Photo packages of local junior high basketball and flag football teams and individuals have been printed and are now available for those who haven’t already claimed them. Parents who paid in advance or who have valid accounts can pick up their packages at The Albany News office.

By Sandy Morris While most hunters in Texas spend dawn and dusk in a deer blind, they are reminded of the second dove season starting this Friday, Dec. 18. Dove season in Texas this year is Sept. 1-Nov. 12, and again Dec. 18-Jan. 3.  White-tailed deer general season continues until Jan.

By Donnie A. Lucas The varsity girls basketball team made a turn last week, picking up a pair of wins as they head into District 10-2A action. The Lady Lions defeated both Richland Springs and Roby to improve to 4-4 for the season.

By Melinda L. Lucas News readers and advertisers are reminded that there is an early deadline for next week’s edition, with all copy due by noon on Monday, Dec. 21. The Dec.

By Melinda L. Lucas The Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors met with clinic providers Travis Wilburn and Claire Ware during a regular monthly meeting, which was moved to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday so that it would be easier for the nurse practitioners (NPs) to attend.

By Melinda L. Lucas Shackelford County elected officials and others honored outgoing district attorney Colton Johnson at a special retirement reception Monday afternoon following the regular meeting earlier that day.

By Donnie A. Lucas Albany school board members got their first look on Monday at the required financial rating, along with briefly discussing extending leave for employees that test positive for COVID-19, and hearing an update on the elementary school’s dyslexia and reading comprehension program.

By Sandy Morris Several students and teams from Nancy Smith Elementary School and Albany Junior High placed at the district A+ Academics University Interscholastic League meets held during November and December.  Due to COVID concerns, the competetion looked a little different this year.

By Sandy Morris Local citizens still have time to “adopt” a local teacher from a Christmas tree sponsored by the AJHS Academic Booster Club as the deadline has been extended.

By Sandy Morris With the help of local volunteers, members of the Albany Ministerial Alliance distributed almost all of the requested Christmas baskets on Sunday, Dec. 13.