Reporter-News Archives

Oct. 31 -- Area residents lend helping hand to flood victims: The helping hand of the Big Country is always ready when disaster strikes.

Oct. 31 -- United Way extends campaign to meet goal: The United Way is $300,000 short of its campaign goal, but whether that was a trick or a treat was hard to tell at Friday's final report luncheon.

Oct. 31 -- Kicking off Halloween at the Grace: Monsters, ballerinas, witches, brides -- and even Batman and Troy Aikman -- converged on the Grace Museum Friday for a morning of Halloween fun at The Tot Spot, a monthly educational event for children.

Oct. 31 -- Widows and members of 12th Armored Division reminisce: A Pennsylvania woman's visit to the Key City this weekend has been filled with special memories.

Oct. 31 -- Member of three-man gang convicted: A one-night crime spree that netted trifling items such as peanut patties, a gold marijuana leaf pendant, a bag of Cheetos and some $50 in cash cost a 20-year-old man 30 years of freedom Friday.

Oct. 31 -- Last-minute Halloween safety tips: Halloween's scary enough without risking the safety of your child.

Oct. 31 -- Howard Payne appeal denied in Ranger College case: EARLY -- Ranger College will be allowed to offer two classes in Early next spring as result of an appeal by Howard Payne University being denied this week by the Texas Higher Education Commission.

Oct. 30 -- Dyess personnel busy with readiness exercises, war games: The land of S'Syed is a magical place. It is a place where the raising of a flag sends people scurrying for gas masks. It is a place where the dead fill sandbags.

Oct. 30 -- Candidates still hotly debating Social Security claims: Audiences of recent ad assaults by the congressional candidates over Social Security reform likely wonder who is lying.

Oct. 30 -- Hobby makes campaign stop in Abilene: State comptroller candidate Paul Hobby emphasized the importance of his business expertise to help make government more efficient during a campaign stop in Abilene Thursday.

Oct. 30 -- Health concerns again bedeviling senator: The final week of campaigning by Tom Haywood found the state senator once again duking it out with an issue he wrestled to the ground four years ago - his battle with the encroaching effects of Parkinson's disease.

Oct. 30 -- Cleared guards return to normal duties: Abilene correctional officers Monte Baker and Bradley Johnson, cleared Tuesday of criminal wrongdoing in the death of inmate Gary Crenshaw, returned to their normal contact duties with prisoners Thursday.

Oct. 30 -- Rylander looking for ways to downsize government: To find the person best qualified to downsize government, Carole Keeton Rylander says she'd look no farther than the Yellow Pages.

Oct. 30 -- Candidate's tax woes now campaign fodder: Old property tax woes from oil-bust days have come back to haunt state senatorial candidate Greg Underwood during his final days of campaigning to unseat Texas Sen. Tom Haywood.

Oct. 30 -- New juvenile facility almost ready for occupation: Bob Wakefield's about to become innkeeper to a much larger and varied bunch of guests than he's housed in the past.

Oct. 30 -- Old Camp Barkeley division reunion Saturday: Members of the 12th Armored Division will invade Abilene today and Saturday for a reunion at Embassy Suites hosted by Abilene Christian University's history department.

Oct. 30 -- Legendary Pickle leaving Big Spring: BIG SPRING - When anyone has a question about Howard County history, Joe Pickle can be counted on for the answer. But not for much longer.

Oct. 30 -- Donor boosts hospital prospects: COLORADO CITY - An anonymous donor has donated 18 acres of land to the Mitchell County Hospital District, stipulating the land be used for the construction of a new hospital and affiliated nursing home or assisted living center.

Oct. 29 -- Private foundation helped with loan to purchase Towers, not city: A private foundation helped secure a loan worth more than $700,000 to aid in the purchase of the Abilene Towers, city officials said Tuesday.

Oct. 29 -- Prison guards won't be re-indicted in inmate's death: Jones County grand jurors have declined to re-indict three prison guards who were once charged in the death of inmate Gary Crenshaw, prompting a vow from the prisoner's family to seek justice in the federal courts.

Oct. 29 -- Izzard, Stenholm exchange words on term limit vow: Rudy Izzard said his pledge to serve only three terms in Congress - half of what he campaigned on two years ago - will spur a sense of urgency to push priorities while lessening his re-election concerns.

Oct. 29 -- Stenholm gets mixed reactions on reform bill vote: U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm's vote in favor of a campaign finance reform bill drew compliments and criticisms from political organizations.

Oct. 29 -- Pipe producer asks for cancer screening: BROWNWOOD - Employees of Brownwood's Phillips Driscopipe are being asked to voluntarily take urine tests to check for the possible growth of bladder cancer.

Oct. 29 -- ACU alum aided in successful teleportation experiment: You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand the importance of an Abilene Christian University alum's accomplishment. But it would help.

Oct. 29 -- Final campaign reports released: Taylor County Treasurer Laura Browder loaned her campaign another $4,000 in her bid to retain her office, according to the final campaign report before Tuesday's election.

Oct. 29 -- Pfeifer leaving AISD to become interim Albany superintendent: "Wherever I land, I start looking up," said Dr. Jeri Pfeifer, director of Career and Technology for the Abilene schools. After 12 cumulative years with the Abilene district, Pfeifer is about to take another step in her educational career Monday morning as she becomes interim superintendent for the Albany school district.

Oct. 29 -- Halloween costumes this year feature Bill and Monica: Halloween costumes are as varied as the individuals who wear them, and anything goes when selecting a spooky - or not so spooky - get up.

Oct. 29 -- A&M chancellor speaks at schools luncheon: Diminishing public schools jeopardizes the freedom of the United States, said Dr. Barry Thompson, chancellor of Texas A&M University, who was invited by the Abilene schools to speak at a luncheon Wednesday.

Oct. 29 -- Winters Freeway construction to disrupt traffic: The normal commute of many south Abilenians will become anything but this morning as construction on Winters Freeway gets under way.

Oct. 29 -- HSU band to perform community service: The Cowboy Band of Hardin-Simmons University will be required to perform community service as the result of a review of alleged "inappropriate conduct."

Oct. 29 -- "Kids Can Care" campaign raises almost $4,000: The United Way has collected more than $3,600 in proceeds from its "Kids Can Care" campaign.

Oct. 29 -- Inspectors to check Abilene's octane content: AUSTIN - State inspectors will soon check gas pumps in Abilene to make sure the right amount of octane - which keeps the engine from knocking - is there.

Oct. 28 -- Three Aviators take advantage of free tuxedos and get married: Three members of the Abilene Aviators hockey team puckered up and said "I do" in a joint wedding ceremony Tuesday, scoring what fans might well call a "matrimonial hat trick."

Oct. 28 -- Candidates listed on sample ballot: Below is a listing of candidates in the order they appear on a sample ballot. Not all candidates listed will be included on every ballot.

Oct. 28 -- Most of 17th District campaign money coming from outside district: WASHINGTON - The homestretch of the 17th District congressional race is being fueled by donations from political action committees and individuals from outside the area, campaign documents show.

Oct. 28 -- Combs touts Texas First plan for state's ag during Abilene stop: Republican candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs unveiled her "Texas First" plan Tuesday during a campaign stop in Abilene.

Oct. 28 -- Student loan default rate continues to drop: Local universities historically have enjoyed low default rates on student loans, and now the rest of the nation is following suit.

