March Madness is underway, and The Albany News is inviting you to take part in our Bracket Challenge! Inside this week’s paper, you’ll find the full NCAA Men’s Tournament bracket to fill out and submit. We know some games have already been played, including the First Four (March 18-19) and some First Round matchups (March 20-21), but don’t worry—just consider those games as free points and keep going!
By David H. Waller
The Albany Mainstreet Playhouse will open its production of Neil Simon’s Rumors this weekend at the Aztec Theater, marking the first time in two decades the fast-paced comedy has been performed on the local stage.
By Lynsi Musselman
Four Albany locals won second place out of 812 teams in the statewide February 2025 West Texas Big Bobcat Contest, held in San Angelo this past weekend. Ryder Wilkins, Laithe Leech, Will LeMay, and Jack Nail came home big winners after their 28.5-pound male bobcat earned them one of the top two spots with prize money of $32,380, with an additional $500 paid to Nail for the highest placing youth hunter.
Last week in The Albany News Kids Corner, we asked the future leaders of Albany what they would do if they were mayor, and their responses did not disappoint. Some ideas were ambitious, aiming to transform the town in bold new ways. Others were practical, focused on improvements that would benefit the community. And then there were the downright entertaining ones—suggestions that might raise a few eyebrows but definitely bring a smile.
Shackelford County 4-H is starting 2025 off by getting ready for the annual stock show, being held later this month on January 17. Youth with commercial steers will meet at the Pitzer Ranch on Sunday, January 5 at 3:00 p.m., for their fnal weigh-in and record keeping. Record books are due on Monday, January 8 to County Extension Agent Kelsey Bell. All validations have been completed and other animal weighins will be the week of the show. “Many kids worked over the break on their animal projects and will certainly be pushing towards the fnish line now.