By Donnie A. LucasRehearsals continued this week for the 2022 production of “The Nativity,” scheduled for two performances on Dec. 10 and 11 at the Aztec Theater.Practices for each scene started two weeks ago.

By Sam WallerDeadline for two holiday programs conducted by the Albany Ministerial Alliance is rapidly approaching.Applications for the Alliance’s Believe Tree for Teens and Christmas Basket campaigns are due Friday, Nov. 18.

By Donnie A. LucasThere is still a little time remaining to help a teacher or staff member at Albany Jr./Sr. High strut their stuff next Tuesday with votes by donation in the Turkey Teacher contest.Donations which turn into votes will be accepted until the end of the school day this Friday, Nov. 18.

By Melinda L. LucasA “Christmas Bag” will be available Dec. 8-9 to Shackelford County families who normally get monthly commodity food, according to county justice of the peace James Breeden, who oversees the program.

By Sam WallerMembers of the Albany FFA chapter competed in the Big Country District Leadership Development Event on Monday, Nov. 14 at Cisco.“The students did a great job representing Albany FFA,” chapter adviser Chris Beard said.

By Sam WallerHaving a Thursday game has moved up the schedule for both the Albany Lions and the Albany Athletic Booster Club.The Lions will take on the Muenster Hornets at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 (tonight) at Graham’s Newton Field in the area round of the Class 2A Division II playoffs.

By Melinda L. LucasPhoto packages of flag football players that were ordered last month are now available for pickup at The Albany News, open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Packages that weren’t paid or couldn’t be charged to an existing account can still be purchased and ordered.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chest is continuing to accept donations toward its fundraising goal of $47,000 for the 2022 campaign.As of Tuesday, Nov. 15, the drive had raised $15,648, up more than $1,900 from the previous week.The Albany Chest helps meet the needs of two dozen local organizations.

By Donnie A. LucasFour new COVID-19 cases were reported last week, as the number of local cases rose slightly but continues to remain low based on information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.

The News will be printing Santa letters and holiday essays in the Christmas issue to be published on Thursday, Dec. 22.Students at Albany and Moran schools will be writing letters at school, which will be submitted to the News office by their teachers.