By Kathy Thomson

Three local youth showed project animals at the Battle for the Cattle steer prospect show in Kerrville last weekend, and the Shackelford County entries placed among the top animals in their respective breed.

J.T. Holland showed the Breed Champion Brahman.

Kenzie Neve hauled two steers and placed with both. 

She took second place in lightweight Shorthorns and then won third place “Bronze” banner in the breed overall with “Troy.”

Neve showed “Coop” to third place in the middle weight class of Shorthorns.

By Kathy Thomson

A September 2019 “let date” for road repairs on State Highway 6 has been scheduled by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Repairs are definitely needed as testified by the “Rough Road” signs posted on the road by TxDOT. 

Although no information about the Highway 6 project was available from the local or Abilene offices, the TxDOT website said that the “surfacing/roadway restoration” would extend from Pecan Street in Albany south to the Callahan County line.

By Kathy Thomson

Five members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department attended the 90th Annual Municipal Fire Training School held at Brayton Training Field in College Station last week, July 21-26.

Clay and Mel Deatherage completed their seventh year as invited guest instructors.

They taught Building Construction for the Fire Service in the Phase II part of the program.

By Kathy Thomson

Will LeMay and his horse “Alf” won four saddles at the American Junior Rodeo Association 67th National Finals Rodeo in Sweetwater, Texas last week, July 23-27 and also claimed several belt buckles, three hat certificates, cash, and other prizes in the 9-12 Boys division.

Will LeMay entered all four of the roping events, but he did not compete in steer riding, the only other class for boys his age. 

School’s

Coming!

If you ask the question, “Are you excited about school starting,” you may get some different answers. The answers range from “I can’t wait” to “I hate school.” 

That second one bothers me.

I remember elementary as being really great. I moved here in my fourth grade year. The elementary school was practically brand new and very modern. The beginning of a school year was always exciting.

You usually got maybe a couple of new dresses and a new pair of school shoes (that had to last the entire year).

By Kathy Thomson

Jo Hise, who earned her principal certificate in May of this year, was recently named the new principal at Moran.

“We are actually splitting the principal duties (between us) as Mrs. Hise will also have several classroom and girls coaching responsibilities,” said superintendent Danny Freeman, who has been serving as both principal and superintendent at MISD.

Cheer Camp 

Moran cheerleaders are having their annual cheer camp this week.

By Kathy Thomson

The Moran First Baptist Church will be serving lunch to sixth through 12th grade students next week, Aug. 5-9, at 12:00 noon.

“We will be serving breakfast burritos, chef salad, super burritos, baked ziti, and pizza,” said organizer Jo Hise. “Various church members will be leading the students in a Bible study lesson also.”

The church is hosting a community pool party at the Albany pool on Aug. 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Hot dogs will be served at the pool party.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Fun and facts about Ghana, Africa will kick off the Old Jail Art Center’s annual summer camps for kids this Friday, Aug. 2.

There are five free workshops over the next two weeks for students in first through 12th grades.

Registration is still open through today, Aug. 1, and all the camps still have spots available.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Fans of Albany Lion football will immediately notice a couple of new features at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium with the start of the 2019 season in a couple of weeks.

A new digital scoreboard with improved lighting has been installed over the summer, including the new dual designation as Robert Nail Memorial Stadium and Faith Field. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Members of the Shackelford County Appraisal District’s board of directors passed a proposed budget of $387,522 for 2020, an increase of almost four percent from the current budget, during a meeting held June 3.

The budget proposal is being presented this month to all county taxing entities, with plans to adopt it at a 7:30 a.m. meeting on Friday, Aug. 30.