By Melinda L. Lucas

Raises were give to returning teachers who are above the state minimum step 20 salary schedule and increases in several stipends were approved during an AISD school board on Monday, Aug. 17.

Trustees also reviewed the preliminary budget and looked at where the state seems to be heading concerning school funding.

“We just received notice that a deal has been made between the Governor, House, and the Senate on the Property Tax Relief bill,” said AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The fundraising goal for improvements at the Shackelford County Show Barn has basically been met and work is underway at the facility.

The Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association announced in early May a fundraising effort to raise $200,000 or more to make overdue updates to the 50-year-old structure, but the goal was raised to $300,000 due to the scope of work.

Mike Parsons, who is heading up the fundraising drive, said this week that collections totaled $277,000, with the remainder pledged but not received.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Shackelford County chief appraiser Clayton Snyder reported this week that the Appraisal Review Board upheld values set for the Hackberry Wind Farm during recent protest hearings held at the appraisal district office.

The company filed a lawsuit after the review board upheld values in 2022. The wind farm paid just under half of the 2022 taxes as required by state law, but filed a lawsuit disputing the almost $430,000 still owed for last year.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Registration for all Albany ISD students will open online beginning Wednesday, Aug. 2, with in-person registration also available at the high school campus for all grades on Aug. 2-3.

The district is once again using the Ascender Parent Portal for registration, with a link available on the district website. Parents are instructed to access the “Parents Sources” tab, then look for the Ascender Parent Portal.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Ticket prices for the upcoming CareFest on Aug. 26 will increase next Tuesday, Aug. 1 with only general admission tickets still available.

The fifth annual event will feature headliners Pat Green and Kevin Fowler, along with five other notable artists at the Happy Wife, Happy Life Weddings and Event venue just west of Albany.

“There are only general admission tickets left, which will be going up from $50 to $60 per ticket on Aug. 1,” said co-organizer Ragan Riley. “Prices will also go up for parking and cooler passes from $15 to $20.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

The deadline to register for this year’s annual summer camps for kids at the Old Jail Art Center has officially passed, but there are still a few openings, and OJAC education director Erin Whitmore said that late registration will be accepted on Thursday (today) if those places aren’t already filled.

A session for older kids – Re-Create! – will kick things off Wednesday, Aug. 2, with activities planned for grades 4-6.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County commissioners took final action to proceed with removal of equipment on the county communications tower that is either unused or that the county is no longer being compensated for.

After legal counsel John Montgomery looked over the notice of removal, county judge John Viertel recommended action at Monday’s meeting.

“I have sent communication in three different fashions to WesTex Connect with no response, and I feel like they must be using a different tower,” said Viertel. “We will set a date to clean the tower up.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Kraymer Harbold resigned from his seat on the board of the Shackelford County Hospital District at a July 17 meeting, stating that he feels he can serve the community more efficiently as a part-time paramedic, which he is not allowed to do as a board member.

Harbold, who was appointed to a vacant seat in January and later filed for the unexpired term, is a full-time paramedic and firefighter in another community.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions football team gets started on its 2023 season with the first practice session at 8:00 a.m. Monday, July 31 at the fieldhouse.

Lions head Denney Faith said the first workout session will start in the green room, with following days starting on the practice field.

“It’s always exciting when you start a new year,” said Faith, who is beginning his 37th season as head coach. “You find out the personality of your team, who your leaders are going to be.”

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions got an early start on volleyball season last weekend at the Jon Smith Memorial Tournament at AYSA in Abilene.

Next up is the first official practice at 7:30 a.m. Monday, July 31.

At the tournament, played Friday-Saturday, July 21-22, Albany finished third in its five-team pool before taking second place in the consolation bracket. Two Albany teams consisting of 18 players played a total of 12 matches.