Reporter-News Archives

March 31 -- Governor finds Abilene new source of donations: Once dismissed as a political wasteland, Abilene has blossomed into a garden of campaign finance for Gov. George W. Bush.

March 31 -- AISD board pleased with progress of technology in district: Technically speaking, the Abilene School District has got its act together, the school board decided Monday night.

March 31 -- Johnson in town running for Court of Criminal Appeals post: Cheryl Johnson hopes to try a new balancing act on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The Austin defense attorney, who led the Republican primary field of eight on March 10, faces Harvey Hudson, a Houston appeals court judge, in the April GOP runoff for Place 2 on the state's highest court with criminal jurisdiction.

March 31 -- Geography Bee competitors recognized: Superintendent Charles Hundley sprang a pop quiz on seven grade-school geography whizzes Monday night, but they rose admirably to the challenge.

March 31 -- Local Amnesty International chapter celebrating this week: The Amnesty International chapter at Abilene Christian University, enjoying a record year thanks to the evangelical church's focus on worldwide persecution of Christians, is celebrating this week.

March 31 -- APD veteran Keesee retiring: Abilene police Sgt. Gene Keesee's first day on the job 30 years ago was hectic. The cop arrested a nude woman at a convenience store. The next day's Reporter-News carried a headline about the rookie cop catching "Lady Godiva."

March 31 -- VA Center to expand surgical facilities: BIG SPRING - Officials of Big Spring's Veterans Administration Medical Center are hoping for a big Christmas present - and chances are good they'll get it.

March 31 -- New state trooper gets assignment close to home: CLYDE - Adam C. Kinslow is a new state trooper for the Department of Public Safety and he's on a "natural high" because of his first assignment. The 1992 Clyde High School graduate starts work Easter Sunday at Tuscola, 30 miles from home.

March 31 -- Ueckerts get by, with a little help from their friends: BALLINGER - Just give them a deadline and watch out. That's what David and Misty Ueckert say they needed the night before they opened their Mainstreet Corner Market downtown last spring.

March 30 -- Attorney general's office dissatisfaction with child support division continues: For days Thomas Hall eagerly checked the mail for his income tax refund. But when the check failed to materialize by mid-February, a call to the Internal Revenue Service confirmed Hall's fears: the $422 refund had been intercepted by the Texas attorney general's office for interest it said he owed on back child support.

March 30 -- Embattled sheriff throws hamburger supper for staff: ANSON - Life has been no picnic lately for Robby Wedeking, but he had one Sunday evening. The embattled Jones County sheriff threw a hamburger supper for his staff and their families, and opened up the invitation to members of other law enforcement agencies and the community. A sprinkling of outside lawmen and Jones County citizens attended the affair on the grounds of the sheriff's office near the courthouse square.

March 30 -- "Mother Goose" right at home in prison: Some Robertson Unit inmates may dream of flying the coop but not the irascible Mother Goose. She leads a pampered existence behind bars at the maximum security prison. Staff members and correctional officers affectionately treat her like a household pet.

March 30 -- AISD board to try to save money on school bonds: Abilene school board members will consider moving forward Monday to try to save as much as $1 million on school bonds issued in 1991 for school construction.

March 29 -- Citizens devote day to cleaning city: Some of Abilene's business owners and residents hoed and raked their way to a cleaner city Saturday.

March 29 -- Job creation exceeds expectations for '98: Two months ago, those in the know predicted some of Abilene's newest employers would grow -- with the help of the half-cent sales tax.

March 29 -- Classy student at the head of his class (Ken Ellsworth Column): WESTBROOK -- Chris Chambers, a junior at Westbrook High School in Mitchell County, has a good, but bare head on his shoulders.

March 29 -- How they voted: Responding to one of the past months' White House scandals, the U.S. House last week clarified what it takes to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

March 29 -- Thursday final day to register to vote for May elections: Thursday is the last day to register to vote in the May 2 city and school elections.

March 29 -- Voters see religious issues as 'essential,' 'divisive': Carole Markoe, a Republican, is thrilled religious rights groups are pursuing a far more aggressive strategy.

March 29 -- Brangus breeders have best sale ever at Abilene auction: Even with the spaciousness of Abilene Livestock Auction, all parking areas overflowed by noon Saturday and there was a traffic jam of cattle trailers for the 1998 West Texas Brangus Breeders Association "Springtime Sale."

March 29 -- Grants for new police officers curse in disguise for some communities: WASHINGTON -- Starting June 30, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office in Fort Pierce, Fla., is going to see nearly $21,000 in monthly income slashed from its budget.

March 29 -- Erath County officials halt search for murder weapon: STEPHENVILLE -- Erath County officials have called off their search for the .357 Magnum pistol used in the Feb. 23 murder of Catherine Patricia Dillon.

March 29 -- Ranger man injured in wreck near Gorman: GORMAN -- A Ranger man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle rollover near Gorman Saturday afternoon.

March 28 -- McMurry students volunteer in Big Event: University students are spending much of today helping others during their annual Big Event.

March 28 -- Economic Development director resigns: Abilene's economic development director is leaving the city after eight months on the job to join the state's economic development department as a top-level administrator.

March 28 -- Area News Roundup: Youth waives detention hearing in arson case ... Selcer gets 46 months in prison ... Church secretary robbed at knifepoint ... Jones withdraws from Brownwood school race ... Brownwood seeks utility rebate ... Coleman tables airport action ... Heart patients listed as stable ... Blood drive, fund-raiser to benefit Cooper student ... Coleman City Council renames lake ... Canyon residents killed in Coleman County accident

March 28 -- Juveniles sentenced for Cross Plains fire: Two former Cross Plains High School juniors -- one of them an honor student -- were ordered committed to a maximum security juvenile facility for up to five years Friday after they admitted setting fire to the Cross Plains school after a drinking party last Dec. 7.

March 28 -- Six sheriff's department employees quit in Jones County: ANSON -- Six Jones County Sheriff's employees quit Friday afternoon, saying "it is in our best interests to resign."

March 28 -- Coleman chamber honors citizens: COLEMAN -- The Cooper Fiddlers had to play second fiddle here Friday.

March 28 -- Student escapes serious injury after being hit by car: A Lincoln Middle School student narrowly escaped serious injury after being hit by a car while walking across North First on Friday morning.

March 28 -- ACU student predicts nothing will change in South Africa after Clinton visit: When the red carpet is rolled up and Air Force One lifts off, it will be business as usual in South Africa, an ACU student from Capetown predicts.

March 28 -- Starnes recognized by Rotan: ROTAN -- Longtime Rotan resident Lonnie Starnes was honored Friday night by his community, being named Individual of the Year at the Rotan Chamber of Commerce banquet.

March 27 -- Winters Freeway improvements to be part of transportation spending bill: WASHINGTON - Funding for major safety improvements along the Winters Freeway in Abilene are expected to be included in a massive transportation spending bill working its way through the House.

March 27 -- Robertson expanding to make way for violent offenders: French Robertson's maximum security living areas are expanding to help meet the exploding population of young, violent offenders flooding the Texas prison system.

