Good morning, Abilene.

An unauthorized trash burn sent a plume of smoke into the sky Thursday afternoon in Potosi, prompting the Potosi Volunteer Fire Department to respond at 2:30 p.m. and eventually water the fire involving tires, oil, and furniture (officials cautioned against prohibited burns).

The Abilene Zoo welcomes a new baby giraffe — the calf, born early this week to first-time mother Pele, made its public debut today and will be on exhibit through the weekend.

During National Small Business Week, a local small business in Abilene reported growth as community support boosted its operations.

The company expects further success as the week continues.

In April, Abilene's business scene shifted as videos captured both restaurant closures and new business openings — including grand reopenings and reports of rat problems — that marked notable changes in local commerce.

The Western Heritage Classic is underway in Abilene from May 7-10 — drawing 30,000 visitors to rodeo events, a chuckwagon cookoff, live shows, and vendors.

The four-day event brings nearly $1.5 million in outside spending and celebrates our western heritage.

Dyess Air Force Base remains a cornerstone in Abilene as its museum (named after WWII veteran William Edwin Dyess) displays historic aircraft and airmen artifacts while supporting ongoing pilot training and future aircraft programs.

Multiple Mother's Day events bring families this weekend in Abilene and nearby areas—Abilene hosts rodeo contests, a movie at the Paramount Theater, a market at the Convention Center, and a watercolor workshop at Abilene Yarn Co.; Sweetwater and other towns offer mimosas, guided painting, and more events through May 10.

The Western Heritage Classic Parade kicked off yesterday at 6:30 p.m. in Abilene, featuring wagons, riding clubs, antique cars, tractors, marching bands and themed floats that started the weekend’s western heritage festivities.

School leaders at McMurry University asked the city to abandon part of Ross Ave from South 15th to Hunt St (and part of South 16th) to reduce campus traffic; the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the request on Tuesday, and city council readings will be held before official approval.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warned that the New World screwworm is nearing the border, threatening livestock and pets (unusual wounds signal an outbreak) and urging close monitoring.

State and federal officials have expanded sterile fly operations in South Texas to curb its spread.

TLCA Eagles Spring Market

4-7 p.m. — Elm Creek at Wylie Subdivision — Support local vendors — Enjoy a fun shopping experience with student and local vendors for Mother’s Day weekend.

Big Country Veterans Expo and Car Show

9 AM - 2 PM — Taylor County Coliseum — Free entry — Discover essential resources for veterans while enjoying a fun car show.

Jay Moore: News from Abilene

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets $12 — Enjoy an evening of storytelling and laughter with historian Jay Moore as he shares tales from Abilene.

Parkside Live at The Big Country Beer Garden

8-11 p.m. — The Big Country Beer Garden — Ticket required — Dance the night away with local favorites Parkside bringing the party to Abilene.

Fleetwood X - Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the nostalgic sound and style of Fleetwood Mac performed live by America's premiere tribute band.

Finding Nemo Jr. Performance

Time not specified — Abilene Community Theatre Inc — Ticket prices not listed — Experience a magical student-led production of Finding Nemo Jr. with talented young performers.