Good morning, Abilene.

The West Texas Fair and Rodeo held its Bubblegum Blowing Contest on Tuesday, Sept.

15 at the Guitar Arena, where children competed to blow the biggest bubbles. The event is part of a family-friendly, up-to-date schedule running through Saturday.

Abilene will host a national police K9 competition from Sunday, Sept.20 to Friday, Sept.25, featuring a public demonstration on Sept.24 at 6:30 p.m. at Shelton Stadium on Hardin-Simmons University campus — the event will showcase the skills of top police K9 teams and their handlers.

The West Central Texas Council of Governments has announced a storm shelter rebate program for homeowners in 19 counties, including Taylor, to cover 50% of costs up to $3,000 for eligible safe room installations—applicants must own the residence and avoid FEMA-designated floodplains.

Realtor.com+ data shows that the median price for single-family homes in Taylor County was $267,385 in June, slightly lower than May’s $268,880, but 7.9% higher than last June’s $247,925+ while recorded sales increased 9.8% from last year.