Reporter-News Archives

April 30 -- Area News Roundup: Two-vehicle accident sends one to hospital ... Brownwood City Council approves grant agreement ... Three charged with attempted murder ... Coleman County hospital approves privileges for physician

April 30 -- Gospel group cancels concert: The Texans concert scheduled for Saturday night at Wylie Baptist Church has been canceled.

April 30 -- Nurse uses CPR on pet: CPR stands for cardio poodle resuscitation at Penny Lee's house.

April 30 -- Women training to organize protests: AUSTIN -- Women are being trained at a Texas ranch to block traffic, rappel buildings and lock themselves in 55-gallon barrels to protest social injustice.

April 30 -- Racing in Aspermont moves closer to reality: ASPERMONT -- Motor racing in Aspermont?

April 30 -- Loan will provide for more Cisco jobs: CISCO -- Fleet Cementers, Inc., of Cisco should soon realize the benefits of a $500,000 loan administered through the Texas Capital Fund and the city of Cisco.ybe.

April 30 -- Middle school students to learn about work world: More than 200 Abilene seventh-graders are taking an early peek at the workday world today.

April 30 -- Arbiter hears fired policeman's appeal: SWEETWATER -- A former Sweetwater police sergeant will not know the outcome of his attempt to be reinstated for at least 10 days after his hearing before an independent arbiter.

April 30 -- Testimony begins in Abilene indecency trial: A teen accusing her aunt's boyfriend of molestation told jurors Wednesday she woke up to find her attacker whispering in her ear with his hand down her pants.

April 30 -- Albany bus barn fire called suspicious: ALBANY -- Fueled by full gasoline tanks and other petroleum products, a fire destroyed the Albany school district's historic bus barn, four buses and a school car shortly before midnight Tuesday.

April 30 -- Three still hospitalized after wreck: Three people remained in Hendrick Medical Center after Monday's head-on accident that killed an elderly Lueders woman.

April 30 -- Abilene officials join other cities in seeking solution to air service problems: AUSTIN -- Airport officials from small and mid-sized cities in Texas joined forces Wednesday to solve a wide range of problems -- including pricey air fares and a lack of flights being offered.

April 29 -- ACU honors employees: Abilene Christian University honored its employees, including six who will retire this year, during its annual appreciation dinner at the Abilene Civic Center.

April 29 -- Citizens seek to continue program under State School auspices: Participants and parents went to bat Tuesday morning for Abilene's Adapative Recreation Program to continue operating at Abilene State School, an arrangement that could end next February with a contract termination.

April 29 -- Early voting light in city races: Less than 2 percent of Abilene's registered voters cast early ballots in the school board and City Council races.

April 29 -- County officials agree to bring hockey to Abilene: Both the Taylor County commissioners and the Taylor County Expo Center board of directors gave their approval in principle Tuesday to modifications to the Taylor County Coliseum to accommodate Abilene's entry into the Western Professional Hockey League.

April 29 -- McCaleb impressed by Powell and volunteer mission: Abilene Mayor Gary McCaleb is the newest foot soldier in retired Gen. Colin Powell's war on behalf of America's youth.

April 29 -- Appeals running out for condemned killer: Condemned killer John Glenn Moody has lost another bid to avoid the death penalty for the 1988 rape and murder of an elderly Abilene widow.

April 29 -- New dean named for school of nursing: Dr. Cecilia "Cece" M. Tiller will become the new dean of the Abilene Intercollegiate School of Nursing on July 6.

April 29 -- Congressional committee explores offering military families more health care options: WASHINGTON -- Amid horror stories from military dependents who had to fight endless bureaucratic battles to get medical treatment, a congressional committee Tuesday explored offering military families more health care options.

April 29 -- Siltman denies conflict with Hundley: Abilene school board candidate Bob Siltman refuses to say whether he ever accused Superintendent Charles Hundley of lying to trustees and the public, saying only that he "never knowingly made false statements" about the administrator.

April 29 -- 'Killer bees' identified in Albany alley: ALBANY -- The Texas Apiary Inspection Service confirmed on Tuesday that bees found in an alley here were Africanized or so-called "killer bees."

April 29 -- Wayne East's request for new trial to be resubmitted: Attorneys for convicted capital murderer Wayne East have until May 15 to file another appeal for a new trial, state District Judge Billy John Edwards ruled Tuesday.

April 29 -- Campaign finance reports: Place 5 Abilene school board candidate Charlie Wolfe spent and raised the most money for his campaign during the second reporting period, documents show.

April 29 -- Teachers organization honors Abilene educator: A state teachers organization honored Abilene bilingual teacher Jean Butler with its statewide Professional, Human and Civil Rights Award recently.

April 29 -- Committee urges commissioners to examine change in dealing with roads: ALBANY -- A court-appointed committee urged Shackelford County commissioners Monday to take a serious look at adopting a unit road system that would centralize equipment and manpower and save tax dollars.

April 29 -- DCOA considers use of fill dirt: Development Corporation of Abilene board members dug into a dirty discussion Tuesday.

April 28 -- Rhetoric missing at school board forum: Abilene school board candidates disagreed politely on few issues Monday evening during a 1-1/2-hour candidates forum but mostly stuck to emphasizing their own views.

April 28 -- Abilene and state to fight any effort to downsize or close more military bases: AUSTIN - Texas military supporters Monday promised to fight efforts to downsize or close military bases despite warnings from top defense officials that more facilities need to be shut down.

April 28 -- Changes won't affect services of Hospice of the Big Country: Staff reductions and a change of administrators will not affect the service provided to 19 counties by Hospice of the Big Country, its outgoing director said Monday.

April 28 -- Local woman killed in wreck: A 50-year-old Abilene area woman was killed and three people were seriously injured Monday when a car and pickup truck collided head-on north of Abilene.

April 28 -- Blow-out sends motor home occupants on unusual trip: TRENT - One person was seriously injured Monday when a 40-foot luxury motor home took its three occupants on an unexpected ride for almost one-quarter of a mile after a tire blew out near Trent on Interstate 20.

April 28 -- It's TAAS week at Abilene public schools: If they had an instrument to accurately measure anxiety levels, people probably could see a spike on the chart at many Abilene public schools this week.

April 28 -- Area's welfare reform efforts praised: Brimming with pride, Texas Department of Human Services Commissioner Eric Bost presented the state's first Commissioners Cup Award to employees of the Abilene DHS region Monday.

April 28 -- Abilene IRS office to offer permanent walk-in assistance: Back by popular demand, walk-in taxpayer assistance at Abilene's Internal Revenue Service office will now be a permanent feature.

April 28 -- Jones commissioners move 911 dispatch out of jail: ANSON - Against the advice of Sheriff Robby Wedeking, Jones County commissioners decided by a split vote Monday to move the 911 dispatch out of the Jones County Jail.

April 28 -- New movie house due to open in September: Abilene's Century Theatre, one of three currently under construction in Texas, is due to open in September.

April 27 -- Improved air service to mid-sized communities ... any solution? When Dick Funk didn't go to a friend's retirement party because the only airline in town charged nearly $500 for the short round trip from San Angelo to Dallas, the problem of air service to small towns hit home. Now Funk is hitting back. The former mayor of San Angelo has helped organize a meeting this week of more than a dozen Texas cities, including Abilene, to consider how to get improved air service and lower fares for residents of small and mid-sized communities.

