By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany High School juniors, seniors, and their guests stepped into the spotlight Saturday night, May 3, as they gathered at the Whitney Theatre for Prom 2025, themed “Hollywood Nights.”

The evening featured a red carpet entrance, a 360-degree photo booth complete with Hollywood props, and a golden balloon backdrop perfect for photos. DJ Oscar Beall kept the dance floor alive while local photographer Chelsea Parsons captured memories throughout the night.

Paul Cauthen will return to Albany later this month for a concert at the Aztec Theater on Friday, May 30. The show will mark Cauthen’s third headlining performance at the Aztec since 2023, following a pair of sold-out appearances that helped build his connection with local audiences.

Cauthen, known for his powerful voice, continues to draw attention across the country for his bold sound and energetic live shows. His albums, including Room 41 and Country Coming Down, have earned critical acclaim and expanded his fan base both in Texas and beyond.

With summer around the corner, preparations for the 87th annual Fort Griffin Fandangle are shifting into gear. Rehearsals for the 2025 production will begin Monday, May 12, welcoming both returning cast members and newcomers ready to join the long-running community tradition.

Practices will take place at the Prairie Theater, with rehearsals scheduled three evenings a week throughout May. Each night will focus on different scenes and musical numbers to give all participants an opportunity to get involved.

By David H. Waller

Albany recorded 6.26 inches of rainfall in April, making it the wettest April in nearly a decade and more than doubling the town’s historical average of 2.81 inches for the month. This year’s total is the highest April rainfall since 2016, when 6.81 inches were recorded, and ranks as the second-wettest April since 2002, when 6.43 inches fell. The 2025 total marks a rare high in recent decades, standing out from many drier years.

God is the Center of Everything

Linda Jeanette Holson

September 19, 1950 – April 29, 2025

Linda Jeanette Holson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 29, 2025, passing peacefully in Abilene, Texas after a long and courageous battle with her health. She was 74 years old.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Two Albany High School seniors were awarded scholarships from Closet Angels last weekend in a brief announcement ceremony Sunday after church at the ministry’s building.

Chosen as recipients because of their service over the past few years were Carisa Barrera and Riley Mae Reames.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Voters in Shackelford County cast ballots Saturday, May 3, to elect representatives for both county school boards and the hospital district, with contested races decided for Albany ISD, Moran ISD, and the Shackelford County Hospital District.

John Gallagher secured the Albany ISD Place 7 trustee seat with 191 votes, defeating challenger Teagan Brown, who received 57. Gallagher will replace Kim Fuentes, who resigned from that seat.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany Lions baseball team took down the De Leon Bearcats in two straight games last week to win their bi-district playoff series and move on to the area round of the UIL Class 2A playoffs.

The local players advance to the area level, with games against Wink today (Thursday) in Colorado City.

Bi-District Details

Albany opened the best-of-three series with a 5-2 win on Thursday, followed by a 2-1 victory on Friday to complete the sweep.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With a mix of veteran experience and rising talent, nine Albany High School athletes will compete in five events at the Region II-2A tennis tournament May 9-10, hoping to secure a trip to the state tournament.

The regional competition will be held at Richland Tennis Center in North Richland Hills. The top two finishers in each bracket will qualify for the UIL Class 2A State Tournament, set for May 15-16 in San Antonio.