By Melinda L. Lucas
Albany City Council members heard from one local citizen related to the ongoing controversy over the proposed “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance during their regular meeting Monday, Sept. 15, while also approving the city’s 2025 tax rate and authorizing the fire chief to pursue a used fire engine through a state grant program.
The Albany ISD Board of Trustees received a detailed preliminary audit report during its regular meeting Monday, Sept. 15, presented by Cameron L. Gulley of Eastland. No action was taken on the audit, with formal acceptance expected during the October board meeting
Gulley praised district staff, particularly business manager Angelyn Faith, for closing the books by Sept. 1—just one day after the end of the financial year on Aug. 31. He noted that such a rapid turnaround is “unheard of” in most districts and reflects highly on the district’s internal processes.
Members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department gathered at the Shackelford County Courthouse on the morning of Sept. 11 to honor the lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., seven firefighters arrived with Rescue 1, Rescue 2, Rescue 3, Engine 2 and Engine 3. At 8:46 a.m.—the exact time the first plane struck the World Trade Center—firefighters were joined by about a half-dozen community members to begin a memorial walk around the courthouse square.
The Albany Lions rolled to a commanding 69-6 victory over the Seymour Panthers on the road Friday night, backed by a relentless ground attack and a suffocating defense.
Albany amassed 500 yards of total offense, including 399 rushing yards, while holding Seymour to just 15 rushing yards and forcing four turnovers. The win moved the Lions to 3-0 on the season heading into homecoming week.
The Albany Lady Lions varsity team faced two home challenges this past week, falling to Newcastle on Saturday and Strawn on Tuesday but showing key signs of progress as they gear up for district.
Against Newcastle on Sept. 13, Albany dropped the match in four sets (21-25, 26-24, 16-25, 17-25). Head coach MJ Reneau said the team’s offensive execution stood out despite the loss.
“Our serve receive was a little off, but we turned nearly every ball into an attack,” she said. “That kind of growth is huge for us going into district.”
Glory to God in the highest. His peace and honor shall follow Him always. He is Love and His mercies endure forever.
I have a few questions:
1. Have you been redeemed by the blood of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
2. Are you a disciple of Yeshua, who came to fulfill the Law, not to do away with it?
3. Do you know the word of God was born as a Jewish baby, died as a Jewish man, and will return with His kingdom as the Lion of Judea?
July 12, 1950 - September 12, 2025
Kathy Hobbs, 75, of Albany, Texas, passed away September 12th, 2025 at Hendrick Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 am Friday September 19th, at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church, 211 South Jacobs Street in Albany Texas. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Three weeks after the Albany City Council declined to adopt a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance, the city is facing renewed attention because of a sweeping public records request filed by Tammy Fogle, a non-resident who, along with Mark Lee Dickson of Longview, has played a large role to try to get the ordinance passed locally.
Shackelford County commissioners adopted a balanced budget for the 2026 fiscal year during their regular meeting Monday morning, approving the plan by unanimous vote.
The adopted budget totals $5,126,554 and includes funding for an additional deputy clerk in the elections office. County Judge John Viertel and all four commissioners—Steve Riley (Pct. 1), Ace Reames (Pct. 2), Lanham Martin (Pct. 3), and Cody Jordan (Pct. 4)—voted in favor.
A towering steel cowboy sculpture created in Albany will soon take its place along U.S. Highway 180 in Breckenridge, welcoming travelers into town with a bold display of local pride.
The 36-foot-tall sculpture of a cowboy on a bucking horse was built by Albany-based sculptor Joe Barrington. Though crafted in Shackelford County, the statue is not staying local— it was commissioned by a private Breckenridge citizen and will be installed just outside that city as a new visual landmark.
