Good morning, Abilene.

CV PAWS had no adoption fees on Thursday and will offer free adoptions today and Saturday—residents can adopt pets at the shelter during these events.

Abilene firefighters responded to a house fire in the 300 block of South Mockingbird Thursday after 4 p.m. that destroyed a home and a car—no injuries were reported and the Abilene Fire Department, Police Department and Atmos Energy were on scene as the cause remains under investigation.

The new Barnes & Noble bookstore opened last month and has sparked mixed reactions among Abilene’s book community as some readers enjoy its large selection while local independent bookstores worry about future impacts.

Local store owners explained that each retailer fills a special role and that ongoing customer loyalty benefits everyone.

Angelo State University has introduced a new air traffic control track (designed to ease the national shortage of controllers) in its aviation program.

View Volunteer Fire Department received donated hydraulic rescue tools from Merkel VFD—tools referred to as the jaws of life—and will soon upgrade its radios with a $40,000 AES grant to boost emergency communication.

The Abilene City Council passed a BYOB ordinance on Thursday morning that restricts establishments from operating between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m.—a measure aimed at protecting public safety following community input.

City Manager Emily Crawford noted that violators may face a class C misdemeanor citation.

The Abilene Police Department announced its longtime K9 Barco is retiring after years of dedicated service—he partnered with Officer Cox to secure vital drug and firearm seizures and assist in over 600 arrests that helped keep the community safe.

Registration is open for Hendrick Health's Annual Bunco for Breast Cancer Tournaments in Brownwood and Abilene with proceeds aiding The Hope Fund for free breast imaging services.

In Brownwood, the event will run from 6—9 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Brownwood Event Center, and in Abilene, it will run from 6—9 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Abilene Convention Center.

On a cool July morning, cyclists rode in Buffalo Gap for the Tour de Gap, a two-day charity cycling event that raised funds for the Presbyterian Medical Care Mission.

Organizer Jim McDonald said riders could choose from three routes—11 miles for families, 50 kilometers, or 100 kilometers—to ride scenic roads and support local health care.

A family in Merkel fell victim to a rental scam when they discovered an uninhabitable home with structural damage and bedbugs—photos confirmed the issues—and the realtor refused to refund their money.

West Texas Fair & Rodeo

5 PM - 11 PM — West Texas Fair & Rodeo — Varies by activity — Experience thrilling rodeo action and a vibrant carnival atmosphere with delicious food at this beloved local fair.

The Princess Bride Film Screening

7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — $7 for adults, $6 for students, seniors, military, and children — Experience a beloved fairy tale adventure as true love conquers all in this classic film.

Round-Up for Rehab Abilene Cattle Sale

11 AM – 3 PM — Abilene Livestock Auction LLC — Support for West Texas Rehabilitation Center — Premier auction with music from legends Red Steagall and Jake Hooker.

2025 Statewide Quail Symposium

12:30 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Abilene Convention Center — $100 — Discover expert insights on quail management, habitat improvement, and hunting gear at this engaging symposium.

Texas Tailgate Sale

9:30 AM – 11:59 PM — Alliance Auto Auction Abilene — Free entry — Explore 400 vehicles from top dealers and win exciting prizes including Cowboys game tickets.