The Albany ISD Board of Trustees received a detailed preliminary audit report during its regular meeting Monday, Sept. 15, presented by Cameron L. Gulley of Eastland. No action was taken on the audit, with formal acceptance expected during the October board meeting

Gulley praised district staff, particularly business manager Angelyn Faith, for closing the books by Sept. 1—just one day after the end of the financial year on Aug. 31. He noted that such a rapid turnaround is “unheard of” in most districts and reflects highly on the district’s internal processes.

Members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department gathered at the Shackelford County Courthouse on the morning of Sept. 11 to honor the lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks.

At approximately 8:30 a.m., seven firefighters arrived with Rescue 1, Rescue 2, Rescue 3, Engine 2 and Engine 3. At 8:46 a.m.—the exact time the first plane struck the World Trade Center—firefighters were joined by about a half-dozen community members to begin a memorial walk around the courthouse square.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Three weeks after the Albany City Council declined to adopt a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance, the city is facing renewed attention because of a sweeping public records request filed by Tammy Fogle, a non-resident who, along with Mark Lee Dickson of Longview, has played a large role to try to get the ordinance passed locally. 

Shackelford County commissioners adopted a balanced budget for the 2026 fiscal year during their regular meeting Monday morning, approving the plan by unanimous vote.

The adopted budget totals $5,126,554 and includes funding for an additional deputy clerk in the elections office. County Judge John Viertel and all four commissioners—Steve Riley (Pct. 1), Ace Reames (Pct. 2), Lanham Martin (Pct. 3), and Cody Jordan (Pct. 4)—voted in favor.

The 39th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale shattered previous records Sunday, Sept. 7, with gross sales topping $158,300 and an average of $1,251 per head, according to longtime organizer Mike Parsons.

“This was a record-breaking sale in every way,” Parsons said. “The Association will realize more than $24,000 from the proceeds, which will go directly to support the youth of Shackelford County.”

Today marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks—an event that forever changed our country. In the days that followed, even small towns like Albany felt the weight of the tragedy. From locals who were near the towers to families glued to television screens back home, the impact reached far beyond the East Coast.

It had been 626 days since Adam Hill last played in a football game—his final snap for Albany coming in the 2023 state championship at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2023. A monumental piece of the Lions’ back-to-back title runs in 2022 and 2023, Hill helped lead Albany to consecutive state championships with his toughness, versatility, and relentless work ethic. On Saturday, he finally returned to the field, suiting up for his first college game with the Texas Tech Red Raiders in their season opener against Arkansas–Pine Bluff.

Despite the 2025 dove season opening on a Monday, hunters in Shackelford County reported a day that met, or even exceeded, expectations – and expectations were high. 

Abundant birds, favorable weather, and packed fields made for a promising launch to the season, which had the traditional Sept. 1 start date and ends on Nov. 9 before picking up again for a “second season” Dec. 19, 2025 through Jan. 7, 2026.

Game Warden Jacob Mort said the county is seeing some of the best early results in the region. 

The Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association is expecting its biggest turnout yet for the 39th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Shackelford County Show Barn. 

Well over 40 consignors will bring more than 140 gilts and barrows, possibly as many as 160 — about 20 more than last year — promising a bustling weekend of livestock, competition among breeders, and community.

Association member Reggy Spencer said the increase reflects growing interest in the sale while maintaining careful limits. 

Airman 1st Class Briley Tabor, a 2023 graduate of Albany High School, recently completed Basic Military Training for the United States Air Force. She graduated during ceremonies held August 27–28, 2025, at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

The eight-and-a-half-week program introduces enlistees to military discipline, physical training, and the core values of the U.S. Air Force. Through a demanding schedule of drills, coursework, and team-building exercises, trainees are prepared to serve in the nation’s defense forces and uphold the standards expected of all airmen.