By Donnie A. Lucas

Some of the props and facilities of the Fort Griffin Fandangle are showing their age, prompting the board of directors to initiate a capital improvements drive to make needed updates.

Originated in 1938 by Albany playwright Robert Nail, the annual show held in June has been performed at its own Prairie Theater since 1964.

While minor improvements have been made to the theater over the years, the directors feel it is time to make more substantial and lasting repairs to safely see the show through its first century of performances.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Anyone who doesn’t have lunch plans on Christmas Day this Saturday is invited to attend the annual Christmas Feast set from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church.

This is the 13th year that the church has provided a meal for the community on Dec. 25.

“It is intended to provide fellowship on Christmas Day for those who may not have family in town for the holidays, or for anyone regardless of the circumstances who would like to come join us,” said Tamara Trail, one of the event organizers.

By Sam Waller

Five homes in Albany were recognized for their holiday displays by judges of the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s house decorating contest.

The home of Samantha Isbell was awarded first place with a prize of 100 Albany Bucks.

Second place went to Red and Shirley Alexander, who received 75 Albany Bucks.

Third place and 50 Albany Bucks went to Jeff and Gaye Davis.

The Isbell and Alexander homes are repeat winners.

Receiving honorable mention were the homes of Steven and Kathryn Sutton and Cliff and Mary Rose.

News readers and advertisers are asked to be aware that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, the week after Christmas, and that the office will close early on Dec. 23.

“There will not be an edition on Thursday, Dec. 30,” said News editor Melinda Lucas. “We hope we’ve given everyone ample notice that we’re going to take that week off to spend time with our families.”

By Sam Waller

A tractor-trailer carrying concrete conduits overturned and spilled its load on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 16, shutting down at least two lanes and at times all four lanes of U.S. Highway 180 on the east side of Albany for several hours.

Albany Police Chief Mike House said the driver of the westbound truck, registered to Man Transportation of Breckenridge, lost control, and the vehicle turned over as it negotiated the curve where 180 merges with Hill Street near the Allsup’s convenience store. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Members of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors heard the 2020 audit report and also took action to temporarily replace EMS supervisor Tina Ulbrich because of an upcoming medical leave during the regular December meeting on Monday night.

The directors delayed a decision on creating a new nurse manager position at the clinic and made plans to move forward with interviews for the district’s administrator job, which has been vacant since last June.

Audit Report

By Sam Waller

City and county offices will close early this week and next for holiday observances,

Shackelford County offices will be closed Friday and Monday for Christmas. The Courthouse will also close Friday, Dec. 31, for New Year’s Eve.

City of Albany offices will close at noon Thursday (today) for Christmas and reopen Monday. City offices will also be closed Friday, Dec. 31, for New Year’s Eve.

The Shackelford County Library will be closed Friday through the end of the year. The library will resume its regular schedule on Monday, Jan. 3.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Republic Services, trash pickup contractor for the City of Albany, will run its regular schedule for the week of Christmas.

Residential trash containers and business and industrial containers normally picked up on Thursday, Dec. 23 will run as scheduled.

Trash pickup also will remain as scheduled the following week, with residential, business and industrial containers picked up  on the regular date.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The first 2022 distribution of government commodities is set for Thursday, Jan. 6 at the Moran City Hall, followed by another session on Friday, Jan. 7 for Albany residents behind the justice of the peace office at the Courthouse.

Families that are certified as eligible can pick up the January allotment between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at both locations.

We want to thank everyone for all the love and kindness you have shown our family through our tremendous loss. Thank you for all the prayers, food, flowers, plants and kind words. Sarge was loved by many. We appreciate each and every one of you. 

A special thanks to Clint Chapman. It feels great to be in a town that makes you feel so loved in such a difficult time. Thank you all, 

Sargent family