By Sam WallerThe Clear Fork Ranch team, which included three Shackelford County residents, took first place Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Big Bend Youth Ranch Rodeo in Alpine.The win qualified Clear Fork Ranch for the Working Ranch Cowboy Association youth championship, scheduled for Nov. 11 in Amarillo.

By Sam WallerMoran ISD began the second week of classes as projects that will change the look of the campus got underway.A new floor is being installed in the gym and a security fence is being erected on school grounds.Superintendent Dr. John Denson said the gym project began Monday, Aug. 14, with...

By Donnie A. LucasCertified taxable values for each taxing entity in Shackelford County were announced recently, with an overall increase slowing to 3.2 percent for the county compared to almost eight percent last year.The total taxable value for the county increased by about $19.5 million from...

By Donnie A. LucasJust over 70 percent of expected Albany ISD students were registered for the new school year as of Monday, and officials are urging parents to complete the process online or by calling for an appointment at either campus to complete registration.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Old Jail Art Center’s summer camps are wrapping up with the two-day puppet workshop earlier this week on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by an “Under the Sea” experience on Friday, Aug. 11.Students in grades 1-3 will spend a “sea-riously fun day” on some  aquatic crafts and...

Bios of new staff members, along with faculty assignments and school supply lists, are included in the special back-to-school section in this week’s issue.There are also articles about vaccination requirements, elementary “meet the teacher” night, and orientation for new junior high and high school...

By Melinda L. LucasThis year’s state sales tax holiday is set for Friday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 13.The law exempts sales tax on qualified items – such as clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks – priced below $100, saving shoppers about eight dollars on every $100 they...

By Sam WallerLocal youth kept busy over the summer exhibiting livestock projects at a variety of prospect shows, bringing home some big prizes.Kenzie Neve had the busiest summer, taking steers to five events.Colter Edgar had just one very productive outing June 24 at the Eighter From Decatur,...

By Melinda L. LucaA blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, Aug. 17.Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m.The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the...

By Donnie A. LucasGeneral admission tickets are still available for the CareFest concert set for Aug. 26 featuring headliners Pat Green and Kevin Fowler, along with five other popular artists.The fifth annual event will be held at the Happy Life, Happy Wife Weddings and Event venue located just...