Drivers traveling across the US 180 bridge over Hubbard Creek Reservoir should prepare for nightly lane closures as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) resumes maintenance work on the structure. Beginning Sunday, February 9, crews continued cleaning and sealing bridge joints, a project that started last year.
The annual membership meeting of the Albany Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the Icehouse Restaurant, starting at 12:00 noon. Chamber members will vote on a slate of directors whose terms have expired, followed by the election of officers for the next year.
The board will meet to elect officers for the coming year following the directors’ election. All Chamber members are welcome to attend the lunch. The cost of the meal is $15.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Albany city council members approved an amended budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 and set a time for a budget workshop on March 4 to look at figures for the start of the upcoming year, which is April 1, 2025.
The council also approved a proposal to build a city website and moved next month’s regular meeting time to Monday, March 17 in order not to conflict with spring break plans.
Amended Budget
By Melinda L. Lucas
With two contested races as of Tuesday, residents only have two more days to toss their hats into the local political ring for several local elections to be decided May 3.
Of the six elections, the Albany school board and Albany city council have contested races, with the Moran school board, Moran city council, and Shackelford County Hospital Board both drawing a full slate of candidates but no contests as of Wednesday morning.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Albany’s Gabby Lopez and Moran’s Ellis Hise were recently notified that they had received the 2025 Good Citizen Awards from the Lee’s Legion Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The award, which emphasizes the qualities of good citizenship, also seeks high school seniors who show dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
