By Melinda L. Lucas Shackelford County judge Bob Skelton and all four commissioners gathered for the second required tax rate hearing at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, waiting 15 minutes for residents of the county to list any objections they might have to setting the tax rate at 58.91 cents.

By Kathy Thomson Steak grilled to perfection, Doug Moreland & the Flying Armadillos filling the fresh night air with boot scootin’ music, auctions, and an open bar are all planned as part of the Friends of Fort Griffin 16th Annual Gala on Saturday, Oct.

By Kathy Thomson Docents at the Old Jail Art Center went on an overnight trip to Fredericksburg earlier this week, and the group is planning a trip to New Orleans next spring, according to Susan Waller, member of the OJAC travel committee. “We wanted to go on a one-night trip,” said Waller.

By Kathy Thomson Members of the Albany Parent Teacher Organization have started planning for the 2019 Fall Festival, and students and parents from all grade levels are encouraged to sign up and help with the annual fundraiser.

By Kathy Thomson Albany junior high seventh grader Kenzie Neve won the overall cattle showmanship belt buckle at the 61st annual Jones County Fair in Anson last Saturday. Neve also placed in both of her steer classes.

By Kathy Thomson Pumpkins, train rides, games, face painting, and other opportunities to make special fall family memories will be offered at Bethel Assembly’s “The Patch” in downtown Albany at the Bank Park next Saturday, Oct. 5.

By Kathy Thomson The monthly star gazing party, Stars and Skies of Texas, will be held at Fort Griffin State Historical Site from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 28.

By Kathy Thomson The 12th Annual Albany Kiwanis Charity/John Rose & Jim Law Memorial Golf Tournament and Fajita Fiesta will take place at the Albany Golf Course this Friday, Sept. 14. Money raised from participants and sponsors will help fund the Albany K Charity Scholarship Fund.

By Melinda L. Lucas Shackelford County conducted the first of two public hearings along with moving through a few other pieces of business on Monday morning, Sept. 16. The hearing was required as part of the county’s plan to set a tax rate of 58.

By Kathy Thomson Fall officially starts next Monday, Sept. 23, and the Albany downtown area will soon be dressed for the autumn season.