By Donnie A. LucasThree FCCLA teams advanced to the National Leadership Conference in San Diego at the end of June, with one group taking the top honor in the country and the other two both placing well.

By Donnie A. LucasShackelford County residents have been fortunate not to have experienced any grass fires in the last couple of weeks, but officials say conditions will be favorable through this weekend and probably into next week for that to change.

By Melinda L. LucasSix of the seven members of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors met for a brief special session on Friday, July 1, with all but a couple of minutes held behind closed doors.

By Melinda L. LucasA new ordinance governing occupancy of recreational vehicles (RVs) inside the Albany city limits was approved during the July 11 meeting of the Albany city council.Council members also increased water and sewer tap rates.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H elected to scrap the first session of its STEM camps this week, but Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said two other sessions are still scheduled.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Ragin’ Red Lion Band will start preparing for the 2022 marching season on Monday, July 18 in the band hall with rehearsals for percussion and the pit crew.Percussionists who stand on the sideline, known as the pit, will meet 12:30-2:30 p.m.

By Sam WallerIncoming seventh graders have an opportunity to participate in a new program as part of the Community Vacation Bible School, which starts a four-day run on Sunday, July 24.Sessions for the R.O.P.E.

By Sam WallerA mission team from First Baptist Church of Albany returned Friday, July 1 from a weeklong mission trip to Del Rio.This year’s trip was dedicated to Dinty Bowman, who has headed up FBC mission trips for the last couple of decades.

By Donnie A. LucasThe number of positive COVID-19 tests is continuing to be steady over the last two weeks as the newer variant of the virus affects local residents.A total of 14 positive results were reported by county judge Bob Skelton for the period of June 27 through July 8.

By Sam WallerThe Little Cubs Cheer Camp and junior high cheerleader camp are set for Monday through Wednesday, July 25-27.Ages for the Little Cubs Cheer Camp is three years old up to incoming sixth grade students.Sessions will be 9:30-11:30 a.m.