By Sam WallerCongregations from Albany’s First Christian Church, First Baptist Church, and First United Methodist Church are participating in the Samaritan’s Purse annual Operation Christmas Child.

By Donnie A. LucasAn induction ceremony for new members to the Albany chapter of the National Honor Society has been set for Sunday, Nov. 21.The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will start at 2:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

By Sam WallerResourceCare collected almost 7,000 cans of food to benefit food banks in Albany and Cross Plains through its Battle of the Schools Food Drive.“It went better than we could have hoped for,” ResourceCare program assistant Ragan Riley said.

By Sam WallerFifth grade students from Nancy Smith Elementary School will have a chance to study a wide range of sciences as part of the Camp Grady Spruce Outdoor Education Program.

By Donnie A. LucasJunior high and high school students and even members of the community can vote with donations for their “favorite” teachers or staff member, with the winner becoming a turkey for a day.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany Junior High drama class will be presenting the comedy “The Trial of Goldilocks” by Joseph Robinette for the public on Tuesday, Nov. 16 starting at 6:00 p.m. at the auditorium.The play will also be presented as the Junior High One-Act Play contest in Stamford on Nov. 18.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany city manager Billy Holson went through the city’s capital improvments budget, with the mid-term point in the fiscal year having passed recently.

By Sam WallerPlans are gearing up to collect applications and funding for a number of local holiday programs, ranging from those providing for children through senior adults.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County commissioners and elected officials met Monday, Nov. 8 to authorize the next step in purchasing new voting machines and also approved the repair of a damaged fire alarm panel at the Courthouse.They plan to meet again this Friday, Nov.

By Donnie A. LucasWhile the number of positive COVID-19 cases reported for last week remains lower than most  double-digit reports since August, there was a slight rise in positive results over the previous week.