By Sam WallerA Shackelford County 4-Her brought home big prizes last week from the Texas 4-H State Roundup in College Station.

Albany and Shackelford County had a sizeable contingent this week at the Big Country Fellowship Athletes Leadership Camp at Hardin-Simmons University.Local FCA representative Paul Johnston had about 200 attendees, 12 of them from Albany.

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.

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.

By Melinda L. LucasLocal businesses and residents are encouraged to join with patriots across the United States next Tuesday, June 14 in the annual cele­bration of Flag Day.

By Melinda L. LucasThe next family festival at the Old Jail Art Center is planned on the first Saturday of the Fandangle season, June 18, celebrating sunshine.The free event will be held from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m., with activities mostly in the Marshall R.