By Sam WallerMoran ISD superintendent Dr. John Denson was selected recently to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree.“I’m very honored to be nominated for it and to receive it,” Denson said.

By Donnie A. LucasTicket holders for the fifth annual CareFest concert set for Saturday will get an extra dose of stage time from headliners Pat Green and Kevin Fowler after another country artist had to pull out of the event late last week.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany ISD has registered just under 500 students for the 2023-24 school year, showing a small decrease in enrollment for the first time in several years.As of Monday, Aug. 21, the district is reporting a total of 493 students, compared to 502 students at the same point last year.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany’s city council met in special session on Monday night, Aug. 21 to propose a tax rate, electing to go with the “No New Revenue” (NNR) rate of 56.39 cents.

By Melinda L. LucasA special meeting to adopt the 2023-2024 budget and tax rate for the Albany Independent School District is set for 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31, the last day that the budget can be approved according to state law.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County commissioners got their first good look at tax rate options during a meeting on Monday, Aug. 21, but could not take any action on proposing a rate because the item was not listed on the agenda.The elected officials will meet again on Monday, Aug.

By Sam WallerApproximately 60 members of Shackelford County 4-H were recognized Sunday, Aug. 20 for their participation in a variety of projects at the club’s annual banquet at the Whitney Theatre.

By Melinda L. LucasDirectors of the Shackelford County Hospital District met Monday, Aug. 21 with budget and tax rate action items on the agenda, but they ended up scheduling two special sessions with the expectation of proposing both a budget and tax rate by at least Sept. 11.

By Sam WallerThe final program of the Big Country Beef Conference will be held Thursday, Aug. 24 (today) at  Taylor County Expo Center’s Big Country Hall.Three ag CEUs and four TREC credits are available.Registration begins a 7:45 a.m. with morning sessions starting at 8:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasWith the beginning of the new school year, Albany students are heading to campuses daily by school bus, car, bicycle, or on foot, prompting the need for caution by drivers.