A devastating house fire broke out shortly after midnight in Moran on August 4, leaving a local family with nothing. The home, occupied by a family of six, was declared a total loss after the flames burned intensely for several hours. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
You may have noticed the paper looks and feels a little different this week. That’s because this issue marks the beginning of a new printing partnership for The Albany News. After many years of being printed in Lubbock, we’ve officially moved our printing operations to Midway Press in Dallas.
Final results from the Texas Education Agency show Albany ISD students performed well on the spring 2025 STAAR and End of Course exams, with AISD passing rates well above statewide averages in most subjects.
Leigh Lowe, Albany ISD director of student services, said the district is seeing consistent performance and encouraging growth.
“Scores remain steady and we are showing growth in the Meets and Masters categories,” Lowe said. “In most areas we are close to or above the region and state averages in the targeted categories.”
The Albany Mainstreet Playhouse is preparing to close out its 2024–2025 season later this month with a production of The Curious Savage, a classic comedy by John Patrick that brings together a lively cast of local and regional performers.
Directed by Lorna Ayers, The Curious Savage will run August 22–24 at the Aztec Theater, with evening shows on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m.
For the fourth month in a row, Albany recorded above-average rainfall—though July’s total came with a twist. The town received 6.36 inches of rain, nearly triple the historical July average of 2.27 inches. Nearly all of that total fell during the first few days of the month, including a single-day downpour of 4.65 inches on July 4.
The rest of the month saw little to no measurable rain, as high temperatures and dry conditions returned. Despite the impressive monthly total, it hasn’t felt like a wet month in recent weeks, and the Shackelford County burn ban is now back in effect.
Albany High School graduates Avery Everitt and Julia Vega have been named to the 2025 All-State Journalism Staff by the Interscholastic League Press Conference, marking the third consecutive year both students have received the statewide honor.
Students must earn at least 50 points through ILPC awards and placements in UIL journalism contests to qualify for the staff, which recognizes the top high school journalists from schools of all classifications across Texas.
Moran ISD opened the 2025-26 school year Monday, Aug. 4, with 73 students present for the first day of classes.
According to office staff member Jeannie Ten Cate, three more students were added to the rolls Tuesday, bringing the total to 76.
The district continues its four-day school week for the new year. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, with Fridays off.
There will be no school on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day.
New Cell Phone Policy
The Old Jail Art Center has unveiled a new logo and refreshed brand identity, marking the first update to the institution’s visual presentation since 2006.
The new design was officially adopted by the board in May and is the result of a nearly two-year rebranding process that included extensive input from board members, museum professionals, and community stakeholders. The updated logo was created by Austin-based firm Page Branding and Graphics, with support from a grant provided by the Still Water Foundation.
Registration for Albany ISD students remains open online and in person this week, as campuses prepare for the start of school on Aug. 13.
According to Nancy Smith Elementary secretary Stephanie Gleitz, registration is still available both online and in person at the elementary and junior high/high school campuses.
“We will be in the office this week to help any additional parents with registration,” Gleitz said. “We do have a few staff meetings throughout the week, so they may want to call first if they need in-person assistance.”
Elementary Details
A bold new beacon now lights up Highway 6 in Albany, as the Goodnight Steakhouse & Saloon unveiled a striking LED neon sign that has instantly become a local landmark.
The project began with the creative mind of owner Jason Harlow, who envisioned a sign that would reflect both Texas heritage and roadside appeal.
