As Independence Day approaches, Shackelford County officials are reminding residents to take extra precautions when using fireworks – especially inside city limits and along county roads, where they remain strictly prohibited.

While the spring of 2025 has been notably wet, conditions can shift quickly in Texas weather. 

Shackelford County Judge John Viertel said that although the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, maintained by the Texas A&M Forest Service, still shows the county in a safe condition, there are always reasons for concern.

There will be no issue of The Albany News next week, as the paper pauses publication for its annual July 4th break.

The paper publishes 50 issues per year, taking planned breaks for Independence Day and Christmas. Publication will resume with the July 10 edition.

The Albany News office will also be closed for the holiday week, from Sunday, June 30 through Friday, July 4. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, July 7.

For immediate assistance during the closure, text (325) 238-6128 or email news@thealbanynews.net.

The 87th anniversary season of the Fort Griffin Fandangle will open this weekend, with performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 20–21, and continuing the following weekend on June 27–28 at the Prairie Theater.

Gates open each evening at 7:00 p.m. The main production begins at 8:30 p.m. Parking and concessions will be available on-site, and the ticket office at the theater opens at 7:15 p.m. on show nights.

The Care Lunker Classic was held Saturday morning, June 14, at Hubbard Creek Reservoir and brought in a strong turnout for both the competition and the weigh-in ceremony. A total of 49 teams participated in the tournament, which proved to be one of the summer’s biggest events so far.

The event was the brainchild of Jason Harlow and Goodnight Steakhouse and Saloon, who helped organize and promote the tournament in support of a good cause.