By David H. Waller
A high-speed car chase that began east of Abilene on Interstate 20 came to a dramatic conclusion in Albany on Tuesday, leading to a multi-agency manhunt that ended with the suspect’s arrest near the water tower on One Mile Hill. Here is a detailed account of the events:
Chase Begins on I-20
By Melinda L. Lucas
Albany Mainstreet Playhouse’s first ever “Cabaret” was a big success last weekend, with only one night planned initially, then a second performance added when the first sold out quickly.
The event was held Friday and Saturday evenings at the Whitney Theatre.
“We had advertised for a maximum of 48 because it was a dinner and show with limited space, but we ended up with 56 on Friday and 48 on Saturday,” said Lorna Ayers, AMP director. “Both were very responsive crowds, and we couldn’t have been more pleased.”
By David H. Waller
The Albany Volunteer Fire Department is spearheading efforts to establish a fire guard and implement back-burn strategies to mitigate wildfire risks to the city. Fire Chief Joel Viertel outlined the plan, which includes creating a 30-foot-wide fire guard around the city limits and conducting back burns of 300 to 500 feet to combat potential fires fueled by high winds from the south and west.
Chris Rogers
Chris Rogers, 38 of Albany, passed away in hospice with his family around him on Thursday, January 23, 2025 after battling cancer for four months. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, February 1st at Albany Cemetery with Jeff Pleasant officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.
By Michael Atmar
Before I get into this message, I must give credit to John Tate. Every Sunday morning, he and I visit for a few minutes before he heads off to his church in Woodson. We often share the topics of our sermons for the day. The inspiration for this message comes from a series he preached recently.
Heart Transplant
By Melinda L. Lucas
Several new candidates for local offices have emerged during the past week, with the filing deadline now two weeks away on Feb. 14.
There is now at least one opposed race for the May 3 elections, with John Gallagher and Teagan Brown both running for Place 7, the seat being vacated by Kim Fuentes on the Albany ISD’s board of trustees.
Seafood in beef country? Being 12 hours from the coast typically does not scream fresh seafood as a culinary option. If you are like most readers and grew up in the Big Country, you only ate salmon croquet patties or fried catfish. However, Goodnight Steakhouse and Saloon is bringing back the popular Thursday shrimp night starting on Thursday, February 6 and will run through late summer or early fall. With the evolution of quick shipping and air service, they will be bringing you the freshest Texas Gulf shrimp as well as oysters from Texas bays and estuaries.
By Melinda L. Lucas
After ordering the May 3 election and hearing some routine administrative reports, the Albany ISD board of trustees spent more than an hour going over an assessment of the AISD facilities, presented by J.D. Coffee of Teinert Construction.
The trustees are exploring the options of a bond issue, with the possibility of construction or extensive renovation of current facilities.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Shackelford County commissioners approved a big-ticket expenditure of $211,109 for IT upgrades and replacements during its regular meeting on Monday morning, Jan. 27.
The court also spent some time in closed session to review a presentation by local deputy Jason Price regarding the county’s “standard compensation and overtime compensation practices.”
Computer Equipment
