By Sam WallerThe Chelsey’s Project ministry will continue despite a fire that destroyed its building last week.A structure in the 500 block of North Sixth Street that Chelsey’s Project director Blanca Sanchez used to store items caught fire on Wednesday night, Dec. 8.Lt.

By Donnie A. LucasFor the second year, Albany will honor its veterans at the Albany Cemetery with a Christmas wreath laying ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 18.Volunteers and family members will gather at 11:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasThe filing period for the March 1 primary elections ended on Monday, with no new candidates signing up for the available offices this election cycle.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Ministerial Alliance is in need of volunteers to help distribute Christmas baskets.The program strives to provide ingredients needed for a traditional holiday meal to families who need assistance.

By Melinda L. LucasNews readers and advertisers are reminded that there will be no paper published Dec. 30 during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.The News office will be open on Monday through Thursday, Dec. 27-30 of that week.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany school board moved to appoint a  new member to fill a vacant seat, accepted one resignation, and approved a one-time payment to all school employees during a meeting held Monday, Dec. 13.

By Melinda L. LucasMost of Monday night’s brief December city council meeting was a review of November and year-to-date finances by city manager Billy Holson, along with an explanation of the need to replace “trains” of membranes at the water plant.

By Melinda L. LucasTwo different proposals heard by Shackelford County commissioners on Monday could cost the county as much as $300,000, although there are already funds that could cover a lot of that amount.

By Sam WallerJudging for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s house decorating contest will be held this weekend, but Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said there is still time to enter.“If someone wants to enter a house, they can text that name and address to me at 325-669-1831,” Jones said.

By Donnie A. LucasA number of students in grades two through eight competed in the district UIL Academic Meet over the last few weeks, with the second through fifth grade elementary students earning third place overall and the grade six through eighth competitors taking fourth place.