By Melinda L. Lucas

After a two-hour closed session on Monday night, members of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors hurriedly passed a motion to amend district administrator Jera Fairley’s job description, as well as approving the bills, before hail that came along with an expected spring storm interrupted the last part of the May 17 meeting.

The directors also changed the date of the next regular meeting to June 28 because of a conflict with Fandangle practice.

Job Description

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD trustees took the next step toward applying for a $756,562 federal grant and reviewed preliminary taxable values during a regular meeting on Monday, May 17.

They also awarded a two-year bank depository contract to First National Bank of Albany following a presentation by FNB officer Zach Maberry.

Board president Robert Montgomery thanked the  bank for all that it does for the community and school, a lot of which “goes under the radar,” he said.

ESSER III Grant

By Sandy Morris

A community-wide clean-up day, promoted annually by the Albany Chamber of Commerce, has been scheduled for Saturday, June 12.

All area citizens are encouraged to come out and help work on projects aimed at beautifying the town of Albany, and the annual clean-up day is a good way for many people to get volunteer hours.

“Those who would like to volunteer can meet at the Depot at 8:00 a.m.,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones.

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School  seniors are on the final countdown to graduation,and their parents and community members are finalizing plans for the traditional Project Graduation party.

Project Graduation is an all-night drug-free and alcohol-free party following commencement exercises and has been an annual tradition in Albany since 1988.

This year’s fundraising drive has been completed, and plans for the night’s activities have been finalized with the Class of 2021 deciding to stay in Albany, rather than travel out of town.

By Sandy Morris

Fandangle practices are going well and have been well attended, according to Fandangle artistic director Lorna Ayers.

The original Sunday rehearsal schedule also has changed.

“Practice will begin at 6:30 p.m. for Lavender Cowboy and Big Sisters,” said Ayers. “Indians and Square Dance will start at 7:00 p.m.”

Parents are reminded that elementary age children must be supervised during rehearsals and cannot be just dropped off for practice.

By Sandy Morris

Thanks to a recent surge in responses, Shackelford County organizers have been able to reach the goals that were set for a special broadband initiative which will hopefully expand access of high speed internet to this area.

According to county judge Robert Skelton, completed surveys were needed from individuals,  business owners, farmers/ranchers, education, healthcare, and government entities to get the county at a 100% completion rate.

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School counselors will host a dual-credit meeting at the AHS library starting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26.

Jenny Scott and Michaela Bradford will present the dual-credit course offerings for the 2021-2022 school year.

Eligibility requirements will be discussed, and required forms will be handed out to interested students. 

AHS currently partners with Cisco College and Western Texas College to provide opportunities to concurrently earn academic credit in high school and college. 

By Sandy Morris

Hannah Trail and Barrett Beal were crowned queen and king during the Albany High School Junior-Senior Prom held Saturday, May 15 at the Whitney Theatre.

The king and queen are selected by the members of the junior and senior classes. 

Nominees for prom queen included Sidney Bartee, Elia Hebel, and Trail. Prom king nominees were Brady Karl, Ryder Wilkins, and Beal. 

By Sandy Morris

The Nancy Smith Elementary School annual field day will be held on Monday, May 24, at Webb City Park. 

The day of fun and games will be set up for preschool through sixth grade students to enjoy. 

Starting at 9:00 a.m., students will be bused to the park, and activities will start afterward. 

Competitions will include sack races, hurdles, tug-of-war, water kickball, and water relay. 

By Sandy Morris

The Nancy Smith Elementary School Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is hosting a “Dunk Challenge” fundraiser. 

SHAC is collecting money to decide which four staff members will face the dunk tank during the NSES field day on May 24. 

Teachers and staff on the dunking list include Mr. Gallagher, Ms. Faith, Mr. Vaughn, Mrs. Peacock, Ms. Hayner, Mrs. D. Balliew, and Ms. O’Conner.

Students can drop change into their favorite tub in the elementary foyer through the afternoon of Thursday, May 20.