The Albany City Council met on March 17, addressing a range of topics, including approving fire department equipment purchases, discussing a solid waste rate increase, reviewing city financials, and approving the 2025-26 budget.
Fire Department
Equipment Approved
By David H. Waller
The Albany ISD Board of Trustees met on March 17 to review district performance, approve the 2025-26 school calendar, and discuss key issues including staffing updates, facility improvements, and upcoming events.
Testing Scores
By Melinda L. Lucas
After 15 years of dedicated service, Erin Whitmore is leaving her post later this spring as Education Director at The Old Jail Art Center to transition into a museum/visual art education role in the DFW area, with a special reception planned on March 22.
Whitmore began work in the museum’s education department in 2010, and was promoted to education director in 2012.
Last week, we invited young writers to share their Spring Break adventures—real or imagined! This week’s story takes us on a magical journey filled with castles, quests, and even an “evil dentist.” But don’t worry—that can’t be Albany Dental, our great Kids Corner sponsor. Dr. Simpson and his team make smiles, not evil plans!
By Berkley Davis
Clint Chapman
Maranatha Fellowship
OFFENSE
William Ray Morrell, 81, passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
A graveside service was held on Monday, March 17 in the Albany Cemetery.
Bill Morrell was born June 30, 1943, in Stamford, Texas to Angela and Marshall “M.E.” Morrell. Bill grew up in Albany and graduated from Albany High School, where he helped lead the Albany Lions football team to itsfirst State Championship in 1960.
David Matthew Timms, 58 passed away February 28, 2025 at his home in Ingleside, Texas. David was born in Mesquite, Texas on February 20, 1967, to Kenneth (Butch) Timms and the late Carol Johnson Timms. He was a former resident of Throckmorton, Texas, graduated in 1985 from Cooper High School, Abilene, Texas and was a member of the Lords Church.
Sandra Genera Gillespie Campbell of San Angelo, Texas, died on March 16 at the age of 82. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 2 p.m. at Johnson’s Lawnhaven Gardens in San Angelo.
She was born on April 8, 1942, in Mobile, Alabama to Thomas Matthew Gillespie and Lois (Moncrief) Gillespie. She was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, and graduated from W.B. Ray High School in 1960. On Christmas Day 1960, she married Lanier Campbell, and they shared 61 devoted years together until his death in January 2022.
March Madness is underway, and The Albany News is inviting you to take part in our Bracket Challenge! Inside this week’s paper, you’ll find the full NCAA Men’s Tournament bracket to fill out and submit. We know some games have already been played, including the First Four (March 18-19) and some First Round matchups (March 20-21), but don’t worry—just consider those games as free points and keep going!
By Melinda L. Lucas
An unspecified “investment opportunity” for the Shackelford County Hospital District and also positioning the district’s Foundation Fund to earn more interest were two of the discussion’s during the regular monthly meeting of the board on Monday, March 17.
In addition, the directors again tabled finalizing a contract for EMS director Mateo Millan, which he has requested, after meeting with the district’s legal counsel in closed session.
District Investments
