County Holds Public Forum Over Data Center, BESS Projects

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Following a workshop on the tax implications of proposed data center and Battery Energy Storage System projects in Archer County, the Archer County Commissioners Court held a public question-and-answer session Thursday, May 21, drawing nearly 50 residents concerned about the future of their communities.

The meeting lasted more than 45 minutes and centered on concerns about traffic, noise, light pollution, property values, water usage and the county’s legal authority to stop or regulate the projects.

Resident Oscar Benavidez raises his concerns at the Archer County Commissioner's Court meeting on Thursday, May 21.

County Discusses Tax Implications of Data Center, BESS Projects

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On Thursday, May 21, the Archer County Commissioner’s Court held a workshop on the tax implications of proposed industrial projects with a group of more than 50 residents on hand.

Vesper Energy has proposed a 2,300-acre Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) south of Archer City on DeMoss Road and is not seeking a tax abatement.

Google has proposed a data center on a 2,800-acre property along Three Way Road. County officials said discussions regarding a possible tax abatement are still in the early stages.

Commissioner Pct. 1 Wade Scarbrough speaks at the county commissioner's court workshop on Thursday, May 21.

Pentecost, What's Pentecost

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In the church calendar, we all know about Easter and Christmas. If I asked you what this means to you or to us as the Christian church, you would tell me that Christmas is the birth of Christ and Easter is about the risen Christ. I would refer to you in the Christian Bible. Another significant event in the growth of the Christian movement, some may even say it was the birth of the church, this was Pentecost!
Pentecost, What's Pentecost

Eagles Go Back-To-Back

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The Holiday Eagles are state champions once again. After their thrilling 3A Boys state championship appearance last year, the Eagles kept the crown with another heart-pounding 4x400 relay finish at Mike A.
Holliday Noah Strohman raises his arm as he crosses the finish line in the 800-meter to win his 10 career state track gold medal at the 3A Track and Field State Championships on Thursday, May 14. He went on to earn his 11th Individual Medal later that evening in the 1600-meter. Photo/Landon Davis

Archer County Memorial Day Services Set

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By Nathan Lawson Memorial Day ceremonies honoring fallen service members will be held across Archer County on Monday, May 25, with events planned in Scotland, Windthorst and Archer City. The Scotland -Windthorst Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2676 and Auxiliary will host two public ceremonies beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Members of the Wichita Falls Legacy High School ROTC program head to retire the colors as part of the Windthorst Memorial Day service program last year. The ROTC program will be a part of this year's program as well. File photo

Windthorst Graduates Class of 2026

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Right: Windthorst senior Maddison Farris gives her valedictorian speech at Windthorst High School’s senior graduation on Sunday, May 17. Bottom: Windthorst Trojans and Trojanettes celebrate graduation with the ceremonial cap toss at the end of the commencement ceremony in the Windthorst High School Gymnasium.
Windthorst Graduates Class of 2026

Early Voting for Runoff Election Begins

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Early voting is underway for the May 26 Republican and Democratic primaries runoff election. While no local races are on the ballot, Archer County residents will have their chance to decide their party’s nominee in a handful of statewide races.

TxDOT Details Hwy. 79 Bridge Delays

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The Texas Department of Transportation said a bridge replacement project on Highway 79 north of Archer City has been delayed by weather, manufacturing issues and contractor staffing shortages, pushing the expected completion date to fall 2026.
Numerous delays have pushed back the completion of the Highway 79 Bridge replacement project near Coleman Road back a full year. TxDOT officials now project a Fall 2026 completion date. Photo/Landon Davis