April 27 -- Susan King only needs one vote Saturday: The last time Susan Lewis King didn't vote for herself in a school election, she lost by one vote. She won't make that mistake again. On Saturday, King will go to the polls and cast the only vote she needs to win the Place 6 seat on the Abilene school board.

April 27 -- Area residents returning to polls Saturday: It's been less than two weeks since Big Country voters cast ballots in primary runoff elections, but it's already time to return to the polls - this time to decide city and school board races.

April 27 -- Quick-hitting thunderstorm packs swirling winds: A sudden mid-spring thunderstorm swept in to shatter a month-long drought Monday, along with a skylight at the Mall of Abilene.

April 27 -- "Parenting Your Parents" seminar tonight, Tuesday: One man's predicament has turned into a seminar for the community. "Parenting Your Parents" will be conducted tonight and Tuesday night at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer. The seminar, which may be attended either night, is free and open to the public.

April 27 -- UIL Regionals includes nerves and prayer: Battling a case of the nerves can be frustrating for students competing in an important academic contest. For those participating in the Class A and 2A regional University Interscholastic League meets Saturday at Hardin-Simmons and Abilene Christian universities, life would be simpler without the suffering.

April 26 -- Life in administrative segregation can make, break a prisoner: For nearly a decade, Gary Frank Drinkard Jr. has lived in a prison within a prison.

April 26 -- Actor proposes to girlfriend at end of play: BROWNWOOD -- It was a musical comedy, but the heroine was in tears after the final curtain and the audience was elated to see all the sobbing, so they gave the heroine and the hero a standing ovation.

April 26 -- Crime victims protest charge for police report: When bandits burgled David Ritchey's Jeep last week, he was out a credit card, $500 for a new stereo, $50 for a book-filled backpack and $4 for a police report.

April 26 -- Hundley named administrator of the year: Abilene school Superintendent Charles Hundley was named Administrator of the Year by a state teacher association Friday night.

April 26 -- Local DHS staff to receive Commissioner's Cup Award: Eric Bost, commissioner of the Texas Department of Human Services, will be in Abilene on Monday to present the Commissioner's Cup Award to the region's DHS staff for its success with the texas Works Initiative.

April 26 -- How they voted: WASHINGTON--U.S. Rep.Charles Stenholm voted against a "tax limitation amendment" last week, calling it "fiscally irresponsible."

April 26 -- Fire taints Merkel family reunion: MERKEL -- A family reunion for a Merkel woman and her adult children turned bittersweet this weekend following a fire at the woman's home.

April 25 -- Van with 15 aliens seized at Tye: Three Mexican citizens were charged Friday in Abilene federal court with trying to smuggle 15 aliens to Dallas in a van at a cost of more than $750 each.

April 25 -- Enriquez, Brown collect and spend most money in campaign recently: Place 5 City Council candidates Billy Enriquez and Versie Brown spent and collected the most money, respectively, during the campaign's second reporting period.

April 25 -- Early voting available Saturday: Abilene voters can cast ballots in local races from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today at the Taylor County Courthouse, the Mall of Abilene or Kmart, 4220 N. 1st.

April 25 -- Local twins health is linked to March of Dimes: Twins Haleigh and Cameron are bouncy, curious, bright-eyed babies who, at 7 months, are too young to know that the March of Dimes' WalkAmerica campaign is being held today.

April 25 -- Square dancers mark 50th anniversary: Jim and Kathy Oliver once wondered how they could ever fit square dancing into their lives.

April 25 -- TYC program aims to help teens own crimes: A teen-ager who beat a victim to death with a piece of wood sobbed as he reenacted the crime.

April 25 -- Judge settles part of dueling Shackelford County Hospital lawsuits: A husband and wife doctor team who counter-sued the Shackelford County Hospital District and several members of its board of directors for breach of contract will take nothing from the action, a federal judge decided Thursday.

April 25 -- Area News Roundup: Educator declines Albany offer ... Clyde keeps city manager ... Security ordinance to be adopted ... Fisher County hospital has bad year financially ... Gasoline ignites grass fire ... Hamlin school board seeks two administrators ... Pedestrian listed as serious ... Rotan school board sets facilities priorities ... Snyder school bomb threat investigated

April 25 -- Fisher County commissioners adopt new emergency policy: ROBY -- Fisher County commissioners have adopted a new policy designed to improve firefighters' response time to rural structure fires.

April 25 -- Speaker tells graduates to grab life: Graduating African-American seniors need to "grab life, tuck it and then run with it," a keynote speaker said Friday night during a banquet sponsored by the local NAACP chapter.

April 24 -- Former employee sues district attorney over firing: An ex-employee is suing District Attorney James Eidson and Taylor County claiming he fired and defamed her in retaliation for her refusal to support his re-election bid.

April 24 -- Students to join together for Intercollegiate Service Day: Students at Abilene's three church-affiliated universities will be true "Servants of Christ" Saturday when they join together for the first-ever Intercollegiate Service Day.

April 24 -- Escapee gets 15 years: BRECKENRIDGE -- Escapee Josh Randall Williams received a 15-year prison term Thursday for his role in a three-inmate escape last Sept. 9 from the Stephens County Jail.

April 24 -- Skilled volunteers needed to finish Hospitality House: Hospitality House needs a helping hand.

April 24 -- Hardin-Simmons News: Drama team to perform ... Chorale to perform ... Communication Department announces awards

April 24 -- McMurry honors employees: McMurry University honored its faculty, administrators, and staff at the annual appreciation dinner Thursday.

April 24 -- Golf pro celebrates birthday twice: Allen Botkin, the head golf pro at the Abilene Country Club, now celebrates two birthdays.

April 24 -- Abilene man proves motivation is the key to success: On the surface, the goal Randy Towery has spent months preparing to accomplish today seems simple.

April 24 -- Abilene hosting two UIL regional meets: This weekend promises to be a nerve-wracking but exciting time for many Big Country high school students.

April 24 -- City urges 'smarter' lawn-watering habits: Abilene's water usage is 45 percent higher than last April, and city officials are begging residents to begin better lawn-watering habits.

April 24 -- Teens steal, wreck car after chase: Three teen-agers stole a car in Abilene, drove to Dallas to visit relatives and ended up in a high-speed chase Thursday afternoon before rolling the vehicle.

April 24 -- Area News Roundup: Cisco pedestrian struck by car ... Eastland city commissioners approve land sale ... Munday school board hires counselor ... Man loses left hand in accident ... Scurry County deputy resigns ... Jewelry store seeks to pinpoint loss ... Sweetwater Civil Service Commission to review officer's firing ... Winters robbery suspect caught in San Angelo

April 24 -- Abilene saves interest in sale of certificates: An attractive interest rate in the sale of $2.43 million in debt Thursday saved Abilene taxpayers nearly $25,000.

April 23 -- Abilene schools reap financial rewards for excellence: Thirteen Abilene Independent School District schools collectively reaped $7,717 in Texas Successful Schools Awards System prizes, Superintendent Charles Hundley announced Wednesday.

April 23 -- Reporter-News to receive preservation award: Extensive coverage of downtown revitalization efforts have earned the "Abilene Reporter-News" a Texas Media Award from Preservation Texas.

April 23 -- Kmart may build Big K store at Westgate: Big K, a division of Kmart, will likely supplant Abilene's current Kmart next spring with an extra 20,000 square feet of retail space and an expanded merchandise selection.

