Closet Angels continues to be closed this week so that volunteers can take a break and spend time with their families during the Christmas and New Year’s seasons, according to director Lori Reames. The facility will open again for regular hours next Monday, Jan.

Albany recipients of Shackelford County food commodities should plan to pick up their allotments on Friday morning, Jan. 4 at the back door of the JP office at the Shackelford County Courthouse. Pickup time has been set for 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

With a much earlier sunset than during warm weather star gazing events, the staff at Fort Griffin State Historic Site will host its annual Winter Star Party this Saturday, Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. The program will be held in the astronomy area behind the visitor center, which is on the west side of Hwy.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Jan. 9, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

Contributions are needed for the Shackelford County Youth Livestock show, with the annual show set to be held over a three-day period Jan. 31-Feb. 2, less than one month away.  Donations of $12,600 were deposited in the bank as of Wednesday morning, according to Molly Cauble.

Texas Rangers are continuing to investigate the death of a Moran man, Jack Tabor, who was killed at his girlfriend’s apartment in Cisco by her estranged husband, who then shot and killed himself.

As is typical, property tax payments at the Shackelford County Appraisal District accelerated just before the end of the year, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

Over a dozen volunteers gathered on Christmas Day to prepare about 75 lunches for local residents, during the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church’s 10th annual Christmas Feast.

With New Year’s Day falling on Tuesday, an earlier deadline has been set for the Jan. 3 issue. All copy and advertising is due by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 31 rather than noon on Tuesday, in order for the News staff to get the pre-press work done in a timely manner.

Even with this week’s rainfall, local emergency responders remind county residents to make sure that any fireworks used in the celebration of the New Year’s Eve holiday are handled safely and legally.