March 27 -- Duke new warden at Middleton Unit; Lambert retires: James Duke assumed the top job at the 1,000-inmate Middleton Unit from retiring Warden Robert Lambert on March 15.

March 27 -- Rabies victim describes 'vicious' cat attack: CLYDE - After fighting off a "vicious" cat, Loyd Sullivent is convinced rabies exists in the Clyde area. Sullivent described Thursday how the once-friendly cat repeatedly clawed him outside his home west of Clyde on March 11. The rabid cat also bit one of his neighbors, he said.

March 27 -- "Rest of the story" convinces P&Z Commission to reverse decision: The Abilene City Council reversed the Planning and Zoning Commission's rejected rezoning of an Elm Street property Thursday after hearing "the rest of the story." Mayor remembers Arkansas shooting

March 27 -- Council OKs recommendation to make funds available to Hendrick: Hendrick Health System has moved to make sure that its FirstFlight helicopter remains up in the air, but that its computer system doesn't.

March 27 -- Man gets 10-year sentence for molesting baby sitter: An Abilene man accused of molesting a 13-year-old baby sitter six years ago admitted to the crime Thursday for a 10-year prison term.

March 27 -- Eula student still in critical condition after Abilene accident: Eula High School's senior class co-president remained in critical condition Thursday night following an accident in Abilene on Wednesday.

March 27 -- Demise of Methodist-affiliated colleges to be topic Saturday: It promised "discipline mild but firm" and "health unsurpassed." It offered Greek, Latin, German, French, penmanship, philosophy and "branches of science." It was "one of the finest music conservatories in the Southwest." And then it went out of business.

March 27 -- Band plays on despite gusting winds: Curious rock 'n' roll fans took advantage of Thursday's sunny skies to catch a concert by the band Sonic Joyride - on top of their tour bus.

March 27 -- Food Bank of Abilene didn't get dollar-for-dollar match from campaign: An overwhelming response to a national plea for hunger aid resulted in a much lower than expected check for the Food Bank of Abilene.

March 27 -- VFW officer coming Veterans group leader coming: The commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the country's oldest veterans organization, will speak April 9 at VFW Post 6873 in Abilene.

March 27 -- UIL District 8-A one-act results: THROCKMORTON - One-act plays from Throckmorton and Harrold high schools won the District 8-A University Interscholastic League north zone contest this week in Throckmorton.

March 26 -- TSTC aircraft maintenance students welcome news of Eagle contract: The Eagle has landed. And Brett Schoessow's prospects are soaring. A student at Texas State Technical College's aircraft maintenance school, Schoessow and his classmates were greeted Wednesday morning with news that Eagle Aviation Services has landed a jet maintenance contract that will require the hire of more than 80 new employees.

March 26 -- Ferguson says his campaign voice is needed: The four votes Brian Ferguson anticipates getting in Wylie's school board election will cost about $375 apiece.

March 26 -- Shoney's will continue against former Knockers owners: Shoney's officials said Wednesday they will continue to seek justice against two former Knockers owners, despite a judge's decision to drop charges against one of them.

March 26 -- Abilene police hope to use Arkansas shootings as a learning experience: The young suspects in the Arkansas school shooting would face much stiffer sentencing if such a tragedy were to occur in Texas, police said Wednesday. Locals were shocked by tragedy

March 26 -- Beal's owner awared "Small Business Person of the Year": Freddie Beal was named "Small Business Person of the Year" Wednesday by the Abilene Business Council.

March 26 -- Haskell athletic director resigns: HASKELL - Haskell High School's athletic director and head football coach resigned Tuesday, six weeks after he was arrested for drunk driving and speeding in a school van.

March 26 -- Hotchkiss running because of high taxes: City Council candidate Bobbie Hotchkiss made her first public statement Wednesday of why she's running, crediting "the same reason as last year - high taxes."

March 26 -- Blackley gets 13-month term for embezzlement: Former Nolan County Sheriff Jim Blackley was sentenced Wednesday in Lubbock to 13 months in federal prison, with half to be spent in Big Spring and half at an Abilene halfway house.

March 26 -- ACU speaker follows own advice about grad school: After reading Graduate Admissions Essays - What Works, What Doesn't and Why, Donald Asher thought the advice was so good he decided to take it.

March 26 -- Stenholm announces area interns for the summer: Four college students from the Big Country will work as interns in Washington this summer for U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm.

March 26 -- Brown explains delay in grand jury report: ANSON - A report by the Jones County grand jury, which met Monday, is not expected until next week, according to District Attorney Gary Brown.

March 26 -- Area schools win one-act play competition: One-act plays from Breckenridge and Clyde high schools won the District 6-3A Zone 1 University Interscholastic League contest Tuesday in Breckenridge.

March 25 -- Teen's entry into Wylie school board election costing taxpayers: The four votes Brian Ferguson anticipates getting in Wylie's school board election will cost about $375 apiece, billed to the taxpayers. The teen-ager's admittedly quixotic entry into the race is forcing the district to hold an election May 2 at a cost of some $1,500.

March 25 -- Charges dismissed against Knockers former owner: The former owner of Abilene's infamous Knockers sports bar faces one less controversy after a judge Tuesday dismissed felony theft charges against him.

March 25 -- Eagle Aviation to maintain regional jet fleet: Eagle Aviation Services has landed a contract to maintain American Eagle's regional jet fleet, a plum that will give flight to more jobs and probably to jet service at Abilene Regional Airport.

March 25 -- Truscott Grandmas retire from Sunday Dinners (Ken Ellsworth): TRUSCOTT - On the second Sunday of every month for the past 10 years people around here and from some distance away have known where to get an excellent dinner, thanks to the Truscott Grandmas who volunteered their services and who only worried about goodness and not cholesterol.

March 25 -- Blue Cross/ Blue Shield hiring more employees here: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas will hire 300 more employees in Abilene by year's end.

March 25 -- Defensive driving for speeding boaters? AUSTIN - West Texas boaters who get speeding tickets could end up in a defensive driving class similar to the one for Texans who get tickets while driving cars, according to a new state law.

March 25 -- Commissioners agree to energy study: Taylor County commissioners gave the go-ahead Tuesday to an energy study that should yield savings to fund improvements to an aging infrastructure.

March 25 -- Snyder recognizes top citizens during chamber banquet: SNYDER - The First Lady of Texas helped Snyder honor its "first citizens" here Tuesday.

March 25 -- Ballinger lands lunker in bass tournament: BALLINGER - As some of the state's best anglers descend on nearby Lake O.H. Ivie for the Texas B.A.S.S. Federation State Championship Tournament, many local business owners stand to reel in a hefty profit from the event.

March 25 -- Future farmers invade Erath County: STEPHENVILLE - More than 5,000 high school students and sponsors are expected here Thursday as Tarleton State University plays host to the statewide FFA Invitational Career Development contests.

March 24 -- "Titanic" equals Oscar record: LOS ANGELES - "Titanic" sailed in history Monday night. The epic adventure film equaled a 39-year-old record by winning 11 Oscars including best picture and director.

