By Donnie A. LucasTwo Albany sophomores earned spots on the All-Region Band during try-outs at Midland Greenwood High School on Dec. 11.Ashley Sanchez was awarded 17th chair clarinet, and Trinity McBee was 26th chair flute, both earning seats in the All-Region Band.

By Sam WallerChris Overton of Albany helped a Woodson Junior High School group finish first in One Act Play in the District 21-1A academic meet on. Nov. 29, earning a spot in the all-star cast.

By Donnie A. LucasThe number of positive COVID-19 cases slowed over the last week, with a total of just nine positives out of 23 tests administered, according to a report issued by county judge Bob Skelton.The testing figures are for the week of Dec. 13-17.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Ministerial Alliance distributed 119 food packages for its Christmas Basket campaign last Sunday afternoon.Ministerial Alliance secretary Tisha Wilkins said there were still three unclaimed baskets at The Feed Store as of Tuesday.

By Sam WallerSeveral Albany churches will conduct special services as part of their Christmas celebrations this weekend.Trinity LutheranTrinity Lutheran Church will have a Christmas Eve Children’s service at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24.A Christmas Day worship service will be held at 10:30 a.m.

The Feed Store will be closed through the rest of the year, reopening when school resumes on Tuesday, Jan. 4, according to executive director Tisha Wilkins.“We usually don’t have many activities during school breaks,” she said.

By Sam WallerThe annual Albany Chest campaign is in its final days, and the drive is still almost $12,000 short of the 2021 goal of $46,000 set by the directors.

By Sam WallerCub Scout Pack 255 of Albany made a contribution of winter clothing items Monday to the Closet Angels ministry.Closet Angels director Lori Reames said the Pack has made an annual donation for several years.“It couldn’t hit at a better time,” Reames said.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Volunteer Fire Department presented Chief Travis Gardenhire with the 2021 Firefighter of the Year merit award at its annual Christmas party and meeting on Monday, Dec. 6.

By Donnie A. LucasOver 525 Christmas wreaths were placed on the graves of local veterans at the Albany Cemetery last Saturday during the second annual observance of Wreaths Across America Day.