Plans to open the city pool are inching forward as the City of Albany continues to work through staffing issues.
City officials now plan to host Splash Day on Tuesday, June 2 from 6 to 8 p.m., replacing next week’s Family Night. The free event traditionally signals the annual opening of the facility for the summer.
The Albany Dance Theatre will present its 76th annual recital Saturday, May 30, at 7 p.m. in the Albany High School auditorium, continuing a decades-long community tradition featuring dancers from Albany, Moran and surrounding areas.
This year’s production theme is “A Night at the Movies” and will showcase more than 100 performers, ages 3 through 18. Senior dancers performing in their final recital are Mimi Ivy and Hope McBee.
Members of the Albany High School Class of 2026 were awarded dozens of scholarships during commencement exercises held last Friday, May 22.
There were 131 separate awards for the class of 36 seniors, with some scholarships split among more than one recipient, amounting to $158,830 given for the first year of college or trade school and almost $349,000 if the recipients qualify for the scholarships and stay in school over a four-year period.
The awards were given by about 50 local churches, clubs, organizations, foundations, and individuals.
Thirty-six Albany High School seniors will receive their diplomas Friday night, May 22, 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 Woods Peterson and salutatorian Mimi Ivy. Other honor graduates include Allison McDaniel, Ryan Turner, Jaxson Street, Madison Parrott, Hollis Yeates, Cache Clark and Caysn Hargett.
The opening date for the City of Albany swimming pool remains uncertain as city officials continue working through staffing and certification requirements.
Kenisha Lucas of City Hall said this week that the city still does not know when the pool will open and likely will not have more information until after the weekend.
“We will post the opening date on our website as soon as we know something,” Lucas said. “We won’t know until after this weekend, pending certifications.”
The city’s website is albany-texas.org
Shackelford County rancher Rick Hanson was recognized as the Area 5 winner of the Conservation Rancher Award during the Texas Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Area 5 banquet held May 5 in Dublin.
John Tate of Albany, Area 5 state representative for the association, served as emcee for the banquet, which honors conservation efforts across a 54-county region. Smaller counties are combined into shared districts, with Shackelford and Stephens counties forming the Lower Clear Fork Soil and Water Conservation District.
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.
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.”
