By Sam WallerThe Local Exchange will be closed until further notice due to the heat, according to director Lori Reames.Reames said the facility has no air conditioning to combat the triple-digit temperatures blanketing the area, and staff will be taking vacation.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s run in the Division III 7-on-7 State Tournament came to an end Friday, June 23 with a 27-19 loss to Daingerfield in the second round of championship bracket play.

By Sam WallerSeven players from the Albany Lions baseball team were recognized for their achievements on the field this season with inclusion on the All-Big Country Preps Baseball Team.

By Sam WallerThe girls portion of Albany Junior/Senior High’s summer conditioning program concluded this week and will resume Monday, July 17 following a two-week break.The program is open to all incoming seventh through 12th graders who plan to participate in interscholastic sports.

By Sam WallerVolunteers from First Baptist Church of Albany are once again donating their time and labor as part of an annual mission trip to Del Rio.

By Melinda L. LucasNo action was taken other than approving the minutes and bills during a brief meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors on Monday, March 20.

After Albany’s emergency siren went off on two consecutive days earlier this month, Volunteer Fire Chief Joel Viertel felt it would be a good time to remind local citizens of what the signals mean.

By Donnie A. LucasA variety of pets were marched around at the Bank Park Saturday during the annual Fandangle Pet Parade.Winners were named in four categories, with each receiving $25 in Albany Bucks to be spent at local participating stores.“We had a good turnout,” coordinator Laci Cook said.

By Sam WallerShackelford County Library’s annual children’s story hour wrapped up its June schedule Tuesday, June 27.The program will shift to 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  on Wednesdays starting July 5 and continue as long as attendance warrants, organizer Janna Ledbetter said.

By Sam WallerThe second installment of the Big Country Beef Cattle Improvement Series will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 29 (today), at Double Deuces Event Venue in Clyde.The topic for the program, hosted by the Callahan County extension service, is Stock Pond and Water Management.