Oct. 28 -- Dyess 7th Supply Squadron honored: The 7th Supply Squadron's fuel management flight was recognized earlier this month as the top fuels flight in Air Combat Command.

Oct. 28 -- Judge refuses to move, delay Wilson trial: An Abilene judge refused to delay or relocate accused murderer Billy Don Wilson's trial Tuesday despite defense arguments that recent media coverage of the case has swayed potential jurors.

Oct. 28 -- Suspected robber at second trial in a year: The allegedly unwitting driver in a one-night crime spree said Tuesday she only suspected her three co-defendants of wrongdoing until Michael Sneed bragged about an armed robbery as they fled from a convenience store.

Oct. 28 -- Candidates hold political forum at area high school: Fireworks flared a few times among area candidates invited to a teacher-sponsored political forum Tuesday night at Hawley High School.

Oct. 28 -- Jazz band's music brings audience to its feet: Fans of jazz, big-band style, were treated at Tuesday night's Halloween week concert by the Airmen of Note.

Oct. 27 -- Volunteers raise $5,000 for burn victim: Representatives of six area volunteer fire departments and Rural/Metro Ambulance of Abilene made a big difference on Make a Difference Day by raising more that $5,000 for critically burned Oplin firefighter Jo Ann Winters.

Oct. 27 -- Izzard brings in Gramm; Stenholm says challenger's ads 'totally untrue': Rudy Izzard brought in a big gun Monday to fire more Social Security salvos at U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm, who stepped up countercharges that his Republican foe is twisting his positions to scare up votes.

Oct. 27 -- Santa Anna superintendent resigns: SANTA ANNA - Indicted Santa Anna schools superintendent Dean Bass dropped his appeal of the school board's proposal to fire him and resigned Monday.

OCt. 27 -- AISD board recognizes scholars, begins sunset review: After the Abilene school board honored middle school scholars at Monday's meeting, school officials took their first giant step in assisting the board in its sunset review.

Oct. 27 -- Haywood benefits in state plan to purchase land: WICHITA FALLS -- State Sen. Tom Haywood acknowledged last week he will make $16,445 from a state plan to build an elevated freeway in Wichita Falls when the Texas Department of Transportation finishes the purchase of land that Haywood owns.

Oct. 27 -- Dyess school dedicates tree in memory of teacher: Tears fell among the community at Dyess Elementary Monday as the school dedicated a Redbud tree, its marker and a plaque to the memory of recently deceased teacher Glenn Gregory.

Oct. 27 -- Wilson gives proof of McCall's 'misrepresentations': Abilene attorney Randy Wilson offered proof of what he called the escalating misrepresentations of Terry McCall, his opponent in the race for the 11th Court of Appeals.

Oct. 27 -- Stone bulldog gets a name and a home: CLYDE - An inmate, a fifth-grade student, a businessman and a shopper have all pitched in to provide a new rock-solid version of the Clyde mascot - a hefty, concrete statue of a bulldog dubbed Clyde.

Oct. 27 -- Tour of new mail processing facility given: News reporters and other citizens fittingly received a whirlwind tour of the U.S. Postal Service's Mail Processing Facility on Monday.

Oct. 27 -- Students see illustrator's exhibit: Seven Abilene schools sent second-graders to the Civic Center Monday to examine the collection of paintings on exhibit by illustrator and author Diane Stanley.

Oct. 26 -- Cattlemen from nine states take Stewman cattle to far greener pastures: MARYNEAL - When it comes to dry, Nolan County is about as powder dry as it gets after many months of devastating drought.

Oct. 26 -- Laura Bush in area Saturday - Abilene State Park to rededicate Civilian Conservation Corps-buildings: The era of the Civilian Conservation Corps has been reborn at the Abilene State Park. When Texas First Lady Laura Bush comes to the Buffalo Gap area Saturday to help rededicate several CCC-built structures, she will set foot on something special.

Oct. 26 -- CityLink to receive honor: CityLink will receive the highest transit honor in the country today for ranking as the Best Small Transit System in North America.

Oct. 26 -- AISD begins rotating board meetings: Abilene school trustees will begin a series of rotating board meetings today so they can view new facilities, school officials said.

Oct. 25 -- Stenholm emphasizes experience during campaign: EARLY -- Standing at the foot of a mountain of mohair and facing a battalion of frustrated farmers, Charlie Stenholm is giving as good as he gets.

Oct. 25 -- Izzard hits the road to give people a chance to meet him: People meeting Republican Rudy Izzard on the campaign trail will find a candid candidate not far separated from his West Texas upbringing.

Oct. 25 -- Abilene volunteers help projects for Make A Difference Day: Abilene citizens found time Saturday to make a difference for their community through numerous projects, including building Habitat for Humanity facilities, refurbishing day care centers and eliminating graffiti from neighborhoods.

Oct. 25 -- Diocese holds 40th annual convention: BIG SPRING -- Several Abilene and area Episcopalians were elected or appointed to positions during the 40th annual convention of the Diocese of Northwest Texas held here Friday through today.

Oct. 25 -- Shane and Cory Davis spice up their chickens with tasteful names: What's in a name?

Oct. 25 -- Hardin-Simmons gives Alumni Award at luncheon: R. Doyle Kelley, a Houston investment company owner, was named recipient of Hardin-Simmons University's John J. Keeter Jr. Alumni Award at a homecoming luncheon Saturday.

Oct. 24 -- Sheriff's Office orders new, more comfortable body armor: Back when he was a street cop in the mid-70s, Ed Carter risked a gunshot wound every day he pinned on a badge and strapped on a pistol.

Oct. 24 -- Candy store moves to new location: Candies By Vletas has come home to downtown.

Oct. 24 -- South Texas floods while Abilene region still thirsty for more rain: To a person not from these parts -- especially small states in the Northeast -- it would be hard to explain how homes are washing off their foundations in Texas while some folks still pray for rain.

Oct. 24 -- Abilene zoo renovates elephant exhibit: Caution: handle with care.

Oct. 24 -- McMurry students serve history lesson to youngsters: The history book came alive Friday for thousands of Big Country school-age children at McMurry University's Tipi Village.

Oct. 24 -- HSU campaign accomplishes goal: Hardin-Simmons University's three-year "Leadership for Tomorrow" campaign has exceeded its $14 million basic goal and is now moving toward its challenge goal of $20 million.

Oct. 24 -- Volunteers dial phones to get help for flood victims: Republican phone volunteers will dial for dollars instead of votes today to help the victims of unnatural flooding along Bois d'Arc Street just east of North Treadaway Boulevard.

Oct. 24 -- Firefighters rally around burn victim: Area firefighters and Rural/Metro Ambulance emergency medical technicians will try to fill several IV bags -- with cash -- today to help with medical expenses of an Oplin woman who was critically burned while fighting a grass fire on Oct. 14.

Oct. 23 -- Stenholm, Izzard participate in candidate forum at HSU: The candidates for the seat U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm has held for the past 20 years participated in a candidate forum Thursday.

Oct. 23 -- City Council sets bond election: In the name of better infrastructure, the Abilene City Council approved a $21 million bond election to be held December 8. CIP proposes manageable tax increase

Oct. 23 -- Youngsters Make a Difference by designing T-shirt logo: When Make-A-Difference Day Coordinator Sheri Bell wanted some help in designing a T-shirt logo, she turned not to an adult, but to a 6-year-old.

