As Independence Day approaches, Shackelford County officials are reminding residents to take extra precautions when using fireworks – especially inside city limits and along county roads, where they remain strictly prohibited.

There will be no issue of The Albany News next week, as the paper pauses publication for its annual July 4th break.The paper publishes 50 issues per year, taking planned breaks for Independence Day and Christmas. Publication will resume with the July 10 edition.

The 87th anniversary season of the Fort Griffin Fandangle will open this weekend, with performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 20–21, and continuing the following weekend on June 27–28 at the Prairie Theater.Gates open each evening at 7:00 p.m. The main production begins at 8:30 p.m.

The Care Lunker Classic was held Saturday morning, June 14, at Hubbard Creek Reservoir and brought in a strong turnout for both the competition and the weigh-in ceremony. A total of 49 teams participated in the tournament, which proved to be one of the summer’s biggest events so far.

The Fort Griffin Fandangle Parade will take place this Saturday, June 22, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and making two passes through downtown Albany. The annual event coincides with the second night of performances at the Prairie Theater.

By Melinda LucasThe Old Jail Art Center will bring history to life this Saturday, June 21 with two special events celebrating the Fort Griffin Fandangle and local heritage – part of its larger lineup of free, family-friendly activities this summer.

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 LucasAlbany 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.

By Melinda LucasShackelford 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.

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.