March 24 -- Proposed bomber training range doesn't fly with West Texas group: Longtime Rotan-area rancher Buster Welch loves his quiet, rural lifestyle. "It's not an easy life, but it's a good life," he says. "And it's good because it's peaceful." But Welch, who raises horses and cattle on his 50,000-acre spread, worries that an Air Force proposal to set up a realistic bomber training range over parts of West Texas will take that tranquility away.

March 24 -- Clean and Proud needing new coordinator after only one month: The offices of Abilene Clean and Proud are dark and empty again. Margie Culbertson-McCaskey, the organization's new coordinator, has left the job after only one month.

March 24 -- New Bible College and Seminary to open in Abilene: A fourth church-affiliated institution of higher education is expected to open in Abilene next August, but it will be somewhat less visible than the other three.

March 24 -- "Make a Difference Day" coordinator making a change: Janet Ardoyno, a homemaker whose tireless efforts on behalf of "Make a Difference Day" brought national attention to Abilene, is stepping down as its volunteer coordinator.

March 24 -- Local executives happy oil prices surging: Local petroleum industry executives are breathing a collective sigh of relief in the wake of Monday's surge in oil prices.

March 24 -- McMurry hoping to bankroll new computer network: McMurry University will finance a new computer network and telephone system through the Abilene Higher Education Facilities Corporation, assuming the City Council gives its blessing Thursday.

March 24 -- Council to look at rejected zoning requests: The Abilene City Council will consider a couple of rejected zoning requests Thursday. Public hearings on the matters will let the owners of 501 Forrest and 1025 S. 29th appeal the defeat of their requested rezonings before the Planning and Zoning Commission earlier this month.

March 24 -- Baird superintendent making a huge leap to Sweetwater: SWEETWATER - As the crow flies, Steve Maikell will be moving only about 60 miles after he is named Sweetwater's new superintendent of schools today, but the Dublin native will be making a quantum leap up the educational career ladder.

March 23 -- She'll keep watching "Titanic" until she doesn't cry anymore: Expect Debbie Volcko to sob her way through tonight's Oscar ceremony. She's been drowning in tears ever since "Titanic" docked in her life. The 43-year-old Merkel mother of four has seen the multi-nominated blockbuster nine times, most recently Sunday. Not everyone loved the movie though

March 23 -- Gun accident takes live of girl near Nolan: SWEETWATER - A freakish accident southeast of Sweetwater near the Nolan community killed a 9-year-old Austin girl Sunday afternoon.

March 23 -- ARN takes awards in APME statewide contest: HOUSTON - The Abilene Reporter-News won seven statewide Associated Press journalism awards Sunday, including first-place prizes for editorial writing and column writing.

March 23 -- Stephenville Plant Fair scheduled (Our Slice of Texas): The annual Native and Heirloom Plant Fair will be held Saturday at the Historical House Museum Complex at Stephenville ... etc.

March 22 -- Stevens "living a nightmare" despite son's recantation of molestation story: Texas prisons are full of people who claim they've been railroaded. Billy Lynn Stevens is different. At least four judges agree he's been wronged. But his case is stuck, grounded by a Texas Court of Criminal Appeals both Stevens and his supporters believe is deaf and mute. (Timeline)

March 22 -- Debate over casino-style machines plays on: Nearly two months after the state attorney general declared eight-liners unconstitutional, the whirling slot-style machines remain in Abilene's video casinos.

March 22 -- ARN staffers win state awards: HOUSTON - The Abilene Reporter-News won a first place prize for its on-line newspaper and honorable mention for a section on Alzheimer's Disease at the 1998 Texas Associated Press Managing Editors meeting Saturday.

March 22 -- Dyess Visitors Center now in full swing: The official opening of the Dyess Air Force Base Visitors Center was celebrated Wednesday, and the center is now in full swing. Since the media covered the actual opening quite well, I thought I would discuss some of the operations and offerings of the center.

March 22 -- YMCA nears capital campaign goal: The YMCA has only nine days to raise $114,000 for its capital campaign.

March 22 -- Santa Anna honors citizen of the year: SANTA ANNA - Anybody who wants to know anything about Santa Anna is usually referred to the same person - M.L. Guthrie Jr.

March 21 -- Area Election Filings

March 21 -- Ballinger laying two foundations for students: BALLINGER -- There are really two foundations being constructed in Ballinger these days.

March 21 -- Haskell coach suspended after accusation of DWI in school vehicle: HASKELL -- Haskell High School's athletic director and head football coach has been suspended after being accused of drunk driving and speeding in a school van.

March 21 -- Law enforcers to receive grants for fight against teen smoking: AUSTIN -- Area law enforcers will have $13,000 in state grants to help with their efforts to cut down on teen smoking, the state Comptroller's office announced Friday.

March 21 -- Architect chosen for future veterans nursing home: AUSTIN -- Plans to build a veterans nursing home in Big Spring are one step closer, now that state officials have chosen an architectural and planning firm for the future long-term care home.

March 21 -- School's history told with a light touch: Dr. John Stevens is a serious historian, as serious as a person can be with his endearing sense of humor.

March 21 -- Former Zoltek employee sues company for discrimination: A former employee of Zoltek has filed a federal lawsuit suit against her past employer, accusing the company of racial discrimination.

March 21 -- Area News Roundup: Albany grants $84,000 technology pact ... $67,000 'speed' bust reported ... Hospital expansion plans put on hold ... Local option application picked upMarch 20 -- ACU announces tuition increase: Students attending Abilene Christian University will pay 5.8 percent more in tuition beginning June 1.

March 20 -- Area Election Filings

March 20 -- Dyess to test new public address system: A monthly series of tests for Dyess Air Force Base's new "Giant Voice" public address and warning system is scheduled to begin today.

March 20 -- Former Knockers owner tries to get theft case thrown out: The attorney for former Knockers owner Roy Lee Sanders was in court Thursday arguing his client should not face theft charges in Texas.

March 20 -- Grand jury clears Coahoma teacher: BIG SPRING -- A Howard County grand jury declined Wednesday to indict a Coahoma school teacher on charges that he injured an 11-year-old student.

March 20 -- Abilene students win Encore Award for Make a Difference Day efforts: When Alisia Orosco won a national Make a Difference Day honor last year, she got to meet first lady Hillary Clinton and attend the presidential summit on volunteerism.

March 20 -- Officials ask senators to steer highway this way: Citing safety and economics, Abilene and area officials Thursday begged Texas senators to steer major highway funding their way.

March 20 -- Rolling Plains Central zone votes 86 percent for weevil program: The largest eradication area in the nation's Cotton Belt has voted overwhelmingly for the Boll Weevil Eradication Program.

March 20 -- Area News Roundup: Water tower repair to cost $47,000 ... Arson charges expected to follow burglary ... Auto-pedestrian accident injures teen in Merkel ... Rotan city managers suffers heart attack ... Tye aldermen set sales tax election

March 20 -- Arrests could be break in burglary investigation: Wednesday's arrest of two burglary suspects may have given police a break in a recent string of commercial break-ins.

