By Melinda L. LucasDirectors for the Shackelford County Hospital District awarded Christmas bonuses during a very short meeting on Monday, Nov. 21.After a closed session, Jason Price made the motion, with a second by Mary Beth Jones, to approve the bonuses for all district employees.

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will not hold a weekly luncheon on Friday because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to Chamber officer Lisa Barton.

It’s almost deadline time for Santa letters and holiday essays if they are going to be included in the Dec. 22 Christmas issue published by The Albany News. The letters should be turned in by Dec. 2.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany ISD’s school board is a complete seven-person unit again after trustees appointed Bo Brown to serve for the rest of Dr. Cory Brown’s term, which will end in May 2023.Dr. Brown moved out of the district earlier this year and has resigned from his Place 3 seat.

By Melinda L. LucasEven though the popular puppet shows at the Old Jail Art Center will not take place this year, the Christmas season is in full swing at the museum, and the OJAC education department has plenty of things planned for local families and their visitors.

By Donnie A. LucasThe sounds of love songs – all types – were in the air Saturday during a musical performance called “The Seasons of Love,” presented by a group of local singers to benefit the Aztec Theater.

By Sam WallerNancy Smith Elementary School fifth graders braved cooler weather last week to take part in the Camp Grady Spruce Outdoor Education Program at Possum Kingdom Lake.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany Junior High teacher Chanel Hayner got to strut her stuff on Tuesday as the winner of the Teacher Turkey Contest sponsored by the Albany FCCLA chapter.

Dear Editor:Many years ago we moved to Albany. One of the first things that impacted me was the oilfield Christmas tree on one mile hill. It brought so much joy coming into town and seeing that tree all lit up. It was such a welcoming sight during the Christmas season.

By Sam WallerFriendship Baptist Church’s seventh annual Harvest Acres bazaar enjoyed plenty of business Saturday, Nov. 19, with several items selling out.Organizer Danita Johnston said the event, which raises funds for local mission projects, had a good turnout.