By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the August distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Aug. 3 and Friday, Aug. 4.On Thursday Aug. 3, certified elgible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

By Sam WallerA report of a credit card scam against a local resident has been made to the Shackelford County Sheriff’s Department, which is actively investigating.

Goodnight Steakhouse owner Jason Harlow (r) and chef Terry Chandler (r) hand Mike Bean a donation check for $6,168 for Ben Richey Boys Ranch. The contribution amount is the total from the dollar bills that were taken down from the walls and ceilings at the Beehive.

By Sam WallerMoran Independent School District is gearing up for the start of another school year with faculty and staff going through in-service this week.Classes start Monday, Aug. 7. Principal Jo Hise said students must have enrollment packets filled out and turned in before then.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chamber of Commerce is making plans for its annual community garage sale with registration to start later this month.“We know the garage sale will be in September; we just don’t have an exact date nailed down yet,” Chamber manager Brandi Lehew said.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Closet Angels ministry will hold its annual Back To School Bash from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8.Closet Angels director Lori Reames said the event is open to students of Shackelford County schools and their families.The ministry will be closed Monday, Aug.

By Donnie A. LucasSummer band camp for members of the Ragin’ Red Lion Band will switch from sectionals to full band rehearsals starting Monday, Aug. 7.Director Will Vaughan announced last week that the band is working on a show entitled “Our World” written by Luke McMillan.

By Donnie A. LucasMeet the Teacher will be held at both Nancy Smith Elementary and the junior/senior high campus on Tuesday, Aug. 15.Students entering K-6 will be able to find out their teachers for the coming school year from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany ISD teachers and support staff will start the school year on Wednesday, Aug. 9 with staff meetings and training.Both elementary and secondary teachers and staff will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Feed Store for breakfast, followed by a “Welcome Back” message from 8:30 a.m.

By Melinda L. LucasRaises were give to returning teachers who are above the state minimum step 20 salary schedule and increases in several stipends were approved during an AISD school board on Monday, Aug. 17.