By Kathy Thomson This year the Albany Chamber of Commerce sponsored a children’s coloring contest for first through sixth grade students at Nancy Smith Elementary School. Students colored a Christmas scene selected by their teacher from among the options submitted by the Chamber.

By Melinda L. Lucas The public is invited to the Fort Griffin State Historical Site this Saturday to go fishing for rainbow trout in what is expected to be sunny weather, tour the fort, and then stay to view the night sky through the high powered telescopes of several astronomers.

By Kathy Thomson Members of the AJSH Academic Booster Club have formed a “Rise and Shine” committee to bless, encourage, and uplift the faculty and staff of the Albany Independent School District, and this holiday season they are inviting everyone to assist them in their efforts by “adopting” a...

By Kathy Thomson Albany Junior High seventh grader Will LeMay competed in the Tuf Cooper Jr. World Finals in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Dec. 11.  He qualified in the 12-and-under tie down event by accumulating points throughout the year at events in Texas and Oklahoma.

By Kathy Thomson Albany Independent School District will break for the Christmas holidays at noon next Friday, Dec. 20, and student early releases on both Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 18 and 19 should help everyone survive the five-day-long week and make it to the anticipated vacation.

By Kathy Thomson Christmas is fast approaching, and several programs designed to help make the season bright for everyone in Shackelford County are almost ready to distribute the holiday gifts and food donated by generous community members.

By Kathy Thomson Shackelford County extension agent Kloey Painter has two events scheduled this weekend for 4-H members and other area youth. 4-H Christmas Party There will be a 4-H Christmas party at The Feed Store at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, and everyone is invited to attend.

By Kathy Thomson Moran elementary and junior high school students recently participated in the District 20 1-A University Interscholastic League elementary academic meet, which took place over several days.

Sydney Ten Cate of Moran is graduating from Hardin Simmons University on Friday, Dec. 13 with Cum Laude honors. Her major is Criminal Justice and her minor is Psychology.

By Kathy Thomson Several events are planned in Moran this Saturday, Dec. 14, including the monthly children’s painting party, the annual Moran Parent Teacher Organization holiday meal, and a bimonthly fundraiser.