By Sam WallerFive homes in Albany were recognized for their holiday displays by judges of the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s house decorating contest.The home of Samantha Isbell was awarded first place with a prize of 100 Albany Bucks.

News readers and advertisers are asked to be aware that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, the week after Christmas, and that the office will close early on Dec. 23.“There will not be an edition on Thursday, Dec. 30,” said News editor Melinda Lucas.

By Sam WallerA tractor-trailer carrying concrete conduits overturned and spilled its load on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 16, shutting down at least two lanes and at times all four lanes of U.S. Highway 180 on the east side of Albany for several hours.

By Melinda L. LucasMembers of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors heard the 2020 audit report and also took action to temporarily replace EMS supervisor Tina Ulbrich because of an upcoming medical leave during the regular December meeting on Monday night.

By Sam WallerCity and county offices will close early this week and next for holiday observances,Shackelford County offices will be closed Friday and Monday for Christmas. The Courthouse will also close Friday, Dec. 31, for New Year’s Eve.

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. 23 will run as scheduled.

By Donnie A. LucasThe first 2022 distribution of government commodities is set for Thursday, Jan. 6 at the Moran City Hall, followed by another session on Friday, Jan. 7 for Albany residents behind the justice of the peace office at the Courthouse.

We want to thank everyone for all the love and kindness you have shown our family through our tremendous loss. Thank you for all the prayers, food, flowers, plants and kind words. Sarge was loved by many. We appreciate each and every one of you. A special thanks to Clint Chapman.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany students and staff are currently in the midst of a two-week Christmas break, even though a limited number of activities are scheduled next week at the high school level.The break started with an early-release on Friday, Dec. 17 and will continue until Monday, Jan.

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.