Four days in a row without rain allowed the stage and warm-up areas to dry out enough for horses, mules, and wagons to join the cast for rehearsals at the Prairie Theater on Monday. 

Artistic director Lorna Ayers was pleased to see so many riders in the show this year.

Local businesses and residents are encouraged to join with patriots across the United States next Friday, June 14 in the annual cele-bration of Flag Day.

Individuals and business owners who have their own flags are asked to put them up for the day, except in case of inclement weather.

Those who don’t have their own banners can contact the Albany Lions Club.

The organization’s “Flags Across Albany” project honors the American heritage and military heroes who served this country, as well as serving as a fundraiser.

Various activities are planned to take place in Albany during the last two Fridays and Saturdays in June to coincide with the annual influx of visitors coming to town for the Fort Griffin Fandangle. 

Free activities offered on all four of those days include a quilt show, tracker organ concert, calliope concert, car museum, viewing the Picket House, longhorns on the Courthouse Square, and exhibits at the Old Jail Art Center. 

Fandangle Parade co-chair John Ayers has already had a few out-of-town groups call to confirm that they will be in the parade this year, and he is hoping to get quite a few locals signed up as well.

“I’m always looking for a lot of local participants,” said Ayers. “One of the things that I am specifically looking for this year is a group or organization to sponsor the large Beehive float. We have all the props, but it takes a vehicle and a large trailer.”

Ayers added that he can even help find a trailer if needed.

THAT QUESTION...

I know that all parents and grandparents have heard “that question” from your kids and grandkids a million times. I know I have. 

It had been awhile since I had taken a ride with my granddaughters. It was a experience.

I drove to Denver to stay with them while their parents were out of the country for medical treatment. 

I flew the last two times I went, and decided I could drive it this time, a nine-hour drive. I would stay a week and then bring them home with me for a week. 

A recent unannounced jail inspection at the Shackelford County Law Enforcement Center (LEC) revealed a few deficiencies, but overall, county commissioners at Monday’s regular meeting felt that the Texas Commission on Jail Standards had released a positive report.

County judge Bob Skelton stated that no operational or safety defects were observed by the inspector, and that the sheriff is already in the process of correcting the overdue inspections and other minor violations.

Walker-Sayle Contract

For the first time in several years, the subject of golf carts resurfaced during an Albany city council meeting, requiring a big chunk of time during the hour-long session on Monday, June 10.

City manager Billy Holson presented a proposal from police chief Mike House asking that the council approve a transition to annual sticker updates rather than license plates to cut down on city costs.

He also suggested that golf cart use be prohibited after 10:00 p.m. to try to improve safety and to cut down on underage driving, which is an ongoing problem.

Local grain producers are just beginning to harvest wheat, and John Ross Reames at Reames Elevator has only been able to cut his own fields three days, and only parts of those days. 

“It’s barely dry enough,” Reames said. “Our wheat is weedy, and the test weight is light.”

Reames expects it will take about two weeks to finish harvesting.

“Others have told me they expect to start combining this week,” he said. “But I don’t think we’ll have much wheat combined in the area. Most people in the county who still plant wheat end up grazing it out.”

Session 1 of the Big Country Beef Cattle Improvement Series will be held at the Trail Ranch in Shackelford County on Tuesday, June 25, and interested parties need to sign up by June 20, according to extension agent Michaela Bradford.

Tour highlights are expected to include discussions on prescribed burning, mechanical, chemical and IPT brush control, livestock and wildlife water development, food plots, grazing practices, and landowner incentive programs.

Participants should RSVP by contacting Bradford at 325-762-9435 by June 20.

At least 24 children ranging from kindergartners through eighth graders are attending an “Into the Wilderness” vacation Bible school at the First Baptist Church in Moran this week.

The VBS kicked off at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 with participants heading outdoors to cook s’mores over a fire pit.

The VBS offered children free food, games, and the chance to learn more about Jesus.

“We are studying how God helped Moses and Jesus when they were in the wilderness,” said organizer Jo Hise.

The theme verse is John 20:31.