Optimist Club Unlimited's 25th annual three-day Big Country Balloon Fest will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at Redbud Park, 3125 S. 32nd St.

 

Food, crafts, entertainment and more will be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with opening ceremonies at 5:45 p.m., a balloon flight at 6 p.m. and a balloon glow at 8:15 p.m.

 

Events with continue Saturday with a balloon flight at 7:30 a.m., entertainment starting at 9 a.m., vendors at 10 a.m., a flight at 7 p.m. and a balloon glow at 8:15 p.m. The festival will conclude with a flight at 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

 

For information, go to bigcountryballoonfest.org.

 

Pops at the Pond

 

The Hardin-Simmons University Theatre Department will present its "Pops at the Pond" concert at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the duck pond on campus. Listeners are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is free.

 

Storybook Saturday

 

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council will present a Storybook Saturday event, "Tale as Old as Time," at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. Sixth St.

 

 

Abilene Christian University theater students will present selections from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" musical and cellist Amit Peled will perform and read from his book, "A Cello Named Pablo." Other events include art activities, face painting and an instrument petting zoo.

 

Admission is $10 per family, and advance registration is required. Register at abilenecac.org.

 

'The Curious Incident'

A production of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St.

 

Tickets are $18. For tickets or information, go to paramountabilene.com.

 

 

Ed Boone (Keith Rocco) tries to comfort his son, Christopher, (Wade Byington) in this rehearsal scene from "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," which will be performed Friday and Saturday evenings at the Paramount Theatre.

 

Birthday concert

 

A birthday celebration concert for local musician Happy Fat — as well as for Play Faire Park's favorite pup, Mr. Watson — will begin at 7:45 p.m. Saturday at the park's stage, 2300 N. Second St. Ricky Ramirez and the Groove Kids also will perform.

 

Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and under. Dogs are free with a paying adult.

 

And more ...

 

• MERKEL — The Merkel homecoming will begin with a pep rally at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Merkel High School, with a parade at 3 p.m. in downtown Merkel. A dinner will be served for $10 from 5-7 p.m. at Merkel Methodist Church.

 

• COTTONWOOD — The Cottonwood Country Musical will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Cottonwood Community Center. Admission is free. The kitchen will open at 5 p.m. For more information, call 325-660-5771.
• A free showing of "Holmes & Watson," rated PG-13, will be presented at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Mockingbird Lane branch of the Abilene Public Library, 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane.

 

• The Abilene Cactus Lions Club will conduct its third annual fish fry from 4-8 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech St. Admission is $10, with desserts sold for $1.

 

• BUFFALO GAP — A fundraiser concert benefiting Camp Able will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Red Dirt Pavilion, 1302 Pecan St. in Buffalo Gap. House Band #1, Morgan Reatherford and Kirk House will perform. General admission is free.

 

• OLD GLORY — The Old Glory Musical will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Old Glory Community Center. Concessions will open at 5:30 p.m. For information, call 940-989-2966 or 940-989-2816.

 

• Abilene Pride Alliance will conduct a "Big Gay Cookout" at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Swenson House, 1726 Swenson St. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served. Participants are encouraged to bring a side.

 

• A pop-up country western dance featuring Midnight Blue will be 7-10 p.m. Saturday in the garage of The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the door, or free for children under 10. For information, go to ellerhall.com.

 

• A celebration of the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at VFW Post 6873, 1049 Veterans Drive. Admission is free.

 

 

By Nathaniel Ellsworth

Copyright © 2019, Abilene Reporter News. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Maintenance work is causing lane closures on Ridgemont Drive, the first target for reconstruction using the city's new Street Maintenance Fund, according to a city of Abilene news release.

 

The two eastern lanes of Ridgemont Drive are closed for surface milling, with the western lanes converted for two-way traffic. Reduced speeds are recommended, especially while turning onto Ridgemont Drive from South Clack Street.

 

The project cost is $993,833.

 

Following a non-binding election on May 5, 2018, the Street Maintenance Fund was approved by Abilene City Council the following month. Customers first were assessed the fee with the January 2019 bill.

 

The fund is expected to generate about $4.5 million annually from fees charged to property owners. 

 

To seed the fund, the Development Corporation of Abilene also contributed $1.5 million.

 

Work on Ridgemont Drive is expected to take approximately three months.

 

Drivers and property owners with concerns can contact the city's engineering services at 325-676-6281.

 

 

By Nathaniel Ellsworth

Copyright © 2019, Abilene Reporter News. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Optimist Club Unlimited's 25th annual three-day Big Country Balloon Fest will begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 27 at Redbud Park, 3125 S. 32nd St.

 

Food, crafts, entertainment and more will be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with opening ceremonies at 5:45 p.m., a balloon flight at 6 p.m., and a balloon glow at 8:15 p.m.

 

Events with continue Sept. 28 with a balloon flight at 7:30 a.m., entertainment starting at 9 a.m., vendors at 10 a.m., a flight at 7 p.m. and a balloon glow at 8:15 p.m.

 

The festival will conclude with a flight at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 29.

 

For information, go to bigcountryballoonfest.org.

 

'Journey With My Jewishness'

 

Cellist Amit Peled will present "Journey With My Jewishness" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Williams Performing Arts Center at Abilene Christian University. A reception, with a meet and greet, will begin at 6:30 p.m.

 

Concert-only tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets for the concert and reception are $35. For tickets or information, go to abilenephilharmonic.org.

 

Storybook Saturday

 

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council will present a Storybook Saturday event, "Tale as Old as Time," at 10 a.m. Sept. 28 at the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. Sixth St.

 

Abilene Christian University theater students will present selections from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" musical and cellist Amit Peled will perform and read from his book, "A Cello Named Pablo." Other events include art activities, face painting and an instrument petting zoo.

 

Admission is $10 per family, and advance registration is required. Register at abilenecac.org.

 

Zoobilation

 

The annual Zoobilation gala fundraiser will begin at 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Abilene Zoo, 2070 Zoo Lane. The theme will be "Sippin' Safari," featuring a dinner, silent auction and a variety of animal appearances.

 

Individual tickets are $125. For tickets or information, go to abilenezoo.org.

 

Day of the Woman

 

The "Day of the Woman" lunch and learn program, featuring Dr. Leanne Young, will be presented from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Hunter Welcome Center at Abilene Christian University. Lunch will be provided.