March 19 -- Woman dies in Callahan wreck: BAIRD -- A 61-year-old Abilene woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident about 1 a.m. Wednesday on Interstate 20, just west of here.

March 19 -- Health district seeking help from local agencies for HIV patients: Local agencies are being sought to provide housing and social services to people infected with the HIV virus.

March 19 -- Baird council focuses on lake matters: BAIRD -- The Baird City Council has approved taking bids on the T&P Lake property lease and discussed changes at Baird Lake.

March 19 -- School board race heats up: The Abilene school board race for Place 4 heated up Wednesday and with only hours to spare.

March 19 -- Drug charges dropped over invalid search warrant: ANSON -- A Hawley man arrested for possessing approximately 200 growing marijuana plants has been released from jail and the charges against him dismissed because of an invalid search warrant, District Attorney Gary Brown said Wednesday.

March 19 -- Contrasting styles mark City Council candidates: Two civic leaders with contrasting methods of accomplishing their goals filed Wednesday for the Place 5 Abilene City Council seat.

March 19 -- Dyess Visitors Center and Memorial Park officially opened: With the snip of a red ribbon, Dyess Air Force Base on Wednesday officially opened its $800,000 gift from the Abilene community.

March 19 -- Oil rig crew training facility to reopen: An innovative, cooperative endeavor by state agencies will reopen an oil rig crew training facility in Abilene next month and give former prison inmates a start on new lives.

March 19 -- TDCJ seeking accreditation for French Roberston unit: After building up its stable of prisons for years, the Texas Department of Corrections wants a stamp of approval from a nationally recognized corrections association.

March 19 -- Russian general visits Dyess: For anyone needing evidence that Cold War tensions are subsiding, a visit to Dyess Air Force Base on Wednesday might have sufficed.

March 19 -- Fear of strep A sending reports of other diseases soaring: Fear of becoming infected with the flesh-eating Group A Strep is causing the number of reported cases of chickenpox and strep throat to soar.

March 18 -- Area Election Filings

March 18 -- Abilene blood supply low: Abilene has joined the rest of the nation in experiencing a blood supply shortage, particularly Type O, a blood bank official said Tuesday.

March 18 -- Area News Roundup: City buys gas building for $90,000 ... Beadel sworn in for 2 months as trustee ... Band hall completion to be delayed ... Drug possession suspect released ... Street widening considered ... Merkel economic specialist leaving ... Stephenville City Council calls bond election ... Stephenville man suspected in sexual assault of teen

March 18 --New Clyde supermarket opens today: CLYDE -- Clyde's new supermarket opens today, more than nine months after the June 5 fire that destroyed its predecessor.

March 18 --Burger Hut closes after 25 years (Ken Ellsworth Column): WINTERS -- It is dark and cold in the Burger Hut now with the utilities turned off, with a "for sale" sign out front, with talkative owner Bobby Mayo, 67, no longer behind the counter ribbing customers and getting ribbed right back, and with Mayo no longer handing out burgers and taking good money in return.

March 18 -- Majority attending hearing favor treatment facility's presence in Sweetwater: SWEETWATER -- Fifty-two people attended Monday's public hearing regarding Texon's proposal to start residential substance abuse treatment facility in Sweetwater.

March 18 --Throckmorton recount confirms incumbent's close win: THROCKMORTON -- A recount of the ballots on Monday confirmed incumbent Throckmorton County Commissioner George Seedig's one-vote victory over challenger Greg Scarlett in last week's Democratic primary.

March 18 --Convicted killer seeks new trial in latest appeal: Convicted murderer Wayne East, whose death sentence recently was overturned, now is asking a state appeals court to reverse his conviction and grant him a new trial.

March 18 -- Filing period for city, school elections ends: Today is the last day candidates can file for the May 2 city and school board elections.

March 17 -- School, students excited about new performing arts center: ACU officials are touting a planned $10 million performing arts center as the finest west of Dallas, but sophomore Barry Fox is more excited about what it will do for him.

March 17 -- Area Election Filings

March 17 -- Arrests quick in Coleman robbery: COLEMAN -- Aggravated robbery charges have been filed here against four Winters residents arrested in Ballinger within an hour of the early Saturday holdup of a Coleman convenience store.

March 17 -- 'Queen of local theater' dies: Actress and director Peggy Click Cummings, 47, known as the queen of local community theater, died Sunday night at Hendrick Medical Center.

March 17 -- Death of athlete stuns fellow students: BALLINGER -- As a family and a community make plans to say a final farewell to one of their own, law enforcement officials are still trying to piece together what -- and who -- caused an accident that claimed the life of a star high school athlete here over the weekend.

March 17 -- Union Pacific workers repair, clear tracks after derailment: Union Pacific workers should be finished repairing the railroad track and clearing away the remains of Sunday's train derailment today, a company spokesman said.

March 17 -- Guard returning to work after attack: COLORADO CITY -- A state prison guard at the Wallace Unit is scheduled to return to work today, two weeks after being knocked unconscious during an inmate attack.

March 17 -- Winds damage Hospitality House construction: Inhospitable winds knocked down part of Hospitality House on Friday evening, but, just like the mail, the project will be delivered on time.

March 17 -- Ranger Hill wrecks keep troopers hopping: RANGER -- A rash of accidents on and near Ranger Hill on Interstate 20 kept a large number of people busy for several hours Sunday.

March 17 -- Runnels commissioners approve Texson contract: BALLINGER -- Runnels County commissioners on Monday approved a contract with Texson Management Group Inc. to continue providing juvenile detention services for the county.

March 17 -- Sharp accuses opponent of distortions: John Sharp said Monday he's never been called a liberal in his life and can't imagine his Aggie classmate Rick Perry getting away with it now.

March 17 -- Deadline for Texas Tomorrow Fund approaches: Another deadline for the Texas Tomorrow Fund tuition program is just two weeks away, state Comptroller John Sharp said Monday.

March 17 -- UT student files for Wylie school board: An 18-year-old University of Texas advertising student on Monday filed to run for a seat on the Wylie school board, claiming the district lacks racial diversity.

March 16 -- Expo tunnel a welcome, time-saving addition: The newly finished Taylor County Expo Center Coliseum tunnel has been a godsend to participants and organizers of the 16th annual Bonanza Cutting competition, officials said Sunday.

March 16 -- Weather causes house fire, flood streets, strands motorists: Fire inspectors believe a lightning strike sparked a house fire late Sunday night in the Lytle Shores West subdivision.

March 16 -- More rattlers caught this year than in previous two: SWEETWATER - The West Texas landscape will have 3,942 fewer pounds of rattlesnakes slithering across it this spring thanks to another successful Rattlesnake Round-up.

March 16 -- Derailment near Westgate Mall blamed on wheel bearing: A Union Pacific train headed to Tucson, Ariz., derailed near Westgate Mall early Sunday morning, blocking the intersection at First and Pioneer Drive until late into the evening.

