LeMay places 3rd overall

Will LeMay finished third in the average in the 12 and under tie down roping at the Tuf Cooper Jr. World Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada last Wednesday, Dec. 11.

LeMay qualified for the exclusive event by placing in the top 25 in his division at participating rodeos throughout the year. 

Winning third place in the average on three head on Wednesday allowed LeMay to advance as one of only six contestants eligible for the finals, the “Shoot Out” round on Saturday, Dec. 14.

County fireworks restricted

By Kathy Thomson

The start of a new year is a time for celebrating, and local emergency responders remind county residents to make sure that any fireworks used in the revelry are handled safely and legally. 

Dry conditions and high winds this fall sparked the county commissioners to reinstate the county burn ban at their regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Even when a burn ban is not in effect, the use of fireworks is never allowed inside the city limits of either Albany or Moran. The use of fireworks on county roads is also prohibited.

Albany News

Filing ends with 1 contested race

By Melinda L. Lucas

The filing period for the March primary elections ended Monday evening with one local contested race after Bobby Williams submitted an application and petition on Monday morning for the office of Precinct 1 commissioner.

Incumbent commissioner Steve Riley, who has been elected for the past two four-year terms, filed in mid-November.

Albany News

Old Jail plans family festival

By Melinda L. Lucas

Everyone is invited to join in traditional Italian Christmas activities at the Natale family festival at the Old Jail Art Center on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

“Buon Natale means ‘Merry Christmas’ in Italian,” explained educational coordinator Molly Merck. 

She invited visitors to enjoy traditional Italian sweets like pandoro, panettone, and hot chocolate during the event, which will be held in the Stasney Center for Education.

Stalling Out

By Kathy Thomson

The annual Albany Chest campaign is in its final days, and the drive is still $15,880 short of the 2019 goal of $42,000 set by the directors. 

According to Chest treasurer Paige Adair, $26,120 had been deposited as of Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Over 50 percent of the targeted amount was collected during the first three weeks of the campaign,  but less than $2,000 has been given in each of the last three weeks, leaving 38 percent of the goal to be raised in the few short weeks before the end of 2019.

Paper cancelled for holiday week

News readers and advertisers are asked to be aware that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, during the week of Christmas.

“There will not be an edition on Thursday, Dec. 26,” said News editor Melinda Lucas. “We hope we’ve given everyone ample notice that we’re going to take that week off to spend time with our families.”

This is only the second time in 43 years of Lucas ownership that there hasn’t been a weekly paper.

Albany News

Senior lunch slated Dec. 13

By Kathy Thomson

Shackelford County senior adults (60 and up) are invited to attend the Shackelford County Resource Center’s December senior luncheon to be held on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Youth Center beginning at 11:15 a.m.

The Albany Church of Christ will be hosting the meal this month, according to program assistant Ragan Riley.

The menu for the December luncheon is baked ham, mashed potatoes, pea salad, and cranberries, with a Christmas theme.

Bingo, with prizes for the winners, will be played after the meal.

Albany News

VFD to buy vehicle with gift to city

By Melinda L. Lucas

After a lengthy discussion, Albany volunteer firemen were given permission to spend $30,000 in designated funds for an auxiliary vehicle. The action came during a regular monthly session on Monday night, Dec. 9 at City Hall.

Fire chief Kyle Tischler and assistant chief Travis Gardenhire presented five bids for pre-owned vehicles – four Suburbans and one crew cab pickup with a camper cover – to replace a 1987 Suburban that is no longer reliable.

Albany News

Bridge repair approved

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County commissioners approved a bid to repair a bridge on County Road 179 in Precinct 2 during a regular meeting on Monday morning, Dec. 9.

Shahan Concrete of Breckenridge agreed to replace the “cracked skirting” on the Caldwell Lane bridge for a total cost of $12,000. Owner Randy Shahan expects to finish the job by mid-February.

Albany News

Coloring contest winners named

By Kathy Thomson

This year the Albany Chamber of Commerce sponsored a children’s coloring contest for first through sixth grade students at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

Students colored a Christmas scene selected by their teacher from among the options submitted by the Chamber.

“We awarded one $10 gift certificate to the winner from each of the participating grades at the elementary school,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones.

Winners are listed below:

FIRST GRADE

Lori Warren’s class – Anna Alexander