 

Advance registration is required. RSVP to 325-696-0646 or elyse.lewis@ttuhsc.edu.

 

Abilene Preservation awards

 

The Abilene Preservation League will present honors for local architecture at an awards ceremony dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Gerhart Hall at Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St. Historian Jay Moore will be the featured speaker. 

 

Tickets are $125, and must be purchased by Monday. For tickets, go to abilenepreservation.org.

 

Philharmonic concert

 

The Abilene Philharmonic will present its "Masterworks I" concert, "The Heavenly Life," at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. Sixth St. Amit Peled and Lynnette Chambers will be the featured performers.

 

For tickets or information, go to abilenephilharmonic.org or call 325-677-6710.

 

And more ...

 

• Kathryn Sonenshine will present a program on using 2-1-1 to find assistance from 3-4 p.m. Wednesday at the Mockingbird Lane branch of the Abilene Public Library, 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane. Admission is free.

 

• MERKEL — The Merkel homecoming will begin with a pep rally at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 27 at Merkel High School, with a parade at 3 p.m. in downtown Merkel. A dinner will be served for $10 from 5-7 p.m. at Merkel Methodist Church.

 

 

• COTTONWOOD — The Cottonwood Country Musical will begin at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Cottonwood Community Center. Admission is free. The kitchen will open at 5 p.m. For more information, call 325-660-5771.

 

• The Hardin-Simmons University Theatre Department will present its "Pops at the Pond" concert at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the duck pond on campus. Listeners are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is free.

 

• Virginia Zak, president of the Buffalo Gap Chapter of the Texas Federation of Republican Women, will present a workshop on understanding the Constitution from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Abilene Public Library, 202 Cedar St. Registration is required. To register, call 325-676-6025.

 

• A free showing of "Holmes & Watson," rated PG-13, will be presented at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Mockingbird Lane branch of the Abilene Public Library, 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane.

 

•  Abilene Cactus Lions Club will conduct its third annual fish fry from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 28 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech St. Admission is $10, with desserts sold for $1.

 

• BUFFALO GAP — A fundraiser concert benefiting Camp Able will begin at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Red Dirt Pavilion, 1302 Pecan St. in Buffalo Gap. House Band #1, Morgan Reatherford and Kirk House will perform. General admission is free.

 

• Abilene Pride Alliance will conduct a "Big Gay Cookout" at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Swenson House, 1726 Swenson St. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served. Participants are encouraged to bring a side.

 

• A pop-up country western dance featuring Midnight Blue will be 7-10 p.m. Sept. 28 in the garage of The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the door, or free for children under 10. For information, go to ellerhall.com.

 

• A celebration of the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will begin at 2 p.m. Sept. 29 at VFW Post 6873, 1049 Veterans Drive. Admission is free.

 

 

By Nathaniel Ellworth

Copyright © 2019, Abilene Reporter News. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

It takes more than a little bit of rain to stop tailgaters, especially when it's the Crosstown Showdown between Abilene and Cooper high schools.

 

A deejay, a handful of smokers, one or two grills and a lot of people milled about, ate, and maybe even danced a little before Friday's game at Shotwell Stadium.

 

It was the 59th meeting between the Eagles and Cougars.

 

Ali Nelson, 5, twirls her umbrella as she and her 2-year-old sister Carter Player tailgate with family in the parking lot at Shotwell Stadium Friday. Fans of both Abilene and Cooper high schools tailgated together before the evening's Crosstown Showdown football game.

 

Most of Abilene got a pre-game drenching, though only a trace was measured at the airport 2.5 miles from the stadium.

 

Inside the stadium, the dueling student sections tried to out-spirit each other. At one point it looked like a toilet paper tornado erupted from the Cooper side. Eagles fans followed suit with their own ribbons and confetti on the other side.

 

Cooper High School students throw balloons and toilet paper into the air during the second half of Friday's Crosstown Showdown football game against Abilene High.

 

The rain that pelted Abilene had disappeared by kickoff, leaving in its wake a pleasant enough evening for a good football game after fans navigated the traffic jam to the stadium and adjoining West Texas Fair & Rodeo.

 

Cooper won the game 23-14.

 

Nathan Ruelas cooks tacos on a griddle in the parking lot at Shotwell Stadium. The tailgating scene on the south side of the stadium had food smokers, a deejay and dancing before the evening's Crosstown Showdown football game between Abilene and Cooper high schools.

 

By Ronald W. Erdrich

Copyright © 2019, Abilene Reporter News. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

West Texas Fair & Rodeo Parade

 

Equine: Originality - Doyle Sisco; Theme - Patience Woolwine

 

Individual Rider: Originality - Doyle Sisco; Theme - Patience Woolwine

 

Wagons: Originality - Second Chance Cowboy Church; Theme - Marvelous Mavericks

 

Rubber Tire Wagon: Originality - Zia Farms Shetland & Miniature Horses

 

Riding Clubs: Originality - Pala Pinto Co. Sheriff’s Posse; Theme - The Lone Star Ladies; Sweepstakes - ACU Department of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

 

Antique Tractors: Originality - Anthony Bray; Theme - Ricky Beard; Sweepstakes - Trena Johnson

 

Vehicle: Originality - C.W. Brown; Theme - Leon Berube; Sweepstakes - Carrol Hood

 

Decorative Float Open Division: Originality - Abilene Community Theatre; Theme - The Discovery Center; Sweepstakes - Deleon Peach & Melon

 

Decorative Float Youth Division: Originality - Big Country Home Educators; Theme - Abilene Fight Club; Sweepstakes - Girl Scout Troop

 

Decorative Float Civic Division: Originality - Abilene Founder Lions Club; Theme - Guardians of the Children

 

Decorative Float Commercial/Industrial Division: Originality - Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union; Theme - McCullar Properties Group Keller William Realty; Sweepstakes - Blue Cross Blue Shield

 

Bands: Originality - Abilene High; Theme - Abilene Cooper; Sweepstakes - Hardin-Simmons

 

Antiques and Collectibles

 

 

Best in Show: Mary Berry

 

Document: 1. Sharon Millican, 2. Alan Bohannon, 3. Joyce Vernon

 

Photograph (framed): 1. Barbara Dunn, 2. Joyce Vernon, 3. Sharon Sherbert

 

