By Sidney Bartee

The deadline for the Old Jail Art Center children’s workshop has passed, but organizers are willing to accept a couple more signups.

According to education director Erin Whitmore, four spots are available for the 2021 camps, and families need to sign up as soon as possible if they want to participate.

This year, workshops are being held virtually for students in first through sixth grade. 

Students who register will receive supplies for crafts in the mail and a password to access step-by-step instructions for each craft.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With barely a quorum present for the July 19 meeting, Shackelford County Hospital District board members opted to table most agenda items until more directors can be present for those decisions.

They approved payment of bills and heard several departmental reports, but the only action item was to pass a resolution to move $50,000 to the Sanders Pharmacy account in anticipation of a routine, but large purchase of pharmaceuticals in the near future.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Water rates for City of Albany customers were raised $1 per 1,000 gallons during a meeting on Monday, July 12 at the Aztec.

City manager Billy Holson also reported that the city will save more than $1 million with the acceptance of the new bonds for the water plant.

Water Rate Increase

The water rate increase puts the monthly minimum charge at $57.77 rather than $53.77, based on 2,000 gallons minimum usage for both water and sewer, a $4 increase.

By Jillian Lucas

ResourceCare’s fundraising event CareFest 2021 is set to take the stage on Aug. 28 featuring nine well-known musicians and bands.

Organizers are anticipating that tickets will sell out soon and are encouraging local residents to purchase theirs quickly.

They also feel that the event will again bring a large number of visitors to town, benefitting Albany businesses.

CareFest 2021 Details

CareFest will take place at Happy Wife Happy Life Wedding and Event Venue just outside Albany.

By Sidney Bartee

A positive case of rabies was recently reported to the Shackelford Sheriff’s Office, with the animal discovered and captured on the edge of Albany’s city limits near the golf course. 

Sheriff Ed Miller asks everyone to have their animals’ vaccinations up to date to ensure public safety.

He also asked that animals acting strangely be reported to law enforcement.

“If you come across an animal acting erratically, you first need to avoid the animal,” Miller said. “Then you need to call 911, and officers will investigate.”

By Jillian Lucas

FEMA has changed the Individual Assistance  requirements for Shackelford County and other Texas residents to file a claim following February’s winter storm.

County judge Robert Skelton learned several weeks ago that Shackelford County was added to the list of areas eligible for Individual Assistance from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, allowing residents to file a claim if they experienced damage during the 2021 winter storm.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Parents of both returning and new students planning to attend Albany schools are urged to use the online registration portal that opens Monday, July 26.

The school district is using the Ascender Parent Portal for registration and a link can be found on the school’s website under the red button labeled “Parents Sources.” Then look for the Ascender link.

Parents can login to an existing account or create a new account if they do not have one. Follow the instructions provided on the website.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The rendering plant just outside the eastern Albany city limit continued to dominate discussion at the July 12 meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners, although there was action on a couple of other important items.

Progress on ownership of the Rock Hill School property, which has been in question for decades, is closer to being resolved, according to county attorney Rollin Rauschl, and county judge Robert Skelton reported that the county has received the first half of its portion of the American Rescue Plan’s federal funding.

By Jillian Lucas

Albany cheerleaders spent three days together recently in a “home” cheer camp, with several earning All-American honors, and they are now getting ready for an upcoming event for younger girls.

Elementary-age cheerleaders who want to receive a t-shirt for the July 26-28 Cubs Cheer Camp must be pre-registered by next Monday, July 12, according to cheer sponsor Nickie Leveridge.

AHS Home Camp

Albany High School junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders participated in a home cheer camp a few weeks ago at the high school gym.

By Sandy Morris

The City of Albany received a sales tax allotment of $35,973.14 from the state in June. The amount is down 1.15 percent from the $36,394.22 payment received in June 2020.

Payments to date for the 2021 year to the city of Albany are $230,247.46, down by 2.20 percent from the comparable time last year, when payments of $235,442.84 had been made.

The City of Moran received a net payment of $2,241.61 this period for a 2.54 percent decrease from the $2,300.18 received in June 2020.