By Sam WallerAlbany graduate Luke Ivy fulfilled a dream recently when he signed to compete in track and field at Rice University.Ivy becomes Albany’s first signee for NCAA Division I men’s track since Drew Hudson competed at Princeton.“I never thought I’d be doing that,” Ivy said.

By Sam WallerNine Shackelford County graduates are scheduled to participate in the Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Games coming up next weekend.

By Sam WallerBefore the school year even ends, Albany coaches are making plans for the beginning of a new fall sports season.Summer conditioning for all incoming seventh through 12th graders will begin Monday, June 13, and continue four days a week into July.

By Sam WallerMoran ISD hosted an end-of-year banquet last week at the Moran gym.On Tuesday, May 24, the school awards banquet recognized academic achievements from the school year and included a pair of special awards presented by the Moran Masonic Lodge.

By Sam WallerOn Wednesday, May 25, the Moran FFA banquet celebrated the accomplishments of the FFA chapter in addition to installing officers for the 2022-23 school year.

By Donnie A. LucasOnly a few tickets remain for the Chris Knight concert that was rescheduled for Saturday, June 11.The event is part of the singer/songwriter series presented by Albany Live, a local non-profit organized last year to bring live musical events to Albany and the Aztec Theater.

By Sam WallerMoran’s Class of 2022 held commencement ceremonies Friday, May 27 at Bulldog Field.Former Moran superintendent Danny Freeman gave the commencement address as four seniors received their diplomas as well as scholarships from the Snyder family.

By Sam WallerVolunteers are needed for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s annual spring cleanup day on Saturday, June 11.Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones invites local residents to participate in the project aimed at beautifying Albany. A meal will be provided, Jones said.

By Melinda L. LucasSalaries for both clinic and ambulance workers were the main topic of discussion at a Wednesday night meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District board of directors, delayed from the usual date of Monday, May 16 because of a conflict.

By Donnie A. LucasThirty-four Albany High School seniors are slated to walk across the stage in the AHS main gym Friday night, May 27 to receive their diplomas, join in the singing of the Alma Mater, and toss their mortar boards in the air marking the end of their high school careers.