By Donnie A. LucasNew band uniforms for the Ragin’ Red Band arrived this week, continuing an effort to overhaul the group’s sound and look with new or refurbished instruments in order to increase participation in the program.

By Melinda L. LucasOn a unanimous vote, the board of directors for the Shackelford County Appraisal District approved a 2022 budget of $397,937 during an early morning meeting Sept. 10.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors will meet next Monday, Sept. 20. in expectation of adopting the $2.8 million budget that was proposed Aug. 30, along with the “no-new-revenue” tax rate of 20.67 cents.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County Resource Center’s senior day lunches normally would start in September after taking a break for the summer months.

By Donnie A. LucasThe rise in the number of COVID-19 cases appears to be leveling off if not decreasing slightly over the last week.A total of 44 tests were administered from Tuesday, Sept. 7 through Friday, Sept. 10, with 18 cases testing positive.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Albany city council passed a new tax rate at Monday’s regular meeting, but a bigger discussion involved higher water rates that just went into effect into the current billing cycle.

By Donnie A. LucasHomecoming 2021 is set for Friday, Oct. 1, with organizers breathing a little easier this year compared to the restrictions last year due to the ­COVID-19 pandemic.The annual homecoming parade is set to roll through downtown at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Albany vs.

By Donnie A. LucasMembers of the Old Jail Art Center will get an advance look at two new exhibits during a dinner reception on Saturday, Sept. 11, but tickets must be reserved by today’s deadline.

A Birder’s Point of View By Brad McBeeThe first time I saw a Cattle Egret I thought I had somehow taken a journey to the African Savannah. That is not far from the truth because the Cattle Egret originated on that continent.

By Sam WallerConnected Nation Texas recently released updated broadband coverage maps for all 254 counties in the state, including Shackelford, showing internet service coverage based on local surveys filled out last spring.