Photograph: 1. Gayle Whetsel, 2. Lana Trietsch, 3. Linda Favor

 

Book (child’s): 1. Mary Berry, 2. Linda Favor, 3. Joyce Vernon

Book (adult’s): 1. Joyce Vernon, 2st:Karen Thomson, 3. Jessica Favor

 

Antique Bibles: 1. Deborah Stevens, 2. Susan Archa, 3. Billie Ivy

 

Cards, special occasion: 1. Ginger Houghton, 2. Carolyn Fairchild, 3. Jimmie Fleming

 

Periodicals–Magazines & Ads: 1. Jeanette Jimmerson, 2. Philip Rattliff, 3. Barbara Dunn

 

Metal Box or Can: 1. Joyce Vernon, 2. Susan Archa, 3. Don Denny

 

Toys: 1. Tyler Jobe, 2. Barbara Dunn, 3. Terry Tacker

 

Kitchen Article–metal: 1. Marianne Marugg, 2. Barbara Dunn, 3. Linda Favor

 

Kitchen Article–wood: 1. Joyce Vernon, 2. Lana Trietsch, 3. Susan Archor

 

Kitchen Article–glass: 1. Marylou Strange, 2. Linda Favor, 3. Joyce Vernon

 

Hand Tools: 1. Tyler Jobe, 2. Mary Nurmi, 3. Joyce Vernon

 

Small Home Accessory–glass: 1. Deborah Stevens, 2. Billie Ivy, 3. Penny Smalley

 

Small Home Accessory–not glass: 1. Wayne Elkins, 2. Joyce Vernon, 3. Linda Favor

 

Pottery: 1. Joyce Vernon, 2. Dorothy Underwood, 3. Ginger Houghton

 

Vintage Glass–clear: 1. Billie Ivy, 2. Deborah Stevens, 3. Ginger Houghton

 

Vintage Glass-colored: 1. Lana Trietsch, 2. Jeanie Bohannon, 3. Gayle Whetsel

 

Carnival Glass: 1. Joyce Vernon, 2. Ginger Houghton

 

Milk Glass: 1. Joyce Vernon, 2. Carolyn Fairchild, 3. Ginger Houghton

 

Antique Silver: 1. Linda Huff, 2. Susan Archa 3. Lana Trietsch

 

China–plate: 1. Linda Huff, 2. Lana Trietsch, 3. Susan Archa

 

China–other: 1. Mary Berry, 2. Linda Huff, 3. Karen Thomson

 

Time Pieces: 1. Margaret Monger, 2. Barbara Dunn, 3. Linda Huff

 

Jewelry–hand or arm: 1. Tyler Jobe, 2. Ginger Houghton, 3. Gayle Whetsel

 

Jewelry–neck or hair: 1. Joyce Vernon, 2. Gayle Whetsel, 3. Susan Archer

 

Needlework–embroidery: 1. Bonnie Hart, 2. Susan Archa, 3. Carolyn Fairchild

 

Needlework–crochet, tatting, or    handmade lace: 1. Mary Berry, 2. Lana Trietsch, 3. Joyce Vernon

 

Adult Clothing: 1. Barbara Dunn, 2. Billie Ivy

 

Adult Clothing Accessory: 1. Penny Smalley, 2. Johnny Rodriguez, 3. Deborah Stevens

 

Child’s Clothing: 1. Billie Ivy, 2. Carolyn Fairchild, 3. Joyce Vernon

 

Child’s Clothing Accessory: 1. Cassie McFadden, 2nd Joyce Vernon, 3rd Billie Ivy

 

Photography Equipment: 1. Linda Favor, 2. Caroly Fairchild

 

Collection–small items, 20 or less: 1. Tyler Jobe, 2. Mary Berry, 3. Jeanette Jimmerson

 

Collection–large items, 10 or less: 1. Mary Berry, 2. Vicki Earley, 3. Mary Nurmi

 

Bottles: 1. Susan Archa, 2. Mary Berry, 3. Stephen Lindberg

 

Pocket Knife: 1. Barbara Dunn, 2. Linda Huff, 3. Joyce Vernon

 

Diplomas: 1. Phillip Ratliff

 

Birth Announcements: 1. Barbara Dunn; 2. Joyce Vernon

 

Sewing Thimbles: 1. Joyce Vernon, 2. Susan Archa, 3. Ginger Houghton

 

Antique Vases: 1. Lana Trietsch, 2. James Wilson, 3. Billie Ivy

 

Misc.–wood not listed: 1. Billie Ivy, 2. Carolyn Fairchild, 3. Johnny Rodriguez

 

Misc.–glass not listed: 1. Joyce Vernon, 2. Marylou Strange, 3. Billie Ivy

 

Misc.–cloth not listed: 1. Joyce Vernon, 2. Billie Ivy, 3. Carolyn Fairchild

 

Misc.–metal not listed: 1. Collin Nowell, 2. Wayne Elkins, 3. Linda Huff

 

Misc.–items not listed: 1. Tina Elkins, 2. Brandi Moeller, 3. Zack Moeller

 

Quilts

 

Best of Show: Lanesta M. Mae

 

CLASS A – Large Pieced (over 60”x60”)

 

Hand Quilted: 1. Kathy McCoy, 2. Kimberly Groves Hudson, 3. Aleve McQueen

 

Machine Quilted: 1. Kim Mangum, 2. Merrie Rogge, 3. Tommy Ann Waggoner

 

Hand Appliqué: 1. Judith Wilson

 

Machine Appliqué: 1. Brenda Brown, 2. Kathy McCoy 

 

Combination Pieced and Appliqué: 1. Janice Gibbs, 2. Korothy Waller, 3. Kathy Sutton

 

CLASS B – Medium Pieced (over 36”x36” & under 60” x 60”)

 

Machine Quilted: 1. Brenda Brown, 2. Penny View, 3. Clejuan Carson

 

Machine Appliqué: 1. Tori Woodruff

 

Combination Pieced and Appliqué: 1. Ferrell Adock, 2. Cassandra Lancaster, 3. Veronica Burleson

 

CLASS C – Small Quilts (not single blocks) (pieced or appliqué)

 

Miniatures-Hand Quilted (less than 18” x 18”): 1. Zella Woodruff

 

Miniatures-Machine Quilted (less than 18” x 18”): 1. LeeAnne Davis, 2. LaVonda Webb, 3: Aleve McQueen