Oct. 23 -- City Council rules against U-Haul: Ignoring a request to table the issue, the Abilene City Council rejected the zoning change that would have allowed U-Haul to expand business on to Buffalo Gap Road.

Oct. 23 -- Laser defense system may come to Dyess: After months of quiet confidence and guarded optimism about the Airborne Laser and its potential relationship with Dyess Air Force Base, the anti-missile system effectively stepped out of the shadows Thursday morning.

Oct. 23 -- Lydia Heston shows photographs at banquet: Charlton Heston may be president of the National Rifle Association, but wife Lydia showed who's the best shooter in the family Thursday night.

Oct. 23 -- Stenholm voices concern over women's health issues: U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm said the federal government should encourage more efficient uses of health care dollars at a meeting sponsored by the American Association of University Women.

Oct. 23 -- Plan to help boost rural economy: COLEMAN -- A strategic plan to help boost the economies of rural communities in a 100-mile-wide agricultural corridor traversing the Big Country was unveiled here Thursday.

Oct. 23 -- Heston says NRA presidency has not affected his acting career: Charlton Heston said Thursday his recent acceptance of the presidency of the National Rifle Association has caused nothing approaching a "black list" among film studios and producers.

Oct. 23 -- Bands to compete in marching contest: BEDFORD -- Nine Big Country high school bands, including three from Abilene, will march for a possible state berth during the University Interscholastic League Area B Marching Contest Saturday at Pennington Field.

Oct. 23 -- Area News Digest: Big Spring murder under investigation ... Jones jail passes inspection ... Injury charges dropped against former RECOR employees ... Phone scam takes woman's money

Oct. 22 -- Izzard rebuts Stenholm's Social Security ad: Republican candidate Rudy Izzard rebutted U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm's recent ad regarding Social Security.

Oct. 22 -- Poll shows governor would win big: Gov. George W. Bush would win re-election in a landslide if the Nov. 3 election were today, according to The Scripps Howard Texas Poll.

Oct. 22 -- Texas Poll shows race for lieutenant governor very close: The race for lieutenant governor is in a dead heat between Democrat John Sharp and Republican Rick Perry, with one-fourth of the voters undecided or not saying who they'll vote for, according to The Scripps Howard Texas Poll.

Oct. 22 -- Cooper students hear both sides of political campaign: Some Cooper High seniors said their votes were swayed after hearing the congressional candidates' platforms during a forum at the high school Wednesday.

Oct. 22 -- Former Knockers owners in hot water again: Out of one frying pan, the former owners of the infamous Knockers restaurant have landed in another legal fire.

Oct. 22 -- Big Country schools lead state in Hispanic testing survey: MERKEL - Three Big Country school districts are among the state's top six in terms of success rate for Hispanics on the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills test.

Oct. 22 -- Mabry edits 'robe footage' from TV ad after Hacker takes note: Family court candidate Rick Mabry has edited a television commercial in which he sports a judge's black robe after incumbent Aleta Hacker charged the political ad misled voters and violated judicial ethics.

Oct. 22 -- Term limits ads being mailed locally: Advertisements are airing locally encouraging viewers to tell U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm to agree to a three-term limit in Congress.

Oct. 22 -- "Kids Can Care" campaign started by United Way: The United Way launched its "Kids Can Care" campaign Wednesday at Jackson Elementary, inviting students citywide to give a quarter to help the organization meet its financial goals.

Oct. 22 -- Elementary students learn about business by selling pumpkins: Jackson Elementary students have temporarily joined Abilene's work force. For the last month, students have developed a business concept that has raked in about $900 for their school - The Great Pumpkin C.A.P.E.R., or Career Awareness through Participation in Economic Reality.

Oct. 22 -- Billboard to be used to help solve man's disappearance: SWEETWATER - If small photographs on milk cartons can help locate missing kids, maybe a giant picture on a billboard will help find an elderly Lake Sweetwater man who disappeared four months ago.

Oct. 22 -- HSU to honor distinguished alumni: A Southern Baptist missionary leader from Richmond, Va., and a nationally known speaker from Lubbock will be honored as distinguished alumni during Hardin-Simmons University's homecoming.

Oct. 22 -- Annual TMCN conference explores problem solving: About 240 leaders of area communities and counties came together to learn workable solutions for their communities' problems at the Fifth Annual Texas Midwest Conference at the Abilene Civic Center Wednesday.

Oct. 22 -- Dyess hosting housing forum: Dyess Air Force Base will sponsor a Housing Privatization Industry Forum, Thursday and Friday, to discuss regulations and policies that will dictate its upcoming housing project.

Oct. 22 -- Big Spring cleans up animal shelter: BIG SPRING - What began two months ago as an apparent attempt to shut down the Big Spring Humane Society's animal shelter has backfired.

Oct. 21 -- Lund witness evidently writes that he lied in court for plea bargain: A letter presumably penned by a key witness in the Brandon Lund trial claims the man lied in court to secure a plea bargain, a deal he now wants nullified because he fears wearing the label "snitch" in prison.

Oct. 21 -- Commissioners OK funds to fight federal runoff rule: Taylor County commissioners agreed Tuesday to pour $5,000 into a statewide effort to block new federal rules concerning storm water runoff.

Oct. 21 -- Abilene possible site of future home for Texas USDA offices: Abilene might be the future home of the state's USDA office. Although the consideration process is only in the beginning stages and competition is expected to be fierce, Abilene is one of about 10 Texas cities being investigated as the new location.

Oct. 21 -- Judge says controversial I-20 sign can stay up ... for now: COLORADO CITY - An Austin district judge has agreed with Colorado City attorney Pat Barber's decision to "just say no" to state officials who demand that he remove a controversial billboard from his land adjoining Interstate 20 west of here.

Oct. 21 -- DCOA approves funds for marketing plan: The Development Corporation of Abilene board authorized more than $30,000 in funds Tuesday to the Texas Midwest Community Network to aid in the development of a marketing plan.

Oct. 21 -- Lineman praised in near-electrocution: COTTONWOOD - A Taylor Electric Cooperative lineman risked his life to singlehandedly rescue a fellow worker from a 35-foot pole after the friend was nearly electrocuted Monday evening.

Oct. 21 -- Junior Achievers learn about business: Attorney Thomas Wheeler introduced the concept of taxes to a second-grade Junior Achievement class Tuesday by asking the kids what they thought taxes were.

Oct. 21 -- CLEAT endorses Sharp for Lt. Governor: The Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas encouraged raising the tone of the lieutenant governor's race to substantive issue discussion Tuesday in Abilene.

Oct. 21 -- Stenholm, Izzard scheduled at candidate forum at CHS today: Congressional candidates will attempt to appeal to a new pool of voters today at Abilene Cooper High.

Oct. 21 -- Teaff to be honored at McMurry festivities: Grant Teaff, executive director of the American Football Coaches Association and former coach at McMurry and Baylor universities, will be honored as McMurry's Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Thursday.

Oct. 21 -- Police Academy is 'no breeze for anyone': Police cadet Roberto Talamantes has started to try Abilene on for size, and so far he likes the fit.

