By Kathy Thomson Christmas is fast approaching, and several programs designed to help make the season bright for everyone in Shackelford County are almost ready to distribute the holiday gifts and food donated by generous community members.

By Kathy Thomson Shackelford County extension agent Kloey Painter has two events scheduled this weekend for 4-H members and other area youth. 4-H Christmas Party There will be a 4-H Christmas party at The Feed Store at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, and everyone is invited to attend.

By Kathy Thomson Moran elementary and junior high school students recently participated in the District 20 1-A University Interscholastic League elementary academic meet, which took place over several days.

Sydney Ten Cate of Moran is graduating from Hardin Simmons University on Friday, Dec. 13 with Cum Laude honors. Her major is Criminal Justice and her minor is Psychology.

By Kathy Thomson Several events are planned in Moran this Saturday, Dec. 14, including the monthly children’s painting party, the annual Moran Parent Teacher Organization holiday meal, and a bimonthly fundraiser. Children’s  Painting Party The monthly kids painting party will be held at 1:00 p.

By Kathy Thomson The annual Moran holiday craft fair will take place this Saturday, giving Christmas shoppers a chance to find those special gift items without having to fight their way through busy traffic and crowded stores. A children’s painting party is set for the afternoon of Saturday, Dec.

By Kathy Thomson Several activities are crowded into the few remaining weeks of the fall semester at Moran including, of course, exams, but also Christmas activities, a visit from Santa Claus, UIL contests, basketball games, the annual PTO holiday meal, and gathering presents for the Angel Tree.

By Melinda L. Lucas Albany resident Bobby Williams is expected to challenge incumbent Shackelford County Precinct 1 commissioner Steve Riley after filing paperwork on Monday, Dec. 2.

By Kathy Thomson Theatergoers have one final chance to watch Albany Mainstreet Playhouse’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on Sunday, Dec. 8.  The 2:30 p.m. matinee at the Aztec Theater will be the last of three performances of the holiday comedy.

Santa letters and holiday essays for the 2019 Christmas issue published by The Albany News should be submitted by the end of this week if possible.