By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany school board moved to appoint a  new member to fill a vacant seat, accepted one resignation, and approved a one-time payment to all school employees during a meeting held Monday, Dec. 13.

By Melinda L. LucasMost of Monday night’s brief December city council meeting was a review of November and year-to-date finances by city manager Billy Holson, along with an explanation of the need to replace “trains” of membranes at the water plant.

By Melinda L. LucasTwo different proposals heard by Shackelford County commissioners on Monday could cost the county as much as $300,000, although there are already funds that could cover a lot of that amount.

By Sam WallerJudging for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s house decorating contest will be held this weekend, but Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said there is still time to enter.“If someone wants to enter a house, they can text that name and address to me at 325-669-1831,” Jones said.

By Donnie A. LucasA number of students in grades two through eight competed in the district UIL Academic Meet over the last few weeks, with the second through fifth grade elementary students earning third place overall and the grade six through eighth competitors taking fourth place.

By Sam WallerEduardo San Lucas has worked with children from age 3 through high school. As the new youth minister at First Baptist Church of Albany, he will minister to about 40 youth in junior high and high school.San Lucas, who began his duties on Dec.

By Sam WallerAlbany churches are will conduct special services in addition to holding more social activities as part of their Christmas celebrations in the coming week.Friendship BaptistFriendship Baptist Church will hold candlelight services at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday, Dec. 19.

By Sam WallerThe Old Jail Art Center continues its tradition of celebrating Christmas around the world with a family festival on Saturday, Dec. 18.“Las Posadas” will highlight Christmas celebrations in Mexico.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs basketball teams both went 2-1 last weekend at the Lueders-Avoca tournament.The Lady Bulldogs hosted Rotan on Tuesday while the boys played at Mullin. Results will be reported next week.

By Sam WallerMoran ISD will let out for the semester at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17. The school conducted semester tests earlier this week.A staff development day is set for Monday, Jan. 3, with classes to resume on Tuesday, Jan. 4.