April 23 -- Escapee convicted in an hour: BRECKENRIDGE -- A 90th District Court jury took an hour Wednesday to convict Josh Randall Williams of escaping Sept. 9 from the Stephens County Jail.

April 23 -- Stenholm widens fund-raising advantage over opponent: WASHINGTON -- Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, continued to widen his campaign fund-raising advantage over his GOP challenger, Rudy Izzard, during the first three months of 1998, new federal records show.

April 23 -- Hardin-Simmons Class of '48 look back: Back in '48, all you had to do was go to the corner of Hickory and North 4th,stick out your thumb and holler "Simmons."

April 23 -- Native American back to raise pollution awareness: Iron Eyes Cody rides -- and cries -- again.

April 23 -- Latchkey children need routine, officer tells workshop participants: Latchkey children need to be given a defined set of rules and responsibilities, said Crime Prevention Officer Danny Blankenship in a workshop Thursday night.

April 23 -- Honoree working in rodeo dust this weekend: "Cowboy John" Rogers may be honoree of this weekend's Hardin-Simmons University Intercollegiate Rodeo, but his duties will remain the same.

April 23 -- Robbery trio hits jewelry store: SWEETWATER -- Armed robbers bound five employees and a customer and stole a bag of watches and jewelry at Cox Jewelry on Wednesday morning.

April 23 -- Former Throckmorton employee wins lawsuit against city: A jury awarded more than $50,000 in damages Wednesday to a former Throckmorton city employee, finding he was wrongfully fired for filing a workers' compensation claim.

April 23 -- TRIAD meetings Thursday in Big Country: AUSTIN -- Law enforcement officials will meet in Big Spring, Colorado City and Scurry County today to establish TRIADs -- organizations intended to reduce crime against senior citizens.

April 23 -- HSU students among first to visit children's website: AUSTIN -- Hardin-Simmons University students were among the first to play the games and test their Texas trivia on the new Senate website for kids launched this week.

April 22 -- Area News Roundup: City to help chamber with playground equipment ... Albany offers secondary principal position to Abilene native ... Bangs to try new construction idea ... Brown County commissioners approve imaging system ... School board accepts Internet bid ... Dublin City Council discusses unfavorable audit ... Eastland improvements costly ... Stamford Kiwanis honor tournament co-founder ... Four arrested with children placed in foster care ... Ten indicted for drug offenses in Sweetwater

April 22 -- TCA adds Disney to standard service, hikes price on May 1: The Disney Channel moves from a premium service to standard cable fare here, beginning May 1, the same time the cost for standard service is increased by just under a dollar.

April 22 -- TDCJ looking for guard applicants: Wanted: applicants 18 years of age or more with a high school diploma or a state-issued GED.

April 22 -- Haywood accuses Democrats of distorting vote record: Texas Democrats today will celebrate the anniversary of a sales tax vote they believe embarrasses Republican officeholders, including state Sen. Tom Haywood.

April 22 -- Former HSU basketball player accuses school of racial discrimination: A former Hardin-Simmons University basketball player has filed suit in 42nd District Court alleging racial discrimination in violation of his civil rights.

April 22 -- Izzard supports getting U.S. out of U.N.: Congressional candidate Rudy Izzard pitched his support Tuesday to a fledgling congressional effort to yank the United States out of the United Nations.

April 22 -- No-shows delay escapee's trial: BRECKENRIDGE -- No-shows by prospective jurors delayed Monday's jury selection in the trial of a Stephens County Jail escapee.

April 22 -- Milky water no cause for concern: That milky water coming out of the tap at some southside residences is nothing to worry about, water officials say.

April 22 -- Commissioners approve additional work to Expo Center: The Taylor County Expo Center's $8 million face-lift got more than $700,000 in nips and tucks Tuesday as commissioners approved some additional work.

April 22 -- Girl testifies in sexual assault trial: EASTLAND -- A 12-year-old girl testified here Tuesday that a former Cisco woman urged her to have oral sex with her husband while she was babysitting for the couple in November 1996.

April 22 -- Big Country students to compete in regional UIL: Scores of students from the northern half of the Big Country will compete Thursday and Friday in the Region 1-A University Interscholastic League literary meet at South Plains College at Levelland.

April 21 -- Electronically monitored violent felons released in area: AUSTIN - Fourteen violent felons shackled by electronic ankle bracelets have been released in Abilene area counties under a program that revokes their parole for even the slightest offense.

April 21 -- Jones County commissioners vs. Robby Wedeking, round 3: SWEETWATER - Jones County Sheriff Robby Wedeking didn't claim his Fifth Amendment rights at Monday's county commissioners meeting, but he did remain silent.

April 21 -- Abilene man pleads guilty to sexual assault for relationship with teen: An Abilene man pleaded guilty Monday to sexual assault for his relationship the 14-year-old son of a friend.

April 21 -- Prosecutors choose first-degree charge against suspected murderer: An Abilene man accused of running over another man in May will stand trial on the most serious charge against him, prosecutors said Monday.

April 21 -- Prisoner sues Penthouse for breach of contract: A Robertson Unit inmate who claims Penthouse jilted him out of several issues of his magazine subscription is suing the company for breach of contract.

April 21 -- Grand jury indicts school arson suspect: BAIRD - A Callahan County grand jury has indicted Cory Lee Switzer, 18, of Cross Plains for arson in the Dec. 7 fire at Cross Plains High School.

April 21 -- Local woman, Stephenville man honored by Bush for volunteerism: AUSTIN - Janet Ardoyno has worked for years to make Abilene a better place - coordinating the local Make a Difference Day, directing Big Brothers/Big Sisters and in general encouraging volunteerism. On Monday, she and Stephenville's Dr. Nathan Cedars were among the 10 Texans honored with the 1998 Governor's Volunteer Awards, as part of National Volunteer Week.

April 21 -- Texas SenateKids, new website unveiled: AUSTIN - Lone Star Bob and Bluebonnet Betty have a busy day planned. Today they'll be the focus of attention as the first Senate web page devoted entirely to children - Texas SenateKids - is unveiled.

April 21 -- Council to open bids for certificates of obligation: City Hall will sell $2.43 million in debt to the lowest bidder Thursday. At precisely 11 a.m., the Abilene City Council will open bids from investors seeking to purchase certificates of obligation, a tool the city uses to finance capital improvements. The certificates will be sold to whoever offers the lowest interest rate.

April 21 -- Roscoe police chief gives notice: ROSCOE - Roscoe Police Chief Brian Selke has given notice that he's leaving for a job in New Mexico, giving up his position as Roscoe's one-man police force.

April 21 -- Early Head Start program getting federal grant: The Abilene schools' early childhood program is getting an $832,000 federal grant that will benefit an additional 96 low-income families.

April 21 -- HSU gives out Logsdon awards: Hardin-University's Logsdon School of Theology presented its annual awards to students Monday night.

April 21 --

April 20 -- Users shy away from firms that test for drugs: Carol was a crack addict. One might think crack addiction and gainful employment as an elementary school teacher are mutually exclusive since workplace drug testing is becoming more prevalent. But one would be wrong.

April 20 -- Western Heritage tickets going on sale: Tickets go on sale today for the 14th annual Western Heritage Classic at the Taylor County Expo Center May 7-10.

April 20 -- AISD board to make decision on refinancing bonds: Today is the day of decision for the Abilene school board on whether to refinance a 1990 bond issue to take advantage of today's lower interest rates.

