By Donnie A. Lucas

For the first time in over six weeks, no currently active cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus were reported as of Monday, according to county judge Robert Skelton.

According to a report Skelton received Monday from the regional office of the Texas State Health Services, a total of 16 positive cases have been reported for Shackelford County but currently were all recovered, with no active cases.

The DSHS was showing a total of 95 tests administered to county residents since the pandemic begin in March.

By Lynsi Musselman

Residents wanting to squeeze in one last swim at the Albany city swimming pool have until Sunday, Aug. 2, before the pool is closed for the season.

Pool manager Jennifer Bowman said the pool’s closing coordinates with Albany’s two-a-day sports schedule.

The pool will lose several lifeguards who participate in sports, as well as college age staff members who will be leaving to go back to school even before the last day.

“We have had a great group of lifeguards this year,” Bowman said.

By Lynsi Musselman

Another hot week means another week of wildfires in Shackelford County.

With hopes of rain and previous dry conditions come some dangers too. Lightning strikes caused a fire on Highway 283 North and another on Highway 576 according to Kristi Brooker, Shackelford County Rural Fire Department secretary.

By Lynsi Musselman

Pick-up dates for the August distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Aug. 6 and Friday, Aug. 7, with no restrictions.

On Thursday, Aug. 6, certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Albany families who have been certified eligible for the August food distribution program can pick up their commodity food on Friday, Aug. 7 at the back door of the Justice of the Peace office from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany High School volleyball players, cheerleaders, and football participants will have team and individual photos taken over the next couple of weeks.

Pictures of the AHS volleyball teams, who start practice this coming Monday, are scheduled Thursday, Aug. 6 at 5:00 p.m. at the main gym.

Members of the Albany varsity and junior varsity football teams will be in full pads on Friday, Aug. 7 for photos to be taken at Robert Nail Stadium.

The Lions and their coaches will gather at 1:30 p.m. after the morning practice.

By Lynsi Musselman

The recent reported threats of the Asian Giant Hornet, also known as the murder hornet, coming to the United States, have left many people wondering if 2020 is a bad dream.

The AGH is a predaceous hornet native to Asia, typically found in Japan and South Korea.

According to Shackelford County extension agent Kloey Painter, who has received a few calls asking about them, these insects have appeared in Washington State, with no detection of them anywhere in Texas.

By Lynsi Musselman

Shackelford County residents have the opportunity to back-to-school shop at Closet Angels, but there will be no “Back to School Bash” this year.

Closet Angels coordinator Lori Reames explained that the organization doesnot want to encourage a large gathering while there are still active cases of COVID-19.

Shopping is first come first serve with a limit of 10 shoppers at a time, and a 30-minute time limit if there is a line.

Reames said shoppers are asked to enter through the front door and sign in. 

With the Texas economy slowly awakening from effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds shoppers they can save money on clothes and school supplies during the state’s sales tax holiday on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 7-9.

The law exempts sales tax on qualified items –such as clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks – priced below $100, saving shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. The date of the sales tax holiday and list of tax-exempt items are set by the Texas Legislature.

By Lynsi Musselman

The countdown to the first day of school has started, and AISD officials urge parents to register students online by the deadline on Saturday, Aug. 1.

Albany Independent School District director of student services Leigh Lowe said only about 180 students are registered. AISD officials are anticipating 500 altogether.

“We are now asking parents of students new to the district to register online ahead of time so the in-person enrollment process will go quicker for them,” Lowe explained.

By Lynsi Musselman

School is starting in three weeks with extra first-day-of-school challenges and a focus on health.

Precautions are being implemented to protect students, teachers, and staff from illness.

Albany Independent School District nurse Lisa Russell said the school will continue their standard of care that has been given even before the recent pandemic.

“Illnesses and viruses are a part of life, and we have always strived to do our best,” Russell said. “We will continue to keep kids safe and healthy.”