By Donnie A. Lucas

A grass fire that originated on the Matthews’ Lambshead Ranch quickly raced out of control due to winds in excess of 40 to 50 mph last Thursday, eventually consuming over 18,600 acres on four ranches in southern Throckmorton County and northern Shackelford County.

The Throckmorton Rural Fire Department originally took the lead, but handed coordinating efforts to battle the blaze over to the Shackelford County Rural VFD, according to Shackelford County Rural VFD chief Brad Henry.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Several blocks within the Albany city limits will be “moved” to a different voting precinct if  changes made by commissioners last week are approved as part of the state’s redistricting requirements.

A public hearing has been set for Friday, Nov. 12 at 9:00 a.m. in the second floor courtroom to hear comments about the redistricting proposal, which only affects Albany citizens.

By Sam Waller

The downtown area and a large section of Albany was left without power for several hours early on Oct. 27 because of a thunderstorm that downed a tree.

“All of downtown from the courthouse and the southwest part of town was out from about midnight until about 5:00 a.m.,” Albany police chief Mike House said.

Some blocks were off several more hours.

House said most of the damage was caused by a tree being blown over and falling on power lines.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Less than 200 local voters turned out for this week’s Constitutional Amendment Election, about 8.6 percent of those registered in Shackelford County. About 80 of those voted early or by mail, with the Shackelford County Courthouse the only polling site in the county.

Local voters followed state trend, passing all eight propositions, some by wider margins than others.

Lee Hail, age 64 of Albany, passed away Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 6 at the United Pentecostal Church in Albany with Jeff Leverton, Cynthia Tollett, Eldon Roland, and BJ Kennimer officiating. Interment will follow in the Albany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 at Morehart Mortuary of Albany.