By Donnie A. LucasA number of students in grades two through eight competed in the District UIL Academic Meet last week, with students in sixth through traveling to Hamlin and the second through fifth graders competing in Cisco.The elementary team racked up 270.

By Donnie A. LucasLocal residents still have a few days to select items from a Christmas wish list provided by  local teachers and school staff members.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany ISD has declared a holiday for Thursday, Dec. 15 (today) in conjunction with the UIL State Football Championship game played yesterday between the Albany Lions and Mart Panthers in Arlington.

By Sam WallerShackelford County residents can enjoy a Christmas dinner and fellowship at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church’s 14th annual Christmas Feast.The meal will be held Sunday, Dec. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church’s fellowship hall.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Ministerial Alliance will distribute proceeds of its Christmas Basket program at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18.Moran recipients can pick up their baskets at 3:00 p.m. that day at First Baptist Church of Moran.

By Sam WallerWith Christmas Day on a Sunday for the first time in six years, local churches are getting ready for special Christmas services.Plans for many traditional events had not been finalized at press time.Matthews MemorialPresbyterian Church will conduct Christmas Eve services at 6:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerMarine SSgt. Doug Beaty made his final delivery of toys for the Toys for Tots drive to the Youth Center on Tuesday, Dec. 13 in advance of toy distribution by ResourceCare.

By Sam WallerWith final delivery of chickens for exhibitors, preparations for the 2023 Shackelford Youth and Livestock Show are in full swing.Albany FFA adviser Chris Beard said all animals have been delivered and validated. Entries were finalized earlier this month.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H wrapped up 2022 activities with its Christmas party Monday, Dec. 12 at The Feed Store.Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said 4-Hers conducted a White Elephant gift exchange as well as contributing to a blanket drive being conducted for ResourceCare.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs basketball teams had a shorter week than expected last week.After playing a doubleheader at Trent on Tuesday, Dec. 6, Moran was forced to withdraw from the Lueders-Avoca tournament over the weekend as a wave of sickness afflicted both teams.