By Kathy Thomson The local Toys for Tots program is still accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations at various donations sites around Albany, and a Believe Tree for Teens, containing ornaments with an attached wish tag for older students was placed at five participating...

By Kathy Thomson Kloey Cargill Painter, a four-year veteran of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, recently transferred locations from the Big Bend area to become the Shackelford County extension agent.

By Kathy Thomson Twenty-one sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students from the Albany Independent School District competed at a University Interscholastic League contest in Stamford on Tuesday, Dec. 3, along with youth from Cross Plains, Haskell, Hawley, Roscoe, and Stamford.

By Kathy Thomson Two important events for local ag students will occur next week, and another took place earlier this Monday.  The Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association will have a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6:00 p.m.

By Melinda L. Lucas The third annual Cele-bration of Remembrance, intended to honor lost loved ones and help with the grieving process during the holiday season, will be held this Sunday, Dec. 8 at 6:00 p.m.

By Kathy Thomson Applications for the Albany Ministerial Alliance Christmas Baskets must be turned in by this Friday, Dec. 6. Those still needing forms can pick them up at participating churches or at the Resource Center in Albany.

By Kathy Thomson Pick-up dates for the December distribution of the commodity food program are Dec. 5 and 6. Moran recipients should note that both the day of the week and the time of pick-up have changed since last month. On Thursday, Dec.

By Kathy Thomson The Christmas season is underway, and local churches are hosting numerous activities to spread Christmas spirit throughout the community.

Albany News publisher Donnie Lucas announced this week that there will not be an edition published during the week of Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 26. “We’ve decided to take that week off and be able to enjoy our family more during the holidays,” said Lucas.

By Melinda L. Lucas The Christmas season is in full swing at the Old Jail Art Center, and special activities for December include the free holiday marionette shows that were offered earlier this week, as well as an upcoming family festival on Saturday, Dec. 14.