 

Small-Hand Quilted (over 18 x18” & under 36”x36”): 1. Kathy McCoy, 2. Judith Wilson

 

Small-Machine Quilted (over 18” x 18” & under 36” x 36”): 1. Carolyn Griffith, 2. Kathryn Rister, 3. Ginger Jones

 

CLASS D – Infant or Youth Themes

 

Pieced: 1. Kimberly Graves Hudson, 2. Lanesta M Moe, 3. Kathryn Rister

 

Combination Pieced/Appliqué: 1. Kathryn Rister, 2. Mary Nurni, 3. Merrie Rogge

 

Combination Pieced/Appliqué: 1. Judith Wilson, 2. Merrie Rogge

 

CLASS E – Group Quilts

 

Two Person: 1. Kim Mangum, 2. Kathy McCoy, 3. Sandra Thomas

 

Three or more Persons: 1. Judith Wilson, 2. Kathryn Rister, 3. LaVonda Webb

 

CLASS F – Golden Ages (65 years or older)

 

Pieced: 1. Martha Balch, 2. LaVonda Webb, 3. Kathryn Rister

 

Hand Appliqué: 1. Virginia Holley, 2. Judith Wilson

 

Machine Appliqué: 1. Cassandra Lancaster, 2. Yvonne Collison, 3. Zella Woodruff

 

Other: 1. Lanesta M Moe, 2. Judith Wilson

 

CLASS G – Antique Quilts - over 50 years old

 

Pieced: 1. Lanesta M Moe, 2. Jeanie Bohannon, 3. Judith Wilson

 

CLASS H – Special Techniques/Themes

 

Embroidery (hand): 1. Kathy McCoy

 

Embroidery (machine): 1. Susan Le Fevre, 2. Cassandra Lancaster, 3. Kathryn Rister

 

Paint on Fabric: 1. Judith Wilson

 

Pre-Printed Fabric: 1. Ferrell Adcock, 2. Kathy McCoy

 

Other: 1. Judith Wilson, 2. Alicia Taylor, 3. Carolyn Fairchild

 

CLASS I - Time Span

 

Antique blocks (made 50 years ago or more), finished into quilts at a much later date: 1. Lanesta M. Moe, 2. Judith Wilson, 3. Charles Hudson

Knitting and Crochet

 

Best of Show, Knitting: Heather McGee

 

CLASS A – Knitting

 

Adult Wearing Apparel: 1. Stacy Castillo; 2. Allyson Keker

 

Infant Wearing Apparel: 1. Allyson Keker

 

Toys: 1. Heather Mcgee

 

Miscellaneous – any knitted item, except afghan, not listed above: 1. Allyson Keker

 

Best of Show, Crochet - Pam Dickson

 

CLASS B – Crochet

 

Adult Wearing Apparel: 1. Joy Summers; 2. Helen Harris; 3. Jeannie Wesley

 

Infant Wearing Apparel: 1. Carolyn Houghton; 2. Evynne Caffey; 3. Judy Yates 

 

Infant Coverlet: 1. Pam Dickson; 2. Cynthia Gilmore; 3. Judy Yates

 

Crocheted Collar: 1. Jody Yates; 2. Lucy Adams

 

Table Runner: 1. Carolyn Houghton; 2. Judy Yates

 

Toys: 1. Jody Glanton; 2. Jolene Phillips; 3. Erin Kay

 

Doll Clothing: 1. Judy Yates, 2. Lucy Adams

 

Doillies: 1. Carolyn Houghton; 2. Judy Yates; 3. Billie Perkins

 

Holiday: 1. Helen Harris; 2. Judy Yates; 3. Lucy Adams

 

Senior Citizens: 1. Jeannie Wesley; 2. Susie Wallace; 3. Michela Burger

 

Miscellaneous – any crocheted item, except afghan, not listed above: 1. Heather McGee; 2. Joy Summers; 3. Jeannie Wesley

 

CLASS C – Afghan

 

Granny Square – Crochet: 1. Kay Buford; 2. Carolyn Houghton 3. Lacy Adams 

 

Ripple – Crochet: 1. Kay Buford

 

Afghan Stitch – Crochet: 1. Kay Buford; 2. Jo Lemmons

 

Dimensional – Crochet: 1. Deborah Stevens; 2. Roxie Florentino; 3. Cheryl Woods

 

Combination of two or more stitches – Crochet: 1. Amber Kennedy; 2. Lucy Adams 3. Nancy Jones

 

Senior Citizens – Crochet: 1. Pam Dickson; 2. Kay Buford; 3. Roxie Florentine

 

Misc. – any Crochet Afghan not listed above: 1. Pam Dickson; 2. Pam Wright; 3. Bonnie Hart

 

CLASS D – Tatting

 

Doilies: 1. Helen Harris

 

Holiday: 1. Helen Harris

 

Miscellaneous – any item of merit: 1. Helen Harris; 2. Constence Shafer

Adult Photography

 

Best of Show: Megan Lovejoy

 

CLASS A – Non-Color

 

Animals: 1. Sean Dentremont  2. Victoria Serault 3. Megan Lovejoy

 

Architecture & Monuments: 1. Lynn Beard 2. Rendi Hahn 3. Neil Willin

 

Flowers and Plant Life: 1. Janice Serrault 2. Victoria Serrault 3. Jake Fleming

 

Sports: 1. Megan Lovejoy 2. Riley Smith 3. Ann Gordon 

 

Fair & Rodeo & Parade: 1. Victoria Serrault 2. Darron Rosenquist 3. Debora Prescott

 

Special Effects, Abstract

 

Photo Shopped: 1. Robert Nelson 2. David Beauchamp 3. Tomzie Steele

 

People: 1. Richard Keker 2. Megan Lovejoy 3. Ryan Branch

 

Still Life: 1. Robert Nelson 2. Megan Lovejoy 3. Riley Smith

 

Train, Planes & Autos: 1. Chris W. 2. Victoria Serrault 3. Lynn Beard

 

Clouds or Weather: 1. Danielle Oliver 2. Carl Marugg

 

Birds: 1. Curtis Rogers 2. Tomzie Steele 3. Shayna Rue

 

Insects: 1. Carl Marugg 2. Tomzie Steele 3. Traci Durant

 

Big Country Area: 1. Robert Nelson 2. Jacob Blizzard 3. Carl Marugg

 

