By Melinda L. LucasThe Albany Volunteer Fire Department held its second “Birds and Burgers” fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 2 during the opening weekend of dove season, serving more meals than last year with virtually no wait.With 230 hamburgers sold, the volunteers considered it a huge success.

By Melinda L. LucasMembers of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department will host and participate in the third annual “Never Forget” Memorial Walk next Monday morning, Sept. 11 on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001.

By Sam WallerThe 37th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale will christen the renovated Shackelford County Livestock Show Barn with 135 show pigs to be auctioned offThe longest-running livestock sale in the U.S.

By Melinda L. LucasSeveral local government entities have set or are in the process of scheduling meetings to approve budgets and/or tax rates, including the following:•Shackelford County: Sept. 7, budget hearing 9:00 a.m., tax rate hearing 9:30 a.m. – Courthouse•City of Albany: Sept.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany ISD trustees passed a budget for the 2023-2024 school year during a special early morning session on Aug. 31, meeting the required state deadline.They also okayed the proposed tax rate of 73.

By Sam WallerAfter weeks of planning, it’s time for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s community-wide garage sale to be held Saturday, Sept. 9 at locations around town.Chamber manager Brandi Lehew said she was still fielding inquiries earlier this week as the registration deadline neared.

By Donnie A. LucasDallas resident Jason Harlow received a last-minute call in January from an Albany friend urging him to come out to eat and celebrate one last time at the famed Ft. Griffin General Merchandise Restaurant and Beehive Saloon before it closed.

By Donnie A. LucasA ribbon cutting is set for 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Shackelford County Show Barn to give the public and involved officials a look at the recently improved facility.

Diana Gayle Mikeska, age 86 of Albany, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Sept. 6 at First Methodist Church of Albany with Lance Thomas officiating. Interment followed at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.