By Jillian Lucas Many local youth are taking part in various opportunities provided by 4-H this summer, including a variety of camps. Two camps are coming up in the next few weeks that several Albany 4-H members will be attending.

By Sandy Morris In additional to traditional fundraisers and membership drives, the Old Jail Art Center now has ways for people to support the museum through online shopping and social media.

By Jillian Lucas As Independence Day quickly approaches, community members are urged to use adequate safety precautions when celebrating and using fireworks. “Our main concern and focus is personal safety,” said Albany Volunteer Fire Department chief Travis Gardenhire.

By Jillian Lucas Well over 200 people, including 155 campers, 40 high school workers, 22 junior high volunteers, and a slew of ResourceCare employees, are set to begin ResourceCare’s 23rd year of Summer Day Camp on July 12.

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 12. “There will not be an edition on Thursday, July 15,” said News editor Melinda Lucas.

By Jillian Lucas There will be no Chamber of Commerce lunch on Friday, July 2 in observance of Independence Day weekend.  According to Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones, Chamber lunches will begin again on July 9 at the Icehouse.

By Sidney Bartee Pick-up dates for the July distribution of the commodity food program  provided by Shackelford County are July 1 and 2. According to Justice of the Peace James Breeden, dates will remain the same even with the July 4 holiday.

By Melinda L. Lucas Shackelford County Hospital District board members started the process of hiring a new administrator at a meeting on Monday, June 28 after Jera Fairley opted not to sign a new contract and left the district’s employment about a month ago.

By Jillian Lucas The 83rd anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle came to a close this past weekend after its final performance of the year. Performance Recap “I thought that this year’s show was very well received,” said director Lorna Ayers.

By Melinda L. Lucas Several Albany residents spoke at the Shackelford County commissioners meeting on Monday morning, June 28 concerning the smell emitted by a new rendering plant on the edge of town.