Albany’s annual Citywide Garage Sale is set for this Saturday, Sept. 6, and organizers say the event is shaping up to be another busy one with strong local participation and plenty of out-of-town interest.

“We’ve already got almost 10 registered garage sales, and several others have reached out but haven’t stopped by the office yet,” said Chamber of Commerce manager Brandi Lehew. “The number usually grows the week of, so we’re expecting a great turnout again this year.”

The Albany News will debut a new and improved fall/winter visitor guide this year, shifting from its traditional square, newspaper-style format to a more polished magazine-style publication.

Publisher David Waller, who played a key role in developing the latest Abilene visitor guide, is bringing that experience to the Albany edition. The new guide will aim to highlight the events, history, places, and businesses that make Albany a destination worth visiting.

Congressman Jodey Arrington spoke at the Aztec Theater on Wednesday, August 20, where he met with local citizens and leaders to reflect on his service and discuss the challenges facing the nation.

Reflections on service and legislative wins

Shackelford County is shaping up to be one of the best spots in the state for dove hunting as the 2025–26 season begins Monday, Sept. 1.

Game Warden Jacob Mort said conditions point to another record-breaking year.

“Last year was a record, and this year looks even better,” Mort said. “There are lots of birds, plenty of seed, and plenty of water. Hunters should find success both in the fields and around tanks. With the mild summer and good rainfall, everything is lined up for a great season.”

The Shackelford County Commissioners Court handled a full agenda at its regular meeting Monday, Aug. 25, addressing items ranging from drought conditions to courthouse projects and upcoming elections.

Burn ban extended

With dry conditions persisting, commissioners voted to extend the county’s burn ban for another 45 days past its scheduled Sept. 4 expiration. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index stood at 456 on Saturday, signaling heightened wildfire risk.

Copy contract renewal

What started as a fun question in The Albany News Kids Corner back in February has turned into a popular new addition at Nancy Smith Elementary. When asked what they would do if they were mayor for a day, many young students said they’d build a gaga pit at the school.

A major technology development is officially on its way to Shackelford County, with Vantage Data Centers announcing plans for a $25 billion “Frontier” mega-campus aimed at supporting the growing demand for artificial intelligence.

The company unveiled its plans this week, noting that the project will ultimately become one of the largest data center campuses in the world. Located in Shackelford County, the facility is expected to span over a thousand acres and deliver several gigawatts of critical IT capacity.

The Albany City Council meeting at the Aztec Theater was filled to capacity Monday night as over 80 residents and visitors gathered to weigh in on whether Albany should join the growing list of Texas towns declaring themselves “sanctuary cities for the unborn.” What followed was more than an hour of impassioned testimony, at times deeply personal, as 25 speakers took turns at the podium.

Nineteen spoke in favor of the ordinance, while six voiced opposition — a notable shift from earlier meetings that had been mainly pro-ordinance speakers. 

The Albany Mainstreet Playhouse will bring down the curtain on its 2024–2025 season this weekend with The Curious Savage, a classic comedy by John Patrick. The production will take the stage at the Aztec Theater August 22–24, with evening performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m.

The Albany ISD board of trustees met Monday, August 18, focusing on accountability ratings, teacher pay, and the district’s financial outlook for the coming school year.

Superintendent Daryl Stuard reported that Albany ISD received an overall B rating (81) in the state’s accountability system. Albany Junior/Senior High earned an 84 (B), while Nancy Smith Elementary posted a 76 (C). The elementary campus scored lowest in the “Closing the Gaps” category, which measures performance among different student groups.