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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.