Miscellaneous: 1. Elizabeth Redding 2. Daril Gonzales 3. Shayna Rue

 

CLASS B – Color

 

Animals: 1. Tomzie Steele 2. Megan Lovejoy 3. Kegan Storms

 

Architecture & Monuments: 1. Victoria Schmidt 2. Joley Hatter 3.Steve Eller

 

Flowers and Plant Life: 1. Tomzie Steele 2. David Beauchamp 3. Darron Rosenquist

 

Sports: 1. Brittany Becknel 2. Valerie Lee 3. Daril Gonzales

 

Fair & Rodeo & Parade: 1. Raven Barnett 2. Kayli Smith 3. Darron Rosenquist

 

Special Effects, Abstracts, Photo Shopped: 1. Brooke McMillin 2. Brittany Becknel 3. Robert Nelson

 

People: 1. Megan Lovejoy 2. Richard Keker 3. Tammy Henthorne

 

Still Life: 1. Richard Keker 2. David Beauchamp 3. Sean Dentremont

 

Train, Planes & Autos: 1. Lynn Beard 2. Blakely Eller 3. David Beauchamp

 

Clouds or Weather: 1. Matt Rutland 2. Marsha Rutland 3.Dixie Courtney

 

Birds: 1. Randy Farmer 2. Tomzie Steele 3. Curtis Rogers

 

Insects: 1. Randy Farmer 2. Tomzie Steele 3. Melanie Davis

 

Big Country Area: 1. David Beauchamp 2. Holly Cowan 3. Ryan Branch

 

Miscellaneous: 1. Shayna Rue 2. Danielle Oliver 3. Lynn Beard

 

CLASS C – Professional

 

Non-Color: 1. Tiffany Smith 2. Patty Odom 3. Kami Clark

 

Color: 1. Patty Odom 2. John Inwood 3.  Tiffany Smith

Christmas Holiday Corner

 

Best of Show: Joyce Edwards

 

CLASS C – Wall Hanging

 

Christmas picture any medium: 1. Susan Boyles 2. Carolyn Houghton 3. Nancy Freeman

 

Christmas Picture-Cross Stitch: 1. Susan Boyles

 

Door Decoration: 1. Susan Archa

 

Wreath: 1. Dorothy Kiser 2. Brittany Price 3. Christie Price

 

Miscellaneous: 1. Zella Woodruff 2. Gayle Whetsel

 

CLASS D – Nativity

 

Any item (Not over 18” high): 1. Gayle Whetsel 2. Susan Boyles 3. Ron Harden

 

CLASS E – Centerpiece (not over 18” high)

 

Any item (Not over 18” high): 1. Kathy McCoy 2. Susan Archa

 

CLASS F – Ornament

 

Original Design: 1. Susan Archa 2. Carolyn Houghton 3. Gayle Whetsel

 

Made from a Kit: 1. Kathy Boyles 2. Susan Boyles

 

Sequined or Jeweled: 1. Kelly Enge 2. Helen J Harris

 

Miscellaneous: 1. Patti Sedberry 2. Helen J. Harris

 

CLASS G – Christmas Characters

 

Any item: 1. Joyce Edwards 2. Kathy Boyles 3. Susan Archa

 

CLASS H – Tablecloth

 

Any item: 1. Carolyn Houghton 2. Sandra Thomas 3. Clejuan Carson

 

CLASS I – Holiday Wearing Apparel

 

Any item: 1. Judy Yates 2. Lanesta M Moe 3. Sandra Thomas

 

CLASS J – What’s New

 

Afghan – Bed size: 1. Carolyn Houghton

 

Pillows: 1. Ferrell Adcock 2. Dorothy Kiser

 

Quilts – Lap size: 1. Penny Vieau 2. Tommy Ann Waggoner 3. Gayla Beaird

 

Quilts – Bed size: 1. Lanesta M Moe

 

Any item not listed above: 1. Ferrell Adcock; 2. Zella Woodraff 3. Carolyn Houghton

 

Living Plants

 

Best in Show: Gayle Whetsel 

 

Flowering Plant (container under 6” in diameter): 1. Joyce Vernon

 

Flowering Plant (container over 6” in diameter): 1. Virginia Bassett, 2. Beverly Childers, 3. Kaylee Waigand

 

Foliage Plant (container under 6” in diameter): 1. Kaylee Wiagand, 2. Joyce Vernon

 

Foliage Plant (container over 6” in diameter): 1. Joyce Vernon, 2. Virginia Bassett, 3. Kaylee Wiagand

 

African Violet: 1. Kaylee Waigand

 

Succulent: 1. Beverly Childers, 2. Virginia Gassett, 3. Gayle Whetsel

 

Cactus: 1. Virginia Gassett, 2. Joyce Vernon, 3. Heather Ratliff

 

Dish Garden or Terrarium: 1. Gayle Whetsel, 2. Joyce Vernon, 3. Virginia Gassett

 

Hanging Basket-Succulent: 1. Joyce Vernon

 

Tropical Plant (container over 6” in diameter): 1. Virginia Gassett, 2. Joyce Vernon

 

Miscellaneous (any plant not listed above): 1. Austin Inkmer, 2. James Sullivan, 3. Dan H. Burger 

 

Child Entry (12 or Under): 1. Mason Waigand

 

Grandparents Brag

 

Best of Show: Rae Nell Allen 

 

Class A

 

Girls Under 1 year: 1. Barbara Brewer, 2. Janice Six, 3. Pam Bass

 

Girls 1 year old: 1. Gayle Whetsel, 2. Janice Gibbs, 3. Robert Gibbs

 

Girls 2 years old: 1. Gayle Whetsel, 2. Tommy & Sharon Foster

 

Girls 3 years old: 1. Pam Bass

 

Girls 4 & 5 years old: 1. Rae Nell Allen, 2. Glenna Hamilton 

 

Class B

 

Boys 1 year old: 1. Cheryl Wood

 

Boys 2 Years old: 1. Daril Gonzales

 

Boys 3 Years old: 1. Glenna Hamilton, 2. Jesse Houghton, 3. Tina Cargile

 

Boys 4 & 5 Years Old: 1. Tommy & Sharon Foster, 2. Sherry Burns, 3. Oscelia Selmon

 

Class C

 

Twins, Triplets and groups up to 5 Years old: 1. Mechell Nelson

 

