By Melinda L. LucasThe Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors will meet next Monday, Sept. 20. in expectation of adopting the $2.8 million budget that was proposed Aug. 30, along with the “no-new-revenue” tax rate of 20.67 cents.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County Resource Center’s senior day lunches normally would start in September after taking a break for the summer months.However, Resource Care staff members have announced they will not be hosting the monthly Friday meals until the COVID-19 situation has improved,...

By Donnie A. LucasThe rise in the number of COVID-19 cases appears to be leveling off if not decreasing slightly over the last week.A total of 44 tests were administered from Tuesday, Sept. 7 through Friday, Sept. 10, with 18 cases testing positive.The numbers were reported by county judge Bob...

By Melinda L. LucasThe Albany city council passed a new tax rate at Monday’s regular meeting, but a bigger discussion involved higher water rates that just went into effect into the current billing cycle.

By Donnie A. LucasHomecoming 2021 is set for Friday, Oct. 1, with organizers breathing a little easier this year compared to the restrictions last year due to the ­COVID-19 pandemic.The annual homecoming parade is set to roll through downtown at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Albany vs. Olney football...

By Donnie A. LucasMembers of the Old Jail Art Center will get an advance look at two new exhibits during a dinner reception on Saturday, Sept. 11, but tickets must be reserved by today’s deadline.The featured exhibits include Bill Wittliff’s “Swallowed Light” and Bruce Lee Webb’s “Hootenanny,” and...

A Birder’s Point of View By Brad McBeeThe first time I saw a Cattle Egret I thought I had somehow taken a journey to the African Savannah. That is not far from the truth because the Cattle Egret originated on that continent.

By Sam WallerConnected Nation Texas recently released updated broadband coverage maps for all 254 counties in the state, including Shackelford, showing internet service coverage based on local surveys filled out last spring.According to a news release issued by Connected Nation (CN) Texas, 286,908...

By Melinda L. LucasThe Albany Ministerial Alliance, of which Paul Johnston is an active member, announced Tuesday that they have set up a way to donate directly to help the Friendship Baptist Church pastor with his medical expenses.Friends who would like to donate can ask tellers at either local...

By Sam WallerMatthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will begin its Mothers Day Out childcare program Friday at MMPC.Mothers Day Out director Brandi Lehew said the program is open to children ages 1 to 5 who haven’t started school yet.“We have a monthly curriculum that we follow,” Lehew said.