By Melinda L. LucasEarly voting for the Nov. 5 amendment election will end tomorrow, and registered voters who have not already cast their ballots are encouraged to participate in early voting this week or to vote on Election Day next Tuesday, Nov. 2.

By Sam WallerTwenty-eight organizations have applied for funding from the Albany Chest.Groups ranging from pre-school to senior citizens have submitted requests totaling more than $56,000. The goal, however, has been set at $46,000, with a little over $10,000 contributed so far.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany High School band will travel to Amarillo on Saturday to compete in the area UIL Marching Contest with a chance to advance to the state contest.Albany is one of 21 Class 2A bands vying for four spots advancing to the sate marching contest.

By Donnie A. LucasThe number of positive COVID-19 cases continued to trend downward slightly last week, according to a report issued by county judge Bob Skelton, with booster doses now available locally for eligible residents.

By Sam WallerMore than a dozen game booths as well as several other activities and plenty of food options will be among the attractions Saturday evening for the Albany Parent-Teacher Organization’s Fall Fest at Nancy Smith Elementary School.The event, which is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasDuring Monday’s meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners, county judge Robert Skelton formally announced that he will retire at the end of his current four-year term.

By Sam WallerMoran students spent the week building up spirit for homecoming weekend with a series of dress-up days.The week started with the patriotic ’Merica Monday, followed by the Hawaiian-themed Tiki Tuesday and Pajama Day on Wednesday.

By Sam WallerSpots are still available for the Albany Masonic Lodge Scholarship Golf Tournament, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23 at Albany Golf Course.Entries will be accepted until the start of play.Entry fee for the four-person scramble is $300 per team.

By Sam WallerBucky Nail and Charles Barrett were reelected to three-year terms on the board of directors of the Albany Golf Club.The elections were held Oct. 9 as part of the club’s annual business meeting and club championship.

By Donnie A. LucasThe number of positive cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus dropped a little last week, with 15 positive cases reported by the local testing facilities.According to an update from Shackelford County Judge Robert Skelton, 38 tests were administered Oct.