the daily training, but only three will actually be competing at the meets.

“I have three girls who will be going to meets, with the other four opting to run in order to stay in shape for other sports,” coach Tate Thompson said.

The opening meet is set for Wednesday, Sept. 2 in Haskell. Albany will run in the 9:00 a.m. heat.

By Lynsi Musselman

Albany Independent School District sporting events will look a little different this year as the school is required to follow government guidelines due to COVID-era safety precautions.

 Athletic director Ryder Peacock said officials are working continuously to find solutions that are manageable and easy to use.

“The districts are also attempting to work together to provide routines that we can all use, so that each week is not something new,” Peacock explained. “And we’re trying not to over-complicate things.”