By Sam WallerAlbany’s Kenzie Neve brought home an armful of awards from the Arizona National Livestock Show, held Dec. 27-31 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix.Neve, an Albany High School sophomore, claimed the grand champion intermediate cattle showman prize for the second year in a row.

By Sam WallerDrought conditions brought on by a La Niña weather system were the major weather story in Shackelford County in 2022, and it doesn’t appear conditions are going to change in early 2023.

By Sam WallerShackelford County hunters can still bag a buck during Texas’ special late white-tailed deer season.The special late season  as well as a youth-only late season runs through Sunday, Jan. 15.

By Sam WallerMoran ISD begins its spring semester Monday, Jan. 9 with a staff-development day before resuming classes Tuesday, Jan. 10.In order to stay on its four-day week schedule, Moran will hold classes on Friday, Jan. 13. It is the only Friday class day scheduled for the spring semester.

By Donnie L. LucasThe Albany community received an early Christmas present last week in the form of a state championship football title for Class 2A Div. 2, thanks to the Albany Lions.

By Melinda L. LucasThree homes in Albany were recognized for their holiday displays by judges of the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s house decorating contest.The home of Shirley and Red Alexander was awarded first place with a prize of 100 Albany Bucks.

By Donnie A. LucasAnyone who doesn’t have plans for lunch on Christmas Day Sunday is invited to attend the annual Christmas Feast set for 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church.This is the 14th year that the church has provided a meal for the community on Dec. 25.

By Melinda L. LucasNews readers and advertisers are asked to be aware that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, the week after Christmas.“There will not be an edition on Thursday, Dec. 29,” said News editor Melinda Lucas.

By Donnie A. LucasThe graves of over 560 veterans were decorated by family members and other volunteers at the Albany Cemetery last Saturday during the annual  Wreaths Across America Day program.

By Donnie A. LucasWhile positive cases of COVID-19 are still being recorded at the two local health clinics, a larger number of flu cases have overshadowed those numbers in recent weeks, with the onset of the holiday season raising concerns.