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.
The Albany Lions wrapped up their final tune-up last Thursday in Early and now turn their attention to the season opener this Friday night at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium, where they will host rival Stamford.
Head coach Denney Faith said he was pleased with the way his defense performed in the scrimmage, which featured three interceptions, a fumble recovery, and limited the Longhorns to only one significant play.
The Albany Lady Lions had a full schedule this past week, starting with tournament play in Eastland before facing Abilene Christian on Tuesday and now turning their focus to hosting their own tournament at home.
Eastland Tournament
The Lady Lions competed in the Eastland tournament on Aug. 21 and 23, with the JV squad playing on the 22nd. Albany finished first in pool play, defeating Aspermont and Strawn. They then advanced through bracket play with a strong showing before meeting host Eastland.
Parents and supporters of the Albany Athletic Booster Club gathered at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium on Saturday morning to give the front entrance a much-needed facelift ahead of football season.
“A Royal Priesthood”
Albany Golf Club has begun replacing three of its greens after a winter fungus severely damaged the turf. Crews recently tore out the affected areas, and new sod is now being installed, Club President Ronnie Anderson said. “We hope to start playing on them in about four to six weeks,” Anderson said.
Anderson explained the problem developed as the course came out of dormancy in the spring. “Fungus got them this winter,” he said. “And by the time you notice it, the grass where it hit is already dead.” Despite treatments, the three greens were too far gone to recover, he said.
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.
