By Donnie A. LucasAlbany junior Ashley Sanchez earned a seat in the All-Region band for the second time during tryouts held at Mid­land Greenwood High School on Dec. 10.Sanchez placed 23rd out of 68 clarinet entries, earning 14th chair in the Symphonic All-Region Band, the second of three bands.

By Melinda L. LucasRepublic Services, trash pickup contractor for the City of Albany, will run its regular schedule for the week of Christmas.Residential trash containers and business and industrial containers normally picked up on Thursday, Dec. 22 will run as scheduled.

By Sam WallerChristmas Day falling on a Sunday for the first time since 2016 offers local churches a unique opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ on a regular day of worship.Several Albany congregations will conduct special services as part of their Christmas celebrations this weekend.

By Donnie A. LucasAbout 100 county families and individuals received food deliveries on Sunday and Monday just in time for the holiday season as part of the annual Christmas Basket program sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance.

By Melinda L. LucasBecause Christmas and New Year’s Day both fall on Sunday this year, government offices will close before and after the weekend for holiday observances.Shackelford County offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26 for Christmas.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chest enters the final week of 2022 still more than $18,000 short of its goal of $47,000.As of Tuesday, Dec. 20, the fund stood at $28,608, an increase of only $1,185 from last week.

By Melinda L. LucasThe first 2023 distribution of government commodities is set for Thursday, Jan. 5 at the Moran City Hall, followed by another session on Friday, Jan. 6 for Albany residents behind the justice of the peace office at the Courthouse.

By Sam WallerThe fifth time proved to be the charm for Denney Faith and the Albany Lions.Behind an overpowering rushing attack and a stingy defense, the Lions claimed the school’s third state championship, the first under Faith, Wednesday, Dec.

“I think it was the offensive line and the run game, just being able to dominate up front, then the defense not giving Mart anything.” – Lineman Wyatt Beardon the key to Albany winning the state championship “It was our defense.

By Sam WallerAlbany Lions head football coach Denney Faith finally has the one career achievement that had been missing from his resume – the same resume he has apparently not seen the need to update for more than three decades.