Oct. 20 -- Beer and hockey won't be mixing anytime soon in Abilene: "The Hangar" has never been confused with an airport lounge. Owing to a long-standing policy, beer, wine and booze have never flowed at the Taylor County Coliseum, the home of the fledgling Abilene Aviators. Although the city has been wet for 20 years now, the West Texas Fairgrounds have always been drier than the dirt in its rodeo arena.

Oct. 20 -- Man drives car into paint store to 'get closer to God': Investigators are weighing felony criminal mischief charges against a man who seriously hurt himself when he rammed his car into a paint store early Sunday morning "to get closer to God."

Oct. 20 -- Freshmen Seminar meant to ease the 'trauma': Judy Daniel remembers what it was like being a freshman, some years ago, at Texas Tech. "You were cast into a sea of thousands - I remember sitting in the coliseum registering and crying," she said. Now Daniel is in a position to spare other freshmen that traumatic experience, not at Texas Tech, but at McMurry University.

Oct. 20 -- Stenholm raises more money than Izzard: WASHINGTON - The rich just keep getting richer among area congressional candidates. U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm, D-Abilene, raised nearly three times more campaign cash than his Republican rival, Rudy Izzard during July, August and September, according to the latest campaign finance documents.

Oct. 20 -- Hundreds vote early on first day: More than 842 Taylor Countians had cast ballots by day's end Monday, the opening day of early voting for the Nov. 3 general election.

Oct. 20 -- Council to act on P&Z recommendation for Buffalo Gap Road rezoning: One vote by the Abilene City Council Thursday and U-Haul could be hitching up and expanding business to Buffalo Gap Road.

Oct. 20 -- Dyess' 39th gets ready for TDY in Germany: Deployments are a fact of military life. How individual members deal with preparation for them and the actual separation seemingly depends on how accustomed to the process they've become.

Oct. 20 -- Wylie school bus in wreck Monday: About 33 Wylie students were shaken a bit early Monday morning when their school bus and a Suburban collided near the intersection of U.S. 83-84 and FM 707.

Oct. 20 -- Candidate contributions reported: Family court Judge Aleta Hacker reported $8,711 in campaign contributions in her most recent finance report, the most of any Taylor County candidate.

Oct. 20 -- Local, area alums take top honors at Daniel Baker reunion: BROWNWOOD - Retired school teachers from Abilene and Blanket took two of the top three honors at the Daniel Baker College Ex-Students Association homecoming Saturday on the Howard Payne University campus.

Oct. 20 -- Big Spring flood control project nears completion: BIG SPRING - At long last, the Beals Creek flood control project is nearing completion, City Manager Gary Fuqua said Monday.

Oct. 20 -- Texas Tomorrow Fund available for private univeristy students as well: Students attending private universities can benefit from the Texas Tomorrow Fund, a "pay now, learn later" plan established by the state comptroller's office, but knowing how many do is hard to determine.

Oct. 19 -- Area teachers travel to Houston for NASA open house: No one could say it better than John Glenn. A group of local teachers had been discussing the famous astronaut's very words just minutes before he said them during the Discovery 7 news conference Thursday in NASA's Teague Auditorium at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Oct. 19 -- Shriner Circus raises funds for ailing children: In a coliseum known for horse cutting, rodeos and even hockey, Betty the elephant looked a little out of place Sunday. But who's going to tell her? After all, where does a one-ton elephant sit?

Oct. 19 -- Brownwood paving delayed: BROWNWOOD - Delays in completion of several local paving projects have left Brownwood City Council members between a rock and a hard place.

Oct. 18 -- Candidates' views on issues differ greatly: U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm seeks to replay his 1996 victory in what is touted one of the most competitive congressional races in Texas.

Oct. 18 -- Local science and math teachers visit NASA: No one could say it better than John Glenn.

Oct. 18 -- J.W. Askew of Albany has top steer of Jones Six-County Fair: ANSON -- For a few brief and wonderful moments at noon Saturday, it rained so hard here at the 1998 Jones Six-County Fair that you couldn't hear County Judge Brad Rowland announce the show over his microphone.

Oct. 18 -- Cowboy Days honor memory of Watt Matthews: ALBANY -- Watt Matthews would have loved seeing what happened at the Cowboy Days named in his honor Saturday.

Oct. 18 -- Train hobbyist loves riding the rails: Life continues to be a fun ride on the rails for one hobbyist from California.

Oct. 18 -- Oil Appreciation Celebration takes place in Scurry County: SNYDER -- More than 600 people defied depressed prices in the oil patch to celebrate three quarter-centuries contributions of the industry to the economy of Snyder and Scurry County.

Oct. 18 -- ACU names Young Alumnus of the Year: Steve Mack, president and CEO of Citizens State Bank of Cross Plains, was named the 1998 Young Alumnus of the Year at Abilene Christian University Saturday.

Oct. 18 -- List of unclaimed property available: Congratulations! You may already be the "winner" of $100 or more that's just waiting for you to claim it.

Oct. 17 -- Rain, wind ground Friday's airshow: The one-two punch of Mother Nature was enough to ground the pilots Friday during the Experimental Aircraft Association's 34th Annual Southwest Regional Fly-In.

Oct. 17 -- Abilenians asked to Make-A-Difference next weekend: Looking for an activity next Saturday that allows you to better your community, feel good about yourself, lend a helping hand and make new friends all at the same time? Make a Difference Day groups and projects

Oct. 17 -- Fire Chief recalls his worst nightmare: LUBBOCK -- Each minute seemed like hours for Oplin Fire Chief Dale Winters as he sat outside the Burn Intensive Care Unit at University Medical Center Thursday, waiting to visit his critically injured wife, Jo Ann.

Oct. 17 -- Man files lawsuit against city for playground injury: A Clyde man is suing the city of Abilene charging improper sand caused permanent injury to a young relative when the tot tumbled from a park slide two years ago.

Oct. 17 -- Teenager convicted on rape charge: A burglary and rape deemed "viciously random" by a prosecutor earned an Abilene teen 35 years behind bars Friday.

Oct. 17 -- Dairy Queens close in Stamford, Anson: STAMFORD -- Quick, how many cities in the Big Country large enough to have a traffic light don't have a Texas stop sign, also known as a Dairy Queen?

Oct. 17 -- Area News Digest: Stamford ISD receives technology grant ... Hospital to purchase air sterilization unit ... Coleman City Council adopts security ordinance ... Wet pavement caused I-20 accident

Oct. 16 -- Abilenians like what they see on opening night: Most Abilenians introduced to hockey wouldn't know Paul Coffey from decaffeinated coffee. Or Brett Hull from a peanut hull. Or a rowing oar from Bobby Orr.

Oct. 16 -- Stenholm, Izzard square off over education measures: Though not quite a schoolyard rumble, U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm and challenger Rudy Izzard tussled Thursday over how the federal government should complement local education efforts.

Oct. 16 -- Former female sprinter runs down young male suspect: SWEETWATER - Police Sgt. Deborah Crosson's days of running for the Sweetwater Mustangs' state championship track team may have been a few years ago, but the former star sprinter still has plenty of speed.

Oct. 16 -- Granbury mother handed 23-year prison term: A Granbury mother's failure to finger her ex-boyfriend as the abductor of her two young children earned her a 23-year prison sentence from an Abilene jury Thursday.

Oct. 16 -- Volunteers get airport ready for "Big Country" Fly-In: The wind whipped by everything in its path at the Abilene Regional Airport Thursday. But those with bright orange wristbands charged ahead anyway, setting up tables and packing ice, seemingly oblivious to the wind battering their blue-and-white striped tent on the northwest side of the airport.