April 20 -- Our Slice of Texas: Cisco Folklife Festival coming ... Colorado City volunteers ready, etc.

April 19 -- Governor to recognize local woman for volunteerism: Janet Ardoyno, whose efforts to encourage local volunteerism drew the national spotlight to Abilene not once but several times during annual Make a Difference Day activities, will shine herself Monday.

April 19 -- Escape attempt leads to changes in jail policies: BROWNWOOD -- The short-lived escape of two Brown County Jail prisoners on Wednesday will lead to some changes affecting all prisoners, Sheriff Glen Smith said.

April 19 -- Clerk stabbed during Coleman robbery: COLEMAN -- A clerk was hospitalized and two suspects remained at large Saturday night after an aggravated robbery late Friday at the northside Allsup's Convenience Store.

April 19 -- Nightmarish play becomes a dream performance (Ken Ellsworth Column): MUNDAY -- This is a story about a nightmare that was transformed into a sweet, sweet dream, even though in terms of scariness the nightmare was probably the equal of some that famed writer and poet Edgar Allen Poe might have suffered.

April 19 -- Juveniles detained for school burglary, bomb threat: COLORADO CITY -- Three teen-agers have been turned over to Mitchell County juvenile authorities in connection with a burglary and a bomb threat at Colorado High School last month.

April 19 -- Goldthwaite man dies in one-car rollover: GOLDTHWAITE -- A 21-year-old Goldthwaite man died in a one-car rollover before dawn Saturday on a farm road five miles west of Goldthwaite.

April 19 -- Sweetwater changes beach hours at lake: SWEETWATER -- Now maybe Lake Sweetwater residents can get a little sleep.

April 19 -- Little debate in run for Place 5 council position: Crickets might be the perfect background noise for the Place 5 race for the Abilene City Council.

April 19 -- Big differences apparent in Place 6 candidates: Voters couldn't have a clearer cut choice than Kay Alexander or Bobbie Hotchkiss. City Council candidate biographical sketches

April 19 -- Businesswomen, retired educator face off for Abilene ISD seat: Two mid-career businesswomen are out to take their school volunteerism to another stage, while a retired educator seeks a new forum to draw attention to his budgetary concerns. Candidate biographies

April 19 -- Place 5 school board candidates have definite ideas on improving Abilene schools: A businessman, an engineer and a piano teacher would each bring to the table definite ideas for improving the Abilene public schools, but only one will be invited to take a seat. Candidate biographies

April 19 -- Incumbent faces college student in Wylie school election: Wylie school board's Place 2 race pits a status-quo incumbent against a college freshman who is anything but status quo.

April 18 -- Injured Anson teen released from hospital: An Anson teen-ager critically injured Feb. 5 in a fatal highway crash in north Abilene has been released from the hospital.

April 18 -- Cyclists sought for Chain Gang Ride: A church in Houston is accepting applications for Abilene area cyclists to participate in the annual 350-mile Chain Gang Ride from Houston to Abilene.

April 18 -- Chairman of world-famous BBQ completes 23 years of service: When the last plate is cleared at today's "World's Largest Barbecue" it will signal the end of more than just the 33rd installment of Abilene's annual military appreciation meal.

April 18 -- Hardin-Simmon's financial campaign more than three-fourths of way to goal: The Leadership for Tomorrow campaign at Hardin-Simmons University has reached 86 percent of its $14 million base goal.

April 18 -- Area schools excel at judging competition: Schools from the Abilene region came through with many top placings among the 1,800 students who tested their judging skills in the 17th annual Clarendon College Judging Contest.

April 18 -- Special Olympics leader honored for service: Grady Ramey helped spearhead formation of the Special Olympics in Abilene nearly three decades ago.

April 18 -- Weeks reflects on the agony of the Williamson campaign: David Weeks' candidates won three of their four races this Texas primary season, but the one that got away carried a sting.

April 18 -- Area News Roundup: Stenholm attends DARE graduation ... Two hospitalized after wreck near Early ... Eastland burglary suspect arrested ... Eastland hospital looking for emergency room aid ... Stephenville City Council decides against holding early voting in schools

April 17 -- Tyler teacher to receive medal from ACU: Tyler teacher Glenda Moss will receive a medal today at Abilene Christian University for outstanding teaching and leadership in education.

April 17 -- Bowie fourth-grader glory bound in Bible contest: She can sing Isaiah 40:8 to the tune of "Achy, Breaky Heart" and John 13:35 to "Yankee Doodle Dandy."

April 17 -- Sndyer man convicted of murder: BIG SPRING -- A Snyder man who had Big Spring police unsuccessfully digging for bodies of murder victims has been sentenced to life in prison for a murder near Post that was much easier to solve.

April 17 -- DPS gets $165,000 check from seized drug assets: The Texas Department of Public Safety received a $165,238 federal check Thursday, the proceeds from a busted drug ring that shipped tons of cocaine into the United States from Colombia.

April 17 -- HSU band to celebrate Diamond Jubilee: A golf tournament, concerts, a barbecue and auction will highlight this weekend's Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Hardin-Simmons University Cowboy Band.

April 17 -- Commissioners protest USAF flyover plans: Fisher County commissioners have objected to proposed West Texas flyovers by Air Force bombers, mailing a letter to USAF officials at Dyess Air Force Base.

April 17 -- Taking photos a natural hobby for Abilene student: An Abilene High School senior may want to consider switching careers if his entry in the Reflections program wins at the national level.

April 17 -- NFL official helps Brownwood chamber honor top citizens: BROWNWOOD -- Longtime National Football League official Red Cashion, whose signature "First down!" growl made him a Sunday afternoon legend, took "time out" to help Brownwood honor its top citizens here Thursday.

April 17 -- A.C. Greene to keynote West Texas Historical Association meeting: Everything from cowboys to the Ku Klux Klan to boxing in Langtry will be covered during the 75th annual meeting of the West Texas Historical Association, to be held at Hardin-Simmons University today and Saturday.

April 17 -- Area News Roundup: Compromise to help new library park ... Fire destroys most of an apartment complex ... Airport grant approved ... Reed salary raised to $73,000 ... Early hires Davis for basketball ... Eastland burglars busy ... Citizens fail to show for jail meeting ... Big Spring man arrested for hammer attack in Lubbock ... Store has received 100 threatening calls

April 17 -- Six indicted for part in slaying, charges against victim's son could follow: A 22-year-old Abilene man accused of killing a retired Air Force mechanic during a violent February burglary was indicted for capital murder Thursday, one of six people grand jurors formally charged in the case.

April 17 -- Abilene man charged in death of deaf woman: An Abilene man was charged with murder Thursday in connection with Sunday's death of a deaf woman who plunged from the 12th floor of the Abilene Towers Apartments.

April 17 -- Child Protective Services honors benefactors: Wil Barbee's still relatively young by most standards, though a bit old to get adopted.

April 16 -- Area News Roundup: 3 finalists emerge for Albany school post ... Incumbent commissioner wins runoff ... Brown County jail escapees quickly caught ... Cisco finds buyer for old city hall ... Cisco Junior College praises retiring board president ... $2,600 offered for vandals' arrest ... Coleman hospital buys CT-scan machine ... Colorado City council gives city manager raise ... Dublin police officer indicted ... Third Hamlin resident charged after drug raid ... Wounded suspect in satisfactory condition ... Merkel trustees approve monies for new programs ... Roby school board names superintendent finalists

April 16 -- Hollywood puts terror in the driver's seat: Local driving instructor Allen Merritt's "student from hell" Wednesday morning turned out to be part of a meticulously planned, Hollywood-financed conspiracy.