March 16 -- Local, area students head for state debate meet: AUSTIN - The thinking processes of several Big Country students will be thoroughly tested this week during the University Interscholastic League cross-examination debate state meet.

March 16 -- Student killed in Ballinger wreck: BALLINGER - A Ballinger High School student was killed and two others were injured early Sunday morning in an accident investigators believe was alcohol related.

March 15 -- Cisco callers to dial Abilene toll-free: CISCO -- Cisco telephone customers should be able to call toll free to Abilene within a month, Cisco Mayor Joe Wheatley said Friday.

March 15 -- Waiting for a breath of life: HOUSTON -- Deborah Collier has so little time. But for the next six months or more, she will have only time -- time to wait. What is pulmonary hypertension?

March 15 -- Riding along with Bill and Magic (Ken Ellsworth): DUBLIN -- I stuck out my thumb Friday and hitched a ride will Bill DeJong, 64, a dairy farmer who said he was glad to have the company.

March 15 -- FBI veteran on crusade against terrorism: When Danny A. Defenbaugh first viewed the destructive horror of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, a single thought flashed through his mind: "This is just like Beirut."

March 15 -- Only one race contested in Abilene school, city elections: With the filing deadline for local races just three days away, only one contested race remains for Abilene school and city seats.

March 15 -- Sweetwater's economy benefits from snakes: The people of Sweetwater don't mind the buckets of rattlesnake skins, or even the pits with piles of rattlers lying about -- all one-and-a-half tons of them.

March 15 -- DA investigating Wedeking on inmate civil rights claim: ANSON -- Jones County Sheriff Robby Wedeking is under investigation by the district attorney's office for allegedly violating the civil rights of an inmate at the county jail.

March 14 -- Area Election Filings

March 14 -- DPS combining traffic enforcement with drug enforcement: Sparky Dean calls the new breed of young, aggressive highway patrolmen "super troopers." Confiscations draw accusations of rights violations

March 14 -- Dublin celebrates St. Patrick's Day: DUBLIN -- If the leprechauns can work some magic, they would do well to provide a bit of good weather for the sake of the 27th annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration that continues today and Sunday.

March 14 -- Dublin chicken processing plant proposed: DUBLIN -- A businessman's plans to construct a chicken processing plant that would provide up to 1,000 jobs was outlined Wednesday in a special meeting of the Erath County Commissioners Court.

March 14 -- Jury awards more than half a million in restaurant grease lawsuit: A Taylor County jury awarded more than $600,000 in damages this week to the owner of a restaurant grease recycling service who sued his competitor for trying unfairly to run him out of business.

March 14 -- Merkel teen to participate in hantavirus survivors study: MERKEL -- Heath Henderson is looking forward to skiing on the slopes of New Mexico during next week's spring break.

March 14 -- Area aviation pioneer dies: ALBANY -- A 1940 model L-3 observation plane that Reaves Hickman flew in World War II and over many area Veterans Day observances will make a slow pass over the Albany Cemetery this afternoon.

March 14 -- McMurry trustees announce improvements, tuition hike: McMurry University students will soon have Internet access in all buildings and a new phone system, but it will cost them a little extra.

March 14 -- Bricklayer accused of stabbing wife pleads guilty to burglary: A bricklayer who broke into his ex-wife's home and stabbed her seven times pleaded guilty to burglary Friday in exchange for an eight-year prison sentence.

March 14 -- Hundreds view this year's rattlers: SWEETWATER -- The 40th annual Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup got under way Thursday with hundreds turning out to view the lengthy and colorful Rattlesnake Review parade.

March 14 -- Students plan variety of spring break activities: Spring break is in the air.

March 14 -- State Bar officials teach middle school students value of First Amendment: If you had to give up one of the five rights offered by the First Amendment, which would it be?

March 13 -- Area election filings

March 13 -- Two men plead guilty to Ranger bank robbery: Two of three men charged with robbing a Ranger bank earlier this year pleaded guilty to the crime in Lubbock federal court on Thursday.

March 13 -- Congress approves legislation to create birth defect prevention program: Congress gave final approval this week to legislation creating a national birth defects prevention program, endorsing a plan pushed by the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation and other children's health organizations.

March 13 -- Cooper choir travels to England: Cooper High School choir students are riding off to merry olde England this morning.

March 13 -- ARMC to close Clyde clinic March 31: CLYDE -- The Clyde Medical Clinic will close March 31 because of a declining patient level, a spokeswoman for the Abilene Regional Medical Center said Thursday.

March 13 -- City Council approves certificates of obligation, projects: The city's finance director figures a strong bond market will benefit taxpayers when City Hall sells $2.43 million in certificates of obligation next month.

March 13 -- Celebrating one of three Friday the 13ths (Ken Ellsworth Column): You are probably still lying in bed today and are afraid to get up if you have paraskavidekatriaphobia, which means, according to a writer of a recent article, that you are afraid of Friday the 13th.

March 13 -- McMurry board to announce gift for pottery studio: A $250,000 gift to build a pottery studio at McMurry University is expected to be announced today during the spring board of trustees meeting.

March 13 -- Christians called to live in community, speaker says: We may live in a society whose primary language is that of individualism, but Christians are called to live in community with one another.

March 13 -- Crockett to dedicate new playground: Crockett Elementary School students lined up to wash limey instead of slimy hands Thursday afternoon.

March 13 -- Spotlight on Teachers recognizes educators' contributions: Forty-four Abilene teachers were spotlighted Thursday night for their contributions to the cause of educating children.

March 13 -- Throckmorton candidate requests recount: THROCKMORTON -- Throckmorton Chamber of Commerce President Greg Scarlett has asked for a recount of the votes in the county commissioner, Precinct 4 race that he appears to have lost by one vote in Tuesday's Democratic primary.

March 12 -- Amarillo EDC sues Brownwood bank over Stempel finances: COLEMAN -- The Amarillo Economic Development Corp. has claimed that a Brownwood bank conspired to deprive AEDC of $1.3 million in funds involving the bankruptcy case of Stempel Manufacturing Co., formerly of Coleman.

March 12 -- Cisco OK's 2nd ambulance purchase: CISCO -- The Cisco City Council approved the purchase of a second ambulance Tuesday night.

March 12 -- Incumbent judges fare well; others not so fortunate: Every incumbent county judge who faced an opponent in Tuesday's primary elections won, but the success rate of other officeholders in the Big Country dropped to closer to 75 percent.

March 12 -- Firefighter's home damaged by early morning blaze: Proving fire plays no favorites, an Abilene firefighter's home suffered heavy damage in a Wednesday morning blaze.

March 12 -- Freeze zaps some fruit trees: Some trees got fooled again this year by those unseasonably warm "winter days" in late February and early March.

March 12 -- AHS band to march in Emerald Isle: Abilene High School's band will march Tuesday in the St. Patrick's Day parade.

March 12 -- Metroplex Libertarian joins congressional race: A Plano man is joining Charlie Stenholm and Rudy Izzard on the congressional ballot this fall, insisting he'll offer voters a genuine choice.

