The fall semester is off to a fast-paced start for Albany FFA and Shackelford County 4-H members, with livestock entries, tag orders, sales, and validations scheduled almost weekly from now through mid-December.
While several deadlines and events already occurred earlier this month, a long list of important dates still lies ahead as students prepare for the 2025–2026 show season.
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By Melinda L. Lucas
The Shackelford County Hospital District Board formally appointed a new EMS director, approved a “balanced” 2026 budget, and proposed a slight tax rate increase during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 18.
Colby Herron Named EMS Director
Colby Herron, who has served as interim EMS director since the departure of Mateo Millan earlier this year, was officially named to the role following a brief closed session.
I know, that’s a strange headline to see in the middle of August. But for me, this time of year feels much more like the start of something new than January ever does.
As a parent with kids in school, the beginning of the school year brings the same sense of starting fresh. It’s a new calendar, new teachers, new routines, and new possibilities. Here in Albany, our lives seem to naturally revolve around school, sports, church, and Fandangle. So when classes begin again, it’s not just the kids who get a reset—it’s the whole town.
The 7th annual CareFest is set for Saturday, August 16, at the Happy Wife Happy Life Weddings and Events Venue. The festival will be run for the first time this year by Big Country C.A.R.E.S., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with all proceeds continuing to benefit ResourceCare.
Albany ISD welcomed students back to class Wednesday, August 13, with an opening-day enrollment lower than in recent years.
The district ended last school year with 475 students enrolled. As of Wednesday, there were 436 students fully registered and 11 more in progress, bringing the current total to 447. “We are down, but we never know until the first week ends,” said Leigh Lowe, AISD director of student services.
A man scheduled to have his case heard during a docket of trials at the Shackelford County Courthouse last week collapsed from a heart attack while seated in the front row. Quick action by law enforcement officers and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) inside the courthouse are credited with saving his life.
According to Constable Xavier Perez, the man told Deputy Jason Price he was having a heart attack before collapsing. Price and Sheriff Ed Miller immediately moved him to the floor and began using the AED while administering first aid until EMS arrived.
By David H. Waller
For the first time in several years, The Albany News will be updating its subscription and advertising prices. The new rates will go into effect with the next issue, Thursday, August 21, 2025.
The State Fire Marshal has determined the cause of the August 4 house fire in Moran to be undetermined.
City of Moran Fire Chief Tyler George said investigators found there was not enough evidence left after the blaze to reach a more conclusive finding, and the case is now closed. The fire began shortly after midnight and destroyed the home of the Dean Schoolcraft family. On Facebook, the family said they believe the fire may have been caused by faulty wiring.
The Albany Lions are closing out their second week of practice and will travel to Coleman tomorrow night for their first scrimmage of the season. Head Coach Denney Faith says the matchup will be an important first step in evaluating the team under game conditions.
Unexpected rain on Tuesday did not slow the Lions down. The team was able to get outside and complete its planned workouts before the weather worsened. “The field was a little muddy, but that’s good for us,” Faith said. “You never know when you’ll have to play on a wet field, so it’s good experience.”
The Albany Lady Lions volleyball team opened the 2025 regular season with back-to-back sweeps at home Tuesday, defeating Merkel 25-22, 25-23, 25-18 and Aspermont 25-17, 25-21, 25-12.
The weekend before, Albany played scrimmages against Benjamin and Breckenridge on August 8, and Woodson on August 9. Reneau said the goal was to get on the court with the new group, especially the younger players.
