The first of four free summer day camps offered by the Old Jail Art Center for school-aged children this year takes place tomorrow, Aug. 3.

The art camps offered this summer are Cultural Connections: Italy!, Things on Strings: Italy!, Cell Series: Teen Workshop, and Re-Create!

Early registration is recommended because participation numbers are limited in each of the camps.

Cultural Connections: Italy!

The music, food, art, and culture of Italy will be explored at Cultural Connections: Italy! 

The next regular test of the local emergency siren is scheduled for 12:00 noon, on Wednesday, Aug. 8, depending on the weather. 

The regular trial is scheduled for the second Wednesday of every month, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to Albany Volunteer Fire Department chief Kyle Tischler.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones during the test. 

Pick-up dates for the August distribution of the commodity food program are today and tomorrow.

On Thursday, Aug. 2, certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.

Albany families who have been certified eligible for the August food distribution program can pick up their commodity food Friday, Aug. 3, at the rear door of the JP office (the former county jail) from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.  

A special meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners was held last Thursday afternoon in order to approve the renewal of the county’s health insurance.

Sabra Teague of Chapman and Chapman, the county’s agent of record, presented the numbers to continue coverage with the Texas Association of Counties, which will increase about 6.5 percent effective Oct. 1.

The renewal rate of $902 per individual employee, up from $847, was approved, along with the “grandfathered” medical plan with the same benefits as the current year.

CAD Budget

A back-to-school bash including a swimming party for local fifth through 12th grade students, extended shopping hours at many downtown stores, and food and fellowship provided by area churches has been organized for the evening of Thursday, Aug. 9, by members of the Albany Chamber of Commerce.

“We wanted to give parents an opportunity to go shopping after work, and the kids a chance to reunite with each other before school starts,” said Chamber office manager Mary Beth Jones. “It will also give churches a chance to let all of the kids know what they are offering this year.”

Everyone is invited to come out to the Bank Park the evening of Monday, Aug. 13 and meet the players, coaches, and cheerleaders that will represent Albany High during the fall sports season and for a few dollars they can also enjoy a freshly cooked hamburger meal and desert.

Albany Athletic Booster Club’s Ice Cream Supper also gives club members a chance to connect with other fans and encourage them to join the Boosters, sign up team parents, and market items from the Spirit Shop.

Ice Cream Supper

Workers at Moran Independent School District were busy doing regular maintenance on the facilities and have almost completed a major project, according to business manager Diedre Cauble.

“We are waxing all of the rooms and hallways, and have replaced the carpet in a couple of the rooms and the auditorium,” Cauble said. “But the major project that we are finishing up is a restoration on the cafeteria. We got a grant for $20,000 worth of improvements!”

The cafeteria will have a new stove, oven, steam tables, prep tables, and cold serving area.

Children  four years old through sixth grade have been invited to the First Baptist Church of Moran from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each night this week for a hot meal, Bible lessons about God’s team, crafts, and games at the free Game On! Vacation Bible School.

“I am very excited about our VBS this week,” said organizer Jo Hise. “We had 22 kids come the first night. They learned the parable of the Lost Sheep.”

The next two nights included the Bible stories about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, and Thomas seeing Jesus alive after His resurrection.

Shackelford County commissioners approved the annual contract renewal with AirMedCare Network during Monday morning’s regular session, which was followed by a budget workshop.

No action was taken on the budget, with elected officials continuing to work on figures that will be finalized next month.

Air Ambulance

Randy Teague, who represents the air ambulance known locally as AirEvac, reported to commissioners that there would be no increase for the upcoming contract year, which starts Oct. 1.

In spite of the recent unusually hot weather, Albany has not broken the recorded maximum temperature on any day this year, although the high of 106 degrees on July 20 tied a previous record, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The hotter-than-normal temperatures have caused record energy consumption across the state and outside workers to stay more aware of the need to stay hydrated.