By Melinda L. Lucas
The start of a new year is a time for celebrating, and local emergency responders remind county residents to make sure that any fireworks used in the festivities are handled safely and legally.
Although the county commissioners have lifted the county burn ban, at least temporarily, because of recent rainfall, there is still the opportunity for wildfires.
During September, on the late Robert Nail’s birth date, and on through the Albany High School homecoming week, support was sought during the annual fundraising drive for “Dollars for Bob’s Scholarships.”
However, the fundraising effort continues all through the year, and members of the Albany Ex-Students Association are asking Albany graduates and others to rememeber the fund in their end-of-year giving.
By Sam Waller
With the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Show just four weeks away, exhibitors are busy getting their animals ready, while members of the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association are working to make the event a success.
The 2023 show is scheduled for Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 19-21.
The association board met Tuesday, Dec. 6 to hash out final details and job assignments for the show. Association president Bronco Askew said there won’t be many changes to the show’s operation.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Albany students and staff started the Christmas break on Wednesday, gaining a few extra days this year due to some changes in the schedule.
The break started with an early-release on Wednesday, Dec. 22 and will continue until Monday, Jan. 9 for staff members. Students will return for the first day of class on Tuesday, Jan. 10 to start the second semester and the fourth six weeks.
Teachers are going back a day earlier for staff development and to plan for the new semester.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Albany junior Ashley Sanchez earned a seat in the All-Region band for the second time during tryouts held at Midland Greenwood High School on Dec. 10.
Sanchez placed 23rd out of 68 clarinet entries, earning 14th chair in the Symphonic All-Region Band, the second of three bands.
Junior Chey’Anne Weaver also auditioned, missing a chair by just a few spots, according to band director William Vaughan.
Sanchez will travel to Big Spring Jan. 13 and 14 for a rehearsal and concert.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Republic Services, trash pickup contractor for the City of Albany, will run its regular schedule for the week of Christmas.
Residential trash containers and business and industrial containers normally picked up on Thursday, Dec. 22 will run as scheduled.
Trash pickup also will remain as scheduled the following week, with residential, business and industrial containers picked up on the regularly scheduled dates.
By Sam Waller
Christmas Day falling on a Sunday for the first time since 2016 offers local churches a unique opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ on a regular day of worship.
Several Albany congregations will conduct special services as part of their Christmas celebrations this weekend.
The next time Christmas Day falls on a Sunday will be 2033.
Bethel Assembly
Bethel Assembly will conduct regular Sunday services.
Coffee will be served at 10:00 a.m. with church services starting at 10:30 a.m.
First Baptist
By Donnie A. Lucas
About 100 county families and individuals received food deliveries on Sunday and Monday just in time for the holiday season as part of the annual Christmas Basket program sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance.
Surprisingly, the number of total food basket requests was down this year with 99, compared to 119 last year.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Because Christmas and New Year’s Day both fall on Sunday this year, government offices will close before and after the weekend for holiday observances.
Shackelford County offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26 for Christmas. The Courthouse will also close Monday, Jan. 2, for the New Year’s holiday.
The Shackelford County Appraisal District and County Library will be closed those same days, as will the City of Albany office.
By Sam Waller
The Albany Chest enters the final week of 2022 still more than $18,000 short of its goal of $47,000.
As of Tuesday, Dec. 20, the fund stood at $28,608, an increase of only $1,185 from last week.
“Large contributions are great, but we also rely on a broad base of smaller donors,” said Chest board vice president Melinda Lucas. “It’s important that Albany citizens realize how far-reaching the Chest is and how many people, from infants to senior adults, are helped by these funds.”
