EOC scores above state average

By Donnie A. Lucas

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

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

Students must pass all five tests to meet graduation requirements.

Albany News

Hospital directors accept resignation

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors made two quick motions in a special called meeting on Monday, June 26 and adjourned just 15 minutes after convening.

EMS employee Kent Stewart submitted a formal resignation to the board, with a motion made by Jason Price, seconded by Mike Folsom, to accept it.

Albany News

Fandangle wraps up 2023 production with ticket sales at 90%

By Donnie A. Lucas

The 85th anniversary version of the Ft. Griffin Fandangle is now history.

The props, costumes, and paraphernalia for the Fandangle have been packed up and stored away, marking the end of another successful season, according to organizers.

Ticket sales were just shy of the 90 percent mark, a marked improvement over last year’s 79 percent for four shows.

Registration deadline nears

By Donnie A. Lucas

This is the final week to register for the annual summer Day Camp sponsored by ResourceCare, with 120 campers registered so far.

Parents can sign up children ages three through sixth grade online through Friday, June 30.

The program will be held on July 10-14 and July 24-28 this year.

ResourceCare is looking for additional sponsors to help meet the cost of the program, and sponsorships also have a June 30 deadline.

Albany News

Early deadline set next week

Albany News readers and advertisers are asked to be aware of an early deadline next week, as well as the staff’s annual vacation week coming up later in July.

Because the Fourth of July holiday falls on Tuesday, the usual Tuesday noon deadline is being moved back a full day to noon on Monday, July 3.

Mail and online subscribers will get their papers at the usual times that week, with the July 6 issue distributed Thursday morning.

Albany News

Fireworks use again restricted in Shackelford County

By Melinda L. Lucas

With a county-wide burn ban in place and a resolution restricting the sale and use of “bottle rockets,” local emergency responders say cele-brations 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.

“We have concerns for both personal safety and fire caution,” said Albany Volunteer Fire Department chief Joel Viertel. “Everyone needs to be very careful.”

Insurance quote accepted

By Melinda L. Lucas

Reactivating the county-wide burn ban and accepting a quote for employee health insurance were the two major items of discussion in a brief session on Monday morning of the Shackelford County commissioners.

Only three voting members were present, including county judge John Viertel and commissioners Cody Jordan and Ace Reames.

Burn Ban

Albany News

FCCLA teams to compete at natonal conference

By Donnie A. Lucas

Several members of the local FCCLA chapter are advancing to the National conference in Denver on July 1-7, including several of the same members who won the national championship for parliamentary procedure last year in San Diego.

The Level 2 Parliamentary Procedure team includes five students who competed on the Level I (junior high) team that won at last year’s national conference.

Albany News

Matador relief fund set up at CFB

By Melinda L. Lucas

A special account has been opened at Clear Fork Bank to help the victims of last week’s tornado in Matador.

Clifford Teinert, who has a good friend affected by the storm, said that monetary donations are now needed more than water, clothing, and similar items.

The funds will go directly to the “Matador Relief Fund,” which is being administered by the Motley County Judge, County Sheriff’s Office, and a minister in Matador.

Albany News

Pool to be closed 2 days

By Melinda L. Lucas

Swimmers are reminded that the swimming pool at Webb Park will be closed on Friday and Saturday, June 30 and July 1 due to a shortage of lifeguards, according to information from Albany City Hall.

“Because of various conflicts, we just don’t have enough workers to cover those two days,” said city secretary Kenisha Lucas. “For safety reasons, the decision was made to close the pool.”

The facility will open for normal hours of 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, then be closed as usual on Monday, July 3.

Albany News