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. The facility previously reported 25 tests given with eight positive results for July 19-30, for a total of 65 tests and 20 positives during the three-week period.

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.

Overall enrollment for all grade levels stood at 460 students on Monday, with about 10 more enrollments expected at the secondary campus and 16 more at the elementary.

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.

There are also articles about vaccination requirements, elementary “meet the teacher” night, and orientation for new junior high and high school students.

See Section C for details.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A special meeting of the Albany city council was set for next Tuesday, Aug. 17 to discuss and propose a tax rate for the upcoming tax year. 

City manager Billy Holson said Tuesday after the council’s regular session that making a decision next week will give the city time to post required notices prior to the regular meeting on Sept. 13, when he hopes the new tax rate will be adopted.

The city’s fiscal year ends in March, so their budget has already been decided.

Other Business

By Sam Waller

Multiple sightings of a mountain lion in north Albany have been reported on social media by local residents.

One sighting was reported the morning of Aug. 4 at a residence near Nancy Smith Elementary School. Another was reported in the back yard of a northside residence on Aug. 7.

Game warden Jacob Mort said he has received only one official phone call about the situation, and that was not from someone who had personally spotted the cat.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will begin taking registration for its annual community garage sale next week and is seeking sponsors for its inaugural Home of the Hereford Cookoff and Cornhole tournament.

Registration for the garage sale, which is scheduled for Sept. 11, begins Tuesday, Aug.17 and runs through Sept. 3.

Registration fee is $10, which covers inclusion on the map and a garage sale sign.

“That goes to pay for the plastic signs so participants don’t have to return them,” Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County commissioners continued trimming the budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year that starts Oct. 1 and got their first look at preliminary tax rate numbers during a meeting held Monday, Aug. 9.

Final tax valuations are still pending from the Shackelford County Appraisal District.

For several hours on Monday, the elected officials continued to chip away at the expense side of the budget, hoping to have a document ready to propose in the next two to three weeks.

By Sidney Bartee

The Old Jail Art Center virtual camps are continuing this week, with Frontier Fort Kids closing the annual summer events next week.

Last week, students participated in the Cultural Connections Camp centered around India.

Crafts, snacks, activities, games, and gifts were provided to students who participated in the camp.

According to education director Erin Whitmore, the camps went amazingly well this year, with good participation.

By Sam Waller

The deadline for Shackelford County residents to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance following February’s winter storm is coming up quickly on Monday, Aug. 23.

Claims can be filed by calling 1-800-621-3362.

“Potential applicants should call the number first to get the account started,” Shackelford County judge Robert Skelton said. “Once they get the account set up, they can upload their pictures and documents on the internet.”

Shackelford County was not added to the list of counties eligible for federal relief until July.

By Sam Waller

Members of the local FFA and 4-H organizations are gearing up for the fall exhibition season.

Entry deadlines for the major fall shows are coming up with Shackelford County students planning to exhibit a number of animals.

Deadline for the West Texas Fair and Rodeo, which is scheduled for  Sept. 9-18, has already passed, but students can still make plans for other shows.

Deadline to enter the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, set for Sept. 21-Oct. 17, is Aug. 20.