By Donnie A. Lucas

All veterans in Shackelford County are invited to join local students for a Veterans Day celebration on Thursday, Nov. 11 at the high school gym.

The event will start at 11:00 a.m. with several special patriotic musical presentations, according to organizer Ann Riley.

“I sent over 90 invitations to veterans or spouses of deceased veterans,” Riley said. “I think they have a really good program planned, and we hope that the community will join us to thank our veterans.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Families are invited to celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights at the Old Jail Art Center’s free family festival this Saturday, Nov. 6, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

This is the Old Jail’s first indoor family festival since COVID restrictions first affected museum activities well over a year ago.

“We are excited about the family festival and having families back inside the museum,” said Susan Montgomery, Development and Membership Coordinator for the OJAC.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A grass fire that originated on the Matthews’ Lambshead Ranch quickly raced out of control due to winds in excess of 40 to 50 mph last Thursday, eventually consuming over 18,600 acres on four ranches in southern Throckmorton County and northern Shackelford County.

The Throckmorton Rural Fire Department originally took the lead, but handed coordinating efforts to battle the blaze over to the Shackelford County Rural VFD, according to Shackelford County Rural VFD chief Brad Henry.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Several blocks within the Albany city limits will be “moved” to a different voting precinct if  changes made by commissioners last week are approved as part of the state’s redistricting requirements.

A public hearing has been set for Friday, Nov. 12 at 9:00 a.m. in the second floor courtroom to hear comments about the redistricting proposal, which only affects Albany citizens.

By Sam Waller

The downtown area and a large section of Albany was left without power for several hours early on Oct. 27 because of a thunderstorm that downed a tree.

“All of downtown from the courthouse and the southwest part of town was out from about midnight until about 5:00 a.m.,” Albany police chief Mike House said.

Some blocks were off several more hours.

House said most of the damage was caused by a tree being blown over and falling on power lines.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Less than 200 local voters turned out for this week’s Constitutional Amendment Election, about 8.6 percent of those registered in Shackelford County. About 80 of those voted early or by mail, with the Shackelford County Courthouse the only polling site in the county.

Local voters followed state trend, passing all eight propositions, some by wider margins than others.

By Sam Waller

The Albany NFL Flag Football League began the second half of its season Saturday, Oct. 23 with all three division races still undecided.

Games are played at the high school baseball field.

The league has two more weeks of play remaining before conducting its Super Bowl week Nov. 8-11.

Kindergarten-

First Grade

The Seahawks beat the Titans and the Packers beat the Rams in the youngest category of kindergarten and first graders.

By Sam Waller

Quail hunting season opens Saturday across the state with seasons for white-tailed deer and Turkey to start Nov. 6.

Game Warden Jacob Mort said the outlook for quail is average to slightly below average in Shackelford County.

“There are some birds around,” Mort said. “It’s usually been between six and eight birds in a covey.”

Statewide, the quail forecast is looking up after three years below average, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, but prospects remain low in the Rolling Plains region.

The Albany News’ 16th annual holiday recipe section will be published in one month, with favorite recipes being solicited from all ages of current and former Albany and Moran chefs and bakers.

“We’ve had really good response since we started publishing the recipe guides, and we’re looking forward to getting this one underway,” said News editor Melinda Lucas. “I’ve already heard from a couple of people.”

All kinds of recipes from appetizers and beverages to desserts are being requested.

By Sam Waller

Big Sexy Smokers claimed titles in three categories, and Lesley Jones won two Saturday at the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Home of the Hereford Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament at Webb Park.

The event was organized as a fundraiser for new holiday decorations put up throughout Albany. Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said sponsorships for the cookoff covered those costs.

“It turned out well,” Jones said. “It was a really nice family event.”