Local banks named sub-depositories

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County commissioners voted to accept bids from both local banks during a regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 23. The bid packages from First National Bank and First Financial Bank had been opened at a previous meeting on Aug. 9.

County treasurer Tammy Brown scored the bids and stated that she felt they were compatible.

Albany News

City proposes same tax rate as last year

By Melinda L. Lucas

Members of the Albany city council met briefly on Tuesday night, Aug. 17 to propose a tax rate, discussing a couple of options but agreeing that they would keep the same rate as last year, 67.55 cents, which is about 2.5 cents higher than the “No New Revenue” (NNR) rate of 65 cents.

The NNR rate was formerly called the effective tax rate, and is calculated to produce the same amount of taxes if applied to the same properties taxed the prvious year.

Albany News

Gala tickets almost gone

By Donnie A. Lucas

Tickets have sold fast over the last week for the Friends of Fort Griffin Gala set for Oct. 9 featuring Larry, Steve, & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers.

As of Tuesday, only 35 of the original 300 tickets were available, according to Susan Waller, who is coordinating the event for the 17th year.

Waller said that she will start a wait list for anyone seeking tickets after the 300 seats are sold. The cost of a ticket is $50, which includes a prime rib dinner and a 75-minute performance by the famous group of brothers.

Albany News

Positive numbers trend upward

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive cases of COVID-19 continued to rise during the last week, prompting local health care providers to encourage people to get vaccinated.

During the week of Aug. 16-20, the Shackelford County Health Clinic and Resource Care Community Health Center administered 26 tests with nine positive results.

On Monday, Aug. 23, the clinic reported four more positive cases among nine tests given.

Over the last four weeks, a total of 104 tests were conducted at the two local clinics with 32 positive results.

Albany News

As many as 1,000 expected for 2021 CareFest to start Saturday at 1 pm

By Donnie A. Lucas

Upwards of 1,000 people are expected on Saturday, Aug. 28 for the third CareFest fundraiser at Happy Wife, Happy Life event venue three miles northwest of Albany.

As of Monday there were only eight VIP tickets to the event remaining, but $60 general admission tickets and some preferred $125 admission tickets can still be purchased online at outhousetickets.com.

Some general admission tickets may still be available at the gate on Saturday, but organizers are recommending purchasing tickets in advance.

Signups start for garage sale

By Sidney Bartee

Citizens of Moran will hold their annual garage sale on Saturday, Sept. 4, beginning at 7:00 a.m.

Organizers will have maps and lists of homes participating at the Moran community center on the day of the sale.

The deadline for community members to sign up is by noon Thursday, Sept. 2.

“We have had some responses already,” community volunteer Michelle Taggart said. “We expect a few more people participate.”

There is a post on the city of Moran Facebook page for people to sign up if they want to participate.

Albany News

Activities set before classes start

By Sam Waller

Teachers and staff at the Moran Independent School District underwent CPR training this week along with other preparations for the start of the school year.

The training was conducted by Deloris Londerholm, part-time school nurse for the district.

“CPR is state mandated,” Moran principal Jo Hise said. “Praise God, we have not had to use it yet.”

Classes begin Monday and the school district has a busy slate of events scheduled for the last few days of summer vacation.

Dennis Cemetery will be focus of Aug. 23 organizational meeting

By Sidney Bartee

A meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Moran Community Center for those interested in perpetuating the Dennis Cemetery.

The goal of the meeting is to create a committee to maintain and oversee the property.

According to volunteer Jana Kitchens, Brad and Maureen McCollum were overseers of the cemetery for many years, and new community members are needed to collect donations and make decisions concerning the property.

Albany News

Waiting list started for golf tourney

By Sam Waller

The field for the Albany Golf Club’s Labor Day tournament has been filled, but organizers are taking names for a waiting list.

“We are all full up,” golf club board member James Waters said, “and I’ve got a couple or three teams that are still on the standby list.’ 

Waters encouraged those who would like to be put on the standby list to to sign up at the clubhouse, where a signup sheet is located, or call him 325-627-3598.

Albany News

Chest board to meet Sept. 1

By Sidney Bartee

Board members of the Albany Chest will meet to organize the 2021 fundraising campaign, nominate and elect new directors, and choose officers for the upcoming year during a Sept. 1 meeting 

The meeting will be held at the Feed Store at 5:15 p.m.

Current board chair Amy Kelly said four directors will complete their current terms, with Kelly, Tisha Wilkins, and Mindy Skelton set to rotate off the board and Sara Wilson eligible to serve another term.

Albany News