West Texas Dispatch

Voting is underway in this year’s Constitutional Amendment election. Fewer people traditionally show up to the polls during this type of election. But one hot topic is Abilene ISD’s tax proposal. We’ll hear more about how it would impact property owners – and what the district has in mind for the dollars if it passes.State Senator Charles Perry was in town yesterday, sharing his view on the 89th Legislative Session and discussing this year’s ballot.Running a farm has never been an easy prospect - but a labor shortage is adding to the challenge. And some farmers are trying a novel approach to pest-control… bats.Finally, we’ll hear how a homecoming musical brings together former students and current students.

This week we’ll take a look back at Saturday's No Kings protest in Abilene and what it says about politics in West Texas.As the government shutdown continues we take a look at how Dyess is affected.We’ll also hear from AISD about how they’re supporting unhoused students — and Heather Claborn speaks with Elections Administrator Freda Ragan about early voting and why so few people show up when it’s not a presidential year.Then, witches, wool, and Practical Magic — we head to the Paramount Theatre, where Halloween comes with a side of crafting and a rise in “grandma hobbies.”

The Texas State Legislature narrowed down 288 proposed constitutional amendments to 17. Starting next week registered voters will start to decide which of the measures becomes law. We’ll help explain what’s on the ballot.We’ll hear a conversation about healing, leadership, and what it really takes to make a difference in recovery.A late-night fire, a cherished playground in ruins. We look back at the history and legacy of Fort Imagination.A little Halloween magic... something spooky is happening at the zoo.From Broadway to the symphony hall, the Abilene Philharmonic celebrates the many voices of Leonard Bernstein.October is Texas Wine Month, and grape growers from across the state gathered in Lubbock to toast the future of Texas wine.

The federal government shutdown doesn’t just impact federal workers. It has ripple effects into local communities. We’ll hear about efforts to support West Texans who are directly affected—and to lessen those ripple effects.The ROC Abilene’s “Recreational Outdoor Complex” is now open for business. The new outdoor fields are building capacity for all kinds of activities—bringing a big expansion to Abilene’s youth-sports scene.The College Rodeo fall-season is underway–and Angelo State is preparing to host its first event in more than three-decades.And from Lubbock we remember singer-songwriter Sonny Curtis who died in September. The Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Famer from Meadow, Texas wrote the theme for the Mary Tyler Moore show- and collaborated with Buddy Holly.

What’s ahead for West Texas? Some demographers project a huge population boom. We talk to an expert who paints a picture of the possibilities in the coming decade.West Texas has some of the best views of the heavens. We’ll hear about a remote observatory that combines technology with excellent conditions to offer astro-photographers from anywhere the ability to capture the beauty of space.Brownwood hosts the “Feels Like Home Festival” this weekend. The second annual event features eleven bands on two stages and lots of Barbecue.And, we’re talking about a brand-new celebration of creativity right here in Abilene.

Official recommendations on immunizations come from a committee of the Centers for Disease Control. The panel met last week, taking action on some proposals and delaying votes on others. We’ll hear what vaccines residents can get at the local public health vaccine office.Each fall, monarch butterflies pass through West Texas on a 3,000-mile journey, and local experts say our region plays a vital role in their survival.A local clinic is shedding light on why menopause education matters, and how better awareness can support women’s health through every stage of life.This week on West Texas Roots, we explore the history and legend of the fall equinox, and why Monday’s change of seasons carried such importance for past generationsA vibrant 62nd anniversary performance brings traditional dances from across Mexico to the Paramount Theatre in Abilene.

There’s been a lot of heightened rhetoric following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Opinions shared online have led to resignations, firings, and more heightened rhetoric. We’ll hear about how we can turn down the temperature on simmering political debates.September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We’ve got tips on what to watch for and steps we can take to support friends or family members in crisis.Student athletes can now sign contracts that start name-and-image payments before they even get to the professional level. We’ll take a look at the ripple effects for programs that are outside the brightest spotlights.We’ll also hear about a *non-student*- athlete- who brought a national equestrian championship home to Abilene this year.Two best friends, seven continents, one unforgettable adventure, and they’re both 80. Abilene’s most famous traveling duo has just released their first book.And the 75th Season of the Abilene Philharmonic kicks off next week. The concert features the music of Beethoven and Rachmaninoff.

This week we’ll step into what is shaping up to be a busy primary season for the race to replace Stan Lambert in House District 71. So far eight people have announced their intention to run. Beef! It may not be what’s for dinner so often–for a little while. Herd sizes are down–and prices are up… We’ll hear about when we might see them come down. ACU’s NEXT Lab got a shot in the arm last week when congress approved funding for the fuel it needs to operate. It’s dove hunting season in North and Central Texas. There aren't many limits on hunting what’s considered an invasive species in the state, making it popular with hunters. We’ll check in on safety-for those heading out to hunt this season.

When Governor Abbott signed a law legalizing the growing and selling of hemp products in 2019, it opened up a wild west for the industry. State lawmakers closed some loopholes this year, and recently, Abilene police began enforcing compliance with the new laws. We’ll hear about the fallout.The Texas Tech system is getting a new chancellor… we’ll take a look at what that means, and the political implications.Pollinators are an important part of all ecosystems… we’ll hear about a native West Texas plant–and research into how bees tend to it.

As college campuses kick into high gear. We’re taking a look at the challenges of getting here from abroad, and we’ll share the story of one international student at McMurry.We’ll also hear about how staff at ACU work to support foreign students –the trends they’re seeing, and how they overcome the challenges that are unique to international students.Abilene is poised to be a hub for technology – Senator John Cornyn was in town yesterday, visiting what will soon be the largest A-I data center in the U-S — and talking with local officials about the local impact.A new think-tank on water is percolating in West Texas… we’ll tell you about it.And we’ll hear how in a city rooted in Christian tradition, the Interfaith Council is working to build bridges.