By David H. Waller

When we moved our printing to Midway Press in Dallas, it opened up an exciting opportunity to refresh Albany’s visitor guide and take advantage of improved printing options.

In years past, the guide was square-shaped, printed on newspaper stock, and unbound. 

The gazebo in downtown Albany recently received a full restoration, wrapping up a three-week project to update the 50-year-old structure. The work included new decking and repairs to help preserve the historic downtown structure.

Elevated Construction Group, based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, completed the project at a quoted cost of $35,700. The team replaced the original flooring with Trex composite decking, a long-lasting material made from recycled plastic film and reclaimed wood.

The hit PBS travel series The Daytripper will shine a spotlight on Albany in an upcoming episode set to premiere in mid-October. The episode will first air on PBS Austin on Thursday, Oct. 16, and on all other Texas PBS stations on Saturday, Oct. 18. It will also be available on the show’s YouTube channel beginning Monday, Oct. 20.

Johnny Ray Holson, 87, of Albany, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at First Christian Church in Albany. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Albany Cemetery under the direction of Girdner Funeral Home of Abilene.

Johnny was born in Mena, Arkansas, to Lucille and Herman Holson. He was baptized in a creek by a Baptist preacher and attended Rocky School and Mena High School.