By Alex Smith Conservation Planner  NRCS – Albany There are many tools in a land manager’s toolbox; however, one of the most cost effective and often under-utilized tools available to them is prescribed burning.

ResourceCare’s first ever Carefest is expected to draw several hundred people for a country music fundraiser that will feature 11 different bands during the 11-hour event. Two covered stages will be set up at the Happy Wife Happy Life venue off of the Cook Field Road this Saturday, Aug. 11.

Patsy Cline’s musical legacy lives on in Albany’s 30th anniversary production of Always...Patsy Cline, opening tomorrow at the Aztec Theater for a four performance run.

Extended downtown shopping and a pool party are planned this evening, with the Chamber of Commerce, local merchants, and Albany churches teaming up for the first annual event.

For the second time in less than two years, a raccoon wreaked havoc on Albany’s electrical substation, causing much of Shackelford County to be without power for about four hours.

New teacher bios, along with faculty assignment and school supply lists, are included in the special back-to-school section in this week’s issue.

Regular pool hours at Webb Park city pool will end for the summer next Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 14, as the time nears for school classes to begin. The facility will still be available to rent for private parties through the month of August, with a fee of $125 for a two-hour block.

With the start of the new school year just one week from today, any new students who have not yet registered in the Albany Independent School District need to do so as soon as possible.

New students at Albany High School and Albany Junior High School, including all incoming seventh graders, are urged to attend a special meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 14 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria/snack bar, which is located in the junior high building.

A new teacher group orientation meeting for new Albany ISD staff members took place yesterday, Aug. 8 at the elementary school.