By David H. Waller

The Shackelford County Commissioners met April 15 at the Law Enforcement Center due to the courthouse being unavailable, addressing a full agenda that included infrastructure agreements, nonprofit support, and the passage of a major resolution regarding abortion.

Commissioners voted unanimously to lift the county’s current burn ban due to improved conditions. The decision takes effect immediately and will be reevaluated if necessary.

By Melinda L. Lucas

In-person early voting for the May 3 elections for Shackelford County Hospital District (SCHD) and Albany Independent School District, as well as for the Moran Independent School District, begins next week on Tuesday, April 22 and continues through April 29.

He Lives

It is so easy to get our priorities out of order. Holy Week should be a time to focus in on what Jesus did for us and what His resurrection means. But too often the season becomes commercialized with eggs and baskets and bunnies, forgetting the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. 

Linda Carol Campbell, 80, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at her home in Abilene, Texas. 

Graveside services were on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Albany Cemetery in Albany, Texas. Arrangements are with The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, Texas 79606. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Lions Roar staff at Albany High School now has two decades of Star Awards on the wall after earning its 20th consecutive state recognition with a Silver Star at last weekend’s annual Interscholastic League Press Conference in Austin.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Three parliamentary procedure teams and two individuals competed at the FCCLA State Leadership Conference held in Dallas last week, with the Level 1 (eighth grade) team taking the top spot in their division and bringing home a gold medal.

In addition, two Albany High School video teams will advance directly to the national competition after it was announced last week that they are in the top 20 in nation.

By David H. Waller

Albany’s track and field athletes are preparing for a major test this weekend as they head into the regional meet in Springtown. Following strong performances at the area level, both the Lions and Lady Lions will be represented in multiple events during the two-day competition, with prelims set for Friday and finals scheduled for Saturday.

For the boys’ team, head coach Rod Britting said nearly every athlete or relay that competed at the area meet advanced to regionals.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany Lions are in position to advance into the baseball playoffs as the Division II number two seed behind the district-leading Stamford Bulldogs.

After playing Abilene TLCA one day early on Monday night, Albany was 8-5-3 overall, 6-3 in district, with one regular season game left that won’t make a difference in the district standings.

By David H. Waller

The Albany Lions golf team is set to compete in the regional tournament this week at Old Brickyard Golf Club in Ferris, with tee times beginning Wednesday morning.

Head coach Tate Thompson said the team has spent recent weeks focusing on individual preparation, as many players are balancing multiple commitments. “We’ve just tried to get them to focus on the areas they need to work on—whether it’s  hitting more fairways, improving putting, or getting greens in regulation,” Thompson said.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Lady Lions ended another rocky softball season last week with losses to Anson and district winner Stamford, both of whom are advancing to the playoffs.

The mostly young Albany players finished with 2-7 district record.

Veteran team members Carisa Barrera and Gabby Lopez were recognized during a Senior Night celebration at the last home game on April 8.