Reporter-News Archives OCTOBER '97 ARCHIVES January ... February ... March ... April ... May ... June ... July ... August ... September ... October ... November ... December Oct. 31-- Ken Ellsworth column: Light Crust Doughboys to play in Sweetwater Oct. 31-- Stenholm challenger: Izzard opposes 'fast-track' trade legislation Oct. 31-- Still insists no extension coming: United Way campaign ends today Oct. 31-- Big Brothers-Big Sisters: Board announces attempt to revive organization Oct. 31-- Macabre interest: Cisco College student studies serial killers, mass murderers Oct. 31-- Gramm votes against override: Senate votes to restore Dyess funding, other projects Oct. 31-- Area news roundup: Two accident victims critical ... Corrections officer pleads guilty ... Brownwood woman faces murder charges ... Fisher County commissioners approve funds to repair fire truck ... Grass fire burns land near Roscoe ... Defendent sentenced in Hamlin murder ... Hamlin leaders encouraged by TYC visit ... Merkel patrolman fired ... Second candidate announces for Precinct 2 position ... Fire victims identified ... Unruly inmate subdued Oct. 30-- After allegations of improper conduct: Cooper teacher resigns Oct. 30-- Make a Wish Foundation: Coleman boy to visit Disney World Oct. 30-- Jones County jail: Work stoppage averted Oct. 30-- Abilene pediatrician: Noted local physician dies Oct. 30-- McMurry University: Abilene physician named distinguished alumnus Oct. 30-- Coleman capital murder trial: Indictments thrown out Oct. 30-- Abilene Fire Academy: Cadets learn trench rescue techniques Oct. 30-- Precinct 2 candidate: Merkel man announces plans to run for Taylor County commissioner seat Oct. 30-- Precinct 4: Second JP announces retirement Oct. 30-- For death of man's former wife: Jurors hand down 12-year prison term Oct. 29-- Abilene Industrial Foundation: AIF hires new vice president Oct. 29-- Taylor County Commissioners: County rids portfolio of bad investment Oct. 29-- Police officer trading cards: Officers autograph cards for Fannin youth Oct. 29-- Development Corporation of Abilene: DCOA approves loans for firms to relocate Oct. 29-- Precinct 2 commissioner: Dudley won't seek re-election Oct. 29-- Ken Ellsworth column: Fright Night is a fearful family tradition Oct. 29-- Too many choices: Towns cope with Halloween, deer hunters, and football converge Oct. 29-- Precinct 2: Justice of the Peace announces retirement Oct. 29-- Dog credited with helping her survive: Woman found after intensive search Oct. 29-- Stock market panic: Professors remember crash of '87 Oct. 29-- Indian Village to rise again: McMurry prepares for homecoming Oct. 29-- Best burger builder: Sonic employee named best in nation Oct. 29-- Area news roundup: Coleman school trustees set bond election ... Merkel City Council sets new park hours ... Ranger considers heavy truck restrictions ... Tye hires part-time patrolmen Oct. 28-- Library Election: Library PAC has spent more than $18,000 in last three weeks Oct. 28-- It's Here! Notorious trolley has finally clang, clang, clanged into town Oct. 28-- Big Stock Drop: Abilenians wonder what it means to them Oct. 28-- The Big Chill: 'Tis the season ... at least three of them Oct. 28-- United Way: Funding to be allocated after fall drive Oct. 28-- AISD School Board: Board reaches fuller understanding of middle schools Oct. 28-- Work Stoppage: Jones County inmates: no smoke, no work Oct. 28-- Colorado City Prison: Two more inmates convicted Oct. 27-- Local Weather: Thermometer all over the place lately Oct. 27-- "Unfair Punishment?" Coronado Nursing Center disputes punitive action Oct. 27-- AISD School Board: "Broad overview" of middle school programs scheduled Oct. 26-- Ken Ellsworth column: Strange items in silent auction Oct. 26-- Make a Difference Day: Abilenians gather to make a difference in neighbors' lives Oct. 26-- Library bond issue: ... What will voters get if they approve the bond? ... Passage would prompt negotiations for Greyhound property ... Plan B waiting if issue fails ... How Abilene's library stacks up next to other libraries ... What others are saying Oct. 25-- Area news digest: Woman in critical condition after wreck near Albany ... Airline to begin Brownwood service ... A Day Without Violence mural for Brownwood ... Murder trial adjourned until Tuesday ... Wallace Unit assistant warden tranfers ... Cross Plains school board approves extracurricular status for 4-H ... Third inmate to go on