By Donnie A. LucasAcademic achievement will be recognized during the Albany Junior and Senior High School Academic Banquet on Monday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m.The annual event is sponsored by Albany ISD, the Feed Store, and the Academic Booster Club.

By Melinda L. LucasThe staff of The Lions Roar, the student newspaper for Albany High School, earned a 17th consecutive Star Award along with a Tops in Texas and almost 50 individual honors announced by the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) last weekend.

By Donnie A. LucasRehearsals for the June performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle are underway, with various scene practices set for Sunday through Thursday nights until opening night June 17.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany school board accepted five resignations and hired one teacher at their May 9 meeting.The resignations of four teachers and one staff person were accepted “with regrets” on a motion by Joe Tidwell.

By Melinda L. LucasThe spring health fair hosted by Shackelford County ResourceCare returns to the Albany Bank Park on Friday, May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. after missing last year due to COVID concerns.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County passed a resolution to adopt an investment policy after a recommendation by county treasurer Tammy Brown and an explanation by Sam Vaughn of Ameriprise Financial.

By Donnie A. LucasOne incumbent and three other candidates from a field of seven were elected to the Shackelford County Hospital Board, along with two statewide constitutional amendments were approved by voters.

By Melinda L. LucasBoth Albany competitors at the State UIL Academic Meet came home with medals last Friday in journalism events.This was the first time since May of 2019 that the state meet was held in person at Austin.

By Donnie A. LucasFor the first time in about a month, three cases of COVID-19 were recorded at the three Albany testing sites last week, with a total of eight tests administered.At least one of the new cases was reportedly of a student on the secondary campus of Albany ISD.

By Melinda L. LucasIn addition to hearing concerns from a group of local citizens at Monday night’s meeting, council members also discussed detailed plans with this year’s pool managers.After a review by phone with CPA Cameron Gulley, council members approved the 2020-2021 audit.