By Sam WallerThe Albany City Pool will close for the summer after Sunday, July 31, but will remain available for parties already booked, according to manager Meghan Walser.“We will have normal pool hours until then,” Walser said. “We do have private parties scheduled for Aug. 7 and Aug. 17.

By Melinda L. LucasA fire reported after midnight on Tuesday completely destroyed several mobile homes on property thought to be that of Johnny Novian or members of his family.Albany Volunteer Fire Chief Travis Gardenhire said that a call came in about 12:30 a.m.

By Melinda L.

By Sam WallerResourceCare’s Day Camp was brought to an early end as a wave of ­COVID-19 cases last week forced the cancellation of the program’s second week.“We had a great week, but unfortunately ­COVID hit,” ResourceCare’s Ragan Riley said.

By Donnie A. LucasWhile the dog days of summer usually span from July 3 until Aug. 11, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, the period of oppressive summer heat got a big head start this year.

By Melinda L. LucasAfter satisfactorily completing a 90-day trial period, Brandi Green’s employment as Shackelford County Hospital District administrator was extended during a regular board meeting on Monday, July 18.

Dax Neece of Albany graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Management at Abilene Christian University’s May 2022 commencement.Neece, an Albany High School graduate, is the son of Kim Neece Fuentes and the late Doug Neece.

By Donnie A. LucasSome members of the high school band percussion section started daily practices for the 2022 marching season this week, with rehearsals expanding to all players next week.The band’s pit crew met from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasThe deadline for the Old Jail Art Center children’s workshop has passed, but organizers are willing to accept a few more signups.

By Sam WallerThe second date for the Shackelford County 4-H STEM camp was cancelled because of COVID-19 cases in the family of Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell, but at press time, leaders were still hoping to conduct the July 26 event.