Volunteers honor veterans with wreaths

The graves of approximately 625 veterans were decorated by family members and other volunteers at the Albany Cemetery last Saturday, during the annual Wreaths Across America Day program. More than 50 volunteers and several family members of veterans fannedoutacrossthecemetery to place fresh green wreaths with red bows on the graves of all identified veterans.
Volunteers honor veterans with wreaths

Stockshow ramps up fundraising efforts

The Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association is starting its final fundraising push ahead of the 2025 county livestock show.

Events such as a summer golf scramble, the First Impressions Pig Sale, and the Shackelford County Showdown jackpot pig show have raised approximately $70,000 to be used for this year’s sale, according to association member Reggy Spencer. The task now, association president Bronco Askew said, is to add to that amount.

The Albany News

Zack Waggoner named ‘Firefighter of the Year’

Volunteer Zack Waggoner was named ‘Firefighter of the Year’ during the Albany Volunteer Fire Department’s annual awards presentation and Christmas party.

Fire Chief Joel Viertel explained that to be named ‘Firefighter of the Year,’ a firefighter typically needs to demonstrate a consistent record of dedicated service within their department and community, including acts of heroism, outstanding leadership, dedication to training, significant community involvement, and a positive reputation within the fire service, often going above and beyond expected duties. 

Fire Chief Joel Viertel presents the ‘Firefighter of the Year’ plaque to Zack Waggoner during the Albany Volunteer Fire Department’s annual awards presentation.

City council tackles key decisions

The Albany City Council met on Dec. 16, with key agenda items including the city’s financial status, a proposed opioid settlement, a proposed water lease, and the approval of multiple boards.

During the financial report, City Manager Billy Holson informed the council of a $307,000 deficit but expressed optimism that the situation would improve as tax revenues begin to arrive next month.

Albany News

Volunteers honor veterans with wreaths

The graves of approximately 625 veterans were decorated by family members and other volunteers at the Albany Cemetery last Saturday, during the annual Wreaths Across America Day program.

More than 50 volunteers and several family members of veterans fanned out across the cemetery to place fresh green wreaths with red bows on the graves of all identified veterans.

Navy veteran Matt Birkla and his former veteran shipmates, who gather annually in Albany for the Army-Navy game, place a wreath on a veteran’s grave.

Albany Nativity captivates large audiences

The Albany Nativity was presented to the community last weekend, during two performances at the Aztec Theater to an estimated audience of 450.

“Both shows were so good, and the audience raved about it as they left the theater,” director Lorna Ayers said. “I was impressed with all the actors and crew. The passion that the cast has for this production was very evident, and audience members said it was the best they had seen in years.”

Cast members of the Albany Nativity gather for the final scene, celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Christmas Village brings Albany to life

WhenCindyParsonsstarted her Christmas village collection in 1993, she couldn’t have imagined how large the magical display would grow to be today.Inspired by the charm of miniature villages, she began building her own with her late mother Tootie Rhoads for many years. Now, the tradition continuesasamother-daughter project with Cindy and her daughter, Ashley.
Cindy Parsons carefully arranges her Christmas village layout, a detailed miniature representation of Albany. She points out the details of the Robert Nail Memorial Stadium replica, complete with stadium lights and cheering fans

Wreaths honor veterans Saturday

For the fifth year, volunteers will gather Saturday to honor veterans buried at the Albany Cemetery with a memorial wreath for the holiday season as part of the National Wreaths Across America Day observance. Family members and other local residents will meet at 10 a.m.
Reny Rsyhule, of Columbia, Maine, unloads hundreds of wreaths from his semi-truck, preparing for National Wreaths Across America Day this weekend. Volunteers will meet at the Albany Cemetery at 10 a.m. to start the event. DONNIE LUCAS / ALBANY NEWS

Taxes Exceed $1 Million

Richard Petree, Interim ChiefAppraiserfortheShackelford County Appraisal District, recentlyreleasedinformationon theamountofdelinquenttaxaccounts within the Tax District. Petree said that low collection rates in some of the jurisdictions prompted the investigation into the amounts due and indicated that over a million dollars in delinquent taxes are owed across all years.
Albany News
Subscribe to News