By Donnie A. LucasAnyone who doesn’t have plans for lunch on Christmas Day Sunday is invited to attend the annual Christmas Feast set for 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church.This is the 14th year that the church has provided a meal for the community on Dec. 25.

By Melinda L. LucasNews readers and advertisers are asked to be aware that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, the week after Christmas.“There will not be an edition on Thursday, Dec. 29,” said News editor Melinda Lucas.

By Donnie A. LucasThe graves of over 560 veterans were decorated by family members and other volunteers at the Albany Cemetery last Saturday during the annual  Wreaths Across America Day program.

By Donnie A. LucasWhile positive cases of COVID-19 are still being recorded at the two local health clinics, a larger number of flu cases have overshadowed those numbers in recent weeks, with the onset of the holiday season raising concerns.

By Melinda L. LucasDiscussions at Monday’s meeting of the Albany ISD board of trustees ranged from state championship football rings and stage floor renovation plans to downed telephone poles and semester finals.

By Melinda L. LucasThe Shackelford County Hospital District board of directors met for a relatively brief session on Monday, Dec. 19, primarily taking care of approving bills, but also going over a few other items of business.

By Melinda L. LucasThe start of a new year is a time for celebrating, and local emergency responders remind county residents to make sure that any fireworks used in the festivities are handled safely and legally.

During September, on the late Robert Nail’s birth date, and on through the Albany High School homecoming week, support was sought during the annual fundraising drive for “Dollars for Bob’s Scholarships.

By Sam WallerWith the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Show just four weeks away, exhibitors are busy getting their animals ready, while members of the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association are working to make the event a success.The 2023 show is scheduled for Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 19-21.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany students and staff started the Christmas break on Wednesday, gaining a few extra days this year due to some changes in the schedule.The break started with an early-release on Wednesday, Dec. 22 and will continue until Monday, Jan. 9 for staff members.