By Sam WallerThe Albany Athletic Booster Club is gearing up for another round of playoff activities as the Albany Lions continue to advance in the Class 2A Division II bracket.The Lions face the Collinsville Pirates at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Dec.

By Sam WallerDeadline for registering to play for the Albany Little Dribblers fifth and sixth grade basketball teams is Thursday, Dec. 1 (today).A $35 per-child fee includes a team shirt.Registration forms are available at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

By Sam WallerMoran ISD resumed classes this week after taking last week off for Thanksgiving break.“We just had to hit the ground running because we’ve got so much stuff going on,” principal Jo Hise said.

By Sam WallerProducers needing to accrue Continuing Education Units can do so Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Big Country CEU Conference in Abilene.The day-long program will consist of six one-hour classes covering different topics. Five Agriculture CEUs and up to six Structural CEUs will be offered.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the November distribution of the commodity food program are Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9.

By Donnie A. LucasThe annual Lighted Christmas Parade will cap a full day of seasonal activities and shopping on Saturday as it rolls through downtown starting immediately following the last of three Christmas drawings starting at 6:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerThe local Toys for Tots campaign will again offer barbecue sandwiches during Small Town Saturday on Nov. 26.Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty, who coordinates the toy drive in Shackelford County, will be assisted by members of the Moran National Honor Society.

By Melinda L. LucasDirectors for the Shackelford County Hospital District awarded Christmas bonuses during a very short meeting on Monday, Nov. 21.After a closed session, Jason Price made the motion, with a second by Mary Beth Jones, to approve the bonuses for all district employees.

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will not hold a weekly luncheon on Friday because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to Chamber officer Lisa Barton.

It’s almost deadline time for Santa letters and holiday essays if they are going to be included in the Dec. 22 Christmas issue published by The Albany News. The letters should be turned in by Dec. 2.