By Sam WallerEight graduates from Shackelford County high schools enjoyed one last hurrah as high school athletes last week in the Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Festival.“Everything went very smoothly,” local FCA representative Paul Johnston said.

By Melinda L. LucasStudents at Nancy Smith Elementary School participated in the annual track meet held all day Monday, May 23, with results kept in many of the third through sixth grade competitions.Third and fourth grade places were reported in the June 9 edition.

By Sam WallerThe field is almost full for the Albany Golf Club’s annual three-person Father’s Day Golf Tournament scheduled Saturday-Sunday, June 18-19 at the Albany Golf Course.Entry fee is $300 per team. The tournament will have 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. tee times on Saturday.

Albany residents Brenda and Glenn Picquet experienced a thrill of a lifetime this past weekend, as their horse, Mo Donegal, captured first place in the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 11.

Jimmy Ruff, age 72 of Albany, passed away Monday, June 13, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 16 at First Baptist Church in Albany with Pastor Paul Johnston officiating. Interment will follow in the Albany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Connie Dianne (Fielder) Nail, age 75, of Bells TX formerly of Albany, was born on Feb. 10, 1947 in Odessa, TX to Douglas Harvey Fielder, Sr. and Treby Louise (Childers) Fielder. She passed away on Friday, June 10, 2022 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, TX surrounded by her loving family.

 Donald Brazos Thomson, 38, of Prosper, TX, was called home by God on June 10,2022, after a long fight with Neurofibromatosis Type 2.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual spring cleanup day Saturday, June 11 in advance of the Fort Griffin Fandangle.“This is the time of year when everybody tries to make their yards along Main Street look good,” Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said.

By Donnie A. LucasThe call is being sent out this week to local individuals, families, and organizations to help keep the tradition of the annual Fort Griffin Fandangle parade alive and well.

By Donnie A. LucasWith dress rehearsal and opening night for the 84th anniversary performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle a week away, just about everyone involved in the annual outdoor production is rehearsing or preparing on a daily basis.