Albany ISD’s Teachers of the Year, selected by their peers at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, were announced at the district breakfast last week. Kelli Kreitler (l) and Chanel Hayner (r) were presented with personalized directors chairs. They will represent the teaching staff on a special committee.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A special meeting of the Albany city council is expected to be scheduled in the next week or two to discuss and possibly propose a tax rate for the upcoming tax year.

The council did not review tax rate options at Monday’s regular session because those calculations were not yet available.

City manager Billy Holson said that having a special meeting before the end of August will give the city time to post any required notices prior to the next regular meeting on Sept. 11.

By Sam Waller

Incoming Shackelford 4-H officers got a look at local government in action Monday, Aug. 14 by attending a meeting of Shackelford County Commissioners Court.

Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said it was a great experience for the group.

Following the meeting, the 4-Hers convened at The Feed Store to begin preparing for the upcoming 4-H year, which begins Sept. 1.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Ragin’ Red Lion Band will host a Meet the Band performance on Monday, Aug. 21 in the High School Auditorium starting at 8:00 p.m.

All members of the community are invited to attend to hear some of the music the group has been working on for the contest show, as well as individual members of the band being introduced.

The band has been working almost daily during summer band practices since the last week of July.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Daivis Gallagher started organizing a classroom just a few days ago, and as the 2023-2024 school year at Nancy Smith Elementary School got underway on Thursday, Aug. 17, she began her first day as an Albany ISD teacher.

Gallagher is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a bachelor of science in multidisciplinary studies and an emphasis in language arts/reading and social studies.

She will be teaching sixth grade English/language arts, along with some other duties.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County students planning to exhibit livestock projects at fall shows have one week to complete the entry process.

Albany FFA advisor Chris Beard said Friday, Aug. 25 is the deadline for entering both the State Fair of Texas in Dallas and the Heart of Texas Fair in Waco. Entries for the West Texas Fair have already been turned in.

The West Texas Fair is scheduled for Sept. 7-16 in Abilene. The State Fair of Texas will run Sept. 29-Oct. 22. The Heart of Texas Fair dates are Oct. 5-15.

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church of Albany will host Back-to-Church Sunday this week (Sunday, Aug. 20) to help get people back into a routine of attending services as children return to school.

“We’re inviting the community to come after the business of summer vacations and trips,” children’s pastor Ginger Bumguardner said. “We want to start off the fall with a new commitment to make church a priority. We’d love to have anyone who wants to come into our fellowship and worship with us.”

By Sam Waller

The Feed Store is gearing up for the new school year with a full slate of activities planned.

Director Tisha Wilkins met Tuesday, Aug. 15 with four senior representatives to The Feed Store Student Council to discuss plans for the upcoming year.

The Feed Store will hold the first of its weekly junior/senior lunches Tuesday, Aug. 22. The lunch gatherings will continue each Tuesday school is in session through May.

By Melinda L. Lucas

An Albany blood drive is set for this afternoon, Aug. 17.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals.

By Sam Waller

Registration for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s community-wide garage sale begins Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Registration will continue through Wednesday, Sept. 6. The garage sale will be held Saturday, Sept. 9.

A $10 registration fee will include a yard sign and inclusion on a map of participants. Chamber manager Brandi Lehew said signs can be picked up the week of the sale with maps available at the Chamber office at 7:00 a.m. on the morning of the sale.