By Lynsi Musselman The countdown to the first day of school has started, and AISD officials urge parents to register students online by the deadline on Saturday, Aug. 1. Albany Independent School District director of student services Leigh Lowe said only about 180 students are registered.

By Lynsi Musselman School is starting in three weeks with extra first-day-of-school challenges and a focus on health. Precautions are being implemented to protect students, teachers, and staff from illness.

By Melinda L. Lucas Band members from eighth through 12th grade will starting meeting for practice next Monday evening, Aug. 3 at 5:00 p.m., according to new band director Will Vaughn. The musicians will not be able to march until Sept.

By Lynsi Musselman Monday, Aug. 3 is the deadline for parents to register their children for the annual Adopt-A-Buddy school supply program sponsored by Resource Care. Applications are available for pickup at the front desk of the Resource Center.

A worship night is planned at the Feed Store on Saturday, Aug. 1, and is open to all local junior high and high school students.

By Lynsi Musselman The Albany Ministerial Alliance sponsored Vacation Bible School began this summer’s “Concrete & Cranes” on Sunday, July 26 and wrapped up the annual event on Wednesday, July 29 at the City Pool with a “Family Night” program, hot dog and nacho supper, and swimming.

By Lynsi Musselman Old Jail Art Center patrons are slowly getting back to visiting the museum in person, but the staff still has many virtual opportunities available for those who like to visit from home.

By Lynsi Musselman Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced that the state sales tax revenue for Texas totaled $2.67 billion in June, 6.5 percent less than in June 2019. The city of Albany will receive a sales tax allotment of $36,935 from the state this July. The amount is up 7.

By Donnie A. Lucas There is a lot more up in the air right now concerning high sports than footballs and volleyballs. The fate of the fall sports seasons was in limbo awaiting an announcement from the University Scholastic League this week.

By Lynsi Musselman Albany band director William Vaughn is hard at work preparing the band hall for students to start practice on Monday, Aug. 3 through Friday, Aug. 7, and the week of  Monday, Aug. 10 through Friday, Aug. 14, starting at 5:00 p.m. in the band hall.