April 16 -- City librarian resigns: City Librarian Cynthia Pirtle is checking out.

April 16 -- 'Word Warriors' accomplish mission: Abilene High's "Word Warriors" accomplished their mission Wednesday.

April 16 -- Thousands of students expected on HSU campus for Western Heritage Day: About 7,000 little wranglers will mosey over to the campus of Hardin-Simmons University today for the annual Western Heritage Day celebration.

April 16 -- Hardin-Simmons boards to have joint meeting: A joint meeting of the Hardin-Simmons University Board of Trustees and Board of Development will be held Friday.

April 16 -- TCU professor to speak at writers series: Jim W. Corder, an author and professor at Texas Christian University, will be the featured author for the Knox/Bennett Writers Series at McMurry University today.

April 15 -- Area News Roundup: Brownwood ISD passes on soft drink distributors' offers ... Man injured in accident near Baird released ... Interim superintendent hired at Baird ... Brown County commissioners to study jail expansion ... Three charged with stealing mailboxes ... Dublin audit report unfavorable ... Two arrested on drug charges ... Ranger adopts new budget ... Plans for 20 more beds at new jail continue ... Ivan ranch house viewed as polling box ... Early voting opens today in Stephenville ... Early accepts $105,000 Internet bid ... Fire burns tons of hay

April 15 -- Texas drivers helping others to see: AUSTIN -- Texas drivers are helping others to see better, $1 at a time.

April 15 -- Tye kindergarten teacher dies unexpectedly: TYE -- Grief counselors were called to Tye Elementary School on Tuesday to comfort students and faculty after the sudden, unexplained death of a popular teacher.

April 15 -- Shoot-out suspects still on the run: WINTERS -- Law enforcement officials continued to investigate a Sunday night shoot-out between a Winters police officer and two suspects in a local cemetery, but no sightings of the suspects were reported Tuesday.

April 15 -- County temporarily gives neighbor reduced rate for jail services: Taylor County is charging a reduced rate for holding Jones County inmates through May 1 when the fee will jump to the normal cost.

April 15 -- Jones named Throckmorton clerk: THROCKMORTON -- Melanie Jones has been named Throckmorton County clerk, succeeding Cathey Mitchell, who resigned soon after the March 10 Democratic primary.

April 15 -- Vandalism to cost Cisco schools more than $40,000: CISCO -- Damage to Cisco schools caused by Easter weekend vandalism will run more than $40,000, according to Superintendent Bill Wood.

April 15 -- Women's center opens doors: About nine months ago Hendrick Health System caught the vision for a new women's health center.

April 15 -- County set to compute possible year 2000 glitches: Believing an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, Taylor County administrators say it's not too early to assess computer glitches the year 2000 may bring.

April 15 -- Big Country election results: BRECKENRIDGE -- Breckenridge City Policeman Mike Heatley will stop writing traffic tickets and start adjudicating them as result of winning the Democratic nomination as Stephens County justice of the peace Tuesday.

April 15 -- Cox wins Democratic nomination for commissioner: Corky Cox and Buster Tarpley won nearly the same number of votes Tuesday as a month ago but with a different result.

April 15 -- Majority of council candidates offer few criticisms of city government: The issue of how the Abilene City Council spends the city's money took center stage Tuesday at a candidates' forum that elicited criticisms from only a few participants.

April 15 -- Pair of county judges races go to wire: Retired Texas Ranger Gene Kea won the Democratic nomination to succeed longtime Eastland County Judge Scott Bailey on Tuesday, but the lawman couldn't breathe easy until the last box was counted.

April 14 -- D.A. explains why coordinator was terminated: District Attorney James Eidson cited seven reasons, ranging from disruptive behavior to theft, for the termination of his victims assistance coordinator, according to a report filed with Taylor County.

April 14 -- Thousands expected to "flip out" for today's pancake supper: Today's Kiwanis Club of Abilene pancake supper may go down in local record books, if only for its absentee chairman.

April 14 -- Santa Anna man killed in Singapore: SANTA ANNA - Billy Diaz' dreams of landing a good job on an off-shore drilling rig came true earlier this month, but ended tragically a few days later.

April 14 -- Public forum at City Hall tonight: Abilene City Council candidates will address the concerns of voters tonight at a public forum.

April 14 -- Abilene man admits to indecency charges: An Abilene man pleaded guilty Monday to three charges of indecency with a child for inappropriately touching three teen-age girls in 1996.

April 14 -- Election today in a word? "Quiet": The word to describe today's runoff election is "quiet" - so quiet many voters are choosing not to listen. "They can do this one without me," said Republican Donald Harris without apology. "I was interested in one or two races last month, but I could care less about the runoff. I'm totally election-weary." Where to Vote

April 14 -- Suspects sought in cemetery shootout: WINTERS - Lawmen are seeking two young men involved in a cemetery shoot-out with a Winters policeman on Easter Sunday night.

April 14 -- Wylie board defers decision on vending machine contract: Wylie school trustees decided Monday night not to choose right away a winner of a local version of the cola wars.

April 14 -- Laura Bush to talk to Girl Scouts here in May: The first lady of Texas and a group of Girl Scouts will get together in Abilene May 12 to talk about "girl things."

April 13 -- Local police hope to us computer statistics to fight crime: Taking a cue from New York and New Orleans, Abilene police believe a new crime-mapping program will assist in identifying trends and organizing responses.

April 13 -- Woman dies in fall from Abilene Towers: An unidentified woman plunged to her death from the 12th-floor window of the downtown Abilene Towers Apartments, 1102 N. 3rd., early Easter Sunday morning.

April 13 -- Several people hospitalized after two Erath County wrecks: Two major accidents resulted in several people being transported to Harris Methodist Erath County Hospital on Saturday.

April 13 -- Family seeks help for sick child: The family of a 3-year-old Abilene boy diagnosed with leukemia is asking for the public's help in offsetting the child's medical expenses.

April 12 -- NAACP to honor graduating seniors: Senior African-American students from Abilene, Cooper and Wylie high schools will be honored April 24 during a banquet sponsored by the local chapter of the NAACP.

April 12 -- Prison's deer relocated: Taylor County game wardens relocated the Middleton Unit's much-beloved deer to a Nolan County ranch Saturday after "Bambi" pawed a small child Friday afternoon.

April 12 -- Local religious leaders agree faith flying high: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

April 12 -- Polo is on the sixth grade curriculum: EASTLAND -- Sixth-graders have polo on their minds and, strangely, also on their academic curriculum, making me wish I was a student again.

April 12 -- Employers learn what constitutes workplace discrimination: English-only rules, allowing ethnic slurs in the workplace and the denial of employment based on lack of citizenship can all lead to trouble for employers, an Equal Employment Opportunity official said in a seminar Saturday afternoon.

April 12 -- Family seeks help for sick child: The family of a 3-year-old Abilene boy diagnosed with leukemia is asking for the public's help in offsetting the child's medical expenses.

April 12 -- Opal miner likes uniqueness of family business: Digging for a mineral that is worth more than gold has been a lot of fun for one Idaho woman.

April 12 -- City leaders called it a great notion, but it was easier said than done: Fifteen years ago, Abilene's railroad right of way was all wrong.

