By Kathy Thomson The 81st anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle officially concluded around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, with the traditional singing of “Prairie Land” by the entire cast, and some of the organizers were already looking forward to next year’s production.

By Melinda L. Lucas With two new teachers hired during a special session earlier this week, all vacancies with Albany ISD are now filled, according to superintendent Jonathan Scott.

By Nolan Davis There will be no Chamber of Commerce lunch this Friday, July 5, since it’s the day after the Independence Day holiday. “We will start back with the Chamber lunches when we meet at the Ice House on July 12 at 12:00 noon,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones.

By Kathy Thomson Albany water customers should have received a “2018 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report” this week showing that locally treated water meets or exceeds all federal drinking water requirements, and that there were no quality violations during the year 2018.

By Nolan Davis The Albany Chamber of Commerce is still taking idea submissions for the “Burma Shave” type signs that will be put up along all five of the highways leading into Albany in the future.

By Nolan Davis Glasstire, an online Texas visual arts magazine, recently named the Old Jail Art Center one of the best regional museums in Texas. “It’s always nice for the museum to be recognized in any way,” said Old Jail Art Center executive director Patrick Kelly.

By Kathy Thomson Over 30 animals including several dogs, a couple of ponies, a cow, a rabbit, and a guinea pig were entered in the annual Fandangle Pet Parade last week at the Bank Park, and all of the participants went home with a prize and/or a participation treat.

By Kathy Thomson Fandangle outfits should have already been returned, and Myra Hise asks anyone that still has a Fandangle-owned costume to turn it in as soon as possible so it can be cleaned and put away for the next show.

Older elementary students, as well as those in junior high and high school, are preparing for several upcoming camps being sponsored by First Baptist Church of Albany.

By Nolan Davis The Old Jail Art Center will be hosting four Region 14 teacher workshops during the month of July, with the first one scheduled for Friday, July 12. All four of the programs will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with breakfast and snacks provided.