By Melinda L. LucasThe last name on a fairly lengthy list of classroom teachers and coaches has been checked off this week, although a few expected contracts are not yet finalized, according to Albany ISD administrative assistant Lynsi Musselman.

By Donnie A. LucasTicket are selling fast for the fifth annual CareFest, with only $50 general admission remaining for the one-day music extravaganza headlining Pat Green and Kevin Fowler on Saturday, Aug. 26.

By Donnie A. LucasSeveral members of the local FCCLA chapter competed at the national conference in Denver, Colorado last week, bringing home silver medals for their efforts.

Albany News readers and advertisers are reminded that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, during the week of July 17.“We will not have a July 20 issue,” said News editor Melinda Lucas. “Hopefully that won’t be an inconvenience or source of confusion for anyone.

By Melinda L. LucasA single bid for a “property exchange” was accepted at the Albany city council’s regular meeting on Monday, July 10.After the required bidding process, a 5.76-acre track owned by Justin Trail south of the airport runway will be “swapped” for 7.

By Melinda L. LucasWith the extended deadline for the Old Jail Art Center children’s workshop coming up on Friday, July 21, parents need to get their 6-12 year olds signed up for one or more of the four sessions scheduled over the first two weeks of August.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County commissioners worked through several items on their July 10 agenda, including setting a time for the first budget workshop of 2023 next Monday at 1:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Booster Club will hold its kickoff meeting at 6:00 p.m. Monday, July 24, at The Feed Store.The meeting is for all parents who would like to be involved in the Booster Club for the 2023-24 school year with team parent signups and other business on the agenda.

By Donnie A. LucasStudents in grade 8-12 who are planning to be a member of the Ragin’ Red Lion Band will start preparing for the 2023 marching season on Monday, July 24 in the band hall with rehearsals for the percussion section including the pit crew.

By Donnie A. LucasParents of students attending Nancy Smith Elementary are going to find the cost of sending children back to school will be lower this year.The Albany PTO is furnishing all school supplies needed for Pre-K and Head Start through sixth grade this year.