The Grease Worms are rolling out again—this time with the Rockies in sight and a fresh route mapped ahead.

For the second straight month, Albany found itself soaked by well-above-average rainfall. The city recorded 6.87 inches of rain in May, continuing a spring pattern of unusually wet weather across Shackelford County. This marks the wettest May since 2019 and the fourth-highest total for the month since 2000.

May’s total narrowly topped April’s 6.26 inches, bringing the combined rainfall for the two months to more than 13 inches. The town’s historical average for May sits at 3.99 inches, meaning this year’s figure nearly doubled expectations.

June is here, which means opening night of the Fort Griffin Fandangle is right around the corner. Rehearsals are in full swing, ticket sales are going strong, and the annual downtown parade is just weeks away.

The 87th anniversary production is scheduled for June 20-21 and 27-28 at the Prairie Theater. Ticket sales have been steady, with a strong response from returning patrons and early buyers. Reserved seating is available online at www.fortgriffinfandangle.com and at the Fandangle office. 

With June underway, the Old Jail Art Center is preparing to launch two new exhibitions that will carry visitors through the summer months.

Opening Saturday, June 7, the 2025 Summer Exhibitions feature work by Texas painter Bob Stuth-Wade and Dallas-based sculptor Saba Besier. The exhibitions will remain on display through September 6.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A case of rabies has been confirmed in Shackelford County, the first one in 2025, after a local resident was recently bitten by a pet cat that later tested positive for the virus, prompting public health warnings from local and state officials.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Registration for the 2025 ResourceCare Day Camp has officially closed, but organizers say they are in desperate need of at least 10 more female workers – high school and college age – to help staff the two-week summer program.

“We really need the help,” said programs assistant Ragan Riley. “This is a great opportunity for young people to gain experience, have fun, and make a difference in the lives of local kids.”

Entries are being sought for the annual Quilt Show hosted by the Albany Study Club and will be displayed at the Whitney Theatre on Fandangle performance days.

Quilts on loan for the show should be taken to the Shackelford County Library during business hours.

The quilt show is set for June 20-21 and June 27-28. Admission is free and open to all visitors from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day.

Fit Life Gym in Albany has new owners. Kelli and Jesse Jennings officially purchased the business on May 1 from Lori and Spencer Balliew, who operated the gym for the past four and a half years.

Kelli Schkade Jennings, an Albany native, said she’s excited to be part of something local. “It’s nice to be involved in something in Albany, especially since this is my hometown,” she said.

The Dance Theatre Company will celebrate its 75th anniversary this Saturday, May 31, with its annual recital at the Albany High School auditorium. The performance is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.

A total of 99 students from Albany and surrounding areas are set to take the stage. This year’s senior dancers are Myleigh Leveridge, Avery Everitt, Ann Davis, and Hannah Mackenzie.

By Lynsi Perry

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 14, 2025 for the first annual Care Lunker Classic to be held at Hubbard Creek Reservoir in Breckenridge, Texas. The charity bass tournament sponsored by Goodnight Steakhouse and Hereford Motel, will be designed as an open 5-fish team format for anglers.