By Melinda L. Lucas Despite a report late Wednesday morning about the first confirmed coronavirus case at Nancy Smith Elementary School, a spike in local occurrences during the last half of September seemed to be on a downward trend this week.

By Lynsi Musselman Plans for Fandangle 2021 are soon to be discussed at the upcoming annual membership meeting for the Fort Griffin Fandangle Association.

By Melinda L. Lucas Processing of local tax statements is “on hold” until final information is received from Callahan County’s appraisal district office about property tax rates in the Moran ISD, according to Shackelford chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

By Lynsi Musselman Albany stock show participants have been on the road the last few weeks exhibiting in Anson, Dallas, and Waco. The State Fair of Texas youth stock show joined the Heart O’ Texas livestock show in Waco this year as a result of the pandemic social distancing rules.

Dear Editor: We lost a good friend this week. Jackie Lynn Mitchell was on the Class A State Championship team that won consecutive crowns in 1960 and 1961. He went to Texas Tech with a freshman scholarship. Nine years ago, he and his wife Carolyn (Maxwell) moved to Albany.

By Lynsi Musselman The Shackelford County 4-H horse program will have its first horse clinic on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m., after rescheduling last week’s Oct. 1 clinic. The clinic will be held at the county show barn.

By Melinda L. Lucas Despite ongoing coronavirus restrictions, blood is still needed, and a blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday afternoon, Oct. 15.

By Lynsi Musselman Albany High School Homecoming 2020 festivities will not be as extensive this year, but the community is gearing up to cheer for the Lions against the Ranger Bulldogs on Friday, Oct. 12. The homecoming game is planned for 7:00 p.m.

By Lynsi Musselman The Albany Chapter of the National Honor Society will induct 17 new members this Sunday. A recognition ceremony for the new members will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Albany High School auditorium.

Albany students and staff will enjoy a break from classes on Columbus Day, Monday Oct.  12, with a student and staff  holiday scheduled. Classes will resume for all AISD students on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at the normal 7:55 a.m. time for the start of the school day at NSES and 8:00 a.m.