Fort Griffin State Historic Site will host its fifth annual Winter Encampment and Dutch Oven Cook­off on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20-21, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life through immersive, hands-on experiences.

The event kicks off Friday at 8 a.m., running until 4:30 p.m., with the public invited to observe period-correct cooking demonstrations. Attendees will witness authentic techniques used during the mountain man era through the Indian Wars period. Approximately 25 encampments will be set up, featuring settlers, military personnel, and even livestock.

Drivers traveling across the US 180 bridge over Hubbard Creek Reservoir should prepare for nightly lane closures as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) resumes maintenance work on the structure. Beginning Sunday, February 9, crews continued cleaning and sealing bridge joints, a project that started last year.

By David H. Waller

In what can only be described as a lesser-known publication—The Wall Street Journal (perhaps you’ve heard of it, though it’s no Albany News)—my brother, Andy Waller, recently found himself being interviewed for a cover story. And while we at The Albany News prefer real stories about multi-agency manhunts and championship football games, we’ll make an exception this time since, well, it’s my brother.

The annual membership meeting of the Albany Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the Icehouse Restaurant, starting at 12:00 noon. Chamber members will vote on a slate of directors whose terms have expired, followed by the election of officers for the next year.

The board will meet to elect officers for the coming year following the directors’ election. All Chamber members are welcome to attend the lunch. The cost of the meal is $15.