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. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

A trio of senior athletes – two from Albany and one from Moran – will represent their two schools at the 2025 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival taking place this week in Abilene and Brownwood.

Albany’s Abi Hale is slated to take the court in the Bev Ball All-Star Volleyball Classic, which begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5, at Moody Coliseum on the Abilene Christian University campus. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany Little League teams closed out district tournament play last week and now look ahead to All-Star season, which begins this week with practices and pool play.