The fall semester is off to a fast-paced start for Albany FFA and Shackelford County 4-H members, with livestock entries, tag orders, sales, and validations scheduled almost weekly from now through mid-December.

While several deadlines and events already occurred earlier this month, a long list of important dates still lies ahead as students prepare for the 2025–2026 show season.

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Deadlines

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Shackelford County Hospital District Board formally appointed a new EMS director, approved a “balanced” 2026 budget, and proposed a slight tax rate increase during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 18.

Colby Herron Named EMS Director

Colby Herron, who has served as interim EMS director since the departure of Mateo Millan earlier this year, was officially named to the role following a brief closed session.

I know, that’s a strange headline to see in the middle of August. But for me, this time of year feels much more like the start of something new than January ever does.

As a parent with kids in school, the beginning of the school year brings the same sense of starting fresh. It’s a new calendar, new teachers, new routines, and new possibilities. Here in Albany, our lives seem to naturally revolve around school, sports, church, and Fandangle. So when classes begin again, it’s not just the kids who get a reset—it’s the whole town.

The 7th annual CareFest is set for Saturday, August 16, at the Happy Wife Happy Life Weddings and Events Venue. The festival will be run for the first time this year by Big Country C.A.R.E.S., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with all proceeds continuing to benefit ResourceCare.