Youth Clothing

 

CLASS A – Beginners (ages 5-8)

 

Best of Show: Easton LeFevre

 

Miscellaneous Sewn wearable items not listed: 1. Easton LeFevre 2. Hayden LeFevre. Emery Galovich

 

CLASS B – Junior (ages 9-13)

 

Best of Show: Nathan Songer

 

Dress or Sundress: 1. Alexis Williams 2. Hannah Williams 3.  Sarah Beth Songer

 

Pants or Skirt: 1. Halle Beard 2. Belle Jones 3. Emily Johnstone 

 

Lounge Wear: 1. Peyton Cockerham

 

Miscellaneous sewn wearable items not listed above: 1. Nathan Songer 2. Genna Minyard 3. Adalyn Galovich

 

CLASS C – Senior (ages 14-18)

 

Best of Show: Jenna Kendrick

 

Coat, Jacket or Blazer: 1. Eowyn Stewart

 

Lounge Wear: Abigail Songer

 

Dress or Sundress: Eowyn Stewart

 

Blouse: 1. Eowyn Stewart

 

Pants or Skirt: Eowyn Stewart

 

Formal Wear: 1. Jenna Kendrick

 

Miscellaneous sewn wearable items not listed: 1. Lanie Allen 2. Eowyn Stewart 3. Abigail Songer

 

Youth Hobbies and Crafts

 

CLASS A - Pre-Beginners (under 5 years of age)

 

Best of Show: Titus Powell

 

Any item: 1. Titus Powell 2. John Luke 3. Eli Pitts

 

CLASS B – Beginners (ages 5-8)

 

Best of Show: Beau Ross

 

Jewelry: 1. Mallie Parks 2. Emery Galovich 3. Beau Ross

 

Decorated Clothing or Fabric Item: Maggie Spraberry 2. Cash Rutland 3. Beau Ross

 

Wreath: 1. Addison Richy 2. Cash Ruland 3. Beau Ross

 

Household Decoration: 1. Beau Ross 2. Maggie Spraberry 3. Hayden LeFerre

 

Toys: 1. Cash Rutland 2. Beau Ross 3. Ian Pitts

 

Other Holiday Decoration: 1. Cash Rutland 2. Grayson Traylor 3. Addison Richey

 

“Something From Nothing”: 1. Beau Ross 2. Ian Pitts 3. Addison Richey

 

Item Made from Duct Tape: 1. Cash Rutland 2. Kambree Hadaway 3. Tristan Hernandez

 

Play-Dough, Clay Model or Ceramics: 1. Kayla Addy 2. Kambree Hadaway

 

Memory Book or Scrapbook: 1. Tristan Hernandez 2. Beau Ross

 

Collection (mounted on board or in book): 1. Baac McFadden 2. Beau Ross 3. Kayla Addy 

 

Decorative or Tabletop Scarecrow: 1. Maggie Spraberry

 

Miscellaneous: 1. Beau Ross 2. Easton LeFevre 3. Kaci Brewn

 

CLASS C – Juniors (ages 9-13)

 

Best of Show: Mallory Traylor

 

Jewelry: 1. Genna Minyard 2. Emily Johnstone 3. Spencer Price

 

Decorated Clothing: 1. Lizzy Thorup 2. Larsyn Allen 3. Peyton Cockerham

 

Decorated Fabric Item: 1. Taleigh Sorello 2. Shelby McGee 3. Rustyn Ross

 

Basket: 1. Karley Brewer 2. Larsyn Allen

 

Wreath: 1. Peyton Cockerham 2. Karley Brewen 3. Spencer Price

 

Household Decoration: 1. Macie Parks 2. Karley Brewer 3. Jacklynn Berry

 

Ceramics & Pottery: 1. Lillie Kate White 2. Rusty Ross 3. Emily Johnstone

 

Punched Tin: 1. Iarsyn Allen 2. Rustyn Ross

 

Woodworking: 1. Iarsyn Allen 2. Colton Miller

 

Decorated Wood: 1. Rustyn Ross 2. Iarsyn Allen 3. Spencer Price 

 

Christmas Decoration: 1. Shelby McGee 2. Spencer Price 3. Madison Traylor

 

Christmas Ornament: 1. Shelby McGee 2. Peyton Cockerham 3. Spencer Price

 

Other Holiday Decoration: 1. Shelby McGee 2. Iarsyn Allen 3. Emalyn Purvine

 

“Something From Nothing”: 1. Spencer Price 2. Jonas McFadden 3. Grayson Harris

 

Item Made from Duct Tape: 1. Braylen Miller 2. Spencer Price 3. Karley Brewer

 

Play Dough or Clay Model: 1. Iarsyn Allen 2. Shelby McGee 3. Emily Rattliff

 

Leather Work: 1. Iarsyn Allen

 

“Memory Book” or Scrap Book: 1. Iarsyn Allen

 

Collection: 1. Larley Brewer 2. Rustyn Ross 3. Iarsyn Allen

 

Field Scarecrow: 1. Karley Brewer

 

Decorative or Table Scarecrow: 1. Iarsyn Allen

 

Miscellaneous: limited to Hobbies and Crafts not listed – 1. Addison Dalige 2. Lizzy Thorup 3. Anthony Lopez

 

Toy, Any medium: 1. Noah Bass 2. Lance McFadden 3. Austin Cheek

 

String Art – 1. Mallory Traylor 2. Iarsyn Allen

 

Scratch Art: 1. Iarsyn Allen

 

CLASS D – Senior (ages 14-18)

 

Best of Show: Bree Vitek

 

Jewelry: 1. Kaylynn Reyna 2. Kiersten Chapman 3. Rebecca Yates

 

Decorated Clothing or Fabric Item: 1. Eowyn Stewart 2. Sarah Kay Johnston 3. Lanie Allen

 

Wreath: 1. Maddie Collins 2. Garrett Smith 3. Lanie Allen

 

Household Decoration: 1. Cheyenne Gray 2. Jenna Kendrick 3. Garrett Smith

 

Ceramics & Pottery: 1. Lanie Allen

 

Woodworking: Angell Sharp

 

Decorated Wood: 1. Victoria Walke 2. Fox Stewart 3. Justin McGee

 

Holiday Decoration: 1. Rebecca Yates 2. Maddie Collins 3. Kiersten Chapman

 

