By Sandy Morris With activities such as the Christmas band concert, elementary parties, and semester finals bringing the first semester to an end, Albany ISD students and staff are now in the midst of a two-week Christmas break. Students at both campuses will be back in class on Tuesday, Jan.

By Sandy Morris Christmas is here and with the generous help of donors, several local organizations have been able to make sure Christmas is merry and bright for everyone in Shackelford County.

The Callahan-Shackelford County Farm Bureau Board of Directors voted unanimously to make contributions totaling $7,500 to charitable organizations as 2020 draws to a close. The Board recognizes the importance of our elderly receiving healthful foods during these challenging economic times.

By Sandy Morris The Albany Chamber of Commerce put the wraps on a successful holiday season this week. Decorating Contest A new event sponsored by the Chamber this year was the Holiday House Decorating Contest.

By Sandy Morris There is one week left in 2020, which means there is only one week left to make a donation to the annual Albany Chest campaign.  Despite last week’s jump to hit the 50 percent mark, contributions are still needed in order to meet the 2020 fundraising goal of $41,000.

By Sandy Morris Christmas is here, and as they have for the past 11 years, volunteers from Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will make sure that no one in Albany misses out on the chance to enjoy a holiday meal on Christmas Day.

By Sandy Morris Veterans buried in the Albany Cemetery were honored during a wreath-laying ceremony held last Saturday morning, with a large group of volunteers and family members on hand to help place a total of 531 wreaths.

By Melinda L.

By Sandy Morris The district-wide canned food drive competition hosted by the Moran junior and senior classes will wrap up on Friday, Dec. 18.  The class with the most donations will be announced after the Christmas break.  All donations will be delivered to local needy families.

Photo packages of local junior high basketball and flag football teams and individuals have been printed and are now available for those who haven’t already claimed them. Parents who paid in advance or who have valid accounts can pick up their packages at The Albany News office.