By Sam WallerJudging for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s house decorating contest will be held this weekend, but Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said there is still time to enter.“If someone wants to enter a house, they can text that name and address to me at 325-669-1831,” Jones said.

By Donnie A. LucasA number of students in grades two through eight competed in the district UIL Academic Meet over the last few weeks, with the second through fifth grade elementary students earning third place overall and the grade six through eighth competitors taking fourth place.

By Sam WallerEduardo San Lucas has worked with children from age 3 through high school. As the new youth minister at First Baptist Church of Albany, he will minister to about 40 youth in junior high and high school.San Lucas, who began his duties on Dec.

By Sam WallerAlbany churches are will conduct special services in addition to holding more social activities as part of their Christmas celebrations in the coming week.Friendship BaptistFriendship Baptist Church will hold candlelight services at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday, Dec. 19.

By Sam WallerThe Old Jail Art Center continues its tradition of celebrating Christmas around the world with a family festival on Saturday, Dec. 18.“Las Posadas” will highlight Christmas celebrations in Mexico.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs basketball teams both went 2-1 last weekend at the Lueders-Avoca tournament.The Lady Bulldogs hosted Rotan on Tuesday while the boys played at Mullin. Results will be reported next week.

By Sam WallerMoran ISD will let out for the semester at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17. The school conducted semester tests earlier this week.A staff development day is set for Monday, Jan. 3, with classes to resume on Tuesday, Jan. 4.

By Sam WallerMoran High School seniors Hannah Rogers and Johnnie Hise earned Meat Evaluation Certificates from the American Meat Science Association through the dual-credit advanced animal science class taught by Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson.

By Donnie A. LucasThe number of positive COVID-19 cases continued to rise over the last week, with a total of 30 positives out of 72 tests administered, according to a report issued by county judge Bob Skelton.The testing figures are for the week of Dec. 6-10.

By Sam WallerA grass fire on the Stasney Ranch was contained to 190 acres on Friday, Dec. 10, as firefighters battled windy, dry conditions.