“Something from Nothing”: 1. Bree Titek 2. Justin McGee 3. Mark Leyva

 

Made from Duct Tape: 1. Nicole Luckie

 

Play Dough or Clay Model: 1. Fox Stewart 2. Kiersten Chapman 3. Kaylynn Reyna

 

Memory Book or Scrap Book: 1. Jacob Mayfield 2. Lanie Allen 3. Carlie Buck

 

Decorative or Tabletop Scarecrow: 1. Rebecca Yates

 

Miscellaneous: limited to Hobbies & Crafts not listed – 1. Rebecca Yates 2. Maddie Collins 3. Sadie Miller 

 

Leather Work: 1. Justin McGee

 

Punched Tin: 1. Garrett Smith

 

String Art: 1. Justin McGee 2. Rebecca Yates 3. Garrett Smith

 

Adult Canned Food

 

Best of Show - Deborah Stevens - Peach Jalepeno

 

CLASS A – Canned Fruit – Apples: 1. Brittany Price; 2. Joyce Wharton

 

Cherries: 1. Cassie McFadden

 

Peaches: 1. Sabrina Colburn; 2. Brittany Price; 3. Brandon Martin 

 

Pears: 1. Brittany Price 

 

Other canned fruit, not listed above: 1. Cassie McFadden; 2. Michelle Bierma; 3. Joyce Wharton 

 

CLASS B – Canned Vegetables

 

Black-eyed Peas: 1. Lisa Henderson; 2. Marshall Wharton; 3. Joyce Wharton

 

Carrots: 1. Lisa Henderson; 2. Mary Nurmi; 3. Marylou Strange

 

Corn: 1. Brittany Price 

 

Green Beans: 1. Pam Dickson; 2. Marylou Strange; 3. Stacie Tuggle 

 

Mixed Vegetables: 1. Lisa Henderson ; 2. Stacy Tuggle

 

Squash: 1. Mary Normi 

 

Tomatoes: 1. Brittany Price; 2. Pam Dickson 

 

Sweet Potatoes: 1. Brittany Price

 

Other, not listed above: 1. Amy Raschke; 2. Stacie Tuggle; 3. Cassie McFadden 

 

CLASS C – Pickled

 

Beets: 1. Stacy Tuggle; 2. Joyce Wharton; 3. James Abernathe 

 

Bread and Butter: 1. Virginia Gassett; 2. Brittany Price; 3. Karen Chittum 

 

Dill Cucumbers: 1. Virginia Gassett; 2. Kathy Boyles; 3. Stacie Tuggle

 

Okra: 1. Virginia Gassett; 2. Stacie Tuggle; 3. Margie Wheeler 

 

Pickled, Fruit: 1. Brittany Price 

 

Pickled, Peppers: 1. Jackie Wilson; 2. Stacie Tuggle; 3. Kathy Boyles

 

Pickled, Sweet Cucumbers: 1. Brittany Price; 2. Tracie Walters; 3. Heather Ratliff

 

Other, not listed above: 1. Lisa Henderson; 2. Stacy Tuggle; 3. Gail Olney 

 

CLASS D – Relishes

 

Green Tomatoes (chow-chow): 1. Stacy Tuggle; 2. Virginia Gassett; 3. James Wharton 

 

Salsa: 1. Lisa Henderson; 2. Brittany Price; 3. Jackie Wilson

 

Other, not listed above: 1. Stacie Tuggle; 2. Michelle Burger 

 

CLASS E – Jelly - (made from juice) – Apple: 1. Kathy Boyles; 2. Norma Clay

 

Berry: 1. Brittany Price; 2. Kathy Boyles; 3. Karen Thomson 

 

Grape: 1. Dorothy Kiser; 2. Jolene Willis; 3. Brittany Price 

 

Peach: 1. Brittany Price; 2. Jolene Willis

 

Plum: 1. Jo Beth Allen; 2. Dorothy Kiser; 3. Jolene Willis

 

Prickly Pear: 1. Camilla White; 2. Jody Addy; 3. Brandon Martin 

 

Other & Combination of Fruits: 1. Jeannie Bohannon; 2. Kathy Boyles; 3. Norma Clay 

 

CLASS F – Jam

 

Apricot: 1. Amy Songer; 2. Billy Ivy; 3. Amy Raschte 

 

Berry: 1. Marylou strange; 2. Joelen Willis; 3. John Estes 

 

Plum: 1. Virginia Gassett; 2. Deborah Stevens; 3. Pam Dickson 

 

Peach: 1. Deborah Stevens; 2. Randy Billing; 3. Brittany Price 

 

Other, not listed above: 1. Deborah Stevens; 2. Dorothy Kiser; 3. Randy Billings 

 

CLASS G – Preserves (made with whole pieces of fruit)

 

Apricot: 1. Joyce Vernon; 2. Brittany Price 

 

Berry: 1. Mary Nurmi; 2. Brittany Price 

 

Peach: 1. Penny Smalley; 2. Brittany Price; 3. Norma Clay 

 

Pear: 1. Brittany Price; 2. Heather Ratliff; 3. Billy Ivy

 

Other, not listed above: 1. Norma Clay; 2. Lisa Henderson; 3. James Wharton

 

CLASS H – Butters

 

Any Butter: 1. Brittany Price; 2. Michelle Bierma; 3. Cassie McFadden 

 

CLASS I – Marmalade

 

Any Marmalade: 1. Gail Olney 

 

CLASS J – Sauces, Stew, & Soups

 

Fruit Sauce: 1. Michelle Bierma; 2. Deborah Stevens; 3. Brittany Price

 

Picante Sauce: 1: James Aberathie; 2. Martha Balch

 

Unusual Sauce or Juice, not listed above: 1. Michelle Bierma; 2. Brandon Martin; 3. Randy Billings 

 

CLASS K – Dried Foods

 

Vegetables: 1. Jody Addy 

 

Herbs: 1. Jody Addy

 

CLASS L – Honey

 

Honey: 1. Lance Hawvermale; 2. Billy Ivy

 

 

By Nathaniel Ellsworth

Copyright © 2019, Abilene Reporter News. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

A day after multiple fire-fighting agencies put out a fast-moving grass fire that threatened a subdivision, hot spots required additional attention Monday in southwest Abilene.