trial ... Trial postponed by surgery Oct. 25-- Swapping computers for textbooks: State studying idea Oct. 25-- 'Fast track' trade negotiating authority: Area farmer says trade bill a pocketbook issue Oct. 25-- Techno Expo: Displays offer more than just computers Oct. 25-- Make a Difference Day: Not too late to make a difference Oct. 25-- Library bond issue: Library supporters putting on the blitz Oct. 25-- Sayles Home: Historical marker to be unveiled Oct. 25-- Critical of campaign finance proposal: Pro-life group attacks Stenholm Oct. 25-- Nolan County judge: Mothers sentenced to attend school with truant daughters Oct. 24-- Abilene City Council: Administrators seek to annex additional land Oct. 24-- ACU Homecoming: Musical highlights homecoming activities Oct. 24-- Area new roundup: Albany City Council to solicit bids for paving machine ... Area bands to compete in Bedford ... Brownwood receives law enforcement grant ... Firefighters take on 150-acre fire ... Four arrested on drug charges in Roby ... Roby school superintendant to retire ... Hospital board gains one, loses one ... Snyder receives law enforcement grants ... Stephenville City Council hears recommendations Oct. 24-- HSU's Multisensory Language Training Center: Reader establishes scholarship fund for dyslexic children Oct. 24-- $4 million bond issue: Eula school board to have public hearing Oct. 24-- Ken Ellsworth column: Doctor brings medical research to Coleman Oct. 24-- Howard Payne Homecoming: Alumni banquet, parade lead activities Oct. 24-- Noah Project-West: Snyder program model for area Oct. 24-- Plea bargain attempt: Judge denies probation request Oct. 24-- Damages Mitchell County home: Storm produces tornado Oct. 24-- Stempel Manufacturing: Firm attracts bidders Oct. 24-- Library bond election: Library opposition unorganized but vocal Oct. 23-- Despite accuser's recantation: Appeals court rejects Abilene man's appeal Oct. 23-- Area news roundup: Baird City Council approves park lease ... Children escape injury when bus overturns ... Truck driver and passenger arrested ... Drug charges filed against Colorado City pair ... Eastland helmet ordinance not approved ... Eastland robber gets 15 years ... Hamlin hospital board creates conference committee ... Santa Anna looking for second police officer ... Man and Woman of Year selected in Stamford Oct. 23-- United Way: Campaign director says it will end on Halloween Oct. 23-- Coleman murder trial: Defense attorneys claim indictments flawed Oct. 23-- Annual four-mile Heart Walk: Brownwood heart surgery survivor supports walk Oct. 23-- Decision to be revealed in about 2 weeks: State Bar seeks McMillon's disbarment Oct. 23-- To remain in Sweetwater: Sweetwater school superintendent resigns Oct. 23-- Fourth annual Texas Midwest Conference: NASA director promotes teamwork at TMCN conference Oct. 22-- Area news roundup: Former teacher charged with indecency ... Old bomber arrives in Brownwood ... Dublin City Council names acting police chief ... Commissioners approve helmet ordinance ... Area youths honored at District III Gold Star banquet ... Commissioners approve insurance bid ... Merkel hires economic development expert ... Stephenville school board approves Pepsi contract ... 25-year term imposed in gang fight murder plea Oct. 22-- To take Museums of Abilene post: Hope Haven director resigns Oct. 22-- Suit against USDA: Settlement reached in discrimination case Oct. 22-- Ken Ellsworth column: Country doctors needed for award Oct. 22-- On trial for fatal fire: Defense moves for dismissal against one of defendants Oct. 22-- No damages awarded though: Inmate wins excessive force suit Oct. 22-- For prison crimes committed over 2 years: 45 prisoners indicted Oct. 21-- Library Election: Turnout good for first day of early voting Oct. 21-- Coleman Case: Hearings begin in arson, murders Oct. 21-- Shotwell Light Problem: AISD AD credits crowd with easy move to McMurry Oct. 21-- Statewide Water Plan: First phase to be implemented soon Oct. 21-- 1971 Brutal Murder: Creel refused parole again Oct. 21-- Union Pacific Problems: Train officials say they'll watch parking closer Oct. 21-- Reading Symposium: First grade is essential in reading process Oct. 21-- McMurry Lectureship: Carmines' lecture more like a Broadway production Oct. 21-- City Council Advance: Landowners want city to annex their property Oct. 21-- Taylor County Commissioners: Nominees to board of directors selected Oct. 21-- TYC