After a prolonged and often heated meeting marked by public outcry, board deliberations, and legal discussion, the Shackelford County Hospital District board concluded that EMS Director Mateo Millan would not continue in his role. The outcome followed Millan’s decision to decline both employment options presented by the board—one as full-time EMS director under a new contract and the other as a paramedic at the board-approved hourly rate.
The Albany 7-on-7 football team earned a trip to the state tournament after going undefeated in four games at a Division III state qualifying tournament held Friday, June 6, in Abilene.
Albany played all of its games at The Fieldhouse, while the other half of the tournament took place at the Shotwell Annex. The Lions opened pool play with a 20–14 win over Merkel, followed by a 35–13 victory over Dublin in the second game. They wrapped up pool play with a 33–20 win over Miles to finish 3–0 and claim the top spot in their bracket.
Three senior athletes from Albany and Moran represented their schools at the 2025 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival held last week in Abilene and Brownwood.
Albany’s Abi Hale competed in the Bev Ball All-Star Volleyball Classic, held Thursday, June 5, at Abilene Christian University’s Moody Coliseum. Her classmate Myleigh Leveridge served as an FCA all-star cheerleader during the volleyball game, both basketball games, and the 26th annual Myrle Greathouse All-Star Football Classic on Saturday, June 7, at Shotwell Stadium.
“Father of Mercies”
Albany High School cheerleaders are inviting incoming Pre-K through sixth grade students to participate in their annual Mini Cheer Camp, set for July 28–30 at the AHS gym. Camp will run each morning from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Participants will learn cheers, chants, and basic routines from the Albany High School cheer squad and coaching staff.
The registration fee is $40 and includes a camp T-shirt. Organizers are asking families to register early to ensure each camper receives the correct shirt size. The registration deadline is Sunday, July 21.
The Grease Worms are rolling out again—this time with the Rockies in sight and a fresh route mapped ahead.
For the second straight month, Albany found itself soaked by well-above-average rainfall. The city recorded 6.87 inches of rain in May, continuing a spring pattern of unusually wet weather across Shackelford County. This marks the wettest May since 2019 and the fourth-highest total for the month since 2000.
May’s total narrowly topped April’s 6.26 inches, bringing the combined rainfall for the two months to more than 13 inches. The town’s historical average for May sits at 3.99 inches, meaning this year’s figure nearly doubled expectations.
June is here, which means opening night of the Fort Griffin Fandangle is right around the corner. Rehearsals are in full swing, ticket sales are going strong, and the annual downtown parade is just weeks away.
The 87th anniversary production is scheduled for June 20-21 and 27-28 at the Prairie Theater. Ticket sales have been steady, with a strong response from returning patrons and early buyers. Reserved seating is available online at www.fortgriffinfandangle.com and at the Fandangle office.
By Melinda L. Lucas
A trio of senior athletes – two from Albany and one from Moran – will represent their two schools at the 2025 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival taking place this week in Abilene and Brownwood.
Albany’s Abi Hale is slated to take the court in the Bev Ball All-Star Volleyball Classic, which begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5, at Moody Coliseum on the Abilene Christian University campus.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Albany Little League teams closed out district tournament play last week and now look ahead to All-Star season, which begins this week with practices and pool play.
