New hotel to bring eclectic flair to Albany

By David H. Waller

In a town celebrated for its rich history and western charm, the Stone Rabbit Hotel is poised to add another layer of intrigue and hospitality to Albany. Owned by Mike and Betsy Parsons, the hotel blends historical restoration with an eclectic vision, creating a space that promises an unforgettable guest experience.

A Historical Foundation

New hotel to bring eclectic flair to Albany

Weapon recovered from last week’s manhunt

Local law enforcement and volunteer firefighters successfully recovered the shotgun dropped by Michael Z. Haley during last week’s manhunt, following multiple search attempts over several days. A previous report incorrectly stated that the firearm had already been found at the time of the initial search.

Weapon recovered from last week’s manhunt

New exhibits, events fill OJAC’s spring lineup

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Old Jail Art Center’s spring exhibitions will open this weekend with a preview for members and guests on Saturday, Feb. 15.

The come-and-go event is set for 3:00-6:00 p.m. with curators and artist remarks at 4:30 p.m.

A Fine Line: Drawings and Funhouse are both curated from the OJAC’s permanent collection, with the first including about one-third of the museum’s 300 drawings. Funhouse celebrates the use of humor and levity in art.

New exhibits, events fill OJAC’s spring lineup

Silverada takes the stage Feb. 15

Albany Live continues its concert series with a performance by Silverada at the Aztec Theater on Feb. 15, bringing a night of high-energy country music to Albany. Formerly known as Mike and the Moonpies, the Austin-based band has made a name for itself with a blend of traditional honky-tonk, rock & roll energy, and modern country storytelling.

Silverada takes the stage Feb. 15

Harold Eugene Durham

Harold Eugene Durham

Harold Eugene Durham, 83, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in Fort Worth. He was born January 6, 1942, in Albany, Texas to Howard and Greydelle Durham.

Harold Eugene Durham

Vera Mae Morris Clack

Vera Mae Morris Clack

Vera Mae Morris Clack passed away on January 23, 2025. She was a loving, kind, patient wife, mother and mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and teacher who will be deeply missed. Services are private, and are under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.

Vera Mae Morris Clack

Girls FCA camp draws over 200

By Sam Waller

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ girls Weekend of Champions drew more than 200 participants Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 1-2 to Eastland’s Solid Rock Encampment.

Local FCA representative Paul Johnston, who has been involved in the event for nearly a decade and oversees the girls weekend, said 170 students between eighth and 12th grades attended this year, along with 50 adult volunteers.

Girls FCA camp draws over 200

Words about the WORD - Doug Thomas, Trinity Episcopal

One of the underlying themes of the Bible is the loss of home and the search for another. It began with Adam and Eve leaving the Garden of Eden. Then, at the Tower of Babel, the Lord scattered the people over the face of the Earth. Those two losses occurred because of sin.

But the next two occurred because of hope. Abraham left his father’s house and the Children of Israel left Egypt because of God’s promise to lead them to new homes in the Promised Land.

Words about the WORD - Doug Thomas, Trinity Episcopal

Lynsi's Local Beat: High-speed chase, small-town suspense

By Lynsi Musselman

On a not so regular Tuesday, a brazen man leads local and neighboring authorities on a major car chase through two counties, before ending with a manhunt on foot in the cactus filled terrain of south Albany. What felt like a scene from Tombstone, with a tear drop tattoo character added, ended with all citizens sleeping safe and sound in their beds once night fell. 

Lynsi's Local Beat: High-speed chase, small-town suspense