Reporter-News salutes

'Going Home'

Museums of Abilene, which today opens "Going Home with David Diaz," an exhibition of book cover illustrations that will officially launch the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, to be housed in the Grace Cultural Center beginning next month. Diaz was in town this week, working with local elementary school students. He'll do so again Sept. 11.

Joint Venture

The Joint Venture for Crippled Children, Friday night's annual benefit for the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, this year featuring the Oak Ridge Boys as headliners. Thanks to all the people in the community who make this gift to children possible, especially Wes-Tex Drilling and First National Bank, who've helped guarantee this year's is a financial success.

Welcome back

Students returning to our three private universities - Hardin-Simmons, McMurry and Abilene Christian. Classes begin Monday, and we wish the students, faculty and staff a productive and enjoyable year.

Thanks, Dogs

The Abilene Prairie Dogs, who close out their season tonight in Amarillo. They didn't repeat as league champs this year, but the Dogs still gave Abilene some great baseball and plenty of enjoyable evenings. Thanks, guys!

Honored in Haskell

Haskell pharmacist Doyle High, named Pharmacist of the Year by the Texas Pharmacy Association.

A sports history

Dr. Merlin Morrow of Hardin-Simmons University, who has completed a history of 100 years of athletics at the school. The former HSU athletic director worked two years to dig back to 1897, coming up with 366 photographs, plenty of details and every sportslovers' weakness, statistics.

Honoring clergy

The Kiwanis Club of Abilene, which held its annual clergy appreciation luncheon this week, recognizing the hard work and dedication of our local religious leaders.

Thanks for giving

United Way volunteers and the public and private employees of our community who are now contributing to this year's campaign. Forty-four "trailblazer companies" are two-thirds of the way to their goal, leading the way to raising $2 million for multiple good causes this year. Thanks!

Fantastick!

Abilene Christian University's theater department, which has produced an outstanding version of "The Fantasticks," running this weekend and the next.

Refreshment for a cause

Last but not least, Sterling and Hudson Beard, two youngsters who ended their summer by running a lemonade stand to help raise money to promote a new library in Abilene.