By Melinda L. Lucas

Water rates for City of Albany customers were raised $1 per 1,000 gallons during a meeting on Monday, July 12 at the Aztec.

City manager Billy Holson also reported that the city will save more than $1 million with the acceptance of the new bonds for the water plant.

Water Rate Increase

The water rate increase puts the monthly minimum charge at $57.77 rather than $53.77, based on 2,000 gallons minimum usage for both water and sewer, a $4 increase.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With barely a quorum present for the July 19 meeting, Shackelford County Hospital District board members opted to table most agenda items until more directors can be present for those decisions.

They approved payment of bills and heard several departmental reports, but the only action item was to pass a resolution to move $50,000 to the Sanders Pharmacy account in anticipation of a routine, but large purchase of pharmaceuticals in the near future.

By Sidney Bartee

The deadline for the Old Jail Art Center children’s workshop has passed, but organizers are willing to accept a couple more signups.

According to education director Erin Whitmore, four spots are available for the 2021 camps, and families need to sign up as soon as possible if they want to participate.

This year, workshops are being held virtually for students in first through sixth grade. 

Students who register will receive supplies for crafts in the mail and a password to access step-by-step instructions for each craft.

By Jillian Lucas

Five members of the Albany chapter of FFA attended the Texas FFA State Convention and Rodeo in Fort Worth recently, accepting several awards during the five-day event.

In addition, a couple of local residents were honored by the organization for their volunteerism.

Texas FFA Convention

Members Addie Beth Denton, Leddie Leech, Robyn Trail, Gracie Price, and Kam Browning, accompanied by sponsor Chris Beard, participated in the state convention on July 5-9 in Fort Worth.

By Sidney Bartee

Summer band rehear­sals started Monday, July 19 for percussion with the rest of the band members scheduled to join on Monday, July 26.

Percussion practices start at 3:00 p.m. and end at 5:00 p.m.

The title of this year’s marching show is “Tales of Arabia.”

On Monday, July 26, percussionists will continue practice at the same times, and all other band members will work at 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Band members will practice from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and will not practice on Fridays.

By Jillian Lucas

ResourceCare Day Camp has been underway for over a week with much higher attendance numbers during week two.

“Our numbers for the first week stayed in the 80s each day,” said one of the camp directors Mindy Ary. “This week, our numbers have been over 100 with Monday having 107 campers.”

Although 155 students registered to attend Day Camp, Ary explained that it is not typical for that many to attend every day.

By Sidney Bartee

Volunteers began setting up for Community Vacation Bible School on Sunday, July 18, with the four-day event scheduled for July 25-28.

Children who are four by Sept. 1 through students who have completed sixth grade are invited to attend “Destination Dig.”

The program begins at 5:30 p.m. each night at the First Baptist Church, with workers from most local churches involved.

Meals and activities are provided to those who attend.

By Jillian Lucas

Feed Store executive director Tisha Wilkins says plans are underway for this upcoming school year.

“We are excited to be able to get going again after a really rough year,” she said. “We are making plans but have not finalized them yet.”

Wilkins stated that the Feed Store will be in attendance at the junior high and high school registration on Aug. 2 and 3 .

By Jillian Lucas

Juggling performances, American Ninja Warrior  members, fireworks, ga-ga ball, ropes course,  archery,  and ziplining were just a handful of the activities that local kids got to experience while participating in a fun week at camp.

July 12-16, 25 preteen students  and four sponsors from First Baptist Church attended  Camp Copass.

“We had a fantastic time,” said FBC youth minister Campbell Terry. “It was an incredible week  for all of our kids and leaders.”

By Jillian Lucas

Moran ISD enrollment packets will be available after Aug. 2, according to school officials.

All students planning to attend Moran schools in the upcoming year will need to stop by the MISD office to pick up an enrollment packet.

“Meet the Teacher” will be held on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

Any students that have not collected a packet before this time will be able to receive one at the event.