Three water fountains, one each at the elementary school, the junior high, and the high school, have recently been replaced with water bottle filling stations, according to school nurse Lisa Russell. “We are so excited about our three new water bottle filling stations,” the nurse said.

Members of the Albany High School band met on Monday evening for the first rehearsal of the 2018 AHS marching band, according to band director John Stockdale.

A retirement reception is set for Sunday, Aug. 12 for Supt. Shane Fields and the public is urged to attend. The event will be hosted by members of the Albany ISD board of trustees.

Closet Angels invites people to come and save money on their back to school clothes shopping, as well as sign up for a chance to win one of two gift cards.

The United Pentecostal Church’s annual Back-to-School Bash will be held this Saturday, Aug. 11 in the church’s Family Life Center on Cook Field Road, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Four local 4-H members participated in the Multi-County 4-H Food and Nutrition Camp held in Abilene last week, with the Taylor County AgriLife Extension Service hosting the event.

The final two Old Jail Art Center sponsored children’s summer camps take place in the next week, with limits expected to be reached for both classes. Eighth through 12th graders will participate in the Cell Series Teen Workshop on Friday, Aug. 10.

The next star gazing  party at Fort Griffin State Historic Site will give participants a great opportunity to view the Perseids meteor shower, which will peak the very next night. The staff will host the August Stars & Skies of Texas event this Saturday night, Aug. 11, starting at 8:30 p.m.

The local fire departments have been busy with several calls over the past week, including two that required some special skills. A propane tank fire at an oil lease on the Nail Ranch last Wednesday, Aug.

The 2018 volleyball season got off to a quick start last week, starting summer workouts on Wednesday and scrimmaging area teams by Friday.