Local residents can have a traditional holiday meal on Christmas Day without going to the trouble of preparing and cleaning up.

Or paying for it.

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church is offering its 16th annual Christmas Feast from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25. Meals are free to all comers.

For the second year in a row, meals will be available for carry-out or delivery only.

“Folks can call the church office (at 325-762-2038) and place orders with Sandy Ingalls if they want delivery,” co-organizer James Breeden said.

The Albany Lady Lions made their first appearance in  District 10-2A basketball competition last week, dropping a home game to Hawley in their only action.

The Lady Lions had the district bye Tuesday, Dec. 17, and return to action at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. The game was pushed back from Friday, Dec. 20 because of Stamford’s participation in the Class 2A Division I state championship football game.

The Albany Lions boys basketball team put in a busy first week of its season, with five games, going 4-1.

The Lions open their district schedule Saturday, Dec. 21 at Stamford. The game was rescheduled from Friday, Dec. 20 because of Stamford’s participation in the Class 2A Division I state championship football game.

Albany opened its season Tuesday, Dec. 10, with a 43-40 loss at Coleman. The Lions then spent Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 12-14 at the Lingleville tournament, beating Newcastle 74-25, Bluff Dale 60-25, Strawn 74-32, and Richland Springs 54-25.

Volunteer Zack Waggoner was named ‘Firefighter of the Year’ during the Albany Volunteer Fire Department’s annual awards presentation and Christmas party.

Fire Chief Joel Viertel explained that to be named ‘Firefighter of the Year,’ a firefighter typically needs to demonstrate a consistent record of dedicated service within their department and community, including acts of heroism, outstanding leadership, dedication to training, significant community involvement, and a positive reputation within the fire service, often going above and beyond expected duties.