The City of Albany swimming pool will open Friday, May 30 with a free Splash Day from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

The facility will continue to be open to the public on Tuesdays through Saturdays 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. through July, with Sunday hours 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Brittney Everett, who is managing the pool along with Savannah Maberry, reported that there are currently only 12 lifeguards certified to help with pool operations in addition to the two managers. 

That shortage may affect pool hours, according to Everett.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Shackelford County Library’s annual summer story hour returns next week, offering preschool and early elementary children a fun and educational opportunity to explore the world of animals through stories, crafts, and live demonstrations.

The 2025 program kicks off Tuesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. and will continue every Tuesday throughout the month of June. 

This year’s theme is Animals, and each session will feature a different animal guest and a coordinating craft.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Shackelford County Hospital District Board elected its officers Monday during a regular meeting, with Jason Price returning as president, James Breeden as vice president and new member Karin Cox as secretary.

The meeting began with a prayer led by Pastor Brad McBee and included the swearing-in of new and re-elected board members Jo Ann Estridge, Karin Cox, and Ami Davis for two-year terms and Mike Folsom for a one-year unexpired term. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Forty-five Albany High School seniors will receive their diplomas Friday night, May 23, during commencement exercises scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. The event marks the conclusion of the students’ high school careers and the beginning of their next chapter.

This year’s class is led by valedictorian Avery Everitt and salutatorian Holden Sanchez. Other honor graduates include William LeMay, John Birkla, Jonathan Coody, Ethan Green, Gabby Lopez, Macie Breeden, Benjamin Barwon, Kenzie Neve, and Ann Davis.

By David H. Waller

Matt Bellah was unanimously elected president of the Albany ISD Board of Trustees during Monday night’s regular meeting, stepping into leadership as the district looks ahead to major facility decisions and a possible bond election.

Bellah succeeds Robert Montgomery, who stepped down after serving as board president for the past seven years. Montgomery has been a member of the board for 27 years and will continue to serve as a trustee.

By David H. Waller

Three familiar faces from Albany will once again climb into their vintage station wagon and set out on a one-of-a-kind adventure this June as part of the annual Buffalo Run. Team Grease Worms—made up of Robert Snyder, Craig Winters, and Matt Birkla—will be driving a 1965 Ford Country Sedan in the 2025 event, which challenges teams to navigate hundreds of miles in low-budget vehicles, all while raising money for Camp Able in Buffalo Gap.

The Albany ISD band program presented its annual spring concert Thursday, May 15 in the Albany High School gymnasium, featuring performances from sixth grade, seventh grade, and high school bands.

Director of bands Jessica Watkins said this year’s format brought all three bands together in a combined performance to close the show. Each group also performed individual pieces during the evening.

Musicianship awards were presented to students from each group.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany High School sophomore Kylee Bennett represented her school and region Monday at the UIL State Academic Meet, competing in the news writing event on the University of Texas campus in Austin.

Bennett qualified for state after earning a first-place finish in news writing at the Region II Academic Meet last month. Her advancement placed her among the top 12 student journalists in the state across Class 2A, and she joined a field of 72 competitors from all classifications, 1A through 6A.

Albany Golf Club will mark its 100th anniversary next month with the Centennial Classic, a special Father’s Day weekend tournament set for June 14–15. The event will celebrate a century of local golf history with a competitive scramble, Saturday night gathering, and a recreation of a historic club photo.

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.