Final scores for the spring 2024 STAARtestingforgrades3-11werereleased by the Texas EducationAgency last week, with local scores exceeding ormatchingstatewidescoresinalmost all areas. Results also were mostly equal to higher compared to last year’s results for local students in tested areas.

Albany ISD has spent about $720,000 over the summer to enhance security at both local campuses, as mandated by recent statewide regulations issued by the Texas Education Agency and the state legislature.

Acommemorative book of articles aboutShackelfordCounty families and businesses – old and new – is being put together as part of the 150th celebration of the county’s founding.

The Old Jail Art Center’s summer camps are wrapping up with an “Out of this World” space-themed workshop for early learners earlier this week on Wednesday, followed by the STEAM OJAC for ages 9-12 on Friday, Aug. 9.

Albany FFA adviser Chris Beard is in the process of helping local FFA and 4-H students complete entries for upcoming fall shows at the State Fair of Texas and the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo. The State Fair will run Friday, Sept.

Certified taxable values for each taxing entity were approved by the Shackelford County Appraisal Review Board last month, showinganoverallincrease of 5.8 percent compared to 3.2 percent last year.

Plans are underway for the 20th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala, which hasbeenscheduledforSaturday, Oct. 12, at Collins Creek Ranch.

Ticketsarestillavailable for the Aug. 24 CareFest concertwhichdrawscrowds from all over the Big Country and beyond.