The Albany Ministerial Alliance spent almost $12,000 in support of various local needs by the end of 2018. “We believe that all these expenditures help make Albany a better place for everyone in the community,” said Alliance treasurer Carolyn Waller.

Closet Angels continues to be closed this week so that volunteers can take a break and spend time with their families during the Christmas and New Year’s seasons, according to director Lori Reames. The facility will open again for regular hours next Monday, Jan.

Albany recipients of Shackelford County food commodities should plan to pick up their allotments on Friday morning, Jan. 4 at the back door of the JP office at the Shackelford County Courthouse. Pickup time has been set for 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

With a much earlier sunset than during warm weather star gazing events, the staff at Fort Griffin State Historic Site will host its annual Winter Star Party this Saturday, Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. The program will be held in the astronomy area behind the visitor center, which is on the west side of Hwy.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Jan. 9, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

Local fifth and sixth graders who signed up for local youth basketball teams have started practicing in preparation for the first tournament of the season on Jan. 12.

Contributions are needed for the Shackelford County Youth Livestock show, with the annual show set to be held over a three-day period Jan. 31-Feb. 2, less than one month away.  Donations of $12,600 were deposited in the bank as of Wednesday morning, according to Molly Cauble.

With several donations coming in on the final day of 2018, including one large $5,000 contribution and $1,000 on Wednesday, the Albany Chest is just under its $42,000 goal.

Texas Rangers are continuing to investigate the death of a Moran man, Jack Tabor, who was killed at his girlfriend’s apartment in Cisco by her estranged husband, who then shot and killed himself.

As is typical, property tax payments at the Shackelford County Appraisal District accelerated just before the end of the year, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.