By Donnie A. Lucas
Registration for all Albany ISD students will open online beginning Monday, Aug. 1, with in-person registration available later in the week.
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 Melinda L. Lucas
This Sunday afternoon, July 31, Albany High School students who are interested in dual-credit classes through Cisco College are asked to meet at the secondary library starting at 2:00 p.m., along with one or both of their parents.
The session was originally scheduled for June 3 but was postponed because of conflicts.
AISD career counselor Jenny Scott and new school counselor Kelly Windham will present the dual-credit course offerings for the 2022-2023 school year.
By Sam Waller
Community Vacation Bible School and inaugural R.O.P.E. program closed out its four-night run Wednesday, July 27 with a Family Night and pool party.
The programs, which are sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance, were a rousing success, according to organizer Angie Hinshaw.
“Our message to the kids was that they are created by God, designed by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit,” she said.
Hinshaw said attendance for both VBS and R.O.P.E. (Rights of Passage Experience) was strong.
By Sam Waller
Closet Angels held a Teacher Appreciation Tuesday fundraiser Tuesday, July 26 in preparation for its Back to School Bash.
The Back to School Bash is scheduled for 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. next Monday, Aug. 1.
Heather Nitschke, Daivis Gallagher, and Brandi Lehew organized Tuesday’s event, arranging a rack of $1 items for local educators.
By Donnie A. Lucas
The number of positive COVID-19 cases increased last week, continuing a trend of more local cases over the last month.
The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Tuesday reported 11 positive test results out of 19 tests given at the two local health clinics for the period of July 18-22. However, the use of home testing has also increased, raising a question about the actual number of local cases.
The previous week, a total of five positives was reported from 20 tests.
By Sam Waller
Fans of Albany Lions and Lady Lions athletics will get to meet members of fall sports teams for football, volleyball, and cross country Monday, Aug. 8 at the Albany Athletic Booster Club’s Ice Cream Supper at the Bank Park.
Food will be served at 6:30 p.m. with player introductions starting at 7:00 p.m.
“Folks need to bring their own chairs,” Booster Club member Amanda Tabor said. “We’re not going to have the tables set up. It’ll be more picnic style so people can stand and move around.”
By Sam Waller
Houses for Healing is constructing a tiny house to serve Shackelford County residents who need a place to stay while receiving medical care in Abilene.
Houses for Healing, founded by Brian and Karen Massey, is a ministry to engage the body of Christ in caring for the sick, taking in the stranger and loving one’s neighbor.
“Just like Jesus said to do,” Brian Massey said.
By Sam Waller
Four Moran faculty members took part this week in a workshop on self care for educators.
Moran teachers Gay Williams, Carly Henson, Betty Galvan, and Anita Wheat attended the program presented by the Region 14 Education Service Center on Monday, July 25 at Southern Hills Church in Abilene. Dr. Tina H. Boogren of Denver instructed educators from several school districts on how to better take care of themselves.
By Sam Waller
The Albany City Pool will close for the summer after Sunday, July 31, but will remain available for parties already booked, according to manager Meghan Walser.
“We will have normal pool hours until then,” Walser said. “We do have private parties scheduled for Aug. 7 and Aug. 17.”
Walser said the main factor in the closure is availability of lifeguards, most of whom are high school students who will be involved in preseason sports practice next week.
By Melinda L. Lucas
A fire reported after midnight on Tuesday completely destroyed several mobile homes on property thought to be that of Johnny Novian or members of his family.
Albany Volunteer Fire Chief Travis Gardenhire said that a call came in about 12:30 a.m. from Allsup’s, apparently after someone reported seeing the fire south of the Village Apartments. When firefighters arrived, three unoccupied trailers were “fully involved,” according to Gardenhire.
