By Melinda L. LucasThousands of tax statements have been mailed to Shackelford County land, property, and business owners.

By Donnie A. LucasAfter a year’s absence due to the pandemic, longtime puppeteers Dan Peeler and Charlie Rose are returning to The Old Jail Art Center for two days of performances of Christmas classics on Dec. 7 and 8.

By Melinda L. LucasA blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, Dec. 2.Hendrick Regional Blood Center (formerly Meek Blood Center) will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:30 p.m.

By Sam WallerFifth grade students from Nancy Smith Elementary School took the classroom outside last week at the Camp Grady Spruce Outdoor Education Program.Accompanying the 29 students were NSES principal John Gallagher and teachers Leslie Neve, Candy Balliew, and William Vaughan.

By Sam WallerToys for Tots, in conjunction with the Albany High School National Honor society, will again provide barbecue sandwiches during Small Town Saturday on Nov. 27.Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty, who coordinates the Toys for Tots campaign in Shackelford County, said service will begin a 4:00 p.m.

By Donnie A. LucasThree members of the cast and crew of the junior high one-act play, “The Trial of Goldilocks” were recognized last week at the UIL OAP contest in Stamford.

By Sam WallerWith fewer COVID-19 restrictions this year, Friendship Baptist Church enjoyed increased attendance Saturday for its sixth annual Harvest Acres celebration.

By Sam WallerSix of eight Shackelford County 4-H members came away with ribbons for placing at the District 7 Food Show, held Nov. 17 at the Expo Center in Abilene.

By Sam WallerThe Aztec Theater will be home to a new monthly concert series starting in December.Albany Live, which was formed in October, has scheduled several live performances for its Songwriter Series at the theater, starting up pretty quickly on Wednesday, Dec.

By Sam WallerDeadlines for two holiday programs overseen by ResourceCare are scheduled for the first week of December. Applications for Toys for Tots must be received by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2. Gifts for the Adopt A Senior program are due by Friday, Dec. 3.