Good morning, Abilene.

Abilene splash pads will open for the summer on Saturday, April 26 — operating daily from dawn until dusk at six local parks, including Grover Nelson and Redbud Park.

Former Panther Creek Consolidated ISD principal Kenneth Wade Wallace was arrested by U.S. Marshals on April 11 for alleged continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14—he is now held at Dewitt County jail on a $100,000 bond pending extradition.

Abilene ISD projects a letter grade of C with a rating of 70 for 2024 — the new state rules have made tests harder — after scores of 75 and 72 in 2022 and 2023.

The district is launching new programs and using grant funding to boost learning and improve future ratings.

The Texas Education Agency releases the official 2023 accountability ratings today, showing Abilene ISD got a C with a score of 72 and Wylie ISD earned a B with an 87 score, its first B after three A ratings.

The agency also revised 2022 ratings—changing Wylie’s from 94 to 89 and Abilene’s from 75 to 69 as part of a stricter scoring system.

The Texas Department of Transportation said in 2024 there were 28,000 incidents in work zones that led to 215 deaths—up 12% from the previous year.

The agency asks drivers to slow down, avoid tailgating, and allow extra time when passing through roughly 20 active work zones in the Concho Valley and Big Country as of April 23.

Zoobilation Gala 2025

12-5 a.m. — Abilene Zoo — Tickets required — Experience the rugged western frontier with live music, dancing, and bold cocktails.

Where Horses Heal the Soul

7-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Learn how equine-assisted therapies are transforming lives through a powerful documentary screening.

An Evening with David Sedaris

7-8:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets $49 - $79 — Enjoy a night of humor and storytelling from one of America's pre-eminent satire writers.

Rain - A Tribute To The Beatles

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Abilene Convention Center — $49-$69 — Experience the magic of The Beatles with this vibrant tribute performance.

Big Country CASA’s Superhero 5K Fun Run

9:00 – 10:30 AM — Williams Performing Arts Center — Entry fee details not specified — Participate as a superhero to support children in need during this fun run.

Paramount Laughs: Beningo & Boronkay

7-10 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — $19 - $29 — Enjoy a night of clean comedy with Andy Beningo and Bill Boronkay bringing laughter about family and marriage.

Jake Hooker & The Outsiders Concert

10 PM — Taylor County Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Get ready for an evening of country music with Jake Hooker & The Outsiders.

Etched in Embers Live Concert

8 PM - 2 AM — The Zone — $6.25 — Enjoy an electrifying night with Etched in Embers, fresh off their tour with Papa Roach and featuring local bands.

Buffalo Gap Flea Market

11:00 PM - 10:59 PM — Buffalo Gap Flea Market — Free entry — Explore a variety of unique items at this leading local flea market.

Lockjaw Concert

7-8 p.m. — The Zone — Ticket prices unknown — Experience the Monster Inside Texas Tour with top Texas bands in an electrifying live performance.