Construction activity continues to expand at the Frontier data center project in Shackelford County, bringing both economic activity and growing pains to the area.

The large-scale development, located southwest of Albany, represents a $25 billion investment by Vantage Data Centers and is part of a broader technology expansion tied to Oracle and OpenAI.

The Albany City Council approved a major infrastructure project tied to the city’s newest residential development during its regular meeting Thursday, Feb. 12, at City Hall

Council members unanimously accepted a bid totaling about $540,000 for Phase 1 & 2 construction of a sewer line serving the Highway 6 subdivision, clearing the way for continued progress on the new neighborhood.

The Albany Lions completed a historic regular season last week, finishing with a perfect 22-0 record and capturing the district championship for the first time since 2017.

Albany picked up a 47-36 road win over Anson on Feb. 10 before closing out district play with a decisive 59-33 victory at Hawley three days later.

Head coach Ryder Peacock said the Anson game showed the team’s ability to win even when shots were not falling.

Five graduating seniors and two coaches from Albany and Moran will participate in the 27th annual Big Country FCA All-Star Festival, set for June 2-6 in Abilene and Brownwood.

The summer event will bring together 340 athletes representing 89 Big Country area schools. The festival features the region’s top student-athletes competing in six sports — football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball and cheer.

Moran cheerleader Rayni Vinson will cheer at several events during the festival.