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.
Max Balliew was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts and Science in Biomedical Science Pre-Medical at the Tarleton State University commencement ceremony on May 12.
Balliew is the son of Candy and Tim Balliew.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Albany ISD teachers and support staff started the school year on Wednesday with staff meetings and training.
Required professional development and meetings will continue through next Wednesday, with the first day of classes set for Thursday, Aug. 17.
Meanwhile, the Albany PTO is helping welcome school employees back by stocking the employee workrooms at both campuses with snacks and drinks.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Meet the Teacher will be held at both Nancy Smith Elementary and the junior/senior high campus on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Students entering K-6 will be able to find out their teachers for the coming school year from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Students and parents are urged to meet with teachers at the secondary campus at 6:00 p.m. for an orientation meeting for all grade levels in the high school auditorium.
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Ragin’ Red Lion Band has switched from sectionals to full band rehearsals this week, with just a couple of days of summer band practices remaining before the school year starts next Thursday, Aug. 17.
The band played at the annual Ice Cream Supper on Monday and are continuing with evening practices from 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. through next Tuesday, Aug. 15.
