By Donnie A. Lucas The number of local residents testing positive for the COVID-19 virus reached 21 over the last two weeks, with a total of 79 tests administered.

By Donnie A. Lucas Albany ISD is expecting just over 500 students at the start of this school year, about the number the district ended with in May.

To address long-standing care problems in long-term facilities that were exacerbated by COVID, the Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to serve as advocates for individuals living in nursing and assisted living facilities.

By Melinda L. Lucas A Shackelford County man was arrested just outside of Cisco after a high speed chase last Thursday, Aug. 5 and is currently being held in the Shackelford County Law Enforcement Center on a $500,000 bond.

By Sidney Bartee Citizens of Moran will hold their annual garage sale on Saturday, Sept. 4, beginning at 7:00 a.m. The deadline for community members to register a sale is 12:00 noon on Thursday, Sept. 2.

By Sam Waller The faculty and staff of the Moran Independent School District got a jumpstart on in-service training by participating in team-building activities at Tarleton State University in Stephenville. “We got off to an awesome start,” Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson said.

By Sidney Bartee Members of the Ragin’ Red Band are hosting a Community Night, scheduled for the last evening of summer band rehearsals, Monday, Aug. 16, with a special program beginning at 8:00 p.m. at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

By Sidney Bartee The show will go on for CareFest 2021 on Aug. 28. The event will feature nine well-known musicians and bands. CareFest will take place at Happy Wife Happy Life Wedding and Event Venue outside of Albany.

By Sidney Bartee The United Pentecostal Church’s annual Back to School Bash will be held on Saturday, Aug.21 at the church on Cook Field Road, beginning at 10:00 a.m. All students from kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to attend the celebration along with their friends and families.

By Sidney Bartee Several Albany churches traditionally hold special events during the transition from summer to the start of the school year, but due to COVID and other changes, many churches have not been able to hold their usual events.