By Melinda L. LucasThe hiring of several new staff members came toward the end of the June 21 morning meeting of the Albany ISD school board, and teacher pay raises were approved for those who have “topped out” on the state salary scale.

By Donnie A. LucasAlthough there are tickets left for both Friday and Saturday performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle, the final Saturday show is inching closer to selling out.

By Donnie A. LucasDespite fewer out-of-town participants this year, the 2022 version of the Fandangle parade rolled down Main Street last Saturday with a number of the entries awarded cash prizes.The number of entries may have been down, but the number of spectators seemed to be higher.

By Melinda L. LucasDirectors 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.

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.

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

By Sam WallerThere 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.

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

By Sam WallerThe 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 WallerThe 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.