By Kathy Thomson

The Albany city swimming pool will close for the season in just over two weeks.

“The pool (rentals) went great this year,” said manager Dakota Fowler. “We had parties almost every night.” 

The last day the pool will be open this summer is Sunday, Aug. 11, according to city employee Tiffany Nall. 

Nall added that the city workers have already reserved some booking dates through the end of August and plan to honor those commitments, but they are not accepting any additional bookings.

By Kathy Thomson

Three different events, including one that is making its initial debut, are planned this Saturday, July 27 at Fort Griffin State Historic Site, and all three are included in the cost of admission to the old cavalry fort.

A Guided Fort Tour will take place from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., and the brand new program, U.S. Cavalry Arms and Texas Frontier Defense, 1850-1880, will be offered as a come-and-go event from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. 

By Kathy Thomson

Three members of the Albany chapter of the Future Farmers of America and sponsor Chris Beard attended the 91st annual Texas FFA State Convention in Fort Worth last week and another local FFA student competed in the State FFA Rodeo that took place during the State Convention.

Seth Hale earned his Lone Star Farmer Degree. 

By Kathy Thomson

ResourceCare case worker Makenzie Marshall reminded everyone that the annual Adopt-a-Buddy school supply program is underway, and she is hoping to hear from those that can use a little help, as well as those who can provide assistance for local students.

In just three weeks, tardy bells will ring out the start of a new school year, and parents who need a little help providing their child with school supplies can register to be included in the free program.

By Kathy Thomson

The Kiwanis Club of Albany and The Albany News will both be recognized by the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas at the organization’s annual conference next week. 

The VATAT gives an award in each of six categories (Outstanding Chapter Advocate, Outstanding Newspaper, Outstanding School Administrator, Outstanding Radio Station, Outstanding Television Station, and Teacher’s Media) to the top nominees from each of the 12 FFA Areas in Texas.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Due to several conflicts, Closet Angels’ “Back to School Bash” has been moved up more than a week to Thursday, Aug. 1. It was originally scheduled on Aug. 10.

According to Closet Angels director Lori Reames, there will be “food, prizes, and fun along with an opportunity to shop for great school clothing” from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. that evening.

First Financial Bank will provide hot dogs and water. 

By Kathy Thomson

ResourceCare’s Summer Day Camp is winding down, with only two days of activities left of the three-week schedule.

“We have toured the Albany Volunteer Fire Department, First National Bank, and the Old Jail Art Center,” said program director Mindy Ary. “I want to send out a big thank you to the Feed Store and to Friendship Baptist for allowing us to use their space and keep the kids out of the heat!”

Attendance numbers have been high again this year, though slightly less than last year’s record setting mean of 110 campers per day.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County dispatcher Dee Balliew was recognized near the beginning of a regular meeting of commissioners on Monday, July 22.

Balliew, who has been with the local sheriff’s office for almost 14 years, is retiring at the end of this month. She was presented with plaques by county judge Robert Skelton and sheriff Ed Miller.

A reception for the retiree was held Monday afternoon at the Law Enforcement Center.

Health Insurance

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host the Big Country Beef Conference on Aug. 22 at the Taylor County Expo Center in the Big Country Hall, 1700 Texas Highway 36, Abilene. 

The event will run from 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m., with registration and coffee starting at 7:30 a.m. Call the AgriLife Extension office of Taylor County at 325-672-6048 to register. The cost is $15 if registered before Aug. 15, or $20 at the door. Lunch is included. 

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) nominations for county committee members must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1. 

Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate.