By Donnie A. Lucas

Preliminary 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.

Results also were mostly higher compared to last year’s results for local students in tested areas.

One grade level fell below state and regional averages in three of four tested areas.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Even 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. Lucas

Six 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.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26. The price for a general admission ticket is $60 per person if purchased in advance online, while the ticket price at the gate will increase to $70 per person.

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. They will represent the teaching staff on a special committee.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A 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.

The council did not review tax rate options at Monday’s regular session because those calculations were not yet available.

City manager Billy Holson said that having a special meeting before the end of August will give the city time to post any required notices prior to the next regular meeting on Sept. 11.

By Sam Waller

Incoming 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.

Following the meeting, the 4-Hers convened at The Feed Store to begin preparing for the upcoming 4-H year, which begins Sept. 1.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The 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.

All members of the community are invited to attend to hear some of the music the group has been working on for the contest show, as well as individual members of the band being introduced.

The band has been working almost daily during summer band practices since the last week of July.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Daivis 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.

Gallagher is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a bachelor of science in multidisciplinary studies and an emphasis in language arts/reading and social studies.

She will be teaching sixth grade English/language arts, along with some other duties.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County students planning to exhibit livestock projects at fall shows have one week to complete the entry process.

Albany FFA advisor Chris Beard said Friday, Aug. 25 is the deadline for entering both the State Fair of Texas in Dallas and the Heart of Texas Fair in Waco. Entries for the West Texas Fair have already been turned in.

The West Texas Fair is scheduled for Sept. 7-16 in Abilene. The State Fair of Texas will run Sept. 29-Oct. 22. The Heart of Texas Fair dates are Oct. 5-15.

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church of Albany will host Back-to-Church Sunday this week (Sunday, Aug. 20) to help get people back into a routine of attending services as children return to school.

“We’re inviting the community to come after the business of summer vacations and trips,” children’s pastor Ginger Bumguardner said. “We want to start off the fall with a new commitment to make church a priority. We’d love to have anyone who wants to come into our fellowship and worship with us.”