Shackelford County dove hunters will head into the 2026-27 season Sept. 1 with conditions expected to be average overall, although local birds and occasional rainfall have given the county an advantage over surrounding areas.

The waiting ends Friday night.After two weeks of scrimmages and a summer of preparation, the Albany Lions will officially open the 2026 football season at home against longtime rival Hawley, beginning a year that carries high expectations and a little history of its own.

The Albany Lady Lions improved to 12-1 on the season after going 4-1 at the Eastland Tournament Aug. 20 and 22, including wins over Lingleville and Newcastle to claim the Gold Bracket consolation championship.The varsity team traveled to Abilene Christian School Tuesday, Aug. 25.

A wildfire burned 445 acres on the Phin Reynolds Ranch north of Albany Tuesday, Aug. 18, as increasingly dry conditions continue to raise the fire danger across Shackelford County.

More than 100 residents gathered at the Albany High School auditorium Wednesday, Aug. 12, for a nearly two-hour town hall on the proposed Project North data center, hearing from representatives and asking questions about water, roads, environmental impacts, emergency services and power generation.

The Lady Lions began the season Aug. 11 with three-set and four-set victories over Merkel and Aspermont, respectively. Albany defeated Merkel 25-6, 25-11, 25-20 before taking down Aspermont 25-17, 24-26, 25-9, 27-25.

Albany ISD trustees approved the sale of bonds for the district’s $26 million construction project Tuesday night, locking in financing at a 4.7% interest rate while also discussing how a proposed data center could eventually have a major impact on the district’s tax base and debt.

Shackelford County commissioners delayed action Monday on a property tax abatement application for the proposed Project North data center, giving the court more time to review a proposal outlining an estimated $8.8 billion investment in western Shackelford County.

Albany City Council members approved a revised ordinance regulating electric bicycles, electric scooters and other micromobility devices Monday, Aug. 10, establishing new safety and operating requirements for riders throughout the city.

With a successful Ice Cream Supper behind them, members of the Albany Athletic Booster Club now turn their attention to preparing Robert Nail Memorial Stadium for the 2026 football season with its second annual stadium and concession stand cleanup set for Sunday, Aug. 16.