By Kathy Thomson The Christmas season is underway, and local churches are hosting numerous activities to spread Christmas spirit throughout the community.

Albany News publisher Donnie Lucas announced this week that there will not be an edition published during the week of Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 26. “We’ve decided to take that week off and be able to enjoy our family more during the holidays,” said Lucas.

By Melinda L. Lucas The Christmas season is in full swing at the Old Jail Art Center, and special activities for December include the free holiday marionette shows that were offered earlier this week, as well as an upcoming family festival on Saturday, Dec. 14.

By Kathy Thomson Tickets are on sale for Albany Mainstreet Playhouse’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and the first of three performances will be this Saturday evening following the lighted Christmas parade.

By Kathy Thomson This Saturday, Nov. 30, the Albany Chamber of Commerce has sponsored a Christmas season kick-off event with a host of activities scheduled to take place in the downtown area throughout the day.

By Melinda L. Lucas Shackelford County worked through a long agenda Monday morning, accepting a bid to repair a bridge in Precinct 2, adopting a Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution, and approving the 2018 audit.

By Melinda L. Lucas The Chamber of Commerce will not hold a weekly luncheon on Friday, Nov. 29 because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones. Also, the Shackelford County Library will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov.

By Melinda L. Lucas Longtime puppeteers Dan Peeler and Charlie Rose will present an assortment of Christmas classics performed by puppets on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 3 and 4.  This is the 34th year that the duo will perform at the Old Jail Art Center during the holiday season.

By Kathy Thomson The local Toys for Tots annual fund drive is underway, and members of Albany High School’s National Honor Society joined coordinator Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty to prepare and serve the annual fundraising luncheon on Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Youth Center.

By Kathy Thomson The Aztec Theater was the vehicle and local musicians and singers provided all the power needed to take ticket holders on a nostalgic musical road trip last Saturday evening.