Oct. 16 -- Clyde athlete only girl on Big Country Youth Football program: One youth league football player from Clyde doesn't have to throw or catch a touchdown pass or make a touchdown-saving tackle to attract the attention of fans at Curly Hays Field at Abilene's Rose Park.

Oct. 16 -- Santa Anna superientendent released on bond: COLEMAN - Embattled Santa Anna schools Superintendent Dean Bass was released from custody on bonds totaling $6,000 Thursday, two weeks after he was indicted by a Coleman County grand jury for alleged sexual misconduct with young female students.

Oct. 16 -- Monarchs tagged at Abilene Zoo: Larry Millar was on the job again Thursday, hoping history would repeat itself. A year ago yesterday Millar tagged a monarch butterfly that was recovered five months later in Mexico.

Oct. 16 -- Sharp says he wants to continue to make a difference: Granting Texans a chance to receive a college degree and harsher sentences for sexual predators will be Democrat John Sharp's focus if elected lieutenant governor in November.

Oct. 16 -- RRC candidate Garza campaigns in Abilene: Tony Garza, Republican railroad commissioner candidate, discussed incentives to promote domestic oil production and tax breaks that would benefit the Big Country producers Thursday in Abilene.

Oct. 16 -- Haskell requests additional prison facilities: HASKELL - Haskell County citizens, already in favor of building the Rolling Plains Regional Jail for the jobs it would bring to the region, are now anxious to host a companion facility that would house up to 500 more Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmates.

Oct. 16 -- Oplin volunteer fire department tragedy recalled: LUBBOCK - Each minute seemed like hours for Oplin Fire Chief Dale Winters as he sat outside the Burn Intensive Care Unit at University Medical Center Thursday, waiting to visit his critically injured wife, Jo Ann.

Oct. 16 -- Rolling Plains Industrial Foundation formed: Representatives of five area counties have organized the Rolling Plains Industrial Foundation to market the region.

Oct. 15 -- Local jury convicts Granbury woman in connection with daughter's death: An Abilene jury convicted a Granbury woman Wednesday for failing to respond to her daughter's screams as she was beaten, raped and, with her younger brother, abducted.

Oct. 15 -- Aviators' presence here could have 'chilling' effect: When the Jackalopes skated into Odessa, hockey enthusiasts came out of the woodwork. They snatched up hockey gear from local sporting goods shops. The Odessa mall's owner found the ice rink idea romantic enough to justify doubling the mall's size to accommodate one.

Oct. 15 -- So, what do you wear to a hockey game? What's a hockey fan to wear? Tonight is the debut of the Abilene Aviator's season; it's 80-plus degrees outside and downright icy inside the Taylor County Coliseum.

Oct. 15 -- 'File of Life' could save a person's life: What's on a person's refrigerator door could save a life. It's not the pictures of children or grandchildren, the yellowed comic strips or sayings on refrigerator magnets, but the File of Life.

Oct. 15 -- Special stamp will add millions of dollars to fight for breast cancer cure: Research advocates, the U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison hope that 8 small cents will make a $16 million difference in finding a cure for breast cancer.

Oct. 15 -- Patrol investigators to take bite out of property crimes: A new breed of patrol officer hit the streets of Abilene this month. You might call them a kind of hybrid.

Oct. 15 -- Cattlemen's Round-Up passes $210,000 mark Wednesday: STEPHENVILLE - The 1998 Cattlemen's Round-Up for Rehab special sale at Stephenville Cattle Company raised $10,500 here Wednesday.

Oct. 15 -- ACU to honor three alumni at Gutenberg dinner: Three alumni of Abilene Christian University, including the co-producer of the hit movie "Saving Private Ryan" will be honored during the Gutenberg dinner at 6:30 tonight at ACU.

Oct. 15 -- Some signs of domestic violence not visible: Domestic violence tends to have two victims, the one being physically abused and the other who is totally unfamiliar with the subject.

Oct. 14 -- Interest in bringing anti-missile system to Dyess high: Seventeen members of the Texas congressional delegation have drafted a letter to Air Force officials expressing interest in bringing an anti-missile system to Dyess Air Force Base.

Oct. 14 -- Taylor County commissioners OK night court: Justice of the Peace Rex Andrew begins working the night shift next month. Taylor County commissioners on Tuesday approved Andrew's request to hold small claims court after 5 p.m. to accommodate litigants' work schedules.

Oct. 14 -- Ice ready for Aviator's home opener: Everything's cool for the Abilene Aviators' first season-opening hockey match against the Waco Wizards.

Oct. 14 -- Colorado City school board says no to out-of-town band banquet: COLORADO CITY - By a split vote, the Colorado City school board has continued to "just say no" to allowing the high school band to have a semi-annual banquet in Abilene.

Oct. 14 -- Towers sale has revitalization ramifications: The sale of the Abilene Towers Apartments messed up at least one man's agenda. Tax Increment Financing District Board President Mike Young hoped to develop task forces Tuesday to better address a successful downtown revitalization effort.

Oct. 14 -- Teachers group lobbies for more class-size regulations: Seeking legislation to regulate class sizes and eliminate waivers, the Association of Texas Professional Educators presented its platform at Wylie High School Tuesday.

Oct. 14 -- Locals named finalists for downtown awards: The T&P Historic District and Abilene downtown management have each been named finalists for the Texas Downtown Association's annual statewide awards.

Oct. 14 -- Taste of Abilene has something for everyone's stomach: The dream of many food lovers came true in a big way Tuesday night at the Abilene Civic Center. About 1,500 people were expected to taste barbecued ribs, bacon-wrapped shrimp, cheddar biscuits, roasted tenderloin, chicken nuggets, ice cream or German chocolate pie, and other delicacies during the Taste of Abilene.

Oct. 14 -- ACU homecoming this week: An autograph signing and a fountain dedication will be part of Abilene Christian University's homecoming activities this weekend.

Oct. 14 -- Lowe's heroes are rewarded: A group of about six Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse employees called Lowe's Heroes have been awarded $1,000 by their parent company for their efforts to improve the living conditions of one area family whose son suffers from a rare medical problem and for their efforts to improve home safety in local homes.

Oct. 14 -- Local teacher elected state president of ATPE: With more than a decade of teaching under her belt, Amy White has hit the road in support of public education.

Oct. 13 -- Abilene Towers Apartments sold, will be renovated: The Abilene Towers Apartments has been sold to Abilene Wooten Inc. for redevelopment. Finalized Friday for an undisclosed amount of money, the deal has some city officials cheering.

Oct. 13 -- Nearby businesses delighted Towers sold: Businesses adjacent to Abilene Towers Apartments were delighted with the announcement the building was purchased by an Austin developer, promising renovations.

Oct. 13 -- Residents abuzz about sale of Abilene Towers: In the whirlwind created by the recent sale of the Abilene Towers Apartments to a private developer in Austin, said Jack Burnett, one key element has been forgotten: the tenants.

Oct. 13 -- AISD board raises concerns about TAAS math results: The Abilene school board raised many concerns about the state of students' math skills because of test results reported at Monday's board meeting.

Oct. 13 -- Wylie ISD audit gets A-OK: The Wylie Independent School district received a thumbs-up for its 1997-98 audit, with no major problem area identified.

