The Shackelford County Youth & Livestock Association will host its annual 3-Person Golf Scramble at Albany Golf Club on Friday and Saturday, July 19–20, with proceeds benefiting local students who participate in the county stock show.

The tournament is limited to 40 teams, and while the afternoon flight is already full, a few morning spots remain for the 8:30 a.m. tee time. Entry is $125 per player.

In addition to the tournament, a meal will be provided Saturday evening followed by a Calcutta and live music by Matt Stapp.

The 87th anniversary of the Fort Griffin Fandangle closed its 2025 season Saturday night, following two weekends of performances at the Prairie Theater that brought in a total of 3,021 ticket holders.

Shows were held June 20–21 and June 27–28, with strong crowds each night. Based on pre-show surveys, more than half of attendees were experiencing the Fandangle for the first time. In addition to visitors from across the state, this year’s audience included international guests from Brazil, South Africa, Scotland, Canada, and Germany.

Albany Junior/Senior High athletes are heading into the final stretch of their summer conditioning programs, with coaches and players preparing for the start of preseason football and volleyball practices in early August.

Local boys can still work out in conditioning sessions led by coaches at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday through July 17, but can continue to work out on their own after that.

ResourceCare’s annual Summer Day Camp begins next Monday, July 14, with 124 children ages 3 through sixth grade set to participate in the two-week program.

“Thanks to some late applicants, we were able to add back our pre-K and kindergarten groups,” said camp co-director Mindy Ary. “But registration is now closed – no exceptions – because we have to maintain the proper staff-to-child ratio for the kids already enrolled.”

The Albany FFA Chapter brought home several honors from the 97th Annual Texas FFA Convention, held June 30–July 4 in Fort Worth.

FFA sponsor Chris Beard, who attended the convention with the local group, said the trip was a chance to both celebrate student success and build momentum for the year ahead.

“We were proud of what our kids accomplished this year,” Beard said. “It’s great to see their hard work recognized at the state level.”

Jon Matthew Birkla, 68, passed away July 1, 2025. 

Memorial service will be 10am Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Albany Cemetery Pavilion. 

Jon (Matt) Matthew Birkla ,68, passed away in Abilene, TX on July 1, 2025.

Matt was born January 9, 1957 in Mt. Carmel, Illinois to Calvin George Birkla and Ola (Pat) Creciann Birkla.  Matt’s family moved around and settle in Pecos, Tx. Matt attended Pecos schools.

Michael “Mike” Gerald Folsom,  of Albany, Texas, passed away on June 24, 2025, at the age of 60. Born on June 22, 1965, he was a devoted father, Boppy and friend whose generosity and skills enriched the lives of many.

He is survived by his two daughters, Katelyn Blanton and her fiancé JonMichael Blake, and Michaela Bradford and her husband Troy Bradford. He was a proud Boppy to Braxton Blanton, Presley Blanton, Skylar Blanton, Silas Bradford, and Wesley Bradford. He will also be missed by a circle of close friends who stood by him throughout his life.

Jim Tom Butler, 87 of Albany, Texas and formerly of Crane, Texas passed away Thursday June 26, 2025. A Memorial service was at 1:00 P.M, July 1, 2025, at Albany Methodist Church in Albany, Texas with Pastor Tim Trimble officiating.

Jim Tom Butler was born on September 13, 1937, in Albany, Texas, Shackelford County to Hattie E. Butler and Leroy A. (Buddy) Butler. He had one brother, Billy Irl Butler.