By Sandy Morris Organizers of several programs in Shackelford County have been hard at work collecting toys, gifts, and food for individuals and families in need during the holiday season and are ready to begin the distribution process.  Ministerial Alliance Food Baskets

Albany News publisher Donnie Lucas announced this week that there will not be an edition published on Dec. 31 during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. “We’ve decided to take that week off and be able to enjoy our family more during the holidays,” said Lucas.

By Sandy Morris The Albany ISD bands are ready to get everyone into the holiday spirit tonight with their yearly Christmas concert. The sixth grade, seventh grade, and high school bands will be performing this evening in the high school auditorium.

By Sandy Walker Local citizens are encouraged to assist the AJHS Academic Booster Club in their efforts by “adopting” a local teacher.

By Sandy Morris Albany Independent School District will break for the Christmas holidays beginning with a trio of early release days at 12:00 noon next Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 16-18.

By Sandy Morris Albany High School’s annual Winter Formal, which had been moved up from its typical January date to this Saturday, Dec. 12 has been postponed.  AJHS principal Glen Hill said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, due to the ­COVID situation.

By Sandy Morris Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will present “La Posada” this Sunday, Dec. 13 at 6:00 p.m. starting at the Courthouse gazebo. La Posada is the re-enactment of the census pilgrimage to Bethlehem made by Mary and Joseph while in search of a room for the birth of Jesus.

By Sandy Morris The Christmas season is underway, and local churches are making adjustments to their traditional Christmas activities typically spread throughout the community.

By Sandy Morris The 12th annual Christmas Feast will be held Wednesday, Dec. 25 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church fellowship hall and ending at 1:00 p.m.

By Sandy Morris  Albany ISD Junior High and Nancy Smith Elementary students have been competing in various UIL academic events over the last week through Tuesday, Dec. 8.  This year, all events were conducted locally with no outside audiences allowed.