By Sam WallerThe Old Jail Art Center is going straight from its holiday programs into planning its next big event, the Jewel of the Prairie gala fundraiser in February.Current exhibits will close Jan. 29, the Lunar New Year Family Festival will be Feb. 5, and new exhibits will open Feb.

Georgia Barrett, age 76 of Albany, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021. Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 18 at First United Methodist Church of Albany with Rev. Tim Trimble officiating. Interment followed in the Albany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

By Sam WallerThe Chelsey’s Project ministry will continue despite a fire that destroyed its building last week.A structure in the 500 block of North Sixth Street that Chelsey’s Project director Blanca Sanchez used to store items caught fire on Wednesday night, Dec. 8.Lt.

By Donnie A. LucasFor the second year, Albany will honor its veterans at the Albany Cemetery with a Christmas wreath laying ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 18.Volunteers and family members will gather at 11:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasThe filing period for the March 1 primary elections ended on Monday, with no new candidates signing up for the available offices this election cycle.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Ministerial Alliance is in need of volunteers to help distribute Christmas baskets.The program strives to provide ingredients needed for a traditional holiday meal to families who need assistance.

By Melinda L. LucasNews readers and advertisers are reminded that there will be no paper published Dec. 30 during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.The News office will be open on Monday through Thursday, Dec. 27-30 of that week.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany school board moved to appoint a  new member to fill a vacant seat, accepted one resignation, and approved a one-time payment to all school employees during a meeting held Monday, Dec. 13.

By Melinda L. LucasMost of Monday night’s brief December city council meeting was a review of November and year-to-date finances by city manager Billy Holson, along with an explanation of the need to replace “trains” of membranes at the water plant.

By Melinda L. LucasTwo different proposals heard by Shackelford County commissioners on Monday could cost the county as much as $300,000, although there are already funds that could cover a lot of that amount.