By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County commissioners continued reviewing the budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year that starts Oct. 1 and got their first look at tax rate options during a meeting on Monday.

By Donnie A. LucasAs part of an effort to increase security at both Albany ISD campuses, the school board hired an experienced local resident as the director of school safety and security.

By Melinda L. LucasA quorum of the Albany city council met in special session on Tuesday night, Aug. 23 to propose a tax rate, acting on the recommendation of city manager Billy Holson to go with the “No New revenue” (NNR) rate of 61.04 cents.

By Sam WallerA record crowd is expected for this year’s CareFest, according to organizers, with numbers possibly nearing 2,000.The fourth CareFest, a fund­raiser for ResourceCare’s outreach programs, is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27, at Happy Wife Happy Life event venue.

By Donnie A. LucasCertified taxable values for each taxing entity in Shackelford County were announced recently, with minerals and property increasing 7.85 percent overall.The total taxable value for the county increased by slightly less than $45 million from $571,814, 787 in 2021 to $616,705,866.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany ISD has registered just over 500 students for the 2022-23 school year for the third time in as many years.As of Monday, Aug. 22, the district was reporting a total of 502 students, with three more still expected to enroll late.

By Sam WallerRegistration for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s annual community garage sale began Monday, Aug. 22, and Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones already has names on her list.Jones said three local residents registered to participate the first day.

By Sam WallerThe Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show is adding a commercial steer class for the 2023 show in January, with an informational meeting to be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25 (tonight) at the County Show Barn.

By Sam WallerThe program for the West Texas Mesonet presentation scheduled for next week has been finalized, Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell has announced.The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31 at the Compton Ranch and is expected to last about an hour.

By Sidney BarteeHundreds of children commute to and from local campuses by school bus, car, bicycle, and on foot.Drivers should be aware of the increased risks of injury to children that result from speeding or distracted driving.