By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions and Lady Lions cross country teams have picked up the pace in preparing for their first meet of the season.Training became a bit more intense as coach Ginger Norton has finalized her schedule, adding a meet a week earlier than originally planned.

By Sam WallerMoran’s annual community garage sale has been scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27 starting at 7:00 a.m.The deadline for community residents to register is 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25. Moran residents can register on the City of Moran and the Moran Buy, Sell and Trade Facebook pages.

By Donnie A. LucasMembers of both local volunteer fire departments have been busy the last couple of weeks, but luckily not nearly as busy as they could be considering ongoing conditions of extreme heat and drought.

By Donnie A. LucasOnline registration is currently underway for students at both Albany ISD campuses, with two in-person registration days available as well for parents who are new to the district or who require assistance registering.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Old Jail Art Center’s summer workshops got underway this week, with both in-person and virtual camps on the calendar for students in first grade and up.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Friends of Fort Griffin have announced the 18th annual Gala is set for Saturday, Oct. 15 at Collins Creek Ranch.This year’s event will highlight Jim Sadler and the Jak Creek Band as the featured entertainment in addition to the meal and both silent and live auctions.

The Chamber office will be closed Monday, Aug. 8, through Friday, Aug. 19, for vacation.Jones said weekly Chamber luncheons will continue as scheduled on Friday, Aug. 12 and 19, at the Icehouse.

By Melinda L. LucasAn annual event in Texas since 1999, this year’s state sales tax holiday is set for Friday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 7.

By Donnie A. LucasNine new COVID-19 cases were reported last week, based on the tests administered at Albany’s two health clinics.The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Tuesday reported 9 positive test results out of 19 tests given at the two local clinics for the period of July 25-29.

By Sam WallerLocal students can still benefit from the annual Adopt-A-Buddy program sponsored by the Shackelford County Resource Center, with the objective of making sure that all Albany and Moran students have adequate school supplies before the start of classes for the 2022-2023 school year.