Localchurchesaremaking plans for Christmas services and programs as the holiday draws near. Plans for many traditional events had not been finalized at press time but will be publicized as information is received.

˚ LUNCH MENUS Dec. 4 - 8 Monday - corn dog, potatoes, tomato cup, fruit Tuesday - quesadillas, salsa,beans,cucumbers, fruit Wednesday - chicken sandwich, veggie cup, salad, fruity Jello Thursday - Asian Bowl, egg roll, broccoli, corn, oranges Friday - pizza, carrots, green beans, fruit, cookie ˚ PRINCIPAL’SPOINTS Nancy Smith Elementary continues to see great success this week.Studentsandstaff are back in classrooms after the Thanksgiving Break.

— Dec. 4 - 8 Monday - breaded drumstick, mashed potato tomato cup, mixed fruit Tuesday - quesadilla, salsa, refried beans, zesty cucumbers, apricots, dessert Wednesday - spaghetti bowl, breadstick salad, vegetable medley, fruity, Jello Thursday - breaded pork chop, steamed corn, broccoli cup, fresh fruit Friday - french bread pizza fresh carrots, savory green beans, fresh fruit.

♦ A number of Albany Junior High and Nancy Smith Elementary students are competing in the a variety of UIL Academic events this week and next. Speaking events were held yesterday, Nov.

Albany residents are invited to get into the holiday spirit on Sunday, Dec. 10 at the annual Christmas concert for the Albany school bands.

The Christmas season is in full swing at the Old Jail Art Center, and the OJAC education department has plenty of things planned for local families and their visitors. Special activities for December include an upcoming family festival on Dec.

About half of Monday’s brief meeting of the Shackelford County Commissioners Court was spent discussing current projects of the County Historical Commission, withchairKathy Bales present. County judge John Viertel presented information he had obtained from Justin Kockritz with the Texas Historical Commissionabouttheinterpretive markers that the local group wants to place at the Bank Park.

Volunteers are still needed to help place almost 600 fresh evergreen wreaths on the graves of local veterans as part of National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 16.

♦ U.S. Postal Service customers intending to send Christmas packages through the mail should start soon to ensure presents are delivered before Christmas Day.

Belia Ruiz Garcia was born on March 15, 1942 in Hidalgo County, Texas, to Margarito and Angelia Ruiz. She peacefully passed away, at the age of 81, on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023,athomesurrounded by her family.