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.

With the new school year underway, the Albany ISD staff is reminding families of the importance of safety, patience, and consistency during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up – particularly in the circle drive in front of the Nancy Smith Elementary School campus.

“It’s been smooth so far,” said NSES principal Jenci Chambers. “It always takes a little longer in the beginning, but each day gets better. We really appreciate parents helping us follow the rules so we can keep things safe for the kids.”

The 7th annual CareFest took place this past Saturday, August 16, at the Happy Wife Happy Life Weddings and Events Venue.

CareFest co-coordinator Ragan Riley said the day exceeded expectations. “It was a great turnout,” Riley said. “We would like to thank all our sponsors for helping us make it a success. Our volunteers are who make the event possible, and we are thankful for them.”

The fall semester is off to a fast-paced start for Albany FFA and Shackelford County 4-H members, with livestock entries, tag orders, sales, and validations scheduled almost weekly from now through mid-December.

While several deadlines and events already occurred earlier this month, a long list of important dates still lies ahead as students prepare for the 2025–2026 show season.

Upcoming Entry 

Deadlines

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Shackelford County Hospital District Board formally appointed a new EMS director, approved a “balanced” 2026 budget, and proposed a slight tax rate increase during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 18.

Colby Herron Named EMS Director

Colby Herron, who has served as interim EMS director since the departure of Mateo Millan earlier this year, was officially named to the role following a brief closed session.