 

The Autumn Sage fire that started about 11:40 a.m. Sunday near Autumn Sage Lane and U.S. Highway 277 scorched 184 acres and prompted the temporary evacuation of the Hampton Hills subdivision as a precaution. 

 

The fire that was attributed to welding sparks was tapped out at 5 p.m. But, crews remained on the scene until about 8 p.m. and returned periodically throughout the night, Abilene Fire Department spokeswoman Elise Roberts said.

 

 

Smoke rises beyond trees and a grassy field along Dub Wright Boulevard Sunday. The grass fire threatened the nearby Hampton Hill subdivision, which was evacuated temporarily as a precaution. 

 

 

The department dispatched 35 firefighters and 13 engine and brush trucks to the scene Sunday. Additional crews and equipment came from the Texas A&M Forest Service, Dyess Air Force Base, Taylor County Precinct 1 and multiple volunteer fire departments. They included Anson, Baird, Buffalo Gap, Clyde, ECCA, Eula, Hamby, Hawley, Potosi, Tye and View.

 

Abilene firefighters were called back at least three times Monday to the area of Autumn Sage Lane and Stewart Road because of hot spot flair ups, according to scanner traffic.

 

 

Residential fire

 

Before the grass fire Sunday, Abilene firefighters also responded at about 7:45 a.m. to a house fire in the 1500 block of North 16th Street.

 

"Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the garage," a fire department news release said. 

 

After gaining access to the garage and the inside of the house, firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, the release said.

 

Residents were away at the time of the fire, which was blamed on an electrical malfunction, the release said.

 

By Laura Gutschke

Copyright © 2019, Abilene Reporter News. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

1. Theater time. The local theater season begins with the letter "A," for Abilene Community Theatre and its production of "Apple of His Eye." The comedy opens Friday, with another evening show at 7:30 Saturday and a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday. Same plan for next weekend. Cost is $15 for regular admission and $13 for senior, students and military. Mike Stephens is directing this show, which was the first done at ACT when it opened in 1954.

 

 

2. Let's go to the fair! The West Texas Fair & Rodeo launched Thursday evening and continues through Sept. 14. There are rides, exhibits, fair food and the rodeo. Admission prices vary, with discounts offered. Due to construction and reconfiguring the Taylor County Expo Center, the midway is set up where livestock buildings were in the past.

 

 

A kiddie ride was positioned at the relocated midway at the Taylor County Expo Center for the annual West Texas Fair & Rodeo. The fair continues through Sept. 14.

 

 

3. Water you doing Saturday? If you want to get wet one final time, here is your chance. For humans, there is the annual Mudslinger fun run of about three miles at Seabee Park beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. It benefits Abilene Youth Sports Authority. It should not be as muddy last year, when rain created muck start to finish. Also Saturday, at Adventure Cove, it's doggie splash day. The aquatic center closed for the season Labor Day, but dogs will have their day before the pool is cleaned. 

 

 

By Abilene Reporter-News

Copyright © 2019, Abilene Reporter News. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

Abilene / Taylor County Law Enforcement Center, 450 Pecan Street. 

 

Taylor County commissioners approved an engineering study on the Law Enforcement Center formerly shared with the Abilene Police Department to help commissioners and others assess whether it's better to stay or move to another location.

 

Commissioners approved up to $64,500 for Wiss, Janey, Elstner Associates to give an assessment of the building at 450 Pecan St., which in the past has been damaged by a shifting foundation and water, among other issues.

 

Until recently, the 43,000-square foot structure, a former department store, housed both the Taylor County Sheriff's Office and the Abilene Police Department for about 30 years.

 

The APD recently moved to a new location in west Abilene.

 

There is an underground stream beneath the building, Commissioner Chuck Statler said.

 

To understand the building's potential future and use to the county, "we need to assess ... what type of stabilization process is necessary or if it's even workable," Statler said.

 

The current assessment will be a followup to a 2014 study by the same company. 

 

"A lot of concerns were expressed by employees" concerning safety, County Judge Down

ing Bolls said. "There were places where the wall was separating from the floor."

 

The previous study found the building to be safe and structurally sound, Bolls said, but manifold problems remain.

 

"We'll look at it and see what happens once they tell us how much it will cost for them to stabilize it or fix it," Bolls said. "It would be nice if we could hang onto it, but if we can't, then we'll just have to decide in the future what to do with it."

 

The county has discussed moving other offices to the structure if it can be salvaged, but Taylor County Sheriff Ricky Bishop said in July that he worried that the building might turn into a "money pit" because of repair costs.

 

At the time, Bishop advocated tearing down the building, turning the area into a parking lot and building a new LEC for the county elsewhere.

 

 

2020 budget approved

 

In other business Tuesday, commissioners approved a 5.8 percent effective raise in the tax rate, also setting their final fiscal year 2020 budget.

 

The tax rate will be 63.40 cents per $100 of property value, made up of 56.34 cents for the county's general fund, 2 cents for road and bridge, and 5.06 cents for debt service.

 

The latter is made up of debt for the 2017 voter-approved bond election for repairs and upgrades at the Taylor County Expo Center, plus the cost of new voting machines for the county.

 

The final total budget for fiscal year 2020 is $110.43 million.

 

That is made up of $59.36 million for the county's general fund, $4.77 million for Road and Bridge, and $4.05 million for debt service.  Cumulative budget for all remaining funds is $42.25 million.

 

Next year, commissioners will face tighter restrictions when crafting their budget.

 

Senate Bill 2, which goes into effect in January, requires taxing entities to get voter approval before they can raise property taxes above a 3.5 percent cap.

 

This was the last year the county could have gone up to 8 percent.

 

The county never has had a rollback election, and it's hoped that the it won't have to have one in the future, Bolls said.

 

"But If we do a budget like this next year, it's going to go to the voters," Bolls said. "And that's OK, I'm all right with that."

 

Bolls said the county tries to stretch dollars as much as it can.

 

"We've in the past been able to get a better level of service by working and networking with agencies in the local area," he said. 

 

He said he worried that the tight restrictions would put pressure on some of those relationships.

 

"We're going to have to go back an see what kind of memorandums of understanding we've got and see how those are going to have to be changed," he said.

 

Brian Bethel covers city and county government and general news for the Abilene Reporter-News. 

 

By Brian Bethel

Copyright © 2019, Abilene Reporter News/First Bank Texas. All Rights Reserved.