announces short list: Hamlin makes cut for TYC facility Oct. 21-- Heritage Claim: Local man suing Taylor Electric Coop Oct. 20-- Well Composed: Rev. Carmines to speak on 'faith and doubt' Oct. 20-- Seeing with a Horn: Blind trumpet player returns to 'old stomping grounds' Oct. 20-- Shining Bright Again: Old neon sign decked out with new lights Oct. 20-- John Justin Recognized: Boot maker receives Spanish Gourd Award Oct. 19-- Jones County Fair: Tasa with "Taz" take steer win Oct. 19-- Top alumnus: Austin attorney winner of Keeter award Oct. 19-- Fisher County: Teens arrested for alleged kidnapping attempt Oct. 19-- Library bond issue: Library space a longstanding problem | ARN Editorial: We need a new library Oct. 19-- Reporter's Notebook: The news behind the news Oct. 19-- Comptroller looking for owners: Unclaimed property list like winning lottery Oct. 19-- One-stop shopping: Seminar allows veterans to learn more about benefits Oct. 19-- Journalism conference named for him: Greene honored for life's work Oct. 19-- Ken Ellsworth column: Old timers stuck on ranching, not the past Oct. 18-- At two Abilene stadiums: Bands gather for UIL marching contest Oct. 18-- In Sweetwater: Police break up teen-age bike theft ring Oct. 18-- Leadership for Tomorrow: Campaign raises more than $9.5 million Oct. 18-- Ladies Home Journal: Abilene ranks low among best cities for women by magazine Oct. 18-- International District 44 Conference: Toastmasters president visits Abilene Oct. 17-- Area news roundup: New school to cost $982,000 ... Murder trial to begin Monday ... Trustees discuss dress code ... Merkel family seeks donations after house fire ... County to use portable Breathalizer test ... Rotan school board hires architectural firm ... Daughter-in-law indicted for attack Oct. 17-- Failed to divorce first wife: Dyess airman pleads guilty to bigamy Oct. 17-- Abilene ISD: Serving breakfast in class promotes need for good nutrition Oct. 17-- Abilene Education Council: Board members seek funds from schools Oct. 17-- Ken Ellsworth column: Getting ready for Watt's day in Albany Oct. 17-- Hamilton Jordan: Carter aide urges students to follow former president's example Oct. 17-- James Michener death: Mayor remembers author's visit Oct. 17-- Heroic actions honored: Tarleton officer saves fellow officer's life Oct. 17-- CRP Symposium: Scoring points means greater chance of CRP acceptance Oct. 16-- Not-so-early mornings ahead: Dishwasher claims first $320,000 Oct. 16-- Area news roundup: Council asks for a traffic signal ... Coleman burn ban extended ... Bids for housing addition to go out ... Six file for Eastland school board position ... Hamlin schools receive good audit report ... Merkel changes way aldermen are elected Oct. 16-- Abilene Zoo: Giraffe dies after sudden illness Oct. 16-- In Abilene to campaign: Combs would stand tall as Texas ag commissioner Oct. 16-- Haunted House: Former Jaycee opens competing house Oct. 16-- Fall ritual: Hardin-Simmons homecoming activities Oct. 16-- First built in Texas for decades: Officials tour future veterans home at Big Spring Oct. 16-- Promoting Rudy Izzard: Quayle visits Abilene to stump for local candidate Oct. 16-- Part of Harte-Hanks purchase: Sale of ARN to Scripps complete Oct. 15-- Calls pour in to local agencies: News segment brings nationwide response Oct. 15-- Area news roundup: City council adds to golf course ... Anson school board approves facilities corporation ... Rezoning for video arcade rejected ... Tax abatement OK'd by school board ... Burn ban lifted, animal laws vetoed ... Eastland commissioners authorize juror pay donations ... Citizen seeks improved county road safety ... City jail to go back in service Oct. 15-- Also suspended license and fine: Man gets probation for fatal drunk driving accident Oct. 15-- Dublin City Council: Police chief fired, councilman resigns in protest Oct. 15-- Result of politics, he says: Gramm aide denounces new air quality standards Oct. 15-- Response to call from pastors' group: Group to break fast Saturday Oct. 15-- State Sen. Troy Fraser: Electricity deregulation should spark debate Oct. 15-- Hardin-Simmons Homecoming: Three alumni to be honored Oct. 15-- In two widely different magazines: Roby millionaires still getting media attention Oct. 15-- Chamber of Commerce banquet: Sweetwater names outstanding citizens Oct. 15-- Taylor County commissioners: Commissioners approve computer system agreement Oct. 14-- Big Brothers, Big