By Kathy Thomson The Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association met last Tuesday, Dec. 10, to finalize plans for this year’s stock show, and with a large number of entries expected, the annual fundraising drive has begun.

By Melinda L. Lucas A new board member was sworn in during a very brief meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District directors on Monday, Dec. 16.

By Melinda L. Lucas A large crowd attended a book signing of Heavy Date Over Germany: The Life and Times of B-17 Tail Gunner Ray Perry on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Shackelford County Library, including the subject’s son, former Texas governor Rick Perry, who wrote the foreword.

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will meet as usual this week on Dec. 20 at the Icehouse. The weekly luncheon has been cancelled for the holidays on Dec. 27. On Friday, Jan. 3, the 12:00 noon meetings move to the Beehive for the first two months of 2020.

By Kathy Thomson Texas dove hunters have an opportunity to bag the migratory game birds over the Christmas holiday season, starting this Friday, Dec. 20. Dove season in Texas this year is Sept. 1-Nov. 12, and Dec. 20-Jan. 5.

By Kathy Thomson Friday, Dec. 20 is the final day of the third six weeks period, the end of the fall semester, and the beginning of the two-week long Christmas vacation for students attending school in Moran.

Will LeMay finished third in the average in the 12 and under tie down roping at the Tuf Cooper Jr. World Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada last Wednesday, Dec. 11. LeMay qualified for the exclusive event by placing in the top 25 in his division at participating rodeos throughout the year.

By Kathy Thomson The start of a new year is a time for celebrating, and local emergency responders remind county residents to make sure that any fireworks used in the revelry are handled safely and legally.

By Melinda L. Lucas The filing period for the March primary elections ended Monday evening with one local contested race after Bobby Williams submitted an application and petition on Monday morning for the office of Precinct 1 commissioner.

By Melinda L. Lucas Everyone is invited to join in traditional Italian Christmas activities at the Natale family festival at the Old Jail Art Center on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. “Buon Natale means ‘Merry Christmas’ in Italian,” explained educational coordinator Molly Merck.