By Sandy Morris Local shoppers didn’t let the weather or COVID prevent them from shopping local during the recent “Albany Bucks” promotion sponsored by the Albany Chamber of Commerce, and since that time, funding has become available for even more Bucks.

By Sandy Morris Last Saturday evening, downtown Albany was shining bright with floats from the community Christmas parade. Parade organizer Mac­kenzie Viertel said he was very happy with the support.

By Melinda L. Lucas After a battle with cancer, longtime “country doctor” J.E. Mikeska died Nov. 30 at the age of 93. A resident of Albany since 1987, he practiced medicine for 58 years, retiring in 2015 when he was 87.

By Sandy Morris Despite the challenges of 2020, the Old Jail Art Center has found unique ways to continue to offer programming that serves a variety of patrons.

By Sandy Morris Organizers of several programs in Shackelford County have been hard at work collecting toys, gifts, and food for individuals and families in need during the holiday season and are ready to begin the distribution process.  Ministerial Alliance Food Baskets

Albany News publisher Donnie Lucas announced this week that there will not be an edition published on Dec. 31 during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. “We’ve decided to take that week off and be able to enjoy our family more during the holidays,” said Lucas.

By Sandy Morris The Albany ISD bands are ready to get everyone into the holiday spirit tonight with their yearly Christmas concert. The sixth grade, seventh grade, and high school bands will be performing this evening in the high school auditorium.

By Sandy Walker Local citizens are encouraged to assist the AJHS Academic Booster Club in their efforts by “adopting” a local teacher.

By Sandy Morris Albany Independent School District will break for the Christmas holidays beginning with a trio of early release days at 12:00 noon next Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 16-18.

By Sandy Morris Albany High School’s annual Winter Formal, which had been moved up from its typical January date to this Saturday, Dec. 12 has been postponed.  AJHS principal Glen Hill said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, due to the ­COVID situation.