Bios of new staff members, along with faculty assignments and school supply lists, are included in the special back-to-school section in this week’s issue.

By Donnie A. Lucas With online enrollment hovering at 90 percent earlier this week, school officials are still looking for 30-35 more students to register before the first day of classes next Wednesday, Aug. 18.

By Donnie A. Lucas The number of current positive COVID-19 cases more than doubled during the last week, according to information reported by the Shackelford County Health Clinic. The local clinic said that 40 tests were administered from Aug. 2 through Aug. 9, with 12 positive results.

By Sam Waller Enrollment packets for prospective students at Moran Independent School are available now in the school office. All students planning to attend Moran schools need to pick up a packet.x Students may pick up paperwork during business hours over the next two weeks.

By Sidney Bartee Albany students Cort Peterson and Will LeMay competed in the American Junior Rodeo Association finals last weekend, bringing home a top award. The boys won the team roping short go competition in their division and received a saddle and belt buckles as prizes.

By Sidney Bartee Albany graduate Addie Beth Denton competed in the American Junior Rodeo Association Finals the past week in Sweetwater, the last time she will compete as a high school student. Denton competed in breakaway roping, goat tying, and barrel racing.

By Melinda L. Lucas Pictures for varsity and JV football players and volleyball players have been set for this week, with cheerleaders tentatively scheduled. Volleyball players will meet Thursday (today) starting at 5:00 p.m. in the main gym.

By Sidney Bartee Pick-up dates for the August distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Aug. 5 and Friday, Aug. 6. On Thursday Aug. 5, Moran recipients should pick up their commodities at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

By Sidney Bartee & Melinda L. Lucas A new AgriLife Extension Agent for Shackelford was selected by county commissioners during a special meeting last Wednesday morning, July 28.

For six years now, Big Country Electric Cooperative (BCEC) members’ Operation Round Up change contributions have helped families and service organizations locally.