By Sandy Morris

Shackelford County residents who have noticed missing items or property around their homes or businesses may be able to reclaim their items.

The Albany Police Department was dispatched on Thursday, Jan. 14 to the 700 block of North 9th Street in Albany in reference to theft.

Albany PD officers took a theft of property report from the owner and then began to search for the vehicle identified by the reporting party as possibly being involved in the crime. 

By Sandy Morris

Even though it looked as if the Albany Community Chest would fall short of its 2020 goal, donations poured in at the end of the year, surpassing the goal of $41,000 and closing out at $52,550.

Albany Chest board members met Wednesday, Jan. 13 and decided to proceed with the board’s original recommendations allocating $42,250 plus an extra $350 to each organization across the board for a total distribution amount of $51,000.

The Albany Chest still has a total of $2,657.59 in emergency funds remaining in reserves.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With just a little over a week left before the official deadline, a large percentage of the county-wide tax levies will be collected in the next few days.

Taxes assessed during 2020 are officially due next week, on Monday, Feb. 1. With the Jan. 31 due date falling during the weekend, Monday payments made in person will be accepted, as well as those placed in the drop box that day, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder at the Shackelford County Appraisal District (SCAD) office. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

At the end of Monday night’s meeting, following the routine closed-session evaluation of AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott, a unanimous motion extended Scott’s contract by one more year to January 2024.

The board also proposed a five percent salary increase a salary increase, effective Sept. 1, 2021.

The action, with a motion by Joe Tidwell and Second by Ginny Ivy, came at the end of a 1-1/2 hour closed session, with the meeting adjourning a few minutes later.

By Melinda L. Lucas

During a discussion about providing a dedicated restroom for the rental space at the east end of the clinic building, Shackelford County Hospital District directors agreed to consider bids to remodel space that once served as a shower for the ambulance staff before the present EMS station was built.

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School students competed in the virtual Haskell Pow Wow, a University Interscholastic League academic invitational meet, on Saturday, Jan. 16, and several Albany students brought home individual medals. 

In addition, Albany students placed first in journalism and science as a team.

By Sandy Morris

Project Graduation organizers are planning their first fundraiser to prepare for the annual celebration following graduation. 

Order forms for Valentine’s Day Oreo Truffles were distributed this week and are available at both school campuses.

“The deadline for orders for the truffles is Monday, Feb. 1,” said class parent Tisha Wilkins. “The seniors will help prepare them, and the truffles will be delivered to the high school and to Nancy Smith Elementary School on Valentine’s Day.”

By Sandy Morris

This week 4-H members will be busy showing their projects at the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show, but Shackelford County Extension Agent and 4-H Sponsor Kloey Painter has announced several upcoming programs of interest. 

Shotgun Practice

The 4-H Shotgun Club will hold practice the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month with the next practice set for Tuesday, Jan. 26.

All practice sessions are held in Breckenridge at the local gun range from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

The Albany Independent School district will be closed on Friday, Jan. 22 to enable students to attend the local stock show. 

Teachers and staff will have a comp day on Friday, Jan. 22. 

Classes will resume at the normal times on Monday, Jan. 25.

The next student holiday at AISD will be on Monday, Feb. 15 with a staff development day scheduled for faculty members. 

By Sandy Morris

Local Cub Scouts are expected to compete in the annual Albany Pinewood Derby starting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25 at the Scout Hut.

This is the second year that the derby will be held at the new Scout Hut. 

Approximately eight Cub Scouts will be participating including a few girls,according to Cubmaster Jacey Shack.

Race Rules

Cub Scouts are expected to craft homemade race cars and pair them against each other on a 36-foot aluminum track.