By Melinda L. LucasAlbany ISD staff and students will be off both Friday, April 2 and Monday, April 5 for a four-day Easter weekend.Younger students at Nancy Smith Elementary School had Easter activities planned on campus this week.

By Sam WallerLocal churches will conduct Easter services Sunday, April 17 with other Holy Week services in advance.Trinity Lutheran Church will have a Maundy Thursday service at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14 (tonight), and a Good Friday service at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 15.

By Sam WallerMoran’s Johnnie Hise and Hannah Rogers were recognized last week by two coaches associations for their academic achievements with inclusion on academic all-state girls basketball teams.

By Sam WallerFather Prakash Dias took a rather convoluted path to his post as priest at Albany’s Jesus of Nazareth Catholic Church and Breckenridge’s Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.A visit home to his native India turned into a nearly year-long ordeal to return to work.

By Donnie A. LucasOnly one positive case of COVID-19 was recorded at the three Albany testing sites over the last two weeks.A total of 13 tests were administered during the period, according to a report issued by county judge Bob Skelton.

By Melinda L. LucasIn only six weeks, the senior class of Albany High school will walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.After the ceremony, the graduates will enjoy the tradition of Project Graduation, which is the alcohol and drug-free event that concludes a student’s experience at AHS.

By Sam WallerThe Albany FFA chapter competed in the Big Country District and Area 4 contests Wednesday, April 13, at Tarleton State University in Stephenville.

By Melinda L. LucasRepresentatives of local organizations and boards that award scholarships to Albany High School graduates are asked to collect applications from Ann Riley at the AHS office on Wednesday, April 20.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County commissioners heard a report from Clifford Teinert about the historic bridge at Fort Griffin, the object of vandalism over the last few years.

By Sam WallerThe Albany High School tennis team advanced three of six entries to state at the Region II-2A tournament, which concluded Tuesday, April 11 at Richland Tennis Center in North Richland Hills.