By Melinda L. Lucas

Although the official report from the Texas Department of State Health Services does not yet reflect it, Albany experienced its first COVID-related death last week, a man in his 60s, reportedly with no underlying health conditions.

“Any death of a citizen is tragic, but this forces us to see firsthand the severe threat of this virus,” said Albany mayor Susan Montgomery. “We are so saddened by this death of an Albany resident. Once again, please be a good citizen and neighbor and do everything to protect to yourself and others.”  

By Sandy Morris

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, wreath-laying ceremonies are coordinated across the United States, at sea and abroad, to coincide with the main ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and arrangements have been made for a local ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 11:00 a.m.

The brief ceremony will be held at the pavilion at the Albany Cemetery before the wreaths are placed on the graves. 

By Sandy Morris

What began as a call for erratic driving turned into the detention of 20 undocumented immigrants on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13.

According to Albany Chief of Police Mike House, the local dispatch received a call of a possible intoxicated driver. 

APD officer Mark Purpura was in the area and according to House, observed the reported truck almost strike another vehicle from behind. 

Purpura initiated a traffic stop for following too close to another vehicle and pulled the truck over in the Prairie Star parking lot. 

Photo packages of local flag football teams and individuals have been printed and are now available for those who haven’t already claimed them.

Parents who paid in advance or who have valid accounts can pick up their packages at The Albany News office.

Others can be ordered when they are paid.

In addition, photos of all junior high and high school basketball teams are being finished up this week, and most will be ready by the first part of next week. The high school boys’ packets will be available before the Christmas break.

By Sandy Morris

There are three weeks  left in the annual Albany Chest campaign and contributions are badly  needed in order to meet the 2020 fundraising goal of $41,000. 

The goal was set by the directors at the start of the campaign after they reviewed the submitted funding requests from 25 organizations. 

The total donated as of Tuesday, Dec. 8 was $15,835. 

By Sandy Morris

Both the local 4-H and FFA clubs are staying busy as they approach the end of the year. 

 Shackelford County Livestock Association

Members of the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association held a planning meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Plans were discussed for the upcoming local stock show scheduled for Jan. 21-23.

The annual clean-up day has been scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 16, starting at 8:00 a.m.

Photo packages of local flag football teams and individuals have been printed and are now available for those who haven’t already claimed them.

Parents who paid in advance or who have valid accounts can pick up their packages at The Albany News office.

Others can be ordered when they are paid.

In addition, photos of all junior high and high school basketball teams are being finished up this week, and most will be ready by the first part of next week. The high school boys’ packets will be available before the Christmas break.

By Sandy Morris

Local shoppers didn’t let the weather or COVID prevent them from shopping local during the recent “Albany Bucks” promotion sponsored by the Albany Chamber of Commerce, and since that time, funding has become available for even more Bucks. 

The next drawing for Albany Bucks will be today, Dec. 10 at 11:00 a.m. and will be announced live on the Albany Chamber Facebook page. 

Previous Albany Bucks winners are not eligible to win, and only one certificate per person will be allowed. 

By Sandy Morris

Last Saturday evening, downtown Albany was shining bright with floats from the community Christmas parade.

Parade organizer Mac­kenzie Viertel said he was very happy with the support.

“Everybody that signed up to be in the parade showed up, along with others who hadn’t signed up,” Viertel said. “The turnout on the streets also was great and it was nice to see the community come out and support the parade.”

Viertel said that organizers presented first, second, and third place awards.

By Melinda L. Lucas

After a battle with cancer, longtime “country doctor” J.E. Mikeska died Nov. 30 at the age of 93.

A resident of Albany since 1987, he practiced medicine for 58 years, retiring in 2015 when he was 87.

Mikeska and his wife Gayle came to Albany after practicing 26 years in Clyde and at the Baird Hospital. He officed in the Shackelford County Hospital District’s clinic until shortly before the hospital closed in 1996.