By Donnie A. Lucas
The 85th anniversary version of the Ft. Griffin Fandangle is now history.
The props, costumes, and paraphernalia for the Fandangle have been packed up and stored away, marking the end of another successful season, according to organizers.
Ticket sales were just shy of the 90 percent mark, a marked improvement over last year’s 79 percent for four shows.
By Donnie A. Lucas
This is the final week to register for the annual summer Day Camp sponsored by ResourceCare, with 120 campers registered so far.
Parents can sign up children ages three through sixth grade online through Friday, June 30.
The program will be held on July 10-14 and July 24-28 this year.
ResourceCare is looking for additional sponsors to help meet the cost of the program, and sponsorships also have a June 30 deadline.
Albany News readers and advertisers are asked to be aware of an early deadline next week, as well as the staff’s annual vacation week coming up later in July.
Because the Fourth of July holiday falls on Tuesday, the usual Tuesday noon deadline is being moved back a full day to noon on Monday, July 3.
Mail and online subscribers will get their papers at the usual times that week, with the July 6 issue distributed Thursday morning.
By Melinda L. Lucas
With a county-wide burn ban in place and a resolution restricting the sale and use of “bottle rockets,” local emergency responders say cele-brations involving fireworks need to include safety and common sense.
Firefighters warn that dry brush and vegetation, mixed with fireworks, can easily ignite, and there are rules and ordinances that must be followed by everyone setting off fireworks.
“We have concerns for both personal safety and fire caution,” said Albany Volunteer Fire Department chief Joel Viertel. “Everyone needs to be very careful.”
By Donnie A. Lucas
Several members of the local FCCLA chapter are advancing to the National conference in Denver on July 1-7, including several of the same members who won the national championship for parliamentary procedure last year in San Diego.
The Level 2 Parliamentary Procedure team includes five students who competed on the Level I (junior high) team that won at last year’s national conference.
By Melinda L. Lucas
A special account has been opened at Clear Fork Bank to help the victims of last week’s tornado in Matador.
Clifford Teinert, who has a good friend affected by the storm, said that monetary donations are now needed more than water, clothing, and similar items.
The funds will go directly to the “Matador Relief Fund,” which is being administered by the Motley County Judge, County Sheriff’s Office, and a minister in Matador.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Swimmers are reminded that the swimming pool at Webb Park will be closed on Friday and Saturday, June 30 and July 1 due to a shortage of lifeguards, according to information from Albany City Hall.
“Because of various conflicts, we just don’t have enough workers to cover those two days,” said city secretary Kenisha Lucas. “For safety reasons, the decision was made to close the pool.”
The facility will open for normal hours of 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, then be closed as usual on Monday, July 3.
By Melinda L. Lucas
This week’s Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting will be held at usual at 12:00 noon on Friday, June 30 at the Icehouse, but there will be no luncheon on Friday, July 7 because the Icehouse Restaurant will be closed that week.
According to Chamber manager Brandi Lehew, Chamber lunches will begin again on July 14 at the Icehouse.
For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 325-762-2525.
By Sam Waller
Brian Chapman won the raffle conducted by the Albany Athletic Booster Club’s raffle for a custom football signed by members of the Albany Lions 2022 state championship.
Chapman is an uncle of Cole Chapman, quarterback of the championship team and one of the signatories.
By Sam Waller
First Baptist Church of Albany’s Summer SONshine program wrapped up its four-week run Wednesday, June 28.
The program, for children who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade, offers Bible study, music, crafts, games, and field trips.
“We’ve had fun helping kids not just have something to do, but bond as a group and a class,” FBC children’s minister Ginger Bumguardner said. “We talk about the Lord along the way. We try to make church a fun place to be, someplace they want to go to.”
