By Melinda L. Lucas

Eight new public information requests submitted at Albany City Hall by Tammy Fogle of Abilene  on Monday, Sept. 22, have extended the ongoing debate over the “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance in Albany. 

A Sanctuary City ordinance failed at the Aug. 18 city meeting, when no motion was voiced to bring it to a vote. Supporters had been seeking to have it placed on the city agenda for several months, and city officials finally did that in August.

Fort Griffin will come alive with frontier sights and sounds during Living History Days, set for October 10–11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort Griffin State Historic Site north of Albany. The event offers an immersive step back into the late 1800s, featuring reenactments and demonstrations that capture the spirit of Texas frontier life.

The Albany Mainstreet Playhouse has announced its 2025–2026 performance season, featuring a diverse lineup of productions that promise both entertainment and community engagement. The group, now officially operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, hopes this season will raise both spirits and funds—with a goal of $15,000 to support its efforts.

Season Opens with WWII-Era Cabaret

The Patch, hosted by Bethel Albany, returns for its eighth year this Saturday, Sept. 27, bringing fall fun to Clear Fork Bank Park for the entire community. This year’s event also coincides with Bethel Albany’s 10th anniversary, adding an extra layer of celebration to the day.

The event kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with the opening of the pumpkin market, followed by a wide array of family-friendly activities starting at 10:00 a.m. Guests can enjoy live music, games, bounce houses, train rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and free family photo opportunities.

Albany High School will celebrate Homecoming 2025 on Friday, Sept. 19, with traditional festivities that include a downtown parade and the presentation of royalty during halftime of the football game against Coahoma. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

Homecoming Parade

This year’s parade will begin at 5 p.m. and travel through downtown Albany before returning to the stadium parking lot. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany City Council members heard from one local citizen related to the ongoing controversy over the proposed “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance during their regular meeting Monday, Sept. 15, while also approving the city’s 2025 tax rate and authorizing the fire chief to pursue a used fire engine through a state grant program.

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.