Oct. 13 -- Honors presented at AISD board meeting: The presentation of several honors led a full Abilene school board meeting Monday that addressed plans for a community leadership forum and the construction of a new facility to serve low-income families.

Oct. 13 -- Hey, Ladies' Home Journal ... all our women look great! To take a gander at the new Ladies' Home Journal, one gets the idea Abilene is overrun with spiritually alive women who might finish first in heaven but dead-last in any beauty contest on earth.

Oct. 13 -- JP to ask commissioners for permission to hold night court: Justice won't stop at sundown in Judge Rex Andrew's court if he can make his case today. The Precinct 1 Place 1 justice of the peace will seek Taylor County commissioners' permission this morning to hold court at night, a move to accommodate litigants with busy work and school schedules.

Oct. 13 -- HSU band suspended from Mississippi game due to hazing: An incident "that could be construed as hazing" led to the suspension Saturday of the Hardin-Simmons University Cowboy Band for the football game with Mississippi College, the dean of students said.

Oct. 13 -- Escapee caught after wild chase: COLORADO CITY - An Alabama prison escapee led an army of lawmen on a wild, 48-minute chase that disabled three patrol cars and didn't end until the determined suspect finally ran out of room Monday.

Oct. 13 -- Former Winters cheerleader killed in car wreck: WINTERS - A recent Winters High School graduate was killed in a one-car accident early Monday, only hours after she had helped her grandparents serve dinner to visitors to the annual St. Boniface Catholic Church Fall Festival at Olfen.

Oct. 13 -- Sweetwater names top citizens: SWEETWATER - Agnes Roberson, who retired from the classroom but not from education, was named Sweetwater's Citizen of the Year by the Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce Monday.

Oct. 13 -- ACU, McMurry has "under review" status lifted: The education departments at Abilene Christian and McMurry universities are once again accredited with no strings attached.

Oct. 13 -- Stenholm makes LCVA's "Dirty Dozen" ad campaign: The League of Conservation Voters Action Fund launched its "Dirty Dozen" advertising campaign Monday in Abilene to remove Rep. Charles Stenholm from office because of his voting record on environmental issues.

Oct. 13 -- Man gets 12 years for breaking daughter's leg: An Abilene man has agreed to a 12-year prison sentence for breaking his 5-month-old daughter's leg with an angry twist.

Oct. 13 -- ACU Homecoming candidates announced: Ten young women have been elected to serve at the 1998 Homecoming Court at Abilene Christian University.

Oct. 12 -- Resolution of water main break grievances stalled: Despite a tour of his home by city officials, Bois D'Arc Street resident Terry Burch said little progress is being made to fix damage to his home caused by an August water main break.

Oct. 12 -- CROP Walk helps people who need food here and abroad: Tanner didn't understand what all the fuss was about. Surrounded by a flurry of activity and people, the little dog sat patiently at the feet of his owner, 13-year old Shayla Henry, at Holy Family Catholic Church and waited for his cue to start walking. Henry, however, said she understood the importance of the 3.1 mile CROP Walk.

Oct. 12 -- Former Roscoe athlete killed in wreck: ROSCOE - Roscoe High School's weekend homecoming activities were saddened by the early Saturday death of one of its youngest alumni.

Oct. 12 -- When it comes to appealing to women, Mesquite and Abilene mentioned, survey says: HOUSTON (AP) - If you're a Texas woman looking for good salaries, short commute times, low crime and day care, Mesquite is your kind of town ... and Abilene, too.

Oct. 12 -- AISD board to receive TAAS tests (WISD) : School officials will present the Abilene board today with scores for exit level TAAS tests taken during summer months.

Oct. 12 -- Barrel competition gives everyone "the opportunity to compete": Participants with all ranges of experience had an equal shot at winning the regional qualifying rounds of the National Barrel Horse Championship in Abilene.

Oct. 11 -- Housing authorities meeting community needs: Your local housing authority is most likely a quiet, behind the scenes organization, unnoticed by most citizens most of the time.

Oct. 11 -- Fly-in to attract more than 700 airplanes: Aviation enthusiasts can expect a high flying good time this week at the Abilene Regional Airport.

Oct. 11 -- A world unto itself: BROWNWOOD -- Diners at the Brownwood Country Club glanced up from their salad and sirloin one Saturday night to see gun-toting strangers descending on the kitchen.

Oct. 11 -- Best-selling author endured many rejections: After receiving hundreds of rejection slips, some authors tend to give up on trying to write that best-selling book that is suppose to help them retire.

Oct. 10 -- Yugoslavian doctor searches for a spiritual cure: Dr. Emina Karamanovski knows what her warring Yugoslavian countrymen need more than anything, and she came to Abilene to learn how to dispense it.

Oct. 10 -- Abilene builds better roads with crushed glass: San Angelo city officials found themselves with 40 tons of unwanted broken glass on their hands, so they gave it to Abilene to build better roads.

Oct. 10 -- Read-a-thon encourages students to read: Wylie Intermediate dedicated an entire day to reading for its second annual Read-a-thon Friday.

Oct. 10 -- GOP wants to fill in seats in the Texas House of Representatives: AUSTIN -- Republicans hope to fill 20 of the Texas House seats up for re-election Nov. 3 with members of their party.

Oct. 10 -- Date set for Holiday Tables: Elegance for all seasons will fill the halls at the Abilene Woman's Club today as "Absolutely Wonderful Creations" are displayed during the seventh annual Holiday Tables fund-raising event.

Oct. 10 -- Abilenians killed en route to bible conference: Sheila Badon worked with adults at Serenity House, but her real passion was "her kids" at her church, co-workers said Friday.

Oct. 10 -- Potosi fire department recognized: POTOSI -- Potosi volunteer firefighters were honored this week by the Texas Railroad Commission, along with Abilene area propane dealers, for their commitment to propane safety training.

Oct. 10 -- Area News Digest: Knox, Haskell at-risk youth to receive services ... Hawley man sentenced in fraud case ... Cisco honors late mayor ... Haskell store settles lawsuit

Oct. 9 -- Stenholm, other area lawmakers vote for inquiry: WASHINGTON - In the end, all area lawmakers wanted to go forward with impeachment proceedings, but some disagreed over what issues to investigate and how long the investigation should take.

Oct. 9 -- Callahan capital murder trial delayed: BAIRD - Capital murder trials for a Clyde woman and the two men she allegedly hired to kill her husband have been postponed from their initial Nov. 2 setting until March 22, 1999.

Oct. 9 -- Abilene could add 10 officers: Uncle Sam will help Abilene put as many as 10 extra police officers on the street sometime next year, if the police department staffs to full authorized strength first.

Oct. 9 -- McMurry Lectures: A teacher can be 'a kind of missionary': Regardless of vocation, all Christians are called to develop their minds and use their intellects to spread the gospel message.

Oct. 9 -- Dyess personnel participate in 'Fire Drills: The Great Escape': Donning silver suits and gas masks, Lt Col. David Biesheuvel and MSgt. Steve Keck charged into the smokey house. Within three minutes, they had found the first body and thrown it from the home. The second body was dragged from the house two minutes later, stiff, not moving, face down.

Oct. 9 -- Son testifies against his mother: A young boy offered muddled testimony against his mother, who testified later in the day, Thursday, alternately saying the Granbury woman didn't hear his murdered sister's cries for help and that she was afraid to confront the girl's attacker.

