For many Texans, Robert Duvall never felt like a distant movie star. Through his role as Augustus “Gus” McCrae in Lonesome Dove, he felt more like family. For me, losing Gus at the end of that story was painful enough, and now with Duvall’s passing, it feels like losing him all over again.

In honor of Larry, we are republishing one of his beloved columns from January 3, 2003, a story that reflects the humor and storytelling that made his writing so special to our community.

This is the story of a Noble(s) adventure. It is a true story. No names have been changed to protect the innocent…or the guilty.

The Albany ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved plans Monday to replace the visitor-side bleachers at the Albany football field, citing safety concerns, building code issues and lack of accessibility with the existing structure.

Superintendent Daryl Stuard told trustees the current visitor bleachers are several decades old and are in deteriorating condition. He said multiple contractors advised that the bleachers do not meet current building codes and are not ADA compliant, and that bringing them up to standard would cost nearly as much as full replacement.

As Albany ISD prepares for a May bond election, questions have surfaced regarding whether Shackelford County could use revenue from the new data center project to help fund construction of a new school campus.