By David H. Waller

Strong winds swept through Albany on Friday, kicking up dust and making for a gusty afternoon across Shackelford County. The highest recorded sustained wind speed in Albany hit 39 mph at 2 p.m., with gusts reaching 60 mph. Dust from the west filled the air, reducing visibility and leaving a layer of dirt across town. Residents reported strong gusts rattling windows and sending loose debris flying, making travel difficult throughout the afternoon.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Basic information about scholarships being awarded to this year’s graduating class at Albany High School is needed by the first part of next week.

Payton Rogers at the AHS office needs to update her list of available scholarships and requirements and would like to be contacted by the end of the day on Monday, March 24.

Representatives of scholarship boards can email Rogers at paytonrogers@albany.esc14.net or call her at 325-762-3974.

By David H. Waller

It’s Albany Live week in town, and this Saturday, the Bellamy Brothers will hit the Aztec Theater stage for the third show of the season. The country music duo, known for hits like Let Your Love Flow and Redneck Girl, has been entertaining fans for nearly five decades, and their stop in Albany is shaping up to be a big one.

Ticket sales have been strong, but a few seats are still up for grabs. Organizers encourage anyone wanting to catch the show to secure their tickets soon.

The Albany City Council met on March 17, addressing a range of topics, including approving fire department equipment purchases, discussing a solid waste rate increase, reviewing city financials, and approving the 2025-26 budget.

Fire Department 

Equipment Approved

By David H. Waller

The Albany ISD Board of Trustees met on March 17 to review district performance, approve the 2025-26 school calendar, and discuss key issues including staffing updates, facility improvements, and upcoming events. 

Testing Scores

By Melinda L. Lucas

After 15 years of dedicated service, Erin Whitmore is leaving her post later this spring as Education Director at The Old Jail Art Center to transition into a museum/visual art education role in the DFW area, with a special reception planned on March 22.

Whitmore began work in the museum’s education department in 2010, and was promoted to education director in 2012.

March Madness is underway, and The Albany News is inviting you to take part in our Bracket Challenge! Inside this week’s paper, you’ll find the full NCAA Men’s Tournament bracket to fill out and submit. We know some games have already been played, including the First Four (March 18-19) and some First Round matchups (March 20-21), but don’t worry—just consider those games as free points and keep going!

By Melinda L. Lucas

An unspecified “investment opportunity” for the Shackelford County Hospital District and also positioning the district’s Foundation Fund to earn more interest were two of the discussion’s during the regular monthly meeting of the board on Monday, March 17.

In addition, the directors again tabled finalizing a contract for EMS director Mateo Millan, which he has requested, after meeting with the district’s legal counsel in closed session.

District Investments

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions softball team was holding its own Tuesday, March 11 in its second District 8-2A outing before a freak accident brought the game to an early end.

Lady Lions pitcher Carisa Barrera was struck in the face by a line drive in the top of the fourth inning. The game was ended at that point with Hawley awarded a 9-6 win.

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Myleigh Leveridge placed third individually Monday, March 17 at the Hawley tournament, shooting 118 at Hawley Golf Club, while the Lions second boys team made improvement.

The first boys team played Wednesday, March 19 at the Jim Ned tournament at Shady Oaks Golf Course, site of the District 10-2A tournament. Albany will play Monday-Tuesday, March 24-25.  The girls division plays Monday with the boys on Tuesday.

The district tournament is scheduled for Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1.