By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany High School juniors, seniors, and their guests stepped into the spotlight Saturday night, May 3, as they gathered at the Whitney Theatre for Prom 2025, themed “Hollywood Nights.”

The evening featured a red carpet entrance, a 360-degree photo booth complete with Hollywood props, and a golden balloon backdrop perfect for photos. DJ Oscar Beall kept the dance floor alive while local photographer Chelsea Parsons captured memories throughout the night.

Paul Cauthen will return to Albany later this month for a concert at the Aztec Theater on Friday, May 30. The show will mark Cauthen’s third headlining performance at the Aztec since 2023, following a pair of sold-out appearances that helped build his connection with local audiences.

Cauthen, known for his powerful voice, continues to draw attention across the country for his bold sound and energetic live shows. His albums, including Room 41 and Country Coming Down, have earned critical acclaim and expanded his fan base both in Texas and beyond.

With summer around the corner, preparations for the 87th annual Fort Griffin Fandangle are shifting into gear. Rehearsals for the 2025 production will begin Monday, May 12, welcoming both returning cast members and newcomers ready to join the long-running community tradition.

Practices will take place at the Prairie Theater, with rehearsals scheduled three evenings a week throughout May. Each night will focus on different scenes and musical numbers to give all participants an opportunity to get involved.

By David H. Waller

Albany recorded 6.26 inches of rainfall in April, making it the wettest April in nearly a decade and more than doubling the town’s historical average of 2.81 inches for the month. This year’s total is the highest April rainfall since 2016, when 6.81 inches were recorded, and ranks as the second-wettest April since 2002, when 6.43 inches fell. The 2025 total marks a rare high in recent decades, standing out from many drier years.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Two Albany High School seniors were awarded scholarships from Closet Angels last weekend in a brief announcement ceremony Sunday after church at the ministry’s building.

Chosen as recipients because of their service over the past few years were Carisa Barrera and Riley Mae Reames.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Voters in Shackelford County cast ballots Saturday, May 3, to elect representatives for both county school boards and the hospital district, with contested races decided for Albany ISD, Moran ISD, and the Shackelford County Hospital District.

John Gallagher secured the Albany ISD Place 7 trustee seat with 191 votes, defeating challenger Teagan Brown, who received 57. Gallagher will replace Kim Fuentes, who resigned from that seat.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County 4-H members selected new leadership for the upcoming year during their final meeting of the 2024-2025 program year, held Sunday afternoon, May 4.

Senior and junior officer teams were elected to lead the local youth organization through 2025-2026, with Landon Picquet tapped as senior president and Reese Nitschke chosen to head the junior officers.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Moran ISD has announced a full slate of activities as the school year winds down, including banquets, award ceremonies, graduations, and the annual Pre-K Roundup.

Pre-K Roundup will be held Thursday, May 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Parents of incoming students must bring a birth certificate, Social Security number, immunization record, proof of residence (such as a utility bill or lease), and a parent or guardian photo ID. For more information, contact the school at 325-945-3101 or email jtencate@moran.esc14.net.

By David H. Waller

Polo on the Prairie once again brought hundreds of supporters together Saturday at Rancho Verde, located between Albany and Breckenridge on Hubbard Creek Reservoir. The annual fundraiser, benefiting the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, marked its 39th year with what organizers believe was the largest crowd in the event’s history. This year’s event raised nearly $1 million for cancer care and research.

By David H. Waller

Organizers for CareFest have announced the lineup for the seventh annual event, set to take place on August 16. The benefit concert, which raises money for ResourceCare, will feature performances by Kevin Fowler, Stoney LaRue, Jason Boland, Cooder Graw, Carter Peaslee, and Yesterdaze Wine. Peaslee and Yesterdaze Wine lead singer Jared McLane are both past winners of CareFest’s Acoustic Showdown competition.