The Albany City Council held its regular meeting Monday, June 16 at the Aztec Theater, addressing a full agenda that included safety concerns, public works updates, and new fire department needs.

By Melinda Lucas

Albany will be bustling with activity this weekend and next as Fort Griffin Fandangle performances return for their final two weekends – June 20-21 and June 27-28. Each performance day brings with it a host of free events, concerts, museum activities, and community traditions, perfect for visitors and locals alike.

By Melinda Lucas

Shackelford County 4-H members earned top honors at the 2025 State 4-H Roundup and District 7 Horse Show this June, with standout performances in both horse judging and equestrian events.

“Our senior horse judging team competed at State 4-H Roundup June 4. I am so proud of these ladies!” said Shackelford County Extension Agent Kelsey Bell. “Grace Fry, Bradee Stautzenberger, and Madailein Beard made up our team this year. Grace came away with 2nd place in Reasons!”

The Shackelford County Hospital District board met Monday, June 16, to address a range of issues from board vacancies to budget planning, while also finalizing insurance renewals and authorizing a $150,000 transfer to the EMS operating account.

The board officially accepted the resignation of Jo Ann Estridge and appointed two new members—Anita Jackson and Theresa Edmison—following brief introductions. Both were sworn in during the meeting. In a follow-up vote, board member Ami Davis was elected to serve as vice president.

The 87th anniversary of the  Fort Griffin Fandangle is set to open next week, with performances scheduled for June 20–21 and June 27–28 at the Prairie Theater.

The annual Fandangle Parade will take place on  Saturday, June 21. Entries are still being accepted for the parade. Those interested in participating may contact John Ayers (325-669-1156), Cori Bezner (325-660-1901), or Claire Ware (325-262-2389), or email info@fandangle.org.

After a prolonged and often heated meeting marked by public outcry, board deliberations, and legal discussion, the Shackelford County Hospital District board concluded that EMS Director Mateo Millan would not continue in his role. The outcome followed Millan’s decision to decline both employment options presented by the board—one as full-time EMS director under a new contract and the other as a paramedic at the board-approved hourly rate.

The Grease Worms are rolling out again—this time with the Rockies in sight and a fresh route mapped ahead.

For the second straight month, Albany found itself soaked by well-above-average rainfall. The city recorded 6.87 inches of rain in May, continuing a spring pattern of unusually wet weather across Shackelford County. This marks the wettest May since 2019 and the fourth-highest total for the month since 2000.

May’s total narrowly topped April’s 6.26 inches, bringing the combined rainfall for the two months to more than 13 inches. The town’s historical average for May sits at 3.99 inches, meaning this year’s figure nearly doubled expectations.

June is here, which means opening night of the Fort Griffin Fandangle is right around the corner. Rehearsals are in full swing, ticket sales are going strong, and the annual downtown parade is just weeks away.

The 87th anniversary production is scheduled for June 20-21 and 27-28 at the Prairie Theater. Ticket sales have been steady, with a strong response from returning patrons and early buyers. Reserved seating is available online at www.fortgriffinfandangle.com and at the Fandangle office. 

With June underway, the Old Jail Art Center is preparing to launch two new exhibitions that will carry visitors through the summer months.

Opening Saturday, June 7, the 2025 Summer Exhibitions feature work by Texas painter Bob Stuth-Wade and Dallas-based sculptor Saba Besier. The exhibitions will remain on display through September 6.