April 12 -- Area voters return to polls for runoffs: Democrats in 10 Big Country counties return to the polls Tuesday to decide 13 races left unsettled in the crowded primary elections on March 10.

April 11 -- Electrical wiring suspected in Pioneer fire: CROSS PLAINS -- An electrical wiring malfunction is suspected as the cause of a fire which heavily damaged Pioneer Farmers Cooperative near here Tuesday night.

April 11 -- Train derails in Rowena: ROWENA -- Workers on Friday afternoon were still working to clear a portion of railroad track after six cars of a Union Pacific train derailed here Thursday night.

April 11 -- Dominica's Minister of Finance visits Abilene: As Minister of Finance, Planning and Industry for the Commonwealth of Dominica, Julius Timothy is on a mission for his small island country in the Caribbean.

April 11 -- Training officers show academy grads the ropes: Officer Wallace McDaniel is making sure Kimberly Watkins can handle things that might not be in the book.

April 11 -- Signs recognize guard unit highway named for: BAIRD -- Two Baird residents with ties to the Texas 36th Division of World War II fame teamed up to get signs of recognition for the Texas National Guard unit for whom State Highway 36 is named.

April 11 -- Teacher rewards former student for graduating: A $100 bill belonging to Joel Loya earned a lot of interest over the past six years, particularly the interest of Sonny Steele.

April 11 -- Investigation into nightclub fire still stalled: A probe into the March 7 torching of a nightclub that reduced it to rubble remains stalled.

April 11 -- Local recycling center to close: Fort Recover Recycling Center, which trains mentally challenged individuals for community employment, will close its doors May 1.

April 11 -- Operation Safe Prom aims at no-alcohol parties: With the approach of graduation, high school seniors are making plans for baccalaureate, commencement and farewell parties.

April 11 -- Williamson critical of Cornyn's attacks, justifies his own: Accusing his opponent of "character assassination," Barry Williamson said charges raised against him in recent weeks are the actions of a desperate man.

April 11 -- Brownwood zoning commission approved ordinace regulating sexually oriented businesses: BROWNWOOD -- A 24-page ordinance regulating sexually oriented businesses was approved Thursday by the Brownwood Planning & Zoning Commission.

April 10 -- Albany children assist Albany, Ga., flood victims: ALBANY -- Students of Nancy Smith Elementary School in Albany recently collected 28,000 pennies to benefit flood victims in their "sister" city of Albany, Ga.

April 10 -- Bar hours to stay the same in Abilene: Joe King Carrasco need not worry about turning into a pumpkin on an Abilene stage.

April 10 -- Lubbock man pleads guilty in federal court to not paying child support: A Lubbock auto repair shop owner pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to charges he failed to pay past due child support.

April 10 -- Ambulance company donates equipment to fire department: The odds of helping to save a life have now increased due to Rural Metro Ambulance's generosity.

April 10 -- Stenholm praises vice president's action in Abilene stop: What a difference a few days can make in Washington.

April 10 -- Misreading life's signs can be painful: Jim Zug, the city league catcher, once let a rival knock a game-winning home run over the center field fence because the pitcher, peering into a shadow, misunderstood Zug's signal.

April 10 -- Mallwalkers told to choose healthful attitude: Nearly 60 mall walkers showed up for breakfast with an attitude Thursday morning, and James Greer took that as positive.

April 10 -- McMurry social club placed on probation: A social club at McMurry University will be placed on probation for one year because of a minor violation of the student code of conduct.

April 10 -- Judge dismisses woman's suit against MHMR: A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former Mental Health/ Mental Retardation patient who claimed the agency violated her right to privacy.

April 10 -- AEC manager resigns: The first and only manager of the Abilene Education Council is leaving at the end of May.

April 10 -- Local Red Cross searching for new director: Abilene's American Red Cross chapter is narrowing its search for a new executive director, two months after its former director made a "mutual decision" with the agency's board to leave the post.

April 10 -- History Channel picks Shackelford courthouse: ALBANY -- The History Channel has selected the Shackelford County Courthouse as one of two in Texas to be presented in documentaries on national cable television, County Judge Ross Montgomery told county commissioners Thursday.

April 10 -- Warning sirens face different fates in Texas cities: Several Texas cities are struggling to contend with aging warning sirens, and some are having trouble finding easy answers.

April 10 -- VFW speaker chastises president for budget proposal: The enemy was once on distant shores, but now the enemy is in Washington, D.C., said Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander-in-Chief John E. Moon speaking at Post 6873 in Abilene.

April 10 -- House of Yahweh members trek to compound for Passover: Dust "like a thick fog" is kicking up along County Road 254 in Callahan County as perhaps 1,000 followers of Yisrayl Hawkins flock to his House of Yahweh compound this weekend for the Feast of Passover.

April 10 -- Area News Roundup: County studies jail expansion ... Cross Plains cancels election ... Ordinance to regulate sex businesses discussed ... DPS trooper finds drugs in truck's gas tank ... Suspects lead sheriff's deputy on chase ... Lottery commission remembers late Ranger winner ... Stamford police investigate vandalism ... Early accepts $105,000 Internet bid

April 9 -- Comanche honors outstanding citizens during banquet: COMANCHE -- The Comanche Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture met under the "Big Top" to honor the community's outstanding citizens and businesses at the annual banquet Tuesday.

April 9 -- Juvenile cocaine charges eyed: BIG SPRING -- Two Goliad Middle School students have been arrested in connection with a cocaine incident at the school, the Big Spring Police Department said Wednesday.

April 9 -- Cooperative re-opens after Tuesday fire: CROSS PLAINS -- Fire gutted the office and part of the showroom of the Pioneer Farmers Cooperative near here Tuesday night, but by daylight Wednesday the co-op was open for business.

April 9 -- Preacher urges listeners to give and receive forgiveness: You can give yourself a break today by learning to give and receive forgiveness.

April 9 -- Escapee recaptured in Little Rock: BRECKENRIDGE -- Local jail escapee Russell Yates has been recaptured in Little Rock, Ark., Stephens County Sheriff Jim Reeves said Wednesday.

April 9 -- Abilene youths' compassion gains trip to Paris: Casting their bread on the waters wound up earning two Abilene fifth-graders a treasured trip across the water.

April 9 -- Education commissioner suggests need for market-driven salaries in some teaching fields: Some teaching fields should be paid commensurate to comparable jobs in the workforce.

April 9 -- Hundley corresponds with columnist he took to task: A month ago, Superintendent Charles Hundley was comparing columnist Cal Thomas' criticisms of public schools to being beaten with the "jawbone of an ass." Now the ink's flowing again.

April 9 -- Abilene Police Department emphasizing recruiting: The 38th Police Academy class graduates had barely hit the streets in March when the Abilene Police Department began recruiting for the next group of cadets.

April 9 -- Stenholm, Izzard race considered most competitive: WASHINGTON -- The election rematch between Democrat Rep. Charlie Stenholm and GOP challenger Rudy Izzard in the 17th District is being called the most competitive congressional race in Texas.

April 9 -- Abilene man faces federal weapons charges in connection with burglaries: An Abilene man facing state charges for a rash of burglaries last fall now also faces a two-count federal indictment in connection with the break-ins.

