By Donnie A. Lucas

There were 16 new ­COVID-19 cases reported last week, based on the tests administered at Albany’s two health clinics, an uptick as the school year neared.

The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Tuesday reported 16 positive test results out of 19 tests given at the two local clinics for the period of Aug. 8-12, compared with nine cases the previous week.

The use of home testing also increased after tests were made more readily available making it unclear as to the actual number of local cases.

By Sam Waller

Moran ISD reported a total enrollment of 97 students for all grades, down slightly from the end of last school year.

Superintendent Dr. John Denson said he expects some fluctuation in the figure as other area districts begin classes.

Principal Jo Hise said she is still receiving calls about taking transfer students.

“We’ve had a really good start to the school year,” Denson said. “The kids were ready to come back, and they’re wanting to learn.”

DEAR Project

By Sidney Bartee

Moran’s annual garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27, beginning at 7:00 a.m.

Community residents can register for the sale until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug 25 on either the City of Moran or the Moran Buy, Sell, Trade Facebook pages.

“So far I have had nine people sign up,” organizer Michelle Taggart said. “We are cutting off sign-ups on Thursday so I have time to prep and print out the maps and lists.”

Residents can sign up at no cost.

Maps and lists for the sale will be distributed by Taggart at the Sale No. 1 site.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County elected officials continued to work on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, spending part of Monday afternoon going through the line items prepared by county treasurer Tammy Brown.

During a three-hour session that morning, the commissioners heard from several county employees who asked that funding from the American Rescue Plan Act be used to supplement workers’ pay.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Following a week of online enrollment and three in-person days for registration, school officials reported that over 90 percent of expected students have been registered for the new school year that starts next Wednesday, Aug. 17.

Overall enrollment for all grade levels stood at 461 at the end of the last in-person day for registration on Monday, leaving officials still looking for just under 30 more students to be officially signed up.

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

Local law enforcement officers had an unexpectedly busy weekend Aug. 5-8 with several DWI arrests and two ongoing cases that called for assistance from the Texas Rangers.

According to Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller, there were two one-car accidents in separate locations involving the same vehicle, with the first incident occurring near Albany Food Mart around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. A northbound car failed to make the turn, jumped the curb, and eventually hit the dumpster next to the convenience store.

By Melinda L. Lucas

More than 20 car burglaries have been reported in several Albany neighborhoods, apparently all occurring around midnight on Thursday, Aug. 4 and continuing until daybreak on Friday morning, according to Shackelford County deputy Jason Price, who is investigating along with city police chief Mike House.

One surveillance camera shows what appears to be multiple suspects, and other videos are being reviewed, Price said.

By Sam Waller

A program to introduce the new West Texas Mesonet station near Albany is being organized for Wednesday, Aug. 31, with adult continuing education units available.

Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said plans are still being worked out.

“I don’t have exact details yet, but I will soon,” Bell said on Tuesday.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany High School ag instructor Chris Beard recently earned a 25-year tenure award from the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas (ATAT) at the annual summer Professional Development Conference.

Beard received the recognition during the Friday night final session of the five-day event, held July 25-29 in Corpus Christi.

Tenure awards are a  membership benefit given in five-year increments to members who have dedicated themselves to teaching and supporting  agricultural science.