By Melinda L. Lucas
As is typical, property tax payments at the Shackelford County Appraisal District (SCAD) office accelerated just before the end of the year, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.
“December was steady to higher than the previous year at plus 4.41 percent when compared,” he said Tuesday. “And January so far has picked up the pace traffic wise.”
By Kathy Thomson
Albany High School students competed at the Haskell Pow Wow, a University Interscholastic League academic invitational meet, on Saturday, Jan. 25, and several Albany students brought home individual medals. In addition, Albany students won second place in journalism.
“I was very pleased with how our students did for their first tournament of the year,” Rick Davis, UIL coordinator said. “Overall, we finished fifth out of 11 schools that were there. That’s not bad considering we only had six students who were able to attend!”
By Kathy Thomson
Literacy Night is taking place at Nancy Smith Elementary School this evening, Jan. 30, starting at 6:00 p.m.
“We will have three readers from our community come in and read stories to our students,” said principal John Gallagher. “All students and parents are welcome. We are also inviting children that do not yet attend school in hopes of encouraging reading both at school and at home.”
After the three readers complete their stories, the activities will move outside.
Members of Friendship Baptist Church are hosting a benefit lunch this Sunday, Feb. 2 to help the family of Rodney Alexander.
The meal of pulled pork, sausage, and all the fixings will be available either to eat in or take out, following morning services.
Donations will be accepted. Checks can be made out either to Friendship Baptist Church or to Lori Alexander.
For more information or to order take-out, call 325-660-2347.
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A second meeting for those interested in starting a Birding/Conservation Club in Albany and Shackelford County is planned for Monday, Feb. 3.
The meeting will held at First Christian Church, starting at 7:00 p.m.
FCC pastor Brad McBee is heading up the effort to form the group.
“Since 1970, there has been a loss of 2.9 billion birds in North America, that is one in four birds gone,” said McBee. “The aim of this group will be not only to promote and institute bird friendly conservation efforts, but also to enjoy birding together.”
By Kathy Thomson
Parents of girls who want to play in the Albany Girls Softball Association this spring only have one more week to sign up their child before the Friday, Feb. 8 deadline.
Age levels for Albany players this year will include under-6, under-8, under-10, under-12, and under-14 as of Jan. 1. Games will be played in Albany, Breckenridge, and possibly other nearby towns.
Registration fees are $45 for the first player in a family, and $30 more for each additional sibling entered in the league. Scholarships are available.
By Kathy Thomson
Moran High School senior Harley Schafer was recently named as one of the Lee’s Legion Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution 2020 DAR Good Citizen award winners.
Four area high schools were each invited to submit the name of one member of their senior class to Lee’s Legion for the honor.
The student should be one who has demonstrated the good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in his or her home, school, and community.
By Kathy Thomson
A cheer meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. next Thursday, Feb. 6 for all upcoming sixth grade through high school students interested in representing Moran as mascots, varsity cheerleaders, or junior high cheerleaders for the 2020-2021 school year.
Students interested in trying out must bring a parent or guardian with them to the meeting at the MISD auditorium.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, Feb. 13 is the end of the fourth six weeks grading period.
By Melinda L. Lucas
During their Jan. 27 meeting, Shackelford County commissioners opted not to renew the current IT contract with Goldsmith Solutions and instead seek an alternative type of agreement with Goldsmith or another Information Technology (IT) consultant.
The current contract, which is based on hourly fees for services, expires March 27.
County judge Robert Skelton outlined a timetable that allows the county to advertise for IT bids starting this week and review any proposals in time to make a decision before the end of March.
By Kathy Thomson
The 2020 Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association county livestock show and sale was held at the county show barn last weekend, Jan. 24-25, and according to association president Bronco Askew, the show was a success.
“We had a great show,” said Askew. “Of course, we don’t have final money totals yet, but pre-sale Bidders Pool donations were up, and overall we had a good turnout. In addition, it was almost unbelievable how great the weather was!”
