By Sam WallerMembers of Cub Scout Pack 255 have two community service projects scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17, as well as an ongoing project to send Christmas Cards to nursing home residents in surrounding communities.

By Melinda L. LucasLocal residents and their guests have an opportunity to see a large lighted Christmas village set up to look as much like Albany as possible.The mother-daughter duo of Cindy and Ashley Parsons have combined their collections on the conference table at H.R.

By Sam WallerAlbany cowboys Will LeMay and Cort Peterson stepped onto a big stage last week when they competed in the Junior World Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas.The duo competed in team roping Dec. 5-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Wrangler Arena.

By Sam WallerMoran Independent School District will close for the holiday break following classes on Wednesday, Dec. 21.The school district will conduct a staff development day on Monday, Jan. 9 before starting the spring semester on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Classes will be held that Friday, Jan.

By Sam WallerAs the end of its fundraising campaign nears, the Albany Chest is still about $20,000 shy of its goal of $47,000 for 2022.As of Tuesday, Dec. 13, collections stood at $27,423.“We’re beginning to get concerned,” said Chest vice president Melinda Lucas.

By Donnie A. LucasA new concert series for the spring season hosted by Albany Live at the Aztec Theater was recently announced, with the first performance set for Jan. 14.

By Melinda L. LucasA project that retiring Shackelford County judge Robert Skelton has been working on was finally realized this week as commissioners and other county workers joined him on the Courthouse Square Tuesday.

By Donnie A. LucasAfter a four-year absence, the presentation of the Albany Nativity is set for two performances this weekend at the Aztec Theater.The production, first written and produced in 1939 by Albany playwright Robert Nail, is opening on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasEven though the original Dec. 2 deadline has passed, Santa letters will be accepted by The Albany News for a few more days.

By Melinda L. LucasWith a special “Christmas Bag” available this month, pick-up dates for the December distribution of the commodity food program are Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9.