Leaders explore priority issues for upcoming legislative session: AUSTIN -- Key lawmakers vow to bolster the Texas oil and gas industry next year with new laws designed to ease regulations on recovery and increase oversight on water pollution cleanup.

Technology a well-spring for the oil patch, '98 WeCTOGA president says: An Aggie descended from Lebanese merchants is poised to assume the mantle of leadership of the West Central Texas Oil & Gas Association this week.

Oil: it's an exciting business, says Dewey Townsend: "I love it -- it's an exciting business," said Dewey Townsend, a third-generation oilman with a boyish grin.

Drilling contractors contribute $3.4 million a month to area payroll: Oil drilling contractors contribute a sizable figure to the Abilene area economy, approximately $3.4 million in payroll each month.

Maxey a maverick in the industry: Longtime oil drilling operator Elbertine "Ebb" Maxey conducts her business deals the old-fashioned way: on a handshake.

DOE executive to keynote Desk and Derrick luncheon: An executive with the U.S. Department of Energy will speak at a local petroleum industry appreciation luncheon March 10.

Former WeCTOGA executive bids farewell : "Thanks for the Memories" is a song made famous by Bob Hope, but I will steal it to say to Abilene and the West Central Texas Oil and Gas Association.

NARO represents royalty owners: Abilene banker Randy Spiva fills a dual role in staying abreast of the oil industry. He not only serves as treasurer of the West Central Texas Oil & Gas Association but is District 7-B director of the National Association of Royalty Owners.

1998 officers for local trade organizations

Loneliness not in the cards for Oil Wives Club: With husbands hovering over geological maps or wading through the muck of the oil patch itself, what's a mere wife to do?

Lobbying begins for 'in-kind' royalty payments: WASHINGTON -- The oil and gas industry is mounting a high priced lobbying campaign to persuade Congress to change the system of royalty payments for drilling on federal land.

Worker demand creates urgency for training: Usually it's the students who are waiting on financial aid to go off to school.

WeCTOGA defends against EPA initiatives: WASHINGTON -- Morris Burns is tired of playing defense.

WeCTOGA to meet for annual conference: Members of the West Central Texas Oil and Gas Association will be saying "Howdy" and "Goodbye" today and Monday.

Sales personality tops list of qualifications for new VP: WeCTOGA is r'aring to saddle up behind a new foreman and ride to heights not reached since the oil boom went bust here in '86.