News readers and advertisers are asked to be aware that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, during the week of Christmas. “There will not be an edition on Thursday, Dec. 26,” said News editor Melinda Lucas.

By Kathy Thomson Shackelford County senior adults (60 and up) are invited to attend the Shackelford County Resource Center’s December senior luncheon to be held on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Youth Center beginning at 11:15 a.m.

By Melinda L. Lucas After a lengthy discussion, Albany volunteer firemen were given permission to spend $30,000 in designated funds for an auxiliary vehicle. The action came during a regular monthly session on Monday night, Dec. 9 at City Hall.

By Melinda L. Lucas Shackelford County commissioners approved a bid to repair a bridge on County Road 179 in Precinct 2 during a regular meeting on Monday morning, Dec. 9.

By Kathy Thomson This year the Albany Chamber of Commerce sponsored a children’s coloring contest for first through sixth grade students at Nancy Smith Elementary School. Students colored a Christmas scene selected by their teacher from among the options submitted by the Chamber.

By Melinda L. Lucas The public is invited to the Fort Griffin State Historical Site this Saturday to go fishing for rainbow trout in what is expected to be sunny weather, tour the fort, and then stay to view the night sky through the high powered telescopes of several astronomers.

By Kathy Thomson Members of the AJSH Academic Booster Club have formed a “Rise and Shine” committee to bless, encourage, and uplift the faculty and staff of the Albany Independent School District, and this holiday season they are inviting everyone to assist them in their efforts by “adopting” a...

By Kathy Thomson Albany Junior High seventh grader Will LeMay competed in the Tuf Cooper Jr. World Finals in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Dec. 11.  He qualified in the 12-and-under tie down event by accumulating points throughout the year at events in Texas and Oklahoma.

By Kathy Thomson Albany Independent School District will break for the Christmas holidays at noon next Friday, Dec. 20, and student early releases on both Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 18 and 19 should help everyone survive the five-day-long week and make it to the anticipated vacation.

By Kathy Thomson Members of the Albany Ministerial Alliance make a special effort each year to insure that every family in the local community has enough food to prepare a special meal over the holiday season, and the annual delivery of the Christmas food baskets will take place on Sunday, Dec. 22.