By Sam WallerMoran’s Connor Hail was named first-team punter on the Texas Six-Man Coaches Association All-Region IV Division II team.Hail, a junior, averaged 26.1 yards on 16 attempts with a long kick of 47 yards. Six of his punts were downed inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.

By Donnie A. LucasFor a third consecutive year, Albany will honor its veterans at the Albany Cemetery with a Christmas wreath laying ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 17.Volunteers and family members will gather at 11:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasAfter a four-year absence, the Albany Nativity was presented to the community last weekend during two performances at the Aztec Theater.

By Melinda L. LucasEveryone in the community is invited to a free showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the historic Aztec Theater in downtown Albany on Saturday, Dec. 17.The doors will open at 6:00 p.m., with the film to start at 6:30 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Old Jail Art Center continues its tradition of celebrating Christmas around the world with a family festival on Saturday, Dec. 17.“Swedish Jul” will highlight Christmas celebrations in Sweden.

By Melinda L. LucasJudging for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s house decorating contest will be held in the next few days, but there is still a little time to enter, according to Chamber board members.Megaen Birdwell, who is helping organize the competition this year, said that Saturday, Dec.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany band director William Vaughan was surprised during the annual Christmas concert on Sunday with the presentation of a $2,500 donation to the band program by Albany Live.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County commissioners, after a lengthy discussion at their Monday, Dec. 12 session, rejected a $12,000 bid for internet security at the county library and approved an ordinance to prohibit after-hours parking at the library.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany city council members heard presentations from two of three bidders for the city’s solid waste business and reviewed all three documents before deciding to stay with Republic Services.

By Melinda L. LucasBecause Christmas Day falls on Sunday, there does not have to be an early deadline this year for the Dec. 22 edition.However, News readers and advertisers are reminded that there will be no paper published the following week on Dec.