By Sam WallerJudging for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s house decorating contest will be held this weekend, but Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said there is still time to enter.“If someone wants to enter a house, they can text that name and address to me at 325-669-1831,” Jones said.

By Donnie A. LucasA number of students in grades two through eight competed in the district UIL Academic Meet over the last few weeks, with the second through fifth grade elementary students earning third place overall and the grade six through eighth competitors taking fourth place.

By Sam WallerEduardo San Lucas has worked with children from age 3 through high school. As the new youth minister at First Baptist Church of Albany, he will minister to about 40 youth in junior high and high school.San Lucas, who began his duties on Dec.

By Sam WallerAlbany churches are will conduct special services in addition to holding more social activities as part of their Christmas celebrations in the coming week.Friendship BaptistFriendship Baptist Church will hold candlelight services at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday, Dec. 19.

By Sam WallerThe Old Jail Art Center continues its tradition of celebrating Christmas around the world with a family festival on Saturday, Dec. 18.“Las Posadas” will highlight Christmas celebrations in Mexico.

By Sam WallerPickup for Toys for Tots concludes Thursday (today) with ResourceCare distributing gifts to Shackelford County children.ResourceCare project coordinator Mindy Ary said gifts may be picked up at the Youth Center from 8:00 a.m. to noon today. Gifts were also picked up Wednesday.

Winford (Sarge) Sargent, age 67 of Albany, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021. Graveside funeral services with full military honors were held Monday, Dec. 13 at Albany Cemetery with Clint Chapman officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

By Sam WallerThe semifinals are called the cruelest round of the state football playoffs.The Albany Lions learned that the hard way last Thursday, falling one step short of a shot at the Class 2A Division II title with a 35-14 loss to the Stratford Elks at Lubbock’s Lowrey Field.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions dominated District 8-2A Division II during the season and were rewarded with 20 players earning places on the all-district team.The Lions collected 24 spots, including five of six superlative awards, and had three players honored for both offense and defense.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High Cubs and Lady Cubs basketball teams made a clean sweep of their games against Anson on Monday.Playing at home, the seventh grade boys won 25-15 with the eighth grade boys winning 55-18.