By Donnie A. Lucas

The Shackelford County Commissioners Court opted to leave the current county-wide burn ban in force, took the first step in reducing the speed on another county road and voted to move ahead with repaving the courthouse parking lot during a meeting on Monday.

The court also held its first budget workshop, noting several areas that will require changes before the document is adopted prior to the start of the fiscal year on Sept. 1, 2020.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A band director hired by the Albany ISD board of trustees declined to sign a contract, according to information received from AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott after press time last week.

Russell Pettitt met with the board at the regular session on June 15, indicating at that time that he would accept the position, with plans to return the next morning and sign a one-year probationary contract.

By Lynsi Musselman

Organizers of ResourceCare Day Camp 2020 are gearing up for 165 campers, 22 volunteers, and 48 high school and college staff members to arrive Monday, July 6 for the three-week camp ending Friday, July 28.

ResourceCare program director Mindy Ary said donations are still needed for the camp and campers.

Ary added that donated sunscreen is being requested.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Strength and conditioning workouts will continue on Mondays through Thursdays through the end of July, with the exception of a couple of blackout periods in July.

Athletes entering grades 7-12 in August are continuing to meet for morning strength and conditioning sessions, with afternoon sport specific workouts available on various days according to the sport.

The number of students participating declined slightly over the last week, but the combined total reported this Monday was still over 50 students.

By Lynsi Musselman

Albany High School baseball parents will host a school approved ‘Long Ball’ fundraiser on Monday, June 29 at 6:00 p.m. at the high school baseball field.

Local baseball mom Tara Chapman said the players started getting pledges last week and will take them until the fundraiser.

“The pledges can be per foot the ball is hit or a flat donation,” Chapman said. “Each player will get five pitches in a row to see how far they can hit the ball.”

By Lynsi Musselman

The Albany Athletic Booster Club invites all junior high and high school athlete parents, family members, and interested community residents to attend a meeting on Wednesday, July 1 at the Feed Store at 5:30 p.m.

This is the kick-off for the 2020-2021 school year, according to one of the officers, Tisha Wilkins.

The booster club supports all sports, and there is no fee associated with being a member. 

By Donnie A. Lucas

About 80 elementary age students took part this week in what may be the only youth sports camp offered this summer.

The all outdoor camp was divided into two sessions, with about 55 registered in the K-3 group and 25 in the 4-6 grade level.

This was the first time that boys and girls have attended the same camp.

“We were limited in what we could do since we couldn’t use any inside facilities,” coach Ryder Peacock said. “I think we were able to really work with the kids and practice skills that touched on almost every sport.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Golfers entered in the annual Fathers Day tournament sponsored by the Albany Golf Club were able to get in two days of golf with good weather conditions.

A total of 84 players participated in the annual tourney.

“The tournament went really well,” organizer James Waters said. “We had a few teams cancel, but the numbers were still better than the last couple of years.”

He noted that the weather was windy but cooler than normal, making the event more enjoyable.

By Lynsi Musselman

Members of Trinity Episcopal Church have resumed on-site and in- person worship services.

Sunday, June 14 was the first service since mid-March, according to church member Larry Bell. 

Rev. Jim Smart served as preacher and celebrant for Holy Communion last weekend.

The next service will be Sunday, June 28 with the Rev. Doug Thomas serving as preacher and celebrant.

By Lynsi Musselman

The pick-up date for the July distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, July 2  both in Moran and Albany.

Justice of the Peace James Breeden said the change in date and time will be for this month only to accommodate residents in both towns, since the county offices will be closed Friday, July 3, for Independence Day weekend. 

JP office personnel organize and facilitate the local food program for the county.