By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany students and staff are currently in the midst of a two-week Christmas break, even though a limited number of activities are scheduled next week at the high school level.

The break started with an early-release on Friday, Dec. 17 and will continue until Monday, Jan. 3 for staff members. Students will return for the first day of class on Tuesday, Jan. 4 to start the second semester and the fourth six weeks.

Teachers are going back a day earlier for staff development and to plan for the new semester.

During September, on the late Robert Nail’s birth date, and on through the Albany High School homecoming week, support was sought during the annual fundraising drive for “Dollars for Bob’s Scholarships.” 

However, the fundraising effort continues all through the year, and members of the Albany Ex-Students Association are asking Albany graduates and others to rememeber the fund in their end-of-year giving.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Two Albany sophomores earned spots on the All-Region Band during try-outs at Midland Greenwood High School on Dec. 11.

Ashley Sanchez was awarded 17th chair clarinet, and Trinity McBee was 26th chair flute, both earning seats in the All-Region Band.

According to band director William Vaughan, a third student, Chey’Anne Weaver, also tried out on flute, missing a chair by just of couple of spots.

The All-Region Band concert is scheduled for Jan. 15 at Big Spring High School.

By Sam Waller

Chris Overton of Albany helped a Woodson Junior High School group finish first in One Act Play in the District 21-1A academic meet on. Nov. 29, earning a spot in the all-star cast.

Overton is the son of Chad and Bethany Overton and the grandson of Buford and Beverley Salters and Wade and Debra Overton, all of Albany.

Woodson performed “Why Do We Laugh?” by Stephen Gregg with Tracy Ellis directing.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive COVID-19 cases slowed over the last week, with a total of just nine positives out of 23 tests administered, according to a report issued by county judge Bob Skelton.

The testing figures are for the week of Dec. 13-17. The total number of positive results were down considerably from the week prior when 30 positive cases were reported.

However, the only numbers being reported for the week were from the Shackelford County Health Clinic and do not include the other two testing sites.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Ministerial Alliance distributed 119 food packages for its Christmas Basket campaign last Sunday afternoon.

Ministerial Alliance secretary Tisha Wilkins said there were still three unclaimed baskets at The Feed Store as of Tuesday.

“Everyone else’s was delivered on Sunday, or they came in to pick them up Monday,” Wilkins said.

The annual program strives to provide a box filled with ingredients needed for a traditional holiday meal to families in need of assistance.

By Sam Waller

Several Albany churches will conduct special services as part of their Christmas celebrations this weekend.

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church will have a Christmas Eve Children’s service at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24.

A Christmas Day worship service will be held at 10:30 a.m.

First Christian

First Christian Church will hold a special Christmas Eve service Friday at 6:00 p.m. with a Texas Country Christmas. 

The Feed Store will be closed through the rest of the year, reopening when school resumes on Tuesday, Jan. 4, according to executive director Tisha Wilkins.

“We usually don’t have many activities during school breaks,” she said. “We’ll kick off the Tuesday lunches again on the first Tuesday that school’s in session.”

By Sam Waller

The annual Albany Chest campaign is in its final days, and the drive is still almost $12,000 short of the 2021 goal of $46,000 set by the directors.

According to Chest treasurer Paige Adair, $34,291 had been deposited as of Tuesday, substantially more than a couple of weeks ago largely because of a generous donation.

By Sam Waller

Cub Scout Pack 255 of Albany made a contribution of winter clothing items Monday to the Closet Angels ministry.

Closet Angels director Lori Reames said the Pack has made an annual donation for several years.

“It couldn’t hit at a better time,” Reames said. “This is a super big value to us.”

Reames said this year’s donation included lightweight jackets, winter hats, gloves, and socks.

“They gave us a wide array of winter accessories,” she said. “There was stuff for  everybody – men and women, boys and girls, adults and children.”