Onenewboardmember and three returning directors were sworn in near the beginning of Monday’s meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District board, followed by the election of officers. Jo Ann Estridge, who has served as president of the board for several terms, asked that her name not be considered for the office, commenting that “it’s time for some new blood.” She said that she also spoke for Mike Folsom, whohasbeenservinginthe capacity as vice president.

Jenci Chambers hired as principal Albany ISD board members approved raising teacher pay Monday, nearly doubling the amount of above state base for professional staff from $2,050 to $4,000 per year starting Sept. 1 for the 2024-25 school year.

♦ $221,000+ to be awarded Forty-seven Albany High School seniors willreceivetheirdiplomasFridaynight,May 24 in the local high school gym, marking the end of their high school careers. Scholarships totaling $221,600 will be awarded to members of the class who submitted applications and plan to further their educations.

Three people were still hospitalized,includingboth suspects,afterahigh-speed chase that started about 10:00 p.m. May 15 near Nine Mile Hill continued through Albany and all the way into the Breckenridge city limits.

Fort Griffin State Historic Site has two special programs scheduled for early June, including another Milky Way photography workshop. From 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Moran Independent School District will graduate seven high school seniors this week in the final event of the school year. Commencement exercises will be held at 6:00 p.m.Friday,May24atCisco College.

SELLING THE GOODS

After months of planning and fundraising, the time for Albany’s Project Graduation is almost here. The 47 members of the Albany Class of 2024 will enjoy an alcohol- and drug-free party following commencement exercises on Friday, May 24.

Local blood donors are reminded that today’s blood drive is set for a new time from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closet Angels clothing mission will be closed Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day. “We’ve been opening up for a lot of school holidays,” ClosetAngels director Lori Reames said, “but Memorial Day is one that is hard to find help for.” Reamesalsoannounced Closet Angels and The Local Exchange will both close for the month of July so volunteers may take vacations and to begin preparing for Back to School Bash.