Plans are underway for a local celebration of America’s 250th birthday this summer, with the Albany Chamber of Commerce currently organizing America 250 Jubilee at the Train Depot on Friday, July 3.

The celebration is still in the planning stages, but organizers say it will be set up similarly to the Chamber’s annual crawfish boil, with a come and go format from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Current plans include inflatables for children, Americana-themed games, hot dogs and several contests throughout the day.

The Albany Lions are headed to the regional semifinals after bouncing back from an opening loss to win two straight games against Eldorado in their Class 2A Division II area playoff series last week in Hermleigh.

Albany dropped the opener 2-1 despite a dominant outing from Brody Oliver, who struck out eight batters and allowed only one hit across seven innings. The Lions stranded 12 runners in the loss, including leaving the bases loaded with no outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Aiden Vickers led Albany at the plate by going 3-for-4.

Albany High School wrapped up the 2026 UIL state tennis tournament with a third-place finish in mixed doubles as Mimi Ivy and Cade Fairchild earned another bronze medal at the Blossom Tennis Center in San Antonio on May 7-8.

The Albany mixed doubles pair advanced to the semifinals after opening the tournament Thursday with a win over Tyler Hemphill and Kylynn Ramirez of Shiner. Ivy and Fairchild followed with another victory against Hank Wheeler and Sofia Tenti of Cushing to secure a spot in the final four.

Jerry Edwin Estep, born in Sweetwater, Texas on September 10, 1936, lived a life marked not by loud accomplishments or grand attention, but by quiet faithfulness, steady love, gentle humor, and the kind of presence that makes an entire family feel rooted. He passed away quietly and comfortably on May 5, 2026, in Conroe, Texas at the age of 89.

Shackelford County voters finalized several local races Saturday, May 2, deciding seats on the Fort Griffin Special Utility District, Shackelford County Hospital District, Albany City Council and an $26 million Albany ISD bond proposal.

In the Fort Griffin Special Utility District race, voters selected three candidates for two-year terms, with incumbents Robert Montgomery, Ted Tidwell and Ben Hale winning reelection.

Albany voters delivered a clear message Saturday, approving the Albany ISD school bond by a wide margin.

Final totals showed 358 votes in favor and 143 against, giving the measure roughly 71 percent approval and marking one of the strongest showings of support for a project of this scale in state history.

For Superintendent Daryl Stuard, the outcome reflected more than just a successful election.

“That just says so much about this community and their support for kids,” Stuard said.

The 19th annual Albany Classic Car Show is set for Saturday, May 9, with organizers preparing for a full day of classic vehicles, vendors and community activities. Volunteer coordinator Robert Snyder said interest remains strong, with participants expected from Albany and surrounding areas.

“We’ve had a good response, and things are lining up well for the show,” Snyder said. “As of today, there is no rain in the forecast for Saturday, so if that holds, we’re looking forward to a good turnout.”

Bill was born in Fredericksburg, Texas, on November 26, 1937. He moved to San Antonio with his parents when he was 5 years old and lived there until he graduated high school. He then joined the Navy and spent two years in North Carolina. After leaving military service, he moved to Austin, Texas, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Texas. Bill then worked for the Austin Independent School District as the Director of Plant Management, designing all of its schools’ science labs.