Bios of new staff members, along with faculty assignments and school supply lists, are included in the special back-to-school section in this week’s issue.

By Donnie A. Lucas With online enrollment hovering at 90 percent earlier this week, school officials are still looking for 30-35 more students to register before the first day of classes next Wednesday, Aug. 18.

By Donnie A. Lucas The number of current positive COVID-19 cases more than doubled during the last week, according to information reported by the Shackelford County Health Clinic. The local clinic said that 40 tests were administered from Aug. 2 through Aug. 9, with 12 positive results.

By Sidney Bartee The Old Jail Art Center virtual camps are continuing this week, with Frontier Fort Kids closing the annual summer events next week. Last week, students participated in the Cultural Connections Camp centered around India.

By Sam Waller The deadline for Shackelford County residents to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance following February’s winter storm is coming up quickly on Monday, Aug. 23. Claims can be filed by calling 1-800-621-3362.

By Sam Waller Members of the local FFA and 4-H organizations are gearing up for the fall exhibition season. Entry deadlines for the major fall shows are coming up with Shackelford County students planning to exhibit a number of animals.

By Donnie A. Lucas Albany ISD announced last week that students in all grade levels will be provided free meals for the 2021-2022 school year after being included in a COVID-19 recovery grant program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

By Donnie A. Lucas Albany teachers and staff started back to work this week in anticipation of students arriving on Aug. 18, and with the new year comes a new slogan that embodies the theme for the year.

By Sidney Bartee Albany ISD’s annual “Meet the Teacher” night and new student orientation are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 16. Meet the Teacher “Meet the Teacher” will begin at 5:00 p.m. for Head Start and pre-K through second grade students, while third through sixth grade will meet at 5:30 p.m.

By Sidney Bartee Several Albany churches traditionally hold special events during the transition from summer to the start of the school year, but due to COVID and other changes, many churches have not been able to hold their usual events.