By Donnie A. Lucas

Members of both local volunteer fire departments have been busy the last couple of weeks, but luckily not nearly as busy as they could be considering ongoing conditions of extreme heat and drought.

The departments have responded to at least four grass fires and two structure fires during the last couple of weeks, according to Albany VFD chief Travis Gardenhire, who said that even though structures were destroyed, volunteers worked hard to keep the fires from spreading to surrounding property.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Online registration is currently underway for students at both Albany ISD campuses, with two in-person registration days available as well for parents who are new to the district or who require assistance registering.

“We had quite a few students registered on the first day of online held Monday,” said Leigh Lowe, director of student services. “It seems to be going smoothly, and we have 10 students who are new to the district so far.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Old Jail Art Center’s summer workshops got underway this week, with both in-person and virtual camps on the calendar for students in first grade and up.

On Wednesday, campers met in the museum’s Stasney Room for the traditional Cultural Connections Camp, which this year highlighted Greek art and culture based on pieces in the Old Jail’s permanent collection.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Friends of Fort Griffin have announced the 18th annual Gala is set for Saturday, Oct. 15 at Collins Creek Ranch.

This year’s event will highlight Jim Sadler and the Jak Creek Band as the featured entertainment in addition to the meal and both silent and live auctions.

The gala raises funding to support programs offered at Fort Griffin State Historic Site, which is operated by the Texas Historical Commission. The site and campground is located about 15 north of Albany.

The Chamber office will be closed Monday, Aug. 8, through Friday, Aug. 19, for vacation.

Jones said weekly Chamber luncheons will continue as scheduled on Friday, Aug. 12 and 19, at the Icehouse.

By Melinda L. Lucas

An annual event in Texas since 1999, this year’s state sales tax holiday is set for Friday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 7.

The law exempts sales tax on qualified items – such as clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks – priced below $100, saving shoppers about eight dollars on every $100 they spend.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Nine new COVID-19 cases were reported last week, based on the tests administered at Albany’s two health clinics.

The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Tuesday reported 9 positive test results out of 19 tests given at the two local clinics for the period of July 25-29.

The use of home testing has also increased after tests were made more readily available earlier this year, making it unclear as to the actual number of local cases.

The previous week, a total of 11 positives was reported from 19 persons tested.

By Sam Waller

Local students can still benefit from the annual Adopt-A-Buddy program sponsored by the Shackelford County Resource Center, with the objective of making sure that all Albany and Moran students have adequate school supplies before the start of classes for the 2022-2023 school year.

Registration deadline for the program is this Friday, Aug. 5.

As it has for decades, the Adopt-A-Buddy program helps provide school supplies for children in Shackelford County.

By Sam Waller

Registration for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s community garage sale will start Monday, Aug. 22.

“It’s time to start getting ready,” Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said.

The garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10. Jones said registration will close on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

The Chamber traditionally sponsors the city-wide event on the second Saturday of September.

A $10 registration fee covers inclusion on a map of garage sale participants and a yard sign.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, Aug. 10, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Travis Gardenhire.