By Sandy Morris

Last Saturday evening, downtown Albany was shining bright with floats from the community Christmas parade.

Parade organizer Mac­kenzie Viertel said he was very happy with the support.

“Everybody that signed up to be in the parade showed up, along with others who hadn’t signed up,” Viertel said. “The turnout on the streets also was great and it was nice to see the community come out and support the parade.”

Viertel said that organizers presented first, second, and third place awards.

By Melinda L. Lucas

After a battle with cancer, longtime “country doctor” J.E. Mikeska died Nov. 30 at the age of 93.

A resident of Albany since 1987, he practiced medicine for 58 years, retiring in 2015 when he was 87.

Mikeska and his wife Gayle came to Albany after practicing 26 years in Clyde and at the Baird Hospital. He officed in the Shackelford County Hospital District’s clinic until shortly before the hospital closed in 1996.

By Sandy Morris

Despite the challenges of 2020, the Old Jail Art Center has found unique ways to continue to offer programming that serves a variety of patrons. 

In response to the OJAC’s continued operations throughout the past year, the OJAC’s staff and board of trustees are asking for contributions to the Annual Fund Appeal.

The Annual Fund Appeal is the single most important fundraiser the OJAC initiates to support operations and programs.  

By Sandy Morris

Organizers of several programs in Shackelford County have been hard at work collecting toys, gifts, and food for individuals and families in need during the holiday season and are ready to begin the distribution process. 

Ministerial Alliance

Food Baskets

Albany News publisher Donnie Lucas announced this week that there will not be an edition published on Dec. 31 during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

“We’ve decided to take that week off and be able to enjoy our family more during the holidays,” said Lucas. 

This is only the fourth time in 44 years of Lucas ownership that there hasn’t been a weekly paper.

By Sandy Morris

The Albany ISD bands are ready to get everyone into the holiday spirit tonight with their yearly Christmas concert.

The sixth grade, seventh grade, and high school bands will be performing this evening in the high school auditorium.

The sixth grade band will perform first at 6:30 p.m. and will be playing Jingle Bells and Jolly Old St. Nick. 

The seventh grade band will follow at 7:15 p.m. and will perform Jingle Bells, The Spirit of St. Nick, and African Noel. 

By Sandy Walker

Local citizens are encouraged to assist the AJHS Academic Booster Club in their efforts by “adopting” a local teacher.

Members of the AJSH Academic Booster Club formed a “Rise and Shine” committee last year to bless, encourage, and uplift the faculty and staff of the Albany Independent School District.

The group had such a great response for Christmas 2019 that they are inviting the public to participate in the second annual teacher/staff Christmas wish list event. 

By Sandy Morris

Albany Independent School District will break for the Christmas holidays beginning with a trio of early release days at 12:00 noon next Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 16-18.

With student early dismissal rounding out the last week of school before the holidays, everyone should be able to survive the five-day-long week and make it to the anticipated vacation.

Students will be off from Monday, Dec. 21 through Monday, Jan. 4, which is a holiday for students and a staff development day for teachers. 

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School’s annual Winter Formal, which had been moved up from its typical January date to this Saturday, Dec. 12 has been postponed. 

AJHS principal Glen Hill said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, due to the ­COVID situation. 

“We will reevaluate after the Christmas break and make a decision on the Winter Formal at that time,” said Hill. 

The Winter Formal is sponsored each year the AHS student council.

By Sandy Morris

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will present “La Posada” this Sunday, Dec. 13 at 6:00 p.m. starting at the Courthouse gazebo.

La Posada is the re-enactment of the census pilgrimage to Bethlehem made by Mary and Joseph while in search of a room for the birth of Jesus. 

The entire production will be held outdoors to comply with social distancing.  

Attendees will follow Mary and Joseph around the Courthouse square as they search for a room before ending up at the front yard of MMPC.