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

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 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 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 With the school year officially beginning for Moran students on Aug. 23, student and staff events are in full swing. Cheer Camp Moran varsity cheerleaders will begin cheer camp on Monday, Aug. 2. The cheerleaders will practice from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. until Wednesday, Aug. 4.

By Sidney Bartee The deadline for football program ads has been extended until tomorrow, July 30. Community members or businesses who want to purchase ads for the football program can contact a Booster Club officer.

By Sidney Bartee Pick-up dates for the August distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Aug. 5 and Friday, Aug. 6.