By Melinda L. LucasDuring a meeting on Monday, Aug. 14, moved up a week from the regular third Monday time, Albany ISD’s board of trustees set a date for a special meeting to adopt the 2023-2024 budget and tax rate, planning an early morning meeting on Aug.

By Donnie A. LucasExpected enrollment numbers are down by about 10 students for Albany ISD compared the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, with about 30 of those anticipated not yet fully registered as of Tuesday.

By Donnie A. LucasPreliminary scores for the spring 2023 STAAR testing for grades 3-8 were released by the Texas Education Agency last week, with local scores exceeding or matching statewide scores in almost all areas.

By Melinda L. LucasEven though Shackelford County commissioners did not have final tax rate calculations at their Aug. 14 meeting, they continued trimming the budget for the fiscal year that starts Oct.1 and filed a proposed budget as required by law.

By Donnie A. LucasSix well-known country performers including headliners Pat Green and Kevin Fowler will be in Albany in just over a week for the fifth annual CareFest concert held at the Happy Life, Happy Wife Weddings and Event venue located just west of town on FM 1084.Gates will open at 4:00 p.

Albany ISD’s Teachers of the Year, selected by their peers at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, were announced at the district breakfast last week. Kelli Kreitler (l) and Chanel Hayner (r) were presented with personalized directors chairs.

By Melinda L. LucasA special meeting of the Albany city council is expected to be scheduled in the next week or two to discuss and possibly propose a tax rate for the upcoming tax year.

By Sam WallerIncoming Shackelford 4-H officers got a look at local government in action Monday, Aug. 14 by attending a meeting of Shackelford County Commissioners Court.Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said it was a great experience for the group.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Ragin’ Red Lion Band will host a Meet the Band performance on Monday, Aug. 21 in the High School Auditorium starting at 8:00 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasDaivis Gallagher started organizing a classroom just a few days ago, and as the 2023-2024 school year at Nancy Smith Elementary School got underway on Thursday, Aug. 17, she began her first day as an Albany ISD teacher.