Ten seniors from Moran High School will turn their tassels Thursday, May 22, marking the end of a memorable school year and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Graduating members of the Class of 2025 are Allen Hebel, Autum Russell, Blake Boykin, Brylee Stautzenberger, Cotten Campbell, Devon Herod, Ellis Hise, Katie Breeden, Sam Stanley, and Skyler Pacheco.

Ellis Hise earned the honor of valedictorian, and Skyler Pacheco was named salutatorian. The graduation ceremony served as the final event in a busy month of celebrations and student recognition at Moran ISD.

On Sunday, May 18, members of First Baptist Church contributed the largest single offering in the history of the church to kickstart the Renovation Fund for the church’s historic sanctuary.

This year, 2025, marks the 100th Anniversary of the church’s historic main building, and needed repairs and renovations to the church’s sanctuary have been projected to cost approximately $200,000. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

The annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held Monday, May 26, at the Aztec Theater.

The service, sponsored by the Albany Lions Club, will begin at 6 p.m.

The program will open with a welcome by Lions Club president John Tate, followed by the invocation by Pastor Brad McBee. Local Boy Scouts will present the American flag. Kristin Hilliard and Sandy Able will perform the National Anthem.

The Albany Academic Booster Club is entering a new chapter in 2025, with a transition in leadership and continued momentum in its mission to support academic success in Albany ISD.

Founded in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Academic Boosters have granted more than $169,000 over the past five and a half years. Funds have gone toward classroom equipment, scholarships, student and teacher recognition, and professional development.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Families are invited to celebrate the vibrant culture of Southeast Asia this weekend as the Old Jail Art Center presents a Family Festival, this month honoring Myanmar Heritage. 

The free event will take place Saturday, May 24, from 1 to 4 p.m., and offers fun for all ages. Attendees can enjoy an afternoon filled with cultural crafts, traditional games, food, and music inspired by the rich heritage of Myanmar.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A crowd of almost 350 students, parents and staff attended the annual Academic Banquet on Monday to honor academic excellence of students in a variety of activities including Academic UIL events, journalism, band, FFA, one-act play and FCCLA.

Students scoring well on the ACT and SAT college entrance exams, along with those maintaining an average of 90 or above in all classes for the year, were also recognized.

A packed crowd filled the Albany City Council meeting Monday night as dozens of residents, pastors, and visitors urged city leaders to pass an ordinance declaring Albany a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn.” The proposed ordinance would ban abortion within city limits and allow private citizens to file lawsuits against those who help perform or obtain one — including individuals who assist someone traveling through Albany for the purpose of obtaining an abortion elsewhere.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Following a postponement a month ago due to rain, the second consecutive year for that to happen, the 18th annual Albany Classic Car Show went off without a hitch last weekend under clear skies and fair temperatures.

Organizer Robert Snyder reported that close to 80 vehicles were entered in the show.

Shackelford County commissioners voted Monday to table a proposed easement agreement from FiberLight, LLC regarding a 60’ x 60’ area at the Law Enforcement Center, citing errors and unresolved questions in the contract.

The offer, submitted in writing by FiberLight, outlines a one-time payment of $40,000 in exchange for an exclusive easement to install fiber infrastructure on county property for a term of 49 years. A clause also stipulates that if the agreement is not executed, the company would pay $1,000 to the county.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The City of Albany will hold its annual spring cleanup day this Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, offering residents a chance to dispose of large and small unwanted items ahead of the summer’s visitor season.

“We will have a roll-off at the Chamber parking lot and a tire trailer as well this year,” said Kenisha Lucas with City Hall. “There will be a couple of city employees there during the day on saturday to help residents get items put away accordingly.”