March 12 -- Abilene man pleads guilty to murder for 23-year sentence: An Abilene man who initially professed his innocence in the 1997 stabbing death of a local limousine driver pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder.

March 12 -- Educator goes to head of class at St. John's: A popular St. John's Episcopal School educator and administrator was tapped on Wednesday to become its newest head of school, amid promises she would add greatly to the campus' sense of stability.

March 12 -- Conservative's victory surprises some: Judy Strickland's election to the State Board of Education District 15 post was either right on or too far to the right, depending on one's viewpoint.

March 12 -- Local voter turnout double that of state: Abilene's voter turnout was about 23 percent Tuesday, far above the record-setting low numbers statewide.

March 12 -- 'Piano Man' to play background score for silent film: Thanks to "The Piano Man," tonight's silent movie at the Paramount Theatre won't be.

March 12 -- Area News Roundup: Apartment residents evacuated when fire breaks out ... Callahan County election filings ... Stray dogs plague Brownwood ... Six juveniles charged with arson in $73,000 hay fire ... Comanche gets $4.3 million federal loan. ... Two rabid cases reported

March 11 -- Eidson holds off challenge from former assistant: After 10 years as Taylor County district attorney, James Eidson finally won a contested election for the office by beating former first assistant Sandy Self. Vote totals and more election coverage

March 11 --Terry McCall cruises to easy victory in 11th Court of Appeals race: Terry McCall cruised to an easy victory Tuesday in the three-man Republican primary for the 11th Court of Appeals.

March 11 -- Candidates in many races were unopposed: Tuesday's primaries were just a formality for several candidates who were unopposed and don't face a major party challenge in the November general election.

March 11 --Matta's judicial career ends: Plagued by charges he sexually harassed a clerk, Justice of the Peace Sam Matta lost his bench Tuesday when sheriff's Deputy A.L. Deatherage easily defeated the judge's bid for a fifth term.

March 11 -- Statler defeats Cunningham in Precinct 4, Cox and Tarpley in run-off for Precinct 2: Republican Chuck Statler won a berth in the November Precinct 4 commission race Tuesday, sweeping every box except his opponent's home precinct.

March 11 -- Ghost of Christmas Past would love candidate's home: Tuesday night means 41-year-old county commissioner candidate Chuck Statler can not only put the Republican primary behind him, he can also put Christmas '97 snugly into the past.

March 11 -- ACU to make ceremony out of giving scholarships: Ben Blake may not be getting the athletic scholarship he'd like to have, but he's getting the same attention.

March 11 -- Area News Roundup: Brownwood burn victim improving ... Brown County commissioners approve subdivision plat ... Brownwood man nabbed in Austin drug raid ... Support voiced for Eastland principal ... Judge released after heart attack

March 11 --TIF board receives downtown action plan: Downtown officials are almost ready to initiate the action in their strategic action plan.

March 11 --VA official addresses healthcare enrollment concerns: A healthcare enrollment system being implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs is simple to join and should not cause veterans worry, the associate director of the Big Spring VA medical center said in Abilene on Tuesday.

March 10 -- Joint primary experiment first of its kind for large county: For Taylor County Democrats and Republicans, today will involve an unusual 12 hours of political togetherness. The two local parties will for the first time cooperate in a joint primary, becoming the largest county in Texas to experiment with what state officials hope will become a common and cost-saving practice.

March 10 -- Hospitality House started near two local prisons: A raw wind whipping across patches of shade-protected snow didn't chill anyone's enthusiasm Monday as members of the Texas Baptist Men started work on a facility north of town to house family members visiting inmates at Abilene's two prisons.

March 10 -- Not many voters expected to turn out today: AUSTIN - Texans hold an election today to decide who will lead the state into the future. But don't expect too many folks to show up.

March 10 -- Cellular tower to be moved from Lytle area: Lytle Lake's towering eyesore is moving out of the neighborhood. City Manager Roy McDaniel has struck an agreement with Southwestern Bell to relocate its 130-foot cellular tower away from homeowners who complained it blighted the sky.

March 10 -- Troy Fraser calls for audit of tobacco suit expenses: State Sen. Troy Fraser is continuing to pound away at tobacco attorney fees, calling for an audit of $40 million in additional expenses paid to the private lawyers.

March 10 -- Lots of rain, sure, but lakes aren't filling up: Abilene's gotten plenty of rain this year. It just hasn't been the right type of rain.

March 10 -- Judge refuses to modify gag order in Matta case: Justice of the Peace Sam Matta will have to remain tight-lipped about the sexual harassment suit against him, a judge ordered on Monday.

March 10 -- Stephenville dairy plant closing; 86 jobs lost: Effective immediately, Dairy Farmers of America said it is closing its Stephenville plant. Nearly 86 people are losing their jobs as a result.

March 10 -- Council to look at capital improvements: The Abilene City Council is expected to give preliminary approval to $2.43 million in capital improvements Thursday.

March 10 -- Inmate attack sends guard to hospital for stitches: Several Middleton Unit inmates remained in detention Monday for a Friday night assault that sent a guard to the hospital for stitches.

March 10 -- Construction, technology changes progressing at Wylie: Wylie school trustees were updated on the district's construction and technology progress during a regular meeting Monday night.

March 10 -- AISD Board hears report on Career and Technology program: The Abilene school board peered into the 21st century on Monday night, considering how future worker-citizens will learn and how the school district might save a few bucks paying for it.

March 10 -- Hundley a finalist for Administrator of the Year: He may never be Cal Thomas's favorite amateur columnist, but Charles Hundley has a good shot at being chosen a teacher organization's favorite professional administrator.

March 9 -- Snow blankets parts of Big Country: Some Munday schoolchildren got a rare opportunity Sunday morning: to spend a part of spring break building a snowman.

March 9 -- Big Country towns gear up for Tuesday elections: Across the Big Country, Democrats and Republicans pause Tuesday - in the middle of the city and school board filing period - to nominate their county and district leaders for the next four years.

March 9 -- Abilene not untouched by traffic sign graffiti: AUSTIN - Graffiti on traffic signs is putting Texans' lives at risk, state transportation officials warned this week.

March 9 -- Both local school boards to consider textbook reports: Trustees of the Abilene and Wylie school districts will hit the books at their regular meetings Monday.

March 8 -- City's manager's attitude toward financing method changes: If Roy McDaniel had his way 20 years ago, the city he now manages might be without rubberized railroad crossings, wheelchair curb cuts and an elephant barn.

March 8 -- District attorney candidates do last-minute campaigning: Relaxed amid a gathering of friends and supporters, James Eidson delivers his standard stump speech, flirting with overt emotion only as he comes to the part about his family.

March 8 -- Democrats to vote on non-binding initiatives: Democrats will be able to vote Tuesday for three propositions party leaders say clearly define their differences with the Republican Party.

March 8 -- Jail standards commission approved expansion of Eastland County jail: AUSTIN -- An estimated $2.2 million expansion of Eastland County's jail gained early approval this week from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

March 8 -- Restoring the prairie in Mitchell County (Ken Ellsworth Column): COLORADO CITY -- Most people do not give native prairie grasses a lot of consideration and neither did A.L. Maddin, formerly of Colorado City.

