The Fort Griffin Fandangle Association announced this week that its ongoing capital campaign has reached a major milestone, with $150,000 raised toward its $300,000 goal.

The fundraising effort, launched to support a series of critical improvements to the historic Prairie Theater and its production facilities, has drawn wide support from local donors. Organizers expressed gratitude for the generosity shown so far and are now urging the community to help carry the campaign to the finish line.

Texas singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen will return to Albany this Friday, May 30, headlining a concert at the Aztec Theater. The show marks Cauthen’s third performance at the Aztec since 2023.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Members of the Albany High School Class of 2025 were awarded dozens of scholarships during commencement exercises held last Friday, May 23.

There were more than 175 separate awards for the class of 45 seniors, with some scholarships split among more than one recipient, amounting to $197,350 given for the first year of college or trade school and almost $385,000 if the recipients qualify for the scholarships and stay in school over a four-year period.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A total of 42 members of the Albany High School Class of 2025, along with two junior ushers, took part in this year’s Project Graduation celebration, an all-night party held at multiple locations around Albany, beginning and ending at The Feed Store. 

The event kicked off at 10:30 p.m. Friday, May 23, and concluded the following morning.

The City of Albany swimming pool will open Friday, May 30 with a free Splash Day from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

The facility will continue to be open to the public on Tuesdays through Saturdays 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. through July, with Sunday hours 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Brittney Everett, who is managing the pool along with Savannah Maberry, reported that there are currently only 12 lifeguards certified to help with pool operations in addition to the two managers. 

That shortage may affect pool hours, according to Everett.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Shackelford County Library’s annual summer story hour returns next week, offering preschool and early elementary children a fun and educational opportunity to explore the world of animals through stories, crafts, and live demonstrations.

The 2025 program kicks off Tuesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. and will continue every Tuesday throughout the month of June. 

This year’s theme is Animals, and each session will feature a different animal guest and a coordinating craft.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Shackelford County Hospital District Board elected its officers Monday during a regular meeting, with Jason Price returning as president, James Breeden as vice president and new member Karin Cox as secretary.

The meeting began with a prayer led by Pastor Brad McBee and included the swearing-in of new and re-elected board members Jo Ann Estridge, Karin Cox, and Ami Davis for two-year terms and Mike Folsom for a one-year unexpired term. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Forty-five Albany High School seniors will receive their diplomas Friday night, May 23, during commencement exercises scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. The event marks the conclusion of the students’ high school careers and the beginning of their next chapter.

This year’s class is led by valedictorian Avery Everitt and salutatorian Holden Sanchez. Other honor graduates include William LeMay, John Birkla, Jonathan Coody, Ethan Green, Gabby Lopez, Macie Breeden, Benjamin Barwon, Kenzie Neve, and Ann Davis.

By David H. Waller

Matt Bellah was unanimously elected president of the Albany ISD Board of Trustees during Monday night’s regular meeting, stepping into leadership as the district looks ahead to major facility decisions and a possible bond election.

Bellah succeeds Robert Montgomery, who stepped down after serving as board president for the past seven years. Montgomery has been a member of the board for 27 years and will continue to serve as a trustee.

By David H. Waller

Three familiar faces from Albany will once again climb into their vintage station wagon and set out on a one-of-a-kind adventure this June as part of the annual Buffalo Run. Team Grease Worms—made up of Robert Snyder, Craig Winters, and Matt Birkla—will be driving a 1965 Ford Country Sedan in the 2025 event, which challenges teams to navigate hundreds of miles in low-budget vehicles, all while raising money for Camp Able in Buffalo Gap.