April 9 -- Area News Roundup: Brown steps down, new prosecutor named in sheriff's case ... Bank robber pleads guilty in federal court ... Trooper finds $48,500 in cash ... Stephenville City Council discontinues service to hospital

April 8 -- Area News Roundup: Baird superintendant resigns ... Water and sewage rates to increase ... Commissioners discuss jail expansion ... Former businessman is Merkel's new economic specialist ... Roscoe wants Abilene local calling, too ... Men receive prison terms for unrelated assaults ... Sweetwater Star Search names top performers ... Ex-cop gets probated term

April 8 -- Open house, Civil War weekend set at Big Spring park: BIG SPRING -- Big Spring State Park will host an open house and Civil War weekend May 1-3, marking the 75th anniversary of Texas' state park system.

April 8 -- Mattress man saws wood into castles (Ken Ellsworth Column): A man's home may be his castle, but if Cecil Cox had his way, every child's home would contain one.

April 8 -- Gorman honors top citizens: GORMAN -- Fred and Joy Rogers made another memory at the Gorman High School gym Tuesday, but it was more of a surprise and a lot less hectic than their first one together in 1952.

April 8 -- AmeriCorps volunteers help with Habitat project: Some of America's finest young people are joining hands with some of Abilene's finest visionaries to give people the opportunity to live the American dream.

April 8 -- Church the place for doubters, speaker says: Have doubts? Try church.

April 8 -- Jury decides TDCJ not liable for Robertson inmate's severed thumb: A Taylor County jury on Tuesday decided a prison accident that left a Robertson Unit inmate without part of his thumb was not the fault of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

April 8 -- Philharmonic elevates interim director to full-time post: Andrea Molina, interim executive director of the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, on Tuesday was named to that post on a full-time basis.

April 7 -- Stenholm gets fourth Deficit Hawk Award: Rep. Charles Stenholm again found himself in accord with the Concord Coalition, which honored him Monday with his fourth straight Deficit Hawk Award.

April 7 -- Hamlin cheerleader evaluation crisis solved with compromise: HAMLIN - Hamlin school board trustees and teachers were pleased with a compromise agreement reached Monday night during a grievance hearing brought by Hamlin ISD faculty over cheerleader evaluation ratings.

April 7 -- Second person fined on alcohol charge related to high school fire: CROSS PLAINS - A second person has been fined in connection with a drinking party that lawmen claim sparked the Dec. 7 fire that heavily damaged Cross Plains High School.

April 7 -- Ranger man who bought town fire truck with lottery earnings dies: RANGER - Roy Gomez, 59, honored Feb. 21 by fellow Ranger residents for using his lottery earnings to purchase the town a new fire truck last summer, died Monday morning.

April 7 -- Stenholm to stay in fight for home health care: Rep. Charles Stenholm vowed Monday to fight to keep home health care alive but admitted he had no quick cure for it.

April 7 -- Tower ordinance to get one more review before P&Z decision: A new antenna tower ordinance will get one more look-see before zoning commissioners are ready to broadcast a decision.

April 7 -- Council to be asked to extend liquor sales in bars, clubs: It could be last call for extended bar hours at Thursday's meeting of the Abilene City Council. Bob Ussery, owner of Bob's nightclub, will ask the council to consider an ordinance extending liquor sales in bars and clubs to 2 a.m.

April 7 -- Holy Week luncheon speaker talks of loneliness: In the beginning there was loneliness. And it hasn't left us yet. The Bible is filled with stories about people suffering from loneliness. Even God, in the beginning, was lonely in the midst of chaos. "He needs relationships," said Dr. Phil Christopher, pastor of First Baptist Church, speaking Monday at the first of four Holy Week luncheons, with the theme "Christ at the Crossroads."

April 7 -- Prison jobs available for correctional officers: COLORADO CITY - Anyone interested in working as a correctional officer at any of the area prison units is invited to an informational meeting here Thursday.

April 7 -- Third Ranger bank suspect pleads guilty: The third suspect in the $42,000 holdup of a Ranger bank - who was arrested after a 3-1/2-hour manhunt - has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Lubbock.

April 7 -- 111 pounds of marijuana seized at Colorado City: COLORADO CITY - An El Paso motorist remained in the Mitchell County Jail on Monday after he was arrested Friday with 111 pounds of packaged marijuana in his eastbound pickup truck.

April 6 -- Citizens push for walkways on Winters Freeway: To Chris Evenden, building a crosswalk over the Winters Freeway is a life-or-death issue. Pedestrian Victims

April 6 -- Celebrate Abilene added to merchants' bottom line: Cypress Street merchants discovered a reason to Celebrate Abilene. It was in the bottom line.

April 6 -- Habitat groundbreaking Tuesday: Groundbreaking for the Habitat for Humanity's Cornerstone Addition will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

April 6 -- At Local Universities: Poet laureate at ACU ... Jackson to speak at HSU lecture series

April 5 -- Little difference in candidates for Precinct 2 race: Buster and Corky. They're the options Democratic voters in Taylor County's Precinct 2 will weigh April 14 when they choose a possible successor to retiring county Commissioner Don Dudley.

April 5 -- Matta continues working without worrying about loss: Two weeks after last month's primary election upset, Sam Matta had yet to drop by the election office to find out what went wrong.

April 5 -- People flock to downtown for Celebrate Abilene: Music, food, artists displaying their wares, people demonstrating the ways of old and children getting their picture taken with Buster the Longhorn or riding in a miniature train or police car.

April 5 -- Home schoolers gather for conference: Merrell Martin and her husband decided to remove their young son from public school when he began learning "crude symbols" and "bad behavior" in kindergarten.

April 5 -- Austin resident seeks judge's impeachment: Fred Michaelis, a self-professed "child of the Universe" who uncovered wrongdoing by former County Judge James McMillon, is now suing another judge seeking her impeachment.

April 5 -- Trooper finishes at top of the class: Paul D. Schulze II did well in the classroom, as befits the offspring of two career teachers.

April 5 -- Haywood, Underwood fight over issues: Texas Senate hopeful Greg Underwood is sparring with state Sen. Tom Haywood over his votes on HMOs and sales taxes on food.

April 5 -- Sylvester man dies in Fisher County accident: ROTAN -- A Sylvester man died in a Fisher County hospital late Friday night after being critically injured in a two-vehicle accident involving an 18-wheeler near Rotan.

April 5 -- Finding date nails can be difficult, says hobbyist: Railroad enthusiasts wanting to nail down a new hobby may have to work at it, says a member of the Texas Date Nail Collectors Association.

April 5 -- Graham, the Daffodil Capitol of Texas (Ken Ellsworth Column): GRAHAM -- The bluebonnets are out already, but the lacy daffodils have already come and gone, even in Graham, in this year of strange weather.

April 5 -- Garage sale benefits Crime Victims Crisis Center: For $25, the Crime Victims Crisis Center sold a piece of history -- a hideous 1960s-era colorfully striped couch -- Saturday afternoon at its garage sale.

April 4 -- State officials begin efforts to protect military bases: AUSTIN -- Texas officials are beginning a statewide offensive this month designed to protect Texas military facilities from federal budget cuts and future base closures.

April 4 -- Mosaic artists appreciate imperfections of their work: Living in an imperfect world is just fine for two friends from south Taylor County.

April 4 -- Abilene photographer chronicles life in today's Cuba: When lifelong Abilene photographer and author Bill Wright traveled to Cuba last month, he did so in the name of history.

April 4 -- 3rd local drug defendant arrested: A third Abilene resident was arrested Friday in this week's widespread federal drug ring.

