By Melinda L. Lucas

Directors voted to increase hourly rates for most local ambulance workers at Monday’s meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board meeting, acting on recommendations from EMS director Mateo Millan at last month’s session.

Millan had initially proposed slightly higher rates at the May meeting, ranging from $15 to $22 per hour to replace the current $11 to $16 per hour pay for EMTs, intermediates, and paramedics, which is reportedly about $5/hour less than most comparable size services in the area.

Albany News readers and advertisers are asked to be aware that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, during the week of July 4.

“There will not be an edition on Thursday, July 7,” said News editor Melinda Lucas. “We hope we’re giving everyone ample notice that we’re going to take that week off.”

The News office will be closed on Monday for the July 4th holiday but open on Tuesday through Thursday of that week and closed on Friday as usual.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A variety of activities are planning for the second weekend of performances for the Fort Griffin Fandangle on Friday and Saturday.

Free events during the final two days of the show include a quilt show, tracker organ concerts, a pet parade, calliope concerts, car museum, viewing the Picket House, longhorns on the Courthouse Square, a film at the Aztec Theater, exhibits, and activities at the Old Jail Art Center including a traditional Native American dance performance, plus several others.

By Sam Waller

There is still time to purchase raffle tickets for the Albany Study Club’s annual quilt raffle with the drawing to be held Saturday, June 25, and the winner to be announced before the final performance of the Fort Griffin Fandangle.

The quilt raffle is one of two fundraising projects the Study Club has, along with cookbook sales, to fund scholarships.

Raffle tickets may be purchased from any Study Club member or at Study Club’s Quilt Show. Tickets are $5 for one or $20 for five. Tickets will be sold until 7:00 p.m. Saturday.

By Sam Waller

Four Shackelford County 4-H members competed in the District 7 Horse Show last week at San Angelo, with two bringing home prizes.

Madailein Beard placed in all three timed events, finishing second in stakes, third in barrel racing, and sixth in pole bending Tuesday, June 14 at the Spur Arena.

Artie Bell placed fifth in pole bending as well as competing in the other timed events.

Rainy Nitschke also performed in the timed events, while Gage Burton competed in halter and showmanship.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions and Lady Lions wrapped up another stellar year with a top-10 finish in the University Interscholastic League’s Lone Star Cup standings.

Albany tied for ninth in the Class 2A standings with 44 points, sharing the spot with Centerville, Lovelady, and Timpson.

By Sam Waller

The Shackelford County Library’s annual children’s story hour concludes it four-week run Tuesday, June 28, but may be extended, according to organizer Janna Ledbetter.

Next Tuesday’s story hour will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

The program, aimed at preschool and early elementary children, has a theme of service to the community with visitors from the Albany Volunteer Fire Department, DPS and Shackelford County EMS. The final guests will be personnel from the Shackelford County Health Clinic.

Ledbetter said attendance so far has been great.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Seniors who are a part of the Class of 2023, along with their parents and guardians, are asked to attend a meeting set for this coming Sunday afternoon, June 26 at 4:00 p.m. in the Albany High School auditorium.

Parents will receive a packet with a calendar and other information about the students’ senior year.

Those who aren’t able to attend can pick up a packet at the high school during office hours.

By Sam Waller

Another youth sports camp conducted by Albany coaches is scheduled for early next week.

The Albany Volleyball Camp will be held Monday-Wednesday, June 27-29.

Cost for the volleyball camp is $25 per camper and includes a T-shirt.

Sessions will be 8:30-9:30 a.m. for students entering first through third grades, 10:00-11:30 a.m. for incoming fourth through six graders, and 1:00-3:00 p.m. for rising seventh through ninth graders.

Registration forms should be mailed to M.J. Reneau at 156 Breckenridge St., Albany TX 76430.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pets of all shapes, colors, and sizes are welcome at the annual Fandangle Pet Parade Saturday, June 25  beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The parade will take place at the Bank Park with prizes awarded for Best Dressed, Most Creative, Most Unique Pet, and Best Fandangle Costume.

Pet owners are encouraged to dress pets up in their best wild west attire.