March 8 -- Education board candidate denounces opponent's phone campaign strategy: State Board of Education candidate Nancy Neal on Friday denounced her opponent for conducting a "telephone campaign" implying Neal supports abortion and same-sex marriage.

March 8 -- Six-year-old case finally ends: SWEETWATER -- At long last, members of the late Aurelio Adames' family feel that justice has been done.

March 8 -- Landmark building destroyed; arson suspected: Fire investigators believe a two-alarm blaze that reduced a local landmark to rubble early Saturday morning was deliberately set.

March 8 -- Thunderstorms rumble through the Big Country: Lightning and thunder ushered in the first full weekend of March for Big Country residents Saturday.

March 8 -- Williamson promises to fight crime: Republican attorney general candidate Barry Williamson promised to "fight in the trenches" with law enforcement during an Abilene stop Saturday afternoon.

March 7 -- Democratic candidate criticizes Republican candidate's advertising: The Democratic candidate for the Eastland appeals court seat criticized one of the Republican hopefuls Thursday, calling Terry McCall's ads misleading and a "smokescreen."

March 7 -- McCall leading spender in court of appeals race: Terry McCall has spent more than $100,000 in his Republican primary fight for the 11th Court of Appeals in Eastland.

March 7 -- Taylor County canditates raising, spending funds: Taylor County candidates were busily raising and spending cash in the last weeks of the campaign.

March 7 -- Alabama man sentenced to 10 years carrying drugs through Big Country: An Alabama man busted for carrying 7 pounds of methamphetamine through the Big Country was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on Friday.

March 7 -- Memorial playground dedicated: Moments after the Dyess Elementary Memorial Playground was dedicated for her daughter and other victims of a C-130 crash, Dr. Cathy Harmon threw decorum to the West Texas wind, mounted a playground slide and slid down.

March 7 -- Area Election Filings

March 7 -- Abilenian pleads guilts to torching six stores: An Abilene man has pleaded guilty to a string of arson cases in which six West Texas convenience stores were destroyed last year.

March 7 -- Former manager of nude dance club gets six years probation for hiring minor: A judge on Friday sentenced the former manager of an all-nude Abilene dance club to six years probation for hiring a 16-year-old girl to perform at the adult establishment.

March 7 -- KACU adds political underwriting for the first time: For the first time since joining the airwaves, KACU radio has decided to tune in to local politics as a funding source.

March 7 -- Merkel woman cited for courage in battling disease: Sandy Davis can no longer dress herself, cook a meal or hold her grandchild. But she's a role model, nonetheless.

March 7 -- After long hold,expanded local calling connects Haskell, Abilene: HASKELL -- After being "on hold," for several years, expanded local calling connecting Haskell with Abilene has been approved. Sweetwater to vote on extended calling again

March 7 -- WTU seeks rate hike: West Texas Utilities Co. has asked the Public Utility Commission for permission to charge retail customers an average $3.22 more a month.

March 7 -- Vote count by hand wins hands down in Stephens County: BRECKENRIDGE -- The Stephens County Democratic Party chairman likes to do things the old-fashioned way when it comes to counting votes, preferring manual counting to modern electronic devices.

March 7 -- Homeowner recounts blessing Habitat brought to her life: Deedra Frazier prayed for years that God would provide her a way to become a homeowner.

March 6 -- Basketball star's mom learns to look for God's pauses: "Never put a period where God put a comma."

March 6 -- Man killed in fiery Eastland county crash: EASTLAND -- A fiery truck crash killed the stepbrother of Abilene Christian University women's basketball starting point guard late Wednesday.

March 6 -- Bid awarded for school repairs: CROSS PLAINS -- A San Antonio company has been awarded a contract of nearly $700,000 to repair damage caused by a Dec. 7 arson fire at Cross Plains High School.

March 6 -- Area Election Filings

March 6 -- Habitat founder appreciates Carter's contribution to organization: Jimmy Carter the Habitat builder is every bit as hard working as Jimmy Carter the President.

March 6 -- Hobby gets endorsement from Farm Bureau for Comptroller: Paul Hobby picked up an endorsement for Texas Comptroller on Thursday in Abilene at the T&P Depot.

March 6 -- Strep has yet to make appearance locally: Kathy Sawyer panicked when her daughter's temperature hit 102 on Wednesday, and she makes no apologies.

March 6 -- Local IRS office to open its door for remainder of tax season: People seeking assistance from Abilene's local Internal Revenue Service office will soon find the task much less taxing.

March 6 -- Area News Roundup: Juvenile arson suspect still in detention ... Pair accused of burglary, burning bar ... Budget approved and dogs regulated ... Fire destroys valuable hay ... Conditional OK given for $460,000 in TSTC work

March 6 -- El Niño, speedy repair changes schedules in Merkel: MERKEL -- El Niño and a water shortage that never happened are being blamed for messing up schedules Thursday in Merkel.

March 6 -- Trio wreck car running into tombstone business: Three men fled, but one man later returned, after plowing a 1976 Buick Electra into a tombstone business Thursday afternoon.

March 6 -- Anson chamber honors volunteer fire department: ANSON -- Members of the Anson Volunteer Fire Department were honored individually and collectively at the Anson Chamber of Commerce banquet Thursday evening.

March 6 -- Eighth-grader repeats as geography bee champ: Madison Middle School's Jeff Doney continued a long-standing legacy of winning ways Thursday night, capturing first place in Abilene's local geography bee at Bassetti Elementary.

March 6 -- Attorney general candidate says he can work with governor: Though he denounced the governor's tax plan last summer, attorney general hopeful Tom Pauken insists he and George W. Bush can get along fine.

March 5 -- Abilene IRS office to open doors: For the first time in several years the Abilene office of the Internal Revenue Service will be opening its doors to the public for tax assistance.

March 5 -- Matta wants gag order on sexual harassment suit modified: Peace Justice Sam Matta is asking a judge to let him publicly address the sexual harassment suit against him for the sake of his re-election campaign.

March 5 -- APD declares neutrality in DA race: Abilene Police Chief Melvin Martin and Taylor County Sheriff Jack Dieken on Wednesday underscored their departments' neutrality in next week's district attorney's election.

March 5 -- Sentencing set for former Nolan sheriff: LUBBOCK - Federal Judge Sam Cummings has set sentencing for former Nolan County Sheriff Jim Blackley for March 27 at 8:30 a.m. in U.S. District Court here.

March 5 -- Campaign under way to get thermal imaging for AFD: Abilene firefighters might not have Superman-like X-ray vision, but a new thermal imaging device would allow them to see through walls and smoke in a burning building.

March 5 -- Speaker warns of growing world's population: Werner Fornos stopped off here Wednesday on his mission to enlist all the help he can find to defuse the global population explosion.

March 5 -- Martinez family education fund driver kicks off: Friends and relatives rallied in support of Anson's Tony Martinez Jr. family as Abilene community leaders Wednesday formally kicked off an education fund to aid survivors of a bizarre two-vehicle accident last month.