April 4 -- Madison student ties for fourth in state geography bee: Jeff Doney, an eighth-grader at Madison Middle School, tied for fourth place in the state geography bee held in Fort Worth on Friday.

April 4 -- District attorney fires assistant: Without explanation, District Attorney James Eidson on Friday fired Crime Victims Assistance Coordinator Laurie Beck, who was widely lauded by victims for helping them through troubled and sometimes tragic times.

April 4 -- Historian places collection at McMurry library: McMurry University is enjoying national exposure thanks to "one of the heaviest hitters in the state" moving his renowed history collection to the school's library.

April 4 -- Housing authority director fired: ROTAN -- Royce Abbott, executive director of the Rotan Housing Authority, has been dismissed by the board of directors.

April 4 -- Stephenville grad killed in early morning accident: STEPHENVILLE -- Police are investigating whether alcohol played a part in an early morning accident on Friday that killed a 1994 Stephenville High School graduate.

April 3 -- Agency to launch Child Abuse Prevention Month: Before her daughter was born, 18-year-old Ashley Carter never imagined she could shake a baby. She never has, but now she understands how it can happen.

April 3 -- Baird street signs stolen: BAIRD -- The Bermuda Triangle has not come to Baird but things are disappearing. Street signs are being stolen -- and in prolific numbers.

April 3 -- Barber to hang up shears: L.A. Muston, who has been in the auto business a few years longer than Dub Allen has cut hair in Abilene, is succinct in his praise for the retiring barber.

April 3 -- Alexander leads in campaign contributions: Councilwoman Kay Alexander has collected almost $5,000 in campaign gifts in her re-election bid, easily outpacing the five other Abilene City Council candidates.

April 3 -- Izzard promises staff person to help local agencies: Rudy Izzard vowed Thursday his congressional staff would include a person to help local charities and agencies adjust to a downsized federal government.

April 3 -- A man who enjoys his colorful life (Ken Ellsworth Column): BALLINGER -- When I rang the doorbell of this Ballinger home, I expected the owner, if he or she was in, to be suspicious and grumpy.

April 3 -- Merkel chamber hands out awards during banquet: MERKEL -- Six members of the community were recognized for their caring service Thursday night by the Merkel Chamber of Commerce.

April 3 -- New Runnels jail gets a federal boost: BALLINGER -- County officials smiled happily Thursday as they accepted a $250,000 ceremonial check from United States government representatives on the front steps of the Runnels County Courthouse.

April 3 -- Area News Roundup: Area libraries to receive grants ... Destroyed dog didn't have rabies ... Expanded library dedication May 1

April 3 -- Indictments allege prisoner mistreatment: ANSON -- Jones County Sheriff Robby Wedeking was indicted for mistreating two jail inmates, it was revealed Thursday -- two days after the indictments were filed.

April 3 -- Williamson justifies contributions from chicken magnate: Barry Williamson is blasting a political foe for taking potentially compromising campaign cash, though the attorney general candidate justifies doing the same from a supporter who is suing the state.

April 2 -- Celebrate Abilene leaves downtown merchants less than pleased: When Celebrate Abilene revelers take to the downtown streets this weekend, merchants hope they'll tread lightly on regular commercial activity.

April 2 -- Area News Roundup: Drug suspects released on bail ... Tentative budget set ... Heart attack kills Merkel woman ... A-J editor in hospital

April 2 -- Short chase ends with arrest of car-theft suspect: Abilene police and Taylor County deputies captured a suspected car thief who hid under a trailer home Wednesday afternoon following a short chase near Dyess Air Force Base.

April 2 -- Suspect's girlfriend arrested: The girlfriend of an alleged leader of a "date-rape" drug ring was arrested Wednesday on the second day of an intensive federal roundup.

April 2 -- Bank open house set Sunday in Hawley: HAWLEY -- A ribbon cutting and open house will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday for the Hawley Banking Center, an affiliate of Hamlin National Bank -- giving Hawley its first bank in nearly 70 years.

April 2 -- Wayne Roy named VP at Hardin-Simmons: Wayne Roy has been named vice president for advancement at Hardin-Simmons University.

April 2 -- Trash-Off organizers worry volunteers may not show: Organizers of the Great Texas Trash-Off in Abilene say they're worried people usually interested in making a clean sweep of things each spring may miss out this Saturday.

April 2 -- Abilene patrolmen honored with Medal of Valor: Three Abilene patrolmen received the coveted Medal of Valor Wednesday afternoon for rescuing several people from a smoke-filled house in early March.

April 1 -- ACU hosts 50th judging contests with multitudes of youngsters: It was a historic day at Abilene Christian University on Tuesday as the school held its 50th annual ACU Field Day.

April 1 -- Clyde Medical Clinic closes down: CLYDE -- One primary care clinic closed here Tuesday due to declining patronage, but the other remains open and ready to take up the slack.

April 1 -- Tall tales told for April 1 (Ken Ellsworth Column): SNYDER -- Billy Ray Browning talks Texan smooth and slow like a cowboy should.

April 1 -- Two Abilenians caught in federal drug sweep: Two Abilenians were arrested Tuesday as part of a massive federal drug sweep involving Rohypnol -- the "date rape" drug.

April 1 -- West Texas to keep water under new agreement: BIG SPRING -- A 12-year-old requirement that West Texas share its water with Southeast Texas would be erased under a new agreement announced Tuesday by the Colorado River Municipal Water District and the Lower Colorado River Authority.

April 1 -- Autopsy ordered after Merkel woman found dead: MERKEL -- An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death of a Merkel school employee whose body was found in her vehicle on the eastern outskirts of the city Tuesday.

April 1 -- Teen mother sentenced to 7 years for death of child: Pointing to "indisputable evidence" that Christie Lynn Smart habitually shook her 10-month-old son, a judge sentenced the teen-ager to seven years in prison Tuesday for killing the child.

April 1 -- Small Schools Academic Contest to be held at Howard Payne: BROWNWOOD -- A statewide academic event that had its beginnings at Coleman High School will be held here Sunday, hosted by Howard Payne University.

April 1 -- Stenholm joins effort to resurrect campaign reform efforts: WASHINGTON -- Frustrated by House rules that they believe stifled debate on campaign finance reform legislation, Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, and other Democrats are trying a long-shot bid to bring more reform legislation to the House floor.

April 1 -- Stenholm to criticize bill, seek support for projects it contains: WASHINGTON -- When the House votes on a $217 billion transportation bill today, Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, will be criticizing the bill as being too expensive, even as he hopes his pet projects are included.

April 1 -- Proposal would push back county's timeline: Taylor County Commissioners may get a better deal on a local government fiber-optics computer hookup in the long run, but it'll cost some time in the short run.

April 1 -- Wedeking arrested on two indictments: ANSON -- Embattled Jones County Sheriff Robby Wedeking was arrested Tuesday evening on two misdemeanor indictments alleging he violated the civil rights of an individual who was not immediately identified.

April 1 -- YMCA seeks fund-raising deadline extension: The YMCA is requesting an extension on its deadline to meet a challenge grant from a local foundation for improvements at its two sites.

April 1 -- Bigger is no longer better when it comes to pecans: Texans go nuts about big things.

April 1 -- Area News Roundup: Students' conditions remain unchanged ... Two abandoned Talpa churches to be sold ... Early student wins art contest ... Jail fails surprise inspection ... Sewage spills caused by human error