By Sam WallerContinued hot, dry conditions are having a negative impact on the outlook for the upcoming quail season, which starts this weekend.According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the bobwhite quail population has dropped for four straight years.

By Sam WallerMoran ISD will have special programs presented by the District 14 Education Service Center for all grade levels on Monday, Oct. 31.Principal Jo Hise said separate programs will be presented for elementary, middle school, and high school students.

By Donnie A. LucasHundreds of local students and parents are expected to crowd the Nancy Smith Elementary campus Saturday for the annual Fall Fest featuring game booths, food, bingo, and a costume contest.Booths will open at 5:00 p.m. and continue until 8:00 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasWhile traditional trick-or-treating will be held later, local merchants and businesses will once again be handing out candy to local children next Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 26, corresponding with Friendship Baptist Church’s Trunk or Treat event that evening.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany High School seniors Koy Cauble and Leddie Leech were crowned 2022 Homecoming King and Queen in front of a homecoming crowd Friday night at the halftime of the Albany vs. Cross Plains game.

By Melinda L. LucasThe pharmacy techs at Sanders Drug were given a four percent raise after a fairly brief meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors on Monday, Oct. 17.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany Ragin’ Red Band was the lone Class 2A band to earn a Division I rating at the Region 6 UIL Marching Contest held Monday at Wylie High School in Abilene.

By Donnie A. LucasEarly voting for the Nov. 8 General Election that includes federal, state, and county offices starts Monday, Oct. 24 at the Shackelford County Courthouse.In-person early voting will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany ISD trustees spent most of Monday night’s regular meeting going over the district’s various required improvement plans, as well as approving the final version of the 2021-2022 financial audit.

By Melinda L. LucasMembers of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department will be presenting fire safety information to local school children this Friday, Oct. 21 as part of its annual fire safety and prevention initiative.