With the start of school just weeks away, Albany ISD trustees met Monday, July 21, to discuss a range of updates in preparation for the 2025–2026 school year. The most significant item centered on how the district will enforce a new state law banning student cell phone use during school hours.

The Albany Masonic Lodge joined fellow lodges from across the region this past week for a special officer installation ceremony at the historic Fort Griffin Lodge Hall, located at Collins Creek Ranch near the original townsite of Fort Griffin, known locally as “The Flat.”

Participating lodges included Albany Lodge, Fort Griffin Lodge from Throckmorton, Orient Lodge from Knox City, and McCullough Lodge from Brady. Many members of the McCullough Lodge also hold dual membership with Fort Griffin Lodge, which helped bring the event together at the historic site.

Landon Balliew, a 2025 Albany High School graduate with a heart for missions, recently returned from his second trip to Guatemala – one of several mission efforts he’s participated in over the last few years. 

A member of First Baptist Church Albany and current intern with East-West Ministries International in Dallas, Balliew has served on mission teams to multiple destinations, but says his latest trip sharing the Gospel with the Achi people was unlike anything he’s ever experienced.

Mary Cloud

Mary Cloud, 87 of Albany, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025. Graveside funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 16th at the Albany Cemetery with Lance Thomas officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.