By Melinda L. LucasSix of the seven members of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors met for a brief special session on Friday, July 1, with all but a couple of minutes held behind closed doors.

By Melinda L. LucasA new ordinance governing occupancy of recreational vehicles (RVs) inside the Albany city limits was approved during the July 11 meeting of the Albany city council.Council members also increased water and sewer tap rates.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H elected to scrap the first session of its STEM camps this week, but Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said two other sessions are still scheduled.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Ragin’ Red Lion Band will start preparing for the 2022 marching season on Monday, July 18 in the band hall with rehearsals for percussion and the pit crew.Percussionists who stand on the sideline, known as the pit, will meet 12:30-2:30 p.m.

By Sam WallerThe Hubbard Creek Rangers, the combined Albany-Breckenridge Intermediate All-Star team, qualified for the Texas West State Little League Tournament by sweeping Southeast Arlington in the Texas West Section 2 series earlier this month.

By Donnie A. LucasThe number of positive COVID-19 tests is continuing to be steady over the last two weeks as the newer variant of the virus affects local residents.A total of 14 positive results were reported by county judge Bob Skelton for the period of June 27 through July 8.

By Sam WallerA mission team from First Baptist Church of Albany returned Friday, July 1 from a weeklong mission trip to Del Rio.This year’s trip was dedicated to Dinty Bowman, who has headed up FBC mission trips for the last couple of decades.

By Sam WallerThe Little Cubs Cheer Camp and junior high cheerleader camp are set for Monday through Wednesday, July 25-27.Ages for the Little Cubs Cheer Camp is three years old up to incoming sixth grade students.Sessions will be 9:30-11:30 a.m.

By Sam WallerThe kickoff meeting for the Albany Athletic Booster Club has been scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at the Albany Junior/Senior High fieldhouse.Booster Club member Amanda Tabor said several items of business for the upcoming year will be covered.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions athletic program begins the final week of its summer conditioning program Monday, July 18, while the Lady Lions return after a two-week break for two more weeks of conditioning work.The final week of boys summer sessions will be from 7:00 a.m. to about 8:30 a.m.