Good morning, Abilene.

During Fire Prevention Week (Oct.

4–10), the Abilene Fire Department is sharing steps to reduce home fire risks while the American Red Cross encourages residents to plan ahead for emergencies.

Grain Theory hosted Abilene’s 5th annual Oktoberfest last weekend in downtown Abilene with family-friendly games, contests, and traditional German food.

The event included local vendors and a food drive with the Food Bank of West Central Texas to bring hundreds of community members together.

In September, Spirit Halloween opened a seasonal store at the Mall of Abilene in the former Chuck E- Cheese spot, while Wellness U and DD's Discounts also began serving customers.

Local plans include a new McDonald's, a Claw Kingdom arcade, and a luxury residence development on Rebecca Lane.

Abilene home cooks now have expanded opportunities under the revised Texas Cottage Food Law, which lets them earn up to $150,000 yearly and sell some refrigerated foods while meeting new registration and labeling rules.

Local operators may soon benefit from using vendors plus farmers’ markets and retail stores for sales.

House of Horrors returns for its 17th season today at Doc's Bar + Grill on Farm to Market Road 1750, offering jump scares and family-friendly zombie hunts.

The longtime haunt began as a small family affair and has grown into a major local attraction.

Today, construction began on a terminal expansion at Abilene Regional Airport aimed at modernizing boarding, security, baggage, elevators, HVAC and fire-suppression systems — the project will add about 22,000 sqft and is expected to finish in 2028.

Taylor County officials kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with an annual proclamation yesterday in Abilene.

Survivor Natalie Jimenez spoke at the ceremony and urged women to get mammograms and screening for early detection (a reminder that support is available regardless of financial challenges).