Shackelford County Commissioners gave unanimous approval Monday to a proposal that could bring one of the most significant economic development projects in county history to life: a large-scale data center campus developed by Vantage Data Centers.

Following a public hearing held during a special meeting of Commissioners Court, the county approved three key items: the creation of the Shackelford County Reinvestment Zone 2025-1, the acceptance of Vantage’s application for tax abatement, and the county’s intent to enter into a formal agreement with the company once land is purchased.

With the start of school just weeks away, Albany ISD trustees met Monday, July 21, to discuss a range of updates in preparation for the 2025–2026 school year. The most significant item centered on how the district will enforce a new state law banning student cell phone use during school hours.

The Albany Masonic Lodge joined fellow lodges from across the region this past week for a special officer installation ceremony at the historic Fort Griffin Lodge Hall, located at Collins Creek Ranch near the original townsite of Fort Griffin, known locally as “The Flat.”

Participating lodges included Albany Lodge, Fort Griffin Lodge from Throckmorton, Orient Lodge from Knox City, and McCullough Lodge from Brady. Many members of the McCullough Lodge also hold dual membership with Fort Griffin Lodge, which helped bring the event together at the historic site.

Landon Balliew, a 2025 Albany High School graduate with a heart for missions, recently returned from his second trip to Guatemala – one of several mission efforts he’s participated in over the last few years. 

A member of First Baptist Church Albany and current intern with East-West Ministries International in Dallas, Balliew has served on mission teams to multiple destinations, but says his latest trip sharing the Gospel with the Achi people was unlike anything he’s ever experienced.

The Shackelford County Hospital Board met Monday, July 21 to cover a wide range of business, including clinic operations, financial reports, and plans for future voting systems.

Six members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department joined hundreds of responders in Central Texas last week, taking part in a large-scale search and recovery operation following catastrophic flooding over the July 4 weekend. Led by Albany Fire Chief Joel Viertel, the local team was deployed to assist efforts along the Guadalupe River near Ingram, where the flood left miles of debris fields and tragically claimed over 130 lives, with 160 still missing.

ResourceCare’s annual Summer Day Camp is off to a smooth start, with more than 100 children registered and daily attendance averaging around 80, according to camp co-director Mindy Ary.

“Everything on the first few days went even smoother than expected, and the cooler weather helped too,” Ary said. “We’re really pleased with how it all came together.”

Seven Albany High School FCCLA chapter members traveled to Orlando, Florida, this summer to compete in the 2025 FCCLA National Leadership Conference. 

The students earned their spots at the national event after submitting video projects and documentation in February, with both Albany teams being selected among the top 20 entries in the nation, giving them the opportunity to compete among the top Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members from across the country.  

CareFest, the annual summer music and fund­raising event, is set to return Friday, Aug. 16, at Happy Wife Happy Life Weddings & Events, bringing a full evening of live music, local food trucks, and community celebration.

Organizers say ticket sales are higher than ever at this stage, with limited VIP tickets still available online. As in years past, parking remains the biggest factor determining attendance capacity. Attendees are encouraged to carpool when possible to help ease congestion.

With about 55 campers already signed up, Albany High School cheerleaders are preparing for their annual Mini Cheer Camp, set for July 28–30 at the AHS gym. 

Incoming Pre-K through sixth grade students can still register, but organizers are encouraging sign-up as soon as possible so that participants can get a camp T-shirt.

“We’re excited to have more than 50 kids signed up,” said cheer sponsor Lauren Peacock. “If they haven’t signed up yet, cheer campers need to register as soon as possible to ensure they get a T-shirt.”