Good morning, Abilene.

Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue welcomed its newest permanent member, Casey, last year as part of its program to care for rescued animals locally.

FiberLight announced it will invest $350 million to build 1,400 route miles of fiber in West Texas.

The plan includes a new route into Abilene — supporting the region's growing Stargate data center campus and expanding AI infrastructure.

Dr. John Langellier presented at Fort Concho, explaining an overlooked side of the Buffalo Soldiers' musical history that enriched the fort's heritage.

His talk offered residents a fresh glimpse into a significant cultural legacy.

Hundreds of Abilene ISD art students will display their work at The Grace Museum for Youth Art Month, with the exhibition open through March 19 to celebrate local creativity.

Texas is set to top the global data center market by 2030 as an AI boom channels about $3 trillion in investment, according to research by Jones Lang LaSalle, and local Abilene voices weigh job gains + cost concerns.

Kelly Rayburn, an Abilene ISD deaf education teacher, was honored for helping police communicate during a distress situation, as APD relies on community support for sign language.

She received the award after her outstanding assistance in bridging the communication gap.

Merkel ISD board of trustees named Dr. Nikki Moore as the district’s lone finalist for superintendent.

Moore holds a Master's and Doctorate in Educational Leadership and brings 18 years experience from her role at Irion County ISD since July 2023 (she served as a principal at middle and elementary schools).

Abilene ISD will name its next superintendent after Dr. John Kuhn retires June 30 due to health reasons.

Trustees met in a special board meeting Wednesday at One AISD Center + a 21-day waiting period will follow before formally hiring the lone finalist.

West Texas faces very high fire danger risk with potential wildfires, and local officials will soon offer storm shelter programs for severe weather season + residents are advised to prepare.

A street rehabilitation project is underway on South 14th to improve road conditions for Abilene residents.

City crews are repaving and repairing the roadway using modern methods + focused planning to ease traffic and boost safety.

Monster X Tour

1:30-11:30 p.m. — Taylor Telecom Arena — Tickets from $71 — Experience the thrill of Monster X Tour with jaw-dropping stunts and entertainment.

Almost St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl

4:30-9:00 p.m. — The Pour House — Tickets required — Celebrate St. Patrick's early with games, contests, and festive cheer throughout downtown Abilene.

Outlaws and Legends Music Festival - 2 Day Pass

6:00 PM – 12:15 AM — The Back Porch of Texas — $268 - $299 — Enjoy a weekend of live music from top artists at this exciting festival in Abilene.

Abilene Idol at the Paramount Theatre

7-10 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Proceeds benefit Chorus Abilene — A delightful night of local talent competing in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Wade Bowen Live

7-11 p.m. — Potosi Live — $30 general admission — Experience the captivating country music of Wade Bowen with opener Caleb Sutton And The High Stakes.

2026 Steamboat Challenge

7:30-10:29 a.m. — Buffalo Gap Community Center — Save up to $10 — Conquer scenic hills in a timed running challenge featuring 5k, 10k, and half marathon options.