To address long-standing care problems in long-term facilities that were exacerbated by COVID, the Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to serve as advocates for individuals living in nursing and assisted living facilities.

By Donnie A. Lucas After going weeks, even months, without a single positive COVID-19 case, eight positive cases have been reported locally by one of the two local clinics. The Shackelford County Hospital District Clinic has administered 25 tests since July 19, with eight positive results.

By Sidney Bartee An Albany blood drive is set for today, Aug. 5. Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. The blood center offers COVID-19 antibody testing at no charge to those who successfully donate.

By Donnie A. Lucas Online registration is continuing for both school campuses this week with a number of students still not signed up to the upcoming school year.

By Donnie A. Lucas All the gold will definitely not be in California come Oct. 9.

By Sidney Bartee The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, Aug. 11, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

By Sidney Bartee Several members of Albany FFA have been attending multiple cattle prospect shows across the state during the summer, with their efforts paying off with some top spots and awards. The prospect shows are held to prepare beef projects for major shows held in the fall and winter.

By Donnie A. Lucas The News has hired veteran sportswriter Sam Waller as a staff member effective with this week’s edition. Waller, 57, brings a wealth of reporting experience along with his 32-year newspaper career.

By Sam Waller For the past two decades, ResourceCare’s Adopt-a-Buddy program has helped make sure in-need students in Shackelford County are supplied with the school supplies they are required to have for the start of a new school year. This year’s supply packages will be distributed from 9:00 a.

By Sidney Bartee The Albany Chamber of Commerce annual garage sale will take place on Saturday, Sept. 11. Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said participants can register to get on the map between Aug. 17 and Sept. 3. To be registered, included on the map, and receive a sign will cost $10.