In the only contested local race, Shackelford County Judge John Viertel was reelected with 396 votes, or 60.64%, to challenger Raleigh Breeden’s 257 votes (39.36%) in Tuesday’s Republican Primary election. Viertel will begin his second term in January 2027.

County voters turned out in modest numbers for Tuesday’s midterm primaries. Of the county’s 2,445 registered voters, 721 (29.5%) cast ballots – 669 on the Republican side and 52 on the Democratic ballot – with well over half of those cast during the early voting period.

Routine maintenance work on the U.S. Highway 180 bridge over Hubbard Creek Reservoir began Wednesday, March 4, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

TxDOT officials said the project includes work on and underneath the bridge. Crews are working daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. The maintenance is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete.

During the project, motorists should expect periodic single-lane closures to allow crews to safely complete the work.

The Albany News is preparing to release its Spring/Summer Visitor Guide at the end of this month, continuing the fresh look introduced with last fall’s complete redesign.

The updated format, which shifted the guide to more of a magazine-style publication, was well received by readers and local businesses alike. With a clean layout, expanded features and a strong focus on highlighting Albany’s shops, restaurants, events and attractions, the redesigned guide quickly became a go-to resource for both residents and visitors.

With the basketball season now complete and Albany’s playoff run finished, several Lions have earned top honors on the District 10-AA All-District team.

Leading the way for Albany was senior Huffman Heatly, who was named Co-Most Valuable Player after a standout season in which he helped guide the Lions to one of the most successful campaigns in program history. Heatly played a central role on both ends of the court, providing leadership, scoring, and defensive intensity throughout the year.