Albany’s annual cheer camp brought excitement and energy to the high school gym this week, as 62 young girls from ages 3 through sixth grade participated in three days of cheer, chants, and themed dress-up fun.

Held Monday through Wednesday, the camp introduced girls to the fundamentals of cheerleading while giving them the opportunity to work alongside Albany junior high and high school cheerleaders. This year’s camp was coordinated by cheer sponsor Lauren Peacock, who previously served in the role from 2014 to 2017, along with co-coordinator Ashlyn Bevel.

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.

Mary Cloud

Mary Cloud, 87 of Albany, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025. Graveside funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 16th at the Albany Cemetery with Lance Thomas officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Money Matters

The Shackelford County Youth & Livestock Association’s annual 3-Person Golf Scramble brought in another $40,000 this past weekend, matching last year’s total. The tournament was held Saturday and Sunday, July 19–20, at Albany Golf Club, with proceeds supporting local youth exhibitors in the Shackelford County Stock Show.

A group of young athletes from Albany will represent their town on the national stage this weekend as members of the Twisted Sisters, a regional team competing in the USA Softball National Championship in Wichita Falls.

The team includes six girls from Albany: Kynlee Milligan, Mackenzee Roysdon, Avery Gleitz, Hailey Gleitz, Sawyer Shoaf, and Tinley Hefner. They’ll be joined by four additional players from Cisco, Hawley, Breckenridge, and Abilene to complete the 10-player roster. Tim Milligan is coaching the team.

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.