By Lynsi Musselman
A special account was opened to help city of Albany resident Doris Pearce Westray after she was involved in a single-car accident last week at the bottom of Six Mile Hill.
Contributions to help with Westray’s medical expenses can be left with any teller at First National Bank Albany/Breckenridge or at First Financial Bank.
Westray is currently at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, where she was careflighted on Aug. 19.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Last week’s “probable case” positive test for the COVID-19 coronavirus was confirmed, along with an additional one, in the latest report by the Texas Department of State Health Services, bringing the total number of cases to 22 since March.
In a notice on Facebook by county judge Robert Skelton, the latest report on Wednesday morning listed two new confirmed cases, which will remain active at least until Sept. 3.
By Lynsi Musselman
Almost every direction outside of town seems to have road construction.
This includes Highway 180 East to Breckenridge, which has been under construction since May.
The $8.3 million project that began in May includes 12 miles of roadway between the east city limits of Albany and Stephens County line.
Contractor JH Strain & Sons are removing existing asphalt, making repairs to the base as needed, and repaving.
By Lynsi Musselman
The Old Jail Art Center has been closed this week and will reopen again on Saturday, Aug. 29.
OJAC executive director Patrick Kelly said the closure makes it easier for the staff to take down spring and summer exhibits and get ready to install new ones for viewing starting on Sept. 12.
Pieces in a collection by by Jo Ann Fleischhauer, as well as those from “The Ruby Portfolio,” celebrating the museum’s 40th anniversary, have been displayed since February.
By Melinda L. Lucas
A special meeting to adopt the 2020-2021 budget and tax rate for the Albany Independent School District is set for 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 31, the last day that the budget can be adopted, according to state law.
Albany ISD board members looked over the 2020-2021 budget during their most recent regular meeting on Aug. 17.
Expenditures for the upcoming school year are projected to be $6,390,959, compared to the actual expenses so far of just under $5.7 million.
Revenue for the year is expected to be $5,985,756.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Shackelford County commissioners and other elected officials met Monday, Aug. 24 to go through several routine agenda items, including the approval of a long list of minutes from previous sessions.
At the end of the meeting, the court continued to work on the budget for the news fiscal year that starts Sept. 1. There was no action, as they intend to make some more adjustments at a special meeting on Monday, Aug. 31 before proposing the budget and tax rate.
Other Business
By Lynsi Musselman
The Albany Chamber of Commerce annual garage sale is just over two weeks away, on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Registration to get on the garage sale map began Aug. 24 and continues until Sept. 1 for residents who would like to participate.
Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said the registration fee to be included on the map and receive a paper sign is $10 this year.
“Once registration has been paid in full, a sign will be printed with the name and address of the participant,” Jones explained.
By Lynsi Musselman
With a full week of school in the rear view mirror, hundreds of local children have been shuffled to and from campus by bus, car, bicycle, and on foot.
Texas Department of Public Safety and Albany Independent School District remind drivers to be extra cautious as school zones become more active, and to be aware of school bus safety.
COVID-19 Safety
According to AISD, transportation will be provided during the fall semester as conditions are evaluated and ridership numbers evaluated.
By Lynsi Musselman
The era of COVID-19 has brought schools, students, and parents many challenges, but it has also cleared the path for new ways of learning that are a solution for some.
Albany Independent School District currently has 16 students participating in the remote learning option the first six weeks of school.
AISD director of student services Leigh Lowe reported 14 of those students were at Nancy Smith Elementary School and two students were at the secondary campus.
The Abilene Basketball Chapter (ABC) is actively recruiting new officials for the upcoming 2020-2021 junior high and high school basketball season.
Training is available to all new ABC chapter members and help for uniforms will be provided by current ABC members.
ABC dues are $35 for new members and $70 for veteran officials. All officials are required to register with the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA) for $50.
