By Donnie A. LucasThe annual Baccalaureate service for the Albany High School Class of 2022 is set for Sunday, May 22 at 4:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.Former Albany youth minister Spencer Newsom will be the featured speaker. He will be introduced by class valedictorian Luke Ivy.

By Donnie A. LucasA record crowd of 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.

By Donnie A. LucasVoters will have the chance to go to the polls for a second time this month with the May 24 State Primary Elections Run-off for both the Republican and Democratic parties.In-person early voting ends on Friday, May 20.

By Melinda L. LucasA blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, May 26.Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m.

By Donnie A. LucasResponse to rehearsals for the June performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle has been great, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers, especially among the younger members of the cast.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Albany City pool will open to the general public on Wednesday, June 1 with a one-day-only, free-admittance Splash Day.Albany City pool co-managers this summer are Savannah Maberry, Meg Walser, and Mikaela Jones. Maberry helped with the operation of the facility last summer.

By Sam WallerLocal residents may still submit names for the Shackelford County veterans memorial marker.

By Donnie A. LucasFollowing a month-long reprieve from COVID-19 cases, six positive cases have been reported over the last two weeks.County Judge Bob Skelton reported Monday that three positive results were reported to him for the week of May 9-13.

By Sam WallerA community-wide clean-up day, an annual promotion of the Albany Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Saturday, June 11.“We need all the help we can get,” Chamber manager Mary Beth said. “Just come on out and help us make Albany look good.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany High School seniors have a little over one week until they cross the stage and receive their diplomas, and several activities are planned for the soon-to-be graduates between now and Friday, May 27.