Oct. 9 -- Fire prevention signs available to ranchers starting today: With fire potential still great from the Drought of '98, the Texas Forest Service is making special signs available free to area ranchers starting today.

Oct. 9 -- During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, stories of victims retold through exhibit: An unusual exhibit in the lobby of NationsBank details a chilling and sad story. Ask the relatives of any one of the 50 women whose stories are told on life-size, free-standing silhouettes at the bank, and they will tell you their loved ones didn't deserve to die the way they did.

Oct. 9 -- 911 budget OK'd by City Council: After six weeks of being tabled, the Taylor County 911 budget was approved by the Abilene City Council Thursday.

Oct. 9 -- History professor discusses Balkan fighting at convention: Warring factions in Balkan countries could take a page from United States history and just call it quits if they are truly tired of fighting.

Oct. 9 -- Hawley man sentenced for fraud conviction: A Hawley man has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison and ordered to repay $1.4 million he swindled from Abilene's United Bank & Trust.

Oct. 9 -- Food Bank distribution each Friday: The Food Bank of Abilene will distribute bread and produce free to the public each Friday morning.

Oct. 9 -- "Unstress Day" at ACU today: The ACU family will get the chance to dunk one of its favorite members into a tank of chilly water this morning as part of plan to relieve stress on campus.

Oct. 8 -- Bush, campaigning here, says he will cut taxes: Gov. George W. Bush said Wednesday he will cut taxes if re-elected in November.

Oct. 8 -- Hobby talks about budget surplus in campaign stop here: Democratic comptroller candidate Paul Hobby emphasized frugally spending the budget surplus and his business experience in his campaign.

Oct. 8 -- Students preparing seriously for Geography Bee: Name the body of water between Greenland and New Foundland. Stumped? Just ask a group of fourth- and fifth-graders at Valley View Elementary.

Oct. 8 -- How safe are you in your home? Money can't buy a valuable home security service provided by the Community Services Unit of the Abilene Police Department.

Oct. 8 -- Female Stephenville power lifter takes school to mat: STEPHENVILLE - Stephenville High School's only female powerlifter, with the help of the federal government, has taken the local school district to the mat on a heavyweight sex discrimination complaint.

Oct. 8 -- Taking responsibility for own mental health is essential: For years, Steve fought a battle with himself. The struggle within made it difficult for him to live a normal, day-to-day life, although he is an intelligent, educated and well-spoken man.

Oct. 8 -- Hendrick Medical Center to participate in breast cancer study: FORT WORTH - Every morning for four years, Debra Smith swallowed two tiny pills, hoping they would help shield her from the breast cancer that took her mother's life.

Oct. 8 -- Subject of "Last Rights" dies: At 8:45 Wednesday morning Diamond Anderson got his wish. He died.

Oct. 8 -- HSU to host youth groups Saturday: Youth groups from area Baptist congregations are expected to descend on the campus of Hardin-Simmons University Saturday for the annual Big Country Youth Day.

Oct. 7 -- Another 911 employee to be hired: Taylor County commissioners dispatched more help to the sheriff's 911 call-takers Tuesday, agreeing to hire another employee.

Oct. 7 -- Plaintiff in fatal shooting by police dies: GORMAN - The widow of a 96-year-old Gorman man shot to death by law enforcement officers earlier this year died Tuesday in a De Leon nursing home.

Oct. 7 -- Testimony begins in Granbury trial of mother whose children were murdered: A Granbury woman stoically sat on a tailgate swinging her feet while "everyone in the world" desperately searched for her missing children last year, evidence she knew the youngsters were dead, a prosecutor argued Tuesday.

Oct. 7 -- Many rural communities struggling to exist today: A farmer and his wife on the porch, some children under a big shade tree, the family dog in the yard and - even some smiling, contented cows nearby.

Oct. 7 -- Silver-Haired Legislature biding its time: HASKELL - Members of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature are waiting until after the Nov. 3 general election to start pushing for some of the legislation they passed at their recent session in Austin.

Oct. 7 -- T&P warehouse close to becoming The Railhead Grill: A visitor walking through the T&P Freight Warehouse might not think much work has been done.

Oct. 7 -- GOP TV ad campaign launched in area: WASHINGTON - The National Republican Congressional Committee launched a $7 million television advertising campaign Tuesday in 50 congressional districts nationwide, including the 17th District of West Texas.

Oct. 7 -- Young athlete gets TAAF award for Abilene: Jake Warren didn't know he was the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation's first athlete of the year for Abilene.

Oct. 7 -- Christian philosopher to speak at McMurry lectures: C. Stephen Evans, recognized as one of the leading voices for Christian philosophy in our culture, will be featured speaker at the 1998 Carleton-Willson Lectures at McMurry University Thursday.

Oct. 7 -- Ag commissioner candidate campaigns here: The U.S. should require higher standards from agriculture products grown in other countries to level the playing field for American farmers, an agriculture commissioner candidate said Tuesday.

Oct. 7 -- Cables collecting traffic data all over the city: For 48 hours every five years, Abilene streets look like they're being attacked by garden hoses. But the cable draped across some of the busier city streets are crucial in determining traffic counts, said Joe Clark, a planner with the Texas Department of Transportation.

Oct. 7 -- Magic Mirror closes doors: Magic Mirror Fitness Center, an Abilene women's health club, closed its doors at the end of September, with people close to the situation saying the gym's roof needed repairs too extensive to justify buying the building.

Oct. 7 -- KTAB awaiting a part to get back on air: KTAB-TV is struggling to resume broadcasting after disappearing from local airwaves Monday.

Oct. 7 -- Most of crape myrtles are gone: Myrtle's almost gone, so there's no time to lose.

Oct. 7 -- Let your fingers do the walking before you start digging: If you plan to machine-dig more than 16 inches into the earth, better check with the One-Call Board of Texas.

Oct. 6 -- Tax statements should be in today's mail: First the bad news: Today's mail may bring a bill for one of life's two certainties. The good news? It's not from the grim reaper.

Oct. 6 -- Council to decide on police force's Y2K issues: With one vote Thursday, the Abilene City Council could help usher the police department into the 21st century.

Oct. 6 -- Former ACU student arraigned on capital murder charges: RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Bryan Modglin of Abilene was arraigned Monday on capital murder charges here in the slaying last month of a father about to pick up his son at a day care center.

Oct. 6 -- Trial begins for mother of slain girl: ABILENE (AP) - A boy who was beaten and left for dead in a cemetery is expected to be the key witness against his mother, who is accused of failing to protect him and his murdered sister.

Oct. 6 -- Smokey Bear ushers in fire prevention week here: A national celebrity delighted first-graders at Bonham Elementary on Monday. When Smokey Bear stuck his mammoth head in the doorway of Deborah Kemp's first-grade classroom, high-pitched cheers erupted.

Oct. 6 -- Santa Anna school superintendent appeals: SANTA ANNA - Indicted Santa Anna school superintendent Dean Bass has appealed the Santa Anna school board's decision to terminate him for alleged sexual indecencies with students.

Oct. 6 -- Local professor fights "brain drain" here: Chad Martin could be scratching his way to the top of the music charts in Nashville right now, but he stayed in Abilene after graduation to pursue another dream.

