By Sam WallerToys for Tots, in conjunction with the Albany High School National Honor society, will again provide barbecue sandwiches during Small Town Saturday on Nov. 27.Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty, who coordinates the Toys for Tots campaign in Shackelford County, said service will begin a 4:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerFifth grade students from Nancy Smith Elementary School took the classroom outside last week at the Camp Grady Spruce Outdoor Education Program.Accompanying the 29 students were NSES principal John Gallagher and teachers Leslie Neve, Candy Balliew, and William Vaughan.

By Melinda L. LucasA blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, Dec. 2.Hendrick Regional Blood Center (formerly Meek Blood Center) will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:30 p.m.

By Donnie A. LucasAfter a year’s absence due to the pandemic, longtime puppeteers Dan Peeler and Charlie Rose are returning to The Old Jail Art Center for two days of performances of Christmas classics on Dec. 7 and 8.

By Melinda L. LucasThousands of tax statements have been mailed to Shackelford County land, property, and business owners.

By Donnie A. LucasVeterans in the Albany Cemetery will once again be honored during the National Wreaths Across America Day scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 18, with local volunteers fanning out across the cemetery to place the fresh evergreen wreaths on 525 graves.

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will not hold a weekly luncheonon Friday because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones.

By Melinda L. LucasThe long-standing ownership issue at the Rock Hill School voting site has finally been resolved, Shackelford County commissioners learned at Monday’s regular meeting.

By Donnie A. LucasThe number of positive COVID-19 test results increased slightly over the last week based on statistics from one of the three testing facilties, according to county judge Bob Skelton on Monday.

By Sam WallerThe Lighted Christmas Parade will top off Albany’s Small Town Saturday celebration this weekend, wrapping up a full day of events and Christmas shopping in the downtown area.“Just come out and celebrate Albany,” Albany Chamber of Commerce manager Mary Beth Jones said.