Allegany Magazine

01/16/2026

A Note from Shane

Well...
This is it. My final day as managing editor of Allegany Magazine.

In a few hours from now, I will be turning in the keys to a wonderful kingdom!

When you see our 20th anniversary edition in February my name will appear for the last time in print as your managing editor. And what an amazing issue it's going to be. It's literally a work of art and I can't wait for you to see it. Truly. It’s a keepsake collectible edition so make sure you get one or five when it’s released in a couple of weeks. I'm as excited for you to see my last issue as I was my first!

But rest assured I'm not completely going away. And contrary to one unbelievable ugly online rumor (“Ding Dong”), I'm actually still very much alive. As Mark Twain once said “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

And Allegany Magazine is also doing well, thanks for asking. In fact, the March 2026 issue will be the annual wedding edition with some spectacular and beautiful photos! The Allegany Magazine Wedding Showcase this spring is currently being planned and organized even as I type this message.

The show continues.
Just without my name in the opening credits.

Also, just because I'm leaving my position at Allegany Magazine does not mean I'm leaving. My house is not up for sale. I even plan to do some wallpapering soon. I will also be attending the first birthday party of my great nephew this weekend.

I'm going to be around. I love this area. I'll be sitting next to you soon at a live theatre production, and bumping into you at festivals, singing along at concerts, standing in line behind you getting coffee, discussing art at the galleries, cheering from the stands, trying a new pour at a brewery, and asking you what you're eating at a local restaurant not because I'm writing a review but because it looks so good.

This is home - always has been. It's why I have had so much joy over these last 20 years telling your stories and hopefully being a cheerleader, advocate, tour guide, interpreter, and a positive ambassador for Allegany County, Maryland.

Some folks have asked if I could share the “Farewell/Thank you” video that was played at the Best of Allegany awards last week. And since I have always listened to what our readers want to see, a link to view that video is below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwOi508gSLk

Thank you for your support, appreciation, and trust. It has truly been an honor.

For one last time...

Shane Riggs
Managing Editor
Allegany Magazine
January 16, 2026

01/15/2026

Part Six!

What's so great about living here?

Watch this video and find out!

And then go get your own copy of our January 2026 issue and see more than 250 of your favorite people and places being celebrated and spotlighted!

You voted.
We revealed.
It's the Best of Allegany!

01/14/2026

01/14/2026

Part Five!

What's so great about living here?

Watch this video and find out!

And then go get your own copy of our January 2026 issue and see more than 250 of your favorite people and places being celebrated and spotlighted!

You voted.
We revealed.
It's the Best of Allegany!

01/13/2026

Part Four!

What's great about living here?

Watch this video and find out!

And then go get your own copy of our January 2026 issue and see more than 250 of your favorite people and places being celebrated and spotlighted!

You voted.
We revealed.
It's the Best of Allegany!

01/12/2026

Part Three!

Whats great about living here?

Watch this video and find out!

And then go get your own copy of our January 2026 issue and see more than 250 of your favorite people and places being celebrated and spotlighted!

You voted.
We revealed.
It's the Best of Allegany!

01/10/2026

Thank you for sharing! Congratulations!!!

01/10/2026

Thanks for sharing, Vicky Brenneman ! Congratulations!!!

THANK YOU J Steven Smiley and Shane Riggs for p58 of the January 2026 Edition of Allegany Magazine! You are both AWESOME even though I was difficult. 😅. Steven and I had a great idea and I ordered an outfit, which of course did not arrive on time, so we rescheduled. Said outfit arrived the day before the rescheduled date….i hated it…and then it rained!!! Professional that he is, Steven offered to reschedule again, but I was in full pout mode. NO!!! I’m just going to go jump in puddles!!! Steven arrived and I had a box full of jackets and accessories…the only things for certain were my RED rain boots and umbrella. I love themes. Theme for the day: I have you covered through all of Life’s Storms….so out we went…I did jump in puddles and those photos were a lot of fun. The clock was Steven’s idea. He knew I loved it and realized it had not often been photographed. It also added the element of time for a possible January publication as well as 24 hr coverage for my theme. He is so smart!!! So here I am….ready to cover you day or night through all of life’s storms!! I sent the outfit back. 😂.