Oct. 6 -- Unified road systems get support around area: If Shackelford County citizens wind up hopelessly divided over whether a county fares best with one or four road districts, they'll be joining the crowd.

Oct. 6 -- Will Shackelford voters have a say in road maintenance? ALBANY - Hundreds of Shackelford County residents want the county's voters to have a say in how the county approaches road maintenance matters.

Oct. 6 -- Club earns matching grant: The Boys & Girls Club of Abilene has met its match to earn a $42,000 grant from an anonymous donor.

Oct. 6 -- Champions intersection could be rezoned general commercial: U-Haul might be just one step away from setting up shop on Buffalo Gap Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended at its Monday meeting the rezoning of the southeast corner of Buffalo Gap and Champions Drive from shopping center to general commercial.

Oct. 5 -- Izzard criticizes Stenholm's agricultural votes: Congressional candidate Rudy Izzard criticized Rep. Charles Stenholm's votes on agricultural issues during a press conference Saturday in Abilene.

Oct. 5 -- Annual Life Chain brings out people for "unborn children": More than 150 people gathered Sunday on Buffalo Gap Road in the name of unborn children.

Oct. 5 -- Family law court candidates debate before sparse crowd: Candidates for Taylor County's family law court clashed Sunday over whether greater use of "jail therapy" would prompt deadbeat parents into paying overdue child support.

Oct. 5 -- Our Slice of Texas: Kiwanis Turkey Shoot scheduled, etc.

Oct. 4 -- United Way offers a helping hand: The image of an open hand impressed Lisa Miller long before she needed the agency behind it. United Way programs

Oct. 4 -- Confessions made by criminals rarely suppressed: Jay Hatcher and Ed Paynter have done this dance before.

Oct. 4 -- Jousting demonstrations presented in Buffalo Gap: The West Texas Renaissance Faire is getting a point across to audiences that chivalrous solutions to problems apply to today's society.

Oct. 4 -- Ft. Griffin celebration attracts a full house: FORT GRIFFIN -- Celebration was in the air Saturday as a crowd of visitors descended on Fort Griffin State Historical Park to commemorate the 75th Diamond Jubilee of Texas' state park system.

Oct. 4 -- Benefit for Oprah House project extends beyond music: Relaxation is just a whistle away for an Abilene entertainer.

Oct. 4 -- Writers to talk during Watt Matthews Days: ALBANY -- A Western Writers Symposium during the upcoming Watt Matthews Days will include the literary talents of Elmer Kelton, A.C. Greene, John Graves and Joan Stocks Nobles.

Oct. 4 -- Red Cross workers sent to help hurricane victims: Hurricane Georges has gone, but the storm's catastrophic results will be around for a long time.

Oct. 3 -- Abilene teachers have triplets: Years of prayers, persistence and little sleep finally paid off for Jeff and Denise Harrell on Sept. 9 -- in triplicate. Fund raiser begun by wet paper

Oct. 3 -- House-in-a-Week Project helps two families: Christmas is still three months away, but Santa Claus will visit one Abilene family today.

Oct. 3 -- Candidate for governor hits the pavement to explain position on schools: Gubernatorial Democratic candidate Garry Mauro hit the streets of Abilene Friday to get out his message about education.

Oct. 3 -- Democrat wants to reform Railroad Commission: Democratic candidate Joe Henderson wants change on the Texas Railroad Commission, and he wouldn't mind being a minority if that's what it took to make that change.

Oct. 3 -- Abilenian named interim superintendent at Albany: ALBANY -- Dr. Jeri Pfeifer of Abilene has tentatively accepted the position of interim superintendent of the Albany school system.

Oct. 3 -- Security surveys may not be a bargain: If a telemarketer calls to offer you a home security survey for only $29, don't be so quick to snap up the bargain.

Oct. 3 -- Remembering Gene Autry Day in Abilene: Gene Autry was the man of the hour one golden day nearly a half century ago in Abilene.

Oct. 2 -- Outstanding Citizen of the Year honored at banquet: Joe Ed Canon was named "Outstanding Citizen of the Year" Thursday night at the annual banquet of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.

Oct. 2 -- William Bennett speaks his mind in Abilene: America has moved backwards morally and spirituality in the last three decades, according to Dr. William Bennett.

Oct. 2 -- Swiss Support Squadron visits Dyess: Switzerland isn't usually known for its military.

Oct. 2 -- Former police chief agrees to plea bargain: A former Rising Star police chief pleaded guilty Thursday to funneling into his own pocket public dollars meant to fund a fellow officer's salary.

Oct. 2 -- Airport officials receive grant from FAA to study airports: AUSTIN -- Texas airport officials received a $383,000 grant this week to study problems -- ranging from pricey air fares to a lack of flights being offered -- at small and mid-sized airports like the Abilene Regional Airport.

Oct. 2 -- Children bring pets to church to be blessed: King and Kong received their annual blessing Thursday.

Oct. 2 -- Texas counties launch Wreath Project in honor of breast cancer research: Local and statewide breast cancer awareness campaigns use grapevines -- whether word-of-mouth or the vine itself -- to emphasize the importance of early detection.

Oct. 2 -- Prison guard pleads guilty to to robbery: A one-time prison guard pleaded guilty Thursday to the armed robbery of a Loraine bank, a crime that yielded $8,551 in party money.

Oct. 2 -- Public hearing attracts 41 people in Sweetwater: SWEETWATER -- A public hearing concerning the possible expansion of a treatment center for prisoners drew the attention of 41 people Thursday night.

Oct. 2 -- Area News Digest: Big Spring murder suspect to stand trial ... Snyder school administrator leaving ... Comanche murder suspect arrested ... Roscoe approves expanded local calling

Oct. 1 -- Murder charges filed against former ACU student/airman: RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Riverside County prosecutors on Wednesday took the first step needed to seek the death penalty against a former Abilene university student and airman.

Oct. 1 -- Supreme Court incumbent Abbott campaign here: A self-described "true judicial conservative" is seeking re-election to the Texas Supreme Court in November.

Oct. 1 -- Early-warning signs important in treating heart: Abilene resident Shirley Musick is lucky. Less than a month after visiting her doctor for a routine physical examination and mentioning a slight discomfort in her chest, Musick underwent successful quadruple-bypass surgery at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Oct. 1 -- Wylie ISD signs exclusivity contract with Pepsi: The Wylie school district is about to become part of the Pepsi generation. This fall, school officials will receive $102,000 from Pepsi/Dr Pepper/7-Up Bottling Co.

Oct. 1 -- Teachers of the Year give others credit: Two Abilene women named regional Teachers of the Year Wednesday quickly tried to shift the spotlight elsewhere.

Oct. 1 -- Land commissioner candidate Dewhurst stops in Abilene: Republican land commissioner candidate David Dewhurst wants to increase state lands' earnings to provide more funding for public education.

Oct. 1 -- Voter registration deadline is Monday: The deadline for registering to vote in the Nov. 3 general election is Monday.

Oct. 1 -- Park system to be celebrated at Fort Griffin: FORT GRIFFIN - Fort Griffin State Historical Park will celebrate four events Friday and Saturday as part of the state park system's 75th Diamond Jubilee Celebration.

Oct. 1 -- United Way's annual Blitz Day to gather thousands of dollars: United Way of Abilene set about gathering its $17,500 goal Wednesday with its Annual Entrepreneurs' Blitz Day.