By David H. Waller

Last Tuesday night, I got a text from Melinda: “Check your email.” It was somewhat late, and I had a feeling something was up. Sure enough, when I opened my inbox, the subject line of the message confirmed it,  “Another Printer to Bite The Dust.”

The email linked to a story from the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. In short, the printing press in Lubbock, the same one that’s been producing The Albany News for years, will soon shut down. Their printing operations are being moved to Juarez, Mexico.

Six members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department joined hundreds of responders in Central Texas last week, taking part in a large-scale search and recovery operation following catastrophic flooding over the July 4 weekend. Led by Albany Fire Chief Joel Viertel, the local team was deployed to assist efforts along the Guadalupe River near Ingram, where the flood left miles of debris fields and tragically claimed over 130 lives, with 160 still missing.

ResourceCare’s annual Summer Day Camp is off to a smooth start, with more than 100 children registered and daily attendance averaging around 80, according to camp co-director Mindy Ary.

“Everything on the first few days went even smoother than expected, and the cooler weather helped too,” Ary said. “We’re really pleased with how it all came together.”

Seven Albany High School FCCLA chapter members traveled to Orlando, Florida, this summer to compete in the 2025 FCCLA National Leadership Conference. 

The students earned their spots at the national event after submitting video projects and documentation in February, with both Albany teams being selected among the top 20 entries in the nation, giving them the opportunity to compete among the top Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members from across the country.  

CareFest, the annual summer music and fund­raising event, is set to return Friday, Aug. 16, at Happy Wife Happy Life Weddings & Events, bringing a full evening of live music, local food trucks, and community celebration.

Organizers say ticket sales are higher than ever at this stage, with limited VIP tickets still available online. As in years past, parking remains the biggest factor determining attendance capacity. Attendees are encouraged to carpool when possible to help ease congestion.

With summer conditioning wrapping up, Albany High School athletes are gearing up for the start of football and volleyball practices in early August, as both programs report strong numbers and solid participation this summer.

Football: Numbers Look Good

Head football coach Denney Faith is currently on vacation, but athletic director Ryder Peacock said coaches are optimistic about the upcoming season.

With tournament weekend just ahead, organizers of the Shackelford County Youth & Livestock Association’s annual 3-Person Golf Scramble are encouraging teams to grab the last few open spots.

The tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 20–21, at Albany Golf Club. While the afternoon flight is full, limited space remains in the 8:30 a.m. morning slot. Entry is $125 per player.

The Albany Athletic Booster Club has begun preparations for the 2025-26 school year with new leadership and upcoming events to engage the community.

Kristie Smith will serve as the club’s president this year. Supporting her in leadership roles are vice presidents Stephanie Gleitz, Claire Ware, and Lindsey Edgar. Chelsea Parsons will serve as secretary and oversee the Spirit Shop, while Brandi Green will handle treasurer duties.

What a captivating headline it was — “Bungling Burglars Botch Bank Job.” The Fort Worth Star-Telegram ran that title in 1964, recounting a crime that unfolded in Moran. The break-in at the Moran National Bank, which took place in the early hours of February 7, 1964, remains one of the most fascinating burglaries in this area’s history.

With about 55 campers already signed up, Albany High School cheerleaders are preparing for their annual Mini Cheer Camp, set for July 28–30 at the AHS gym. 

Incoming Pre-K through sixth grade students can still register, but organizers are encouraging sign-up as soon as possible so that participants can get a camp T-shirt.

“We’re excited to have more than 50 kids signed up,” said cheer sponsor Lauren Peacock. “If they haven’t signed up yet, cheer campers need to register as soon as possible to ensure they get a T-shirt.”