By Melinda L. LucasAfter approving his retainer at last month’s meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District board meeting, the directors met their new legal counsel on Monday, Aug. 15 at their regular monthly session.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County commissioners have yet to see tax rate calculations so they can finalize their budget, but because county-wide values are up, they are optimistic about being able to offer a three to five percent across-the-board increase in employee salaries.

By Melinda L. LucasA special meeting of the Albany city council was set for next Tuesday, Aug. 23 to discuss and possibly propose a tax rate for the upcoming tax year.

By Sidney BarteeEight performers are set to hit the stage for CareFest 2022 on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Happy Wife Happy Life Wedding and Events venue.CareFest is a fundraising event organized by ResourceCare. Proceeds benefit outreach programs.Tickets are available at www.outhousetickets.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chamber of Commerce will resume normal hours of operation Monday, Aug. 22 and begin accepting registrations for the annual community garage sale.The Chamber office has been closed for vacation since Monday. Aug. 8.The garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10.

By Sidney BarteeThe Ragin” Red Band will host a Meet the Band performance on Monday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Robert Nail Memoral Stadium.All members of the community are invited to the event and be introduced to the band.

By Sam WallerNearly 150 awards for project completion were presented to Shackelford County 4-H members Sunday, Aug. 14, during the club’s banquet at the Whitney Theatre.“We had probably a dozen project areas,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Kenzie Neve has had a busy and successful spring and summer exhibiting steers across the state.Neve first took her livestock projects into the show ring in April at the Purple Pursuit Tarleton State University Prospect Show at Stephenville.

By Sidney BarteeWith the start of the school year, Albany churches and organizations have already begun youth and children’s services for students, with more activities scheduled to begin in the next few weeks.Feed StoreTuesday lunches for juniors and seniors will begin again on Aug.

By Donnie A. LucasThere were 16 new ­COVID-19 cases reported last week, based on the tests administered at Albany’s two health clinics, an uptick as the school year neared.