By Melinda L. LucasBecause Christmas and New Year’s Day both fall on Sunday this year, government offices will close before and after the weekend for holiday observances.Shackelford County offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26 for Christmas.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chest enters the final week of 2022 still more than $18,000 short of its goal of $47,000.As of Tuesday, Dec. 20, the fund stood at $28,608, an increase of only $1,185 from last week.

By Melinda L. LucasThe first 2023 distribution of government commodities is set for Thursday, Jan. 5 at the Moran City Hall, followed by another session on Friday, Jan. 6 for Albany residents behind the justice of the peace office at the Courthouse.

[This article was written by Albany High School Class of 1974 graduate Mike Parsons for the Albany News Homecoming section in 2019, and it is being reprinted this week in honor of Coach Denney Faith’s fifth trip to the state football championships and his title-winning season with the 2022 team.

By Sam WallerStudents at Moran ISD are on holiday break following the end of classes on Wednesday, Dec. 21.The school district will conduct a staff development day on Monday, Jan. 9, before starting the spring semester on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Classes will be held that Friday, Jan.

By Donnie A. LucasFor a third consecutive year, Albany will honor its veterans at the Albany Cemetery with a Christmas wreath laying ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 17.Volunteers and family members will gather at 11:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasAfter a four-year absence, the Albany Nativity was presented to the community last weekend during two performances at the Aztec Theater.

By Melinda L. LucasEveryone in the community is invited to a free showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the historic Aztec Theater in downtown Albany on Saturday, Dec. 17.The doors will open at 6:00 p.m., with the film to start at 6:30 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Old Jail Art Center continues its tradition of celebrating Christmas around the world with a family festival on Saturday, Dec. 17.“Swedish Jul” will highlight Christmas celebrations in Sweden.

By Melinda L. LucasJudging for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s house decorating contest will be held in the next few days, but there is still a little time to enter, according to Chamber board members.Megaen Birdwell, who is helping organize the competition this year, said that Saturday, Dec.