By Kathy Thomson Applications for the Albany Ministerial Alliance Christmas Baskets must be turned in by this Friday, Dec. 6. Those still needing forms can pick them up at participating churches or at the Resource Center in Albany.

By Kathy Thomson Pick-up dates for the December distribution of the commodity food program are Dec. 5 and 6. Moran recipients should note that both the day of the week and the time of pick-up have changed since last month.

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.

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.