By Donnie A. LucasA grass fire that originated on the Matthews’ Lambshead Ranch quickly raced out of control due to winds in excess of 40 to 50 mph last Thursday, eventually consuming over 18,600 acres on four ranches in southern Throckmorton County and northern Shackelford County.

By Melinda L. LucasSeveral blocks within the Albany city limits will be “moved” to a different voting precinct if  changes made by commissioners last week are approved as part of the state’s redistricting requirements.A public hearing has been set for Friday, Nov. 12 at 9:00 a.m.

By Sam WallerThe downtown area and a large section of Albany was left without power for several hours early on Oct. 27 because of a thunderstorm that downed a tree.“All of downtown from the courthouse and the southwest part of town was out from about midnight until about 5:00 a.m.

By Melinda L. LucasLess than 200 local voters turned out for this week’s Constitutional Amendment Election, about 8.6 percent of those registered in Shackelford County. About 80 of those voted early or by mail, with the Shackelford County Courthouse the only polling site in the county.

By Sam WallerThe Albany NFL Flag Football League began the second half of its season Saturday, Oct. 23 with all three division races still undecided.Games are played at the high school baseball field.The league has two more weeks of play remaining before conducting its Super Bowl week Nov. 8-11.

By Sam WallerQuail hunting season opens Saturday across the state with seasons for white-tailed deer and Turkey to start Nov. 6.Game Warden Jacob Mort said the outlook for quail is average to slightly below average in Shackelford County.“There are some birds around,” Mort said.

The Albany News’ 16th annual holiday recipe section will be published in one month, with favorite recipes being solicited from all ages of current and former Albany and Moran chefs and bakers.

By Sam WallerBig Sexy Smokers claimed titles in three categories, and Lesley Jones won two Saturday at the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Home of the Hereford Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament at Webb Park.

By Donnie A. LucasRunning Man, which has become an Albany tradition, is set for Saturday night, Oct. 30 starting and ending at The Feed Store.

By Sam WallerNeighbors in Need will soon be known as the Local Exchange as the ministry looks to streamline operations.“For now, the name change is just for Neighbors in Need,” Lori Reames, director of Closet Angels, said. “However, the new phone number we have is also for Closet Angels.