Good Day
Abilene
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Good morning, Abilene. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Billye Proctor Shaw, a longtime civic leader and former Abilene City Council member, died Monday at 91 in Abilene. A private graveside service will be held by The Hamil Family Funeral Home to honor her decades of public service. KTXS
- ➤ Abilene Zoo began expanding on Mar. 26 with its new phase (Wild Encounters and Ferocious Eats) that adds updated African exhibits with cheetahs, meerkats and visitor amenities including an elevated boardwalk and amphitheater. The expansion will complete late 2027 to support conservation efforts. Abilene Reporter News
- ➤ Abilene officials will host ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Wednesday, April 22 for new recreation centers and branch libraries. The G.V. Daniels event — at 532 W. Washington St at 1:30 p.m. — will be followed by the Sears ceremony at 2250 Ambler Ave at 2:15 p.m. KTXS
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Abilene High School student Felicity Jones was awarded the Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Smith Exemplary Service Award for JROTC service on April 7 at 2:32 p.m., recognizing academic excellence + community service. She is one of five honorees set to visit Washington, D.C., to learn more about the nation’s heritage. Abilene Reporter News
- ➤ Wylie ISD’s new South Elementary campus gym — designed to double as a storm shelter with 16 inches of concrete and independent power and water — is set to be completed by summer so students can use the safe space in the fall. KTXS
- ➤ Students at TSTC are taking a 15-week evening course with 224 hours of instruction to prepare for Texas’ $3 trillion data center boom, and companies are already reviewing the program for future hires. Graduates may secure jobs within weeks after completing the training. KTXS
- ➤ Abilene ISD is launching the Center for Arts and Innovation, a magnet program for high-achieving 5th graders that blends fine arts with STEM, set to open for the 2026-2027 school year at McMurry University. Families can apply from April 1 to April 15 (via the AISD website). KTXS
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Gary Hargis, a longtime contractor known for helping others, was diagnosed with aggressive small cell lung cancer and is now undergoing chemotherapy as his family provides steadfast support. Updates on his treatment will be shared as they become available. KTXS
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Abilene Flying Bison summer baseball team will now play at Crutcher Scott Field at Abilene Christian University after moving from Walt Driggers Field at McMurry. Their home opener is set for Thursday, June 4 at 7 p.m., with tickets on sale starting April 25 at 10 a.m. KTXS
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ArtWalk: Flower Faire
12-4 p.m. — Center For Contemporary Arts — Free entry — Celebrate spring with art vendors, food trucks, and festive activities for all ages.
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Abilene Ducks Unlimited Annual Dinner
6 PM – 12 AM — 201 Mesquite Event Center — Tickets required — Celebrate wildlife conservation while enjoying a lavish banquet.
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5K Run & 1 Mile Walk – Heirs to the Throne
9 AM – 3 PM — Redbud Park — Registration required — Family-friendly run and walk to support local mentorship programs and retreats.
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Toadies Live at Potosi
7-10 p.m. — Fun Town RV Event Center — All Ages — Experience Toadies performing their new album 'The Charmer' crafted with the legendary Steve Albini.
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Bob Dylan Concert
8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Abilene Convention Center — Tickets on sale Dec 12 — Experience the legendary Bob Dylan on the final stop of his U.S. tour showcasing his iconic songwriting.
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Big Country CASA’s Superhero 5K
9-10:30 a.m. — Williams Performing Arts Center — Registration required — Race to support CASA and enjoy a superhero-themed fun run.
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2026 RHAA National Finals
10 AM – 10 AM — Western Heritage Classic — Entry fees apply — Watch some of the best ranch horses and riders compete for championship titles in Abilene, Texas.
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24K Magic: Bruno Mars Tribute Show
7-8 p.m. — Potosi Live — $30 and $57 — Experience the electrifying energy of the #1 Bruno Mars tribute band while supporting a scholarship fund.
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