By Sam Waller

Despite being temporarily being expelled from their home court and battling low numbers, the Moran Lady Bulldogs began their volleyball season with five matches last week.

The Lady Bulldogs began the second week of competition Tuesday, Aug. 15 with a match at Gustine. Results will be reported next week. On Friday, Aug. 18, Moran will visit the Eastland JV.

Moran is playing the first six weeks of the season on the road as the gym floor is replaced. Work on that project began this week.

Albert “Al” Burton, age 87 of Albany, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. Funeral services were held Saturday, Aug. 12 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Tom Chandler officiating. Interment followed in the Albany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Albert Dee Burton was born June 28, 1936 in Albany, Texas to Albert Pete “Pinky” Burton and Rosa Leta Alexander Burton. He grew up in Albany and graduated from Albany High School in 1955.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Certified 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 $609,696,295 in 2022 to $629,191,588, according to figures released by the Shackelford County Appraisal District last week.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Just 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. Lucas

The 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 games inspired by ocean life from the museum’s collection.

All four of the OJAC in-person sessions were well-attended, according to education director Erin Whitmore.

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 students.

See Section C for details.

By Melinda L. Lucas

This 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 spend.

Apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax-free are listed on the Comptroller’s website at texastaxholiday.org.

By Sam Waller

Local 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, exhibiting the champion Yorkshire as well as taking second place in different classes with a Berkshire, Chester, and spotted cross.

By Melinda L. Luca

A 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 blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals.

By Donnie A. Lucas

General 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 west of Albany on FM 1084.

The price for a general admission ticket increased to $60 per person on Aug. 1 if purchased in advance. The ticket price at the gate will increase to $70 per person.