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 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. 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.

On May 8, 2022, John Robert Watson, age 86, peacefully went to be with the Lord at his home in Holly Lake Ranch, with his children by his side. A graveside service was held Wednesday, May 18 at the Albany Cemetery.John was born Jan. 9, 1936 in Cisco, Texas to Andrew and Leona Watson.

By Sam WallerJohnnie Hise and Arren Hawley were crowned queen and king at the Moran prom Saturday, May 7.Moran principal Jo Hise said the prom, held at Moran Events Center, attracted most of the Moran High School student body in the final student-led social event of the school year.

By Sam WallerSeven Moran High School students were inducted as charter members of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society on Monday, May 9, at the Moran Events Center.

By Sam WallerMoran’s Alli Scott will make her second appearance at the Class 1A state track meet and is hopeful the experience gained last year will pay off.A send-off for Scott, a junior, is scheduled for Friday afternoon at Moran High School.

By Donnie A. LucasLocal high school athletes will be honored for their participation and achievements in sports for the 2021-2022 school year at the annual All-Sports Banquet scheduled for Tuesday, May 17 in the main gym at the high school.The serving lines for the meal will start at 7:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerAlbany finished fifth out of 12 in the team standings in their first appearance since 1994 at the state golf tournament.The tournament was played Monday-Tuesday, May 9-10 at Lions Golf Course in Austin.Albany shot a team score of 358-352–710 to move up a spot in the final round.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions took the first step in the Class 2A baseball playoffs last week, sweeping their bi-district series against Winters at Abilene Cooper.The Lions (15-4) won the series opener 11-4 on Friday, May 6, then completed the sweep with a 12-0 victory in Game 2 on Saturday, May 7.