March 5 -- Local residents share in state victims' assistance fund: AUSTIN - Criminals who attacked Taylor County residents were forced to pay their victims $142,544 last year. Sixty-seven local residents were among the nearly 10,000 Texas crime victims who split $28.2 million from a state victims' assistance fund last year, according to the Crime Victims' Compensation 1997 Annual Report.

March 5 -- District judge survives apparent heart attack: STEPHENVILLE - Longtime District Judge Don Jones of Stephenville was taken by helicopter to a Fort Worth hospital Wednesday morning after suffering an apparent heart attack at his home.

March 4 -- Area News Roundup: Candidate files for mayor's position ... Brownwood fire ruled arson ... Brownwood school board president resigns ... Dublin City Council to consider candidates for city manager ... Water heater thought to be cause of fire ... Police seek chipper-shredder thief ... Development Corporation buys Ranger property ... RCDA officials meet for conference ... Three finalists for superintendent job

March 4 -- Commissioner candidate addresses bankruptcy issue: County commissioner candidate Melinda Cunningham said a personal bankruptcy she and her husband filed six years ago was "the best decision we could make at the time with the data we had."

March 4 -- Old Rip's ancestors are threatened: (Ken Ellsworth Column): EASTLAND -- Last Friday, county and city officials raced around the Eastland County Courthouse halls on stick-horse horny toads and about 250 citizens gathered to watch those undignified festivities and other ceremonies, some of which were more dignified.

March 4 -- AHS coach, students teaching fitness to Fannin students: Fifth-graders at Fannin Elementary got on the track of good physical fitness Tuesday, thanks to an innovative teaching program written by an Abilene High School teacher.

March 4 -- Haskell forms corporation to build jail, prison: HASKELL -- In a special joint meeting Monday, the Haskell City Council, the Haskell County Commissioners Court and the Development Corporation of Haskell agreed to form a special not-for-profit corporation to build a detention facility that could mean up to 400 new jobs.

March 4 -- Jones County Democrats, Republicans to share two polling places: ANSON -- Democrats and Republicans will share only two polling places for next Tuesday's primary elections -- at the Hawley Church of Christ and the Noodle Community Center.

March 4 -- Mauro says governor's race about right to choose doctors: The governor's race will be a battle over Texans' rights to choose their doctors, Democrat Garry Mauro said Tuesday. Candidate's attack on Texas Land Office criticizes governor, Mauro says

March 4 -- Software company owner files for school board post: A software company owner who envisions a computer on every student's desk filed for the Abilene school board Tuesday.

March 4 -- Piano teacher's filing provides voters another choice: News of Lora Lynn Christensen's candidacy may be music to the ears of voters who want a choice in this spring's Abilene school board race.

March 4 -- Chick-fil-A founder recounts acheiving of dream: S. Truett Cathy started his entrepreneurial career while just a small boy in Atlanta, Ga.

March 4 -- Couple named Rule's top citizens: RULE -- Now the Greesons have a matched pair of Rule's top awards.

March 4 -- Science fair loses sponsorship of Junior League: The years of the Junior League's Abilene-area Science Fair could be numbered.

March 3 -- Abilene native helps Cisco honor top citizens: CISCO -- Dr. William S. Banowsky, an Abilene native whose colorful career has included the presidency of two universities, an appointment by President Reagan and a stint as a Texas Rangers baseball executive, helped the Cisco Chamber of Commerce honor the community's top citizens Monday.

March 3 -- Area Election Filings

March 3 -- Firefighters group endorses Statler for Precinct 4 commissioner: The Abilene Fire Fighters Association on Monday announced its endorsement of county commissioner candidate Chuck Statler.

March 3 -- Injured man found after lengthy sky search: HASKELL -- An injured Throckmorton County man used his cell phone to call for help and direct a medical helicopter to his location in a remote pasture Monday.

March 3 -- Library Internet policy puts responsibility on user: If the Abilene Public Library's new Internet policy had a web address it would be www.personalresponsibility.com.

March 3 -- Zoning commission denies rezoning request: Southside residents defeated a zone change Monday that would have parked heavy construction equipment near their mobile homes.

March 3 -- Skunk killed in Bangs was rabid: BANGS -- A skunk found wandering the streets of Bangs during daylight hours last Wednesday was rabid, according to the Texas Department of Health in Austin.

March 3 -- Science fair participants examine everyday subjects: Golfers who join a foursome with Trey Todd do so at their peril: He now has his game down to a science.

March 3 -- Offender pleads true to parole violation: STEPHENVILLE -- Troy Van Adcox, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison last week for attempting to have sex with a child, pleaded "true" Monday to violating the terms of his probation.

March 3 -- Drug-prevention program creator bring message to Abilene students: William B. Hansen won't put words in children's mouths, but he'll pull them out.

March 2 -- Warm winter may have 'chilling' effect on fruit trees: An extra mild and wet winter may give rise to some extra-tough problems for local homeowners and pet owners in the weeks ahead.

March 2 -- Truck loses 50,000 pounds of lemons after wrecking near Trent: TRENT - Unsafe speed possibly contributed to an accident Sunday afternoon that destroyed a truck loaded with approximately 50,000 pounds of lemons.

March 2 -- Our Slice of Texas: Ministers honor Brownwood man, etc.

March 1 -- Area News Roundup: Former Rotan superintendent suspended ... Roby to name new mayor, city manager ... Hawley principals receive contract renewals ... Illinois doctor makes verbal commitment to clinic

March 1 -- It's snake time for the 40th time in Sweetwater: SWEETWATER -- Avoiding rattlesnakes is my usual inclination. Friday I went to see them face to face.

March 1 -- How they voted: U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm voted against restoring vetoed spending for Dyess Air Force Base because he wanted to support the first use of the line-item veto, an aide said last week.

March 1 -- Education fund established for survivors of bizarre accident: Several Abilenians have set up an education fund for survivors of Anson's Martinez family, their lives changed forever after a bizarre two-vehicle accident last month.

March 1 -- Prisoners receive GED diplomas: Harold Glass, the valedictorian of his class, proudly accepted his diploma Saturday morning.

March 1 -- Number of runaways increasing in Abilene: Neglected by her mother, she ran away for the first time at age 13 and hit the streets. What to do if your child runs away

March 1 -- Texas counties seek slice of tobacco settlement: If not quite fuming, Texas counties are doing a slow burn over the state's $15.3 billion tobacco settlement.

March 1 -- Voting Democratic exercise in true loyalty nowadays: Her scalp began to tingle and the lights seemed to dim. She could hear her dead papa shouting, "No!" She thought she was having a little stroke.

March 1 -- Four area officials named to water panel: Four area officials have been named to a new regional panel that will draw a long-range water blueprint for a massive area stretching southeast to Bryan-College Station.

March 1 -- Six area residents to serve on Texas Water Development Board: Six residents of the Big Country have been appointed to a 20-member board which will develop a long-range water plan for West Texas.