LIfestyles

The planned upgrade of Olney’s baseball fields is on schedule so far and should be completed in time for teams to begin practicing there early next spring, Olney Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Greg Roach told the Board of Trustees at their regular meeting on Sept. 26. A new sprinkler system has been installed, and the existing lighting has been demolished and replaced, he said. The sports construction company was preparing to install new netting and backstops, and install the sod in the coming days, he said. Next steps include designing the softball dugouts and completing concrete work at both parks, he said. The final stage is installing new fencing and new scoreboards, he said. The OISD soon will start looking for partners to sponsor new scoreboards, which can cost as much as $25,000, he said.

The OISD board also discussed funding repairs to the ag farm, where FFA students house their show animals, Superintendent Dr. Roach said. The district has been rehabilitating the old barns, which sit on city property, and the roofs need to be replaced, he said. “The buildings out there are ours and we are trying to get it fixed up,” he said. FFA students use the facilities in December, January and February, he said.

The Young County Senior Cub Center hosted the Olney Chamber of Commerce for its quarterly luncheon featuring keynote speaker Kathryn Hager from Ramble and Company of Wichita Falls. The Cub Center played host to a mix of regular Cub Center attendees and OCC members. Attendees enjoyed a Mexican-style lunch and good company as Ms. Hager discussed the small business marketing strategies she offers her clients.