By Melinda L. LucasBlood drive dates in Albany are being changed back to Thursdays, according to Lauren Spindler, Marketing and Business Development Manager at Hendrick Regional Blood Center in Abilene, with the next one set a couple of weeks later than originally planned.

By Sam WallerDepth and quality were two hallmarks of the Albany Lions pitching staff this spring.An ill-timed injury cut into the depth, and the inability to escape trouble with minimal damage eventually led to the end of Albany’s season.

By Sam WallerNine recent Shackelford County graduates will put the finishing touches on their high school careers next week by participating in the 2023 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival.

By Sam WallerThree Albany teams advanced to the semifinals of the Texas West District 5 tournament County Bracket before being eliminated.Four Albany teams hosted games on Tuesday, May 23, but thunderstorms in the area forced two games to be suspended and completed the next night.

By Sam WallerSummer sports camps conducted by Albany coaches continue next week with the Albany Basketball Camp.The camp is scheduled for Monday-Tuesday, June 5-6 at the Albany High School gym with instruction by Tate Thompson and Ryder Peacock.Sessions are 9:00-10:15 a.m.

By Sam WallerSeveral openings are available for the Albany Golf Club’s Father’s Day Tournament.The three-person scramble will be played Saturday-Sunday, June 17-18 at Albany Golf Course. Entry fee is $300 per team, which includes one mulligan per person each day.

By Sam WallerAlbany Junior/Senior High athletes begin preparations for 2023 fall sports as the school’s summer conditioning program gets underway on Monday, June 12.The program is open to all incoming seventh through 12th graders who plan to participate in interscholastic sports.

By Sam WallerAfter being limited to just one tournament last summer, Albany’s 7-on-7 program will get at least two in this year.Albany will attend the Texoma tournament Saturday, June 3.

By Melinda L. LucasStudents at Nancy Smith Elementary School participated in the annual track meet held Tuesday, May 23, with results kept in many of the third through sixth grade competitions.

By Donnie A. LucasAlthough the regular school year ended last week for the summer, some Albany ISD students will be returning for three weeks of summer school starting Monday, June 12.Summer school classes will be held from 8:00 a.m.