By Jillian Lucas
ResourceCare Day Camp has been underway for over a week with much higher attendance numbers during week two.
“Our numbers for the first week stayed in the 80s each day,” said one of the camp directors Mindy Ary. “This week, our numbers have been over 100 with Monday having 107 campers.”
Although 155 students registered to attend Day Camp, Ary explained that it is not typical for that many to attend every day.
By Sidney Bartee
Over the summer, two new water stations were installed at Albany schools.
The stations are located in the elementary school cafeteria and in the main gym lobby at the high school.
According to nurse Lisa Russell, members of the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) conducted a fundraiser at the end of the 2020-2021 school year, which included a dunk tank, and in addition to those proceeds, several private donations were made to fund the purchase of the stations.
By Sidney Bartee
Summer band rehearsals started Monday, July 19 for percussion with the rest of the band members scheduled to join on Monday, July 26.
Percussion practices start at 3:00 p.m. and end at 5:00 p.m.
The title of this year’s marching show is “Tales of Arabia.”
On Monday, July 26, percussionists will continue practice at the same times, and all other band members will work at 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Band members will practice from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and will not practice on Fridays.
By Jillian Lucas
Five members of the Albany chapter of FFA attended the Texas FFA State Convention and Rodeo in Fort Worth recently, accepting several awards during the five-day event.
In addition, a couple of local residents were honored by the organization for their volunteerism.
Texas FFA Convention
Members Addie Beth Denton, Leddie Leech, Robyn Trail, Gracie Price, and Kam Browning, accompanied by sponsor Chris Beard, participated in the state convention on July 5-9 in Fort Worth.
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.