Sisters: Community campaign under way to save local organization Oct. 14-- Television Coverage: ABC program features Abilene's revitalized downtown Oct. 14-- Wylie School Board: Good news on annual audit reported Oct. 14-- John Denver Death: Abilenians remember bespectacled folk singer Oct. 14-- Welcome Relief: Recent rain enough to lift burn ban Oct. 14-- Eastland Traffic Death: Juvenile was driving in fatal accident Oct. 14-- Reeling Manufacturer: Stempel remains open; salary of president cut Oct. 14-- Weather-related Death: Abilene man dies in Borden County rig accident Oct. 13-- Made to Order: Sears catalog home gets a new life Oct. 13-- Wylie School Board: Construction at new high school right on schedule Oct. 13-- AISD School Board: Agenda includes looking into district's mathematics program Oct. 13-- New Cops: Cadets to begin extensive training Tuesday Oct. 13-- Around the Big Country: Aspermont man heads Luckenbach event Oct. 12-- Valuable training: Police learn to deal with Alzheimer's victims Oct. 12-- Ken Ellsworth column: New museum will be a part of the past Oct. 12-- How they voted: A look at recent legislative action Oct. 12-- Library bond proposal: Branch libraries good, but hub needed first Oct. 12-- Library woes: Branch in works for 1988 Oct. 12-- Homecoming changes event date: Merkel residents participate in Make-A-Difference Day Oct. 12-- Reporter's Notebook: The news behind the news Oct. 12-- Dyess funds veto: Pentagon sent White House faulty information Oct. 12-- In Albany: Watt Matthews Day to be filled with events Oct. 11-- Fall weather: Showers lead to fender benders Oct. 11-- After Neil Fry declines to run again: Race for county commissioner's seat begins Oct. 11-- Drug, truck deal gone bad: Teen given maximum sentence Oct. 11-- Trash container lid fell on grandsons: Woman sues city over injuries Oct. 11-- To reinstate track program: McMurry announces gifts Oct. 11-- Chock full of nuts: Pecan harvest may be best in years Oct. 11-- During bout with cancer: Wylie principal dies of heart attack Oct. 11-- Area news roundup: Man jailed on arson charges ... HPU faculty and students vacate old structure ... Knox City taking applications for police chief ... Sweetwater man injured in fall ... Nolan County campaigns under way Oct. 11-- Need push from a cold front: Monarchs on layover Oct. 10-- Callahan County crime: Arrests may clear area burglaries Oct. 10-- Cowboy National Championship: Rider proves barrel racing is a man's sport too Oct. 10-- Seeks return of registration: Contractor sues city Oct. 10-- 10 years after his death: Military service to be held for veteran Oct. 10-- Walking down Sweetwater street: Man arrested on charge of carrying cocaine Oct. 10-- Abilene City Council: DCOA contracts ratified Oct. 10-- Ken Ellsworth column: New council leader walked in victim's shoes Oct. 10-- 1997 Fire Prevention Poster Contest: Abilene girl wins contest Oct. 10-- Trapped in Merkel: TDH: Six rodents test positive for hantavirus Oct. 9-- Area news roundup: Bangs approves funding for new school ... Colorado City police seek robber ... Cross Plains City Council discusses disaster funds ... Stephenville hires firm to study water options ... Toone resigns economic post ... Trucker trapped in wreck for an hour Oct. 9-- Dublin City Hall: Audit reveals irregularity in wage checks Oct. 9-- Abilene ISD: Final enrollment figures show slight drop Oct. 9-- Taylor County Commissioners: Fry will not seek re-election Oct. 9-- Accident reports: Judge issues injunction against access law Oct. 9-- Making a difference: Abilene police get MAD early Oct. 9-- Dyess construction: Stenholm calls for restoration of funds Oct. 9-- Child porn on the Internet: Breckenridge man charged Oct. 8-- Near Holiday Hills: Fort Worth man offers land for baseball complex Oct. 8-- Accused killer claims to have buried them: Search for bodies fruitless Oct. 8-- DPS won't release information: Fireman faces effect of new privacy law Oct. 8-- Ken Ellsworth column: Crafting fiddles in Loraine Oct. 8-- Counties approve burn bans: Forest Service warns of autumn fires Oct. 8-- Former HSU faculty member: Harmony Family Services names new director Oct. 8-- With money and volunteer labor: Kiwanians seek to help youth-oriented project Oct. 8-- Dyess Air Force Base: Lobbyist hopes to revive constructions funds Oct. 8-- Civil rights suit: Inmate sues Bush, TDCJ for $6.8 million Oct. 8-- Punishments vary for trio involved: Overnight crime spