By Donnie A. LucasA crowd of over 360 students, parents, and staff attended the annual Academic Banquet on Monday to honor academic excellence of students in a variety of activities including academic UIL events, journalism, band, FFA, one-act play, and FCCLA.

By Donnie A. LucasThe annual Baccalaureate service for the Albany High School Class of 2023 is set for Sunday, May 21 at 4:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.Albany librarian Jenny Scott will be the featured speaker. She will be introduced by class valedictorian Ella Webb.

By Melinda L. LucasAnnexation of Phase II of the Clarke Estates (CEII) development and engine problems with the volunteer fire department’s newly purchased rescue truck were the main items of discussion at Monday’s Albany city council meeting.

By Donnie A. LucasThe names of 13 veterans who were killed in action have not been added to the list on the veterans stone memorials on the courthouse square, according to Mary Kay O’Connor, who has been researching names of deceased veterans who are not included on the monument.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Albany City pool will open to the general public on Thursday, June 1 with a one-day-only, free-admittance Splash Day.Meg Walser, who helped with the operation of the facility last summer, is the pool manager this summer.

By Donnie A. LucasRehearsals are continuing almost daily for the June performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle, with scene practices being held on Sunday through Thursday evenings at the Prairie Theater.The dates for the 85th anniversary show are June 16-17 and June 23-24.

By Sam WallerWith just a week to go before the big night, parents of Albany High School seniors are putting the final touches on plans for the annual Project Graduation party.

By Donnie A. LucasTeachers and staff at Albany ISD have been on a food adventure this week thanks to the Albany PTO, along with the support of local businesses and individuals.

By Melinda L. LucasThree veteran retiring educators will be honored at a special reception on Wednesday, May 24 at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany school bands will wrap up the school year with a spring concert on Thursday, May 18 in the high school auditorium, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the sixth grade band.The fifth grade band will take the stage at 6:45 p.m.