By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany High School students scored above state averages in all five tested subject areas, according to results recently issued for the STAAR End-Of-Course  tests by the Texas Education Agency.

The tests were given in March for both English I and English II and in May for Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History.

Students are required to pass all five tests to meet graduation requirements.

STAAR test scores for grades 3-8 have not been made official by TEA yet, although a release date is expected as soon as July 1.

By Donnie A. Lucas

That’s a wrap, as they say.

The props, costumes and paraphernalia for the 84th anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle have been packed up and stored away, marking the end of another successful season, according organizers.

Both Saturday night performances of the historic show have been reported as being sold out, although the final button hasn’t been pushed to tally all ticket sales.

By Sam Waller

ResourceCare’s 24th year of Summer Day Camp kicks off a two-week run Monday, July 11.

“We’re expecting to have a great time,” Resource Care’s Mindy Ary said.

Day Camp is free to all registered children from age 3 and potty trained to sixth grade.

Ary said the campers are fairly equal among the different ages.

“Our numbers are pretty spread out from 3-year-olds through sixth grade,” she said.

Ary said campers will receive camp t-shirts the first day.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pick-up dates for the July distribution of the commodity food program  provided by Shackelford County are July 7-8.

Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7.

Albany families who have been certified as eligible for the June food distribution program may pick up their food on Friday, July 8 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office.

Albany News readers and advertisers are reminded that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, during the week of July 4.

“We will not have a July 7 issue,” said News editor Melinda Lucas. “Donnie and I are going to take that week off to spend some time with family and get a little R&R, and hopefully that won’t be an inconvenience or source of confusion for anyone.”

Mail and online subscribers will get their papers at the usual times this week, with the June 30 issue distributed Thursday morning.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With a county-wide burn ban in place and the addition of a resolution restricting the sale and use of “bottle rockets,” local emergency responders say any holiday cele­brations involving fireworks need to include safety and common sense.

Firefighters warn that dry brush and vegetation, mixed with fireworks, can easily ignite, and there are rules and ordinances that must be followed by everyone setting off fireworks.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany water customers should receive a “2021 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report” in the next few days showing that locally treated water meets or exceeds all federal drinking water requirements.

“All the numbers looked as good or better than last year,” said Albany water superintendent Michael Graham.

Report Summary

By Melinda L. Lucas

Most of Monday’s hour-long meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners was spent discussing how to proceed with the project of re-engineering and resurfacing the Courthouse parking lot, and although the item was tabled, commissioners will continue to talk with contractors and are formulating the bid specs to release in the near future.

The elected officials still plan to advertise separately for dirt work and paving so that local contractors will be able to bid on the project and to try to keep the costs lower.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive COVID-19 test results increased last week, following a national trend that has developed over the last few weeks.

County judge Bob Skelton reported Monday that 16 tests were administered locally for the period of June 20-24, with seven positive results

Testing the prior week resulting in one positive result out of seven tests administered.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A variety of pets were marched around at the Bank Park Saturday during the annual Fandangle Pet Parade.

Winners were named in four categories, with each receiving $25 in Albany Bucks to be spent at local participating stores.

“We had a good turnout,” coordinator Lacy Cook said. “I think it helps that we moved the parade to the morning last year.”

While the number of participants was down from pre-COVID events, Cook said that she was pleased with the response.