By Sam WallerMoran basketball teams had a busy week with both boys and girls varsity teams making their first tournament appearances.The Bulldogs started the week against Strawn Nov. 30 before competing in the Woodson tournament.

Johney Ray Alexander, age 63 Albany, passed away Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 9 at Albany Cemetery. Johney Ray Alexander was born Sept. 17, 1958 in Albany at the old hospital to William Alfred Alexander and Betty Jean McKee Alexander.

Albany News publisher Donnie Lucas announced this week that there will not be an edition published on Dec. 30 during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.“We’ve decided to take that week off and be able to enjoy our family more during the holidays,” said Lucas.

By Melinda L. LucasWhile the days of poring over a catalog of Christmas toys are long gone, children are still making lists for Santa.The Albany News will be printing Santa letters and holiday essays in the Christmas issue to be published on Thursday, Dec. 23.

By Sam WallerFor the second year in a row, the elements were a factor in the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s Small Town Saturday celebration, but this time it didn’t rain on their parade.Twelve floats participated in the Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday despite damp conditions.

By Donnie A. LucasNo new candidates started11 the filing process for county posts since last week, with the filing deadline set for Monday, Dec. 13 at 6:00p.m.

By Sam WallerAlbany Live will present the first concert of its live music series on Wednesday, Dec. 8, with Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis performing a holiday-themed program at the Aztec Theater.Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with the performance to start at 7:30 p.m.

By Sam WallerAlbany postmaster Laura Gilbreath is encouraging U.S. Postal Service customers to get a jump on mailing packages to ensure deliveries of Christmas presents before Christmas Day.Gilbreath said the Albany Post Office will maintain its regular hours through Dec. 23.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the November distribution of the commodity food program are Thursday, Dec. 2 and Friday, Dec. 3.Certified families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 2.

By Melinda L. LucasThe phone number for volunteers to call if they want to help to lay wreaths on local veterans’ graves later this month was incorrect in last week’s paper.Those who want to participate in the Dec.