By Melinda L. Lucas

As is typical, property tax payments at the Shackelford County Appraisal District accelerated just before the end of the year, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

“We are still busy processing and posting the many payments that were mailed in to us at the end of 2019, as well as the electronic transactions through the district’s website,” said Snyder on Monday. “Unfortunately, there is not an accurate way to estimate the collection rate until we finish processing December payments, and close out the month in our collection system.”

By Kathy Thomson

Pick-up dates for the January distribution of the commodity food program are Jan. 9 and 10.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Albany families who have been certified eligible for the January food distribution program can pick up their commodity food Friday, Jan. 10 at the rear door of the JP office (the former county jail) from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

By Donnie A. Lucas

Parents and students alike are reminded of the importance of school attendance due to the Texas Compulsory Attendance Law which mandates that students attend a minimum number of minutes each semester to receive credit for courses taken.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With the help of a “generous” donor and multiple other contributions, the Christmas meal needs of 109 Albany and Moran families were met when the Albany Ministerial Alliance distributed its annual Christmas food baskets on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Alliance secretary Tisha Wilkins said this week that the organization had originally planned for only 60 deliveries because that’s how many applications they had been given on the deadline day.

However, another 49 forms were discovered and turned in on Dec. 17, leaving only a few days to prepare.

During September, on the late Robert Nail’s birth date, and on through the Albany High School homecoming week, support was sought during the annual fundraising drive for “Dollars for Bob’s Scholarships.” 

However, the fundraising effort continues all through the year, and members of the Albany Ex-Students Association are asking Albany graduates and others to rememeber the fund in their end-of-year giving.

By Kathy Thomson

The 2019 Albany Chest annual campaign officially ended on Tuesday, Dec. 31, with a total of $39,211 raised as of Monday, Dec. 30, according to treasurer Paige Adair.

Although some year-end gifts may arrive in the next week or two, the drive is still short of the 2019 goal of $42,000 by almost $3,000.

The board will meet on Wednesday, Jan.8 to finalize disbursement amounts for the 24 various charities that applied for funds.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A solution for the deteriorating Rockhill voting site near Hamby was approved during a regular meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners on Monday, Dec. 23.

Precinct 4 commissioner Cody Jordan presented a $16,800 bid from Hawk Buildings for a 12x20 portable structure on skids that will be installed near the Rockhill School building, where county voting has been held for decades.

The abandoned school, with ownership currently being researched, has become unsuitable for public use.

By Melinda L. Lucas

School safety and security was the topic of a fairly lengthy discussion during the Albany ISD board of trustees’ meeting on Monday, Dec. 16.

Although no action was taken, superintendent Jonathan Scott presented some information about state grants and federal Title IV monies that are available.

By Kathy Thomson

Christmas is less than a week away, and as they have for the past 11 years, volunteers from Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will make sure that no one in Albany misses out on the chance to enjoy a holiday meal on Christmas Day.

Church members are preparing a traditional dinner of turkey, beef tenderloin, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, and dessert.

By Kathy Thomson

This Sunday afternoon, members of the Albany Ministerial Alliance along with volunteers from the community, will deliver the Alliance’s annual Christmas baskets to those in Albany and Moran who have requested home delivery of the food boxes, and those who wish to help spread some holiday cheer are invited to come to The Feed Store and join the gift giving.

“We always welcome extra helpers, and they can either deliver a route, or jump in and assist another group if all of the routes are covered,” said Alliance secretary Tisha Wilkins.