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.

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.

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

By Sam Waller

Two Albany FFA members brought home blue ribbons from major stock shows last week.

Kenzie Neve placed first in her class with a steer and made the sale at the National Western Livestock Show in Denver, Colo., while Jake Hale received a first-place ribbon at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo ag mechanics contest.

Neve showed her Maine-Anjou cross to the top spot in Class 9 Market Steers. The animal is one of eight Neve has fed this year. Two have been sold at shows, while four more are entered in upcoming major shows.

By Sam Waller

The 2025 Shackelford County Livestock Show is in the books, wrapping up just in time to beat a change in the weather.

The event, held Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 16-18, drew 128 participants from Albany FFA, Moran FFA and Shackelford County 4-H, down slightly from the past few years.

By David H. Waller

The Albany Live 2025 concert series continues this week with a highly anticipated performance by Texas music legend Gary P. Nunn. Set for January 25 at the Aztec Theater, the show promises an exciting evening of live music featuring one of the most celebrated names in Texas country.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the concert kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online or at the door. Early arrival is recommended to secure a good seat and enjoy the pre-show atmosphere.

By Melinda L. Lucas

There were times when it looked as though the Albany Chest wouldn’t come anywhere close to its 2024 goal, but donations flooded in at the end of the year, surging past the $48,000 goal and reaching what was possibly a record year with $53,310.75 in collections since October.

Chest directors met last week on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and handed out almost $56,000 to 25 applicants, including the Albany Band Boosters, who recently submitted a request for help funding the 2025 spring trip.

By David H. Waller

Brookshire’s grocery store in Albany has made a generous donation of $1,100 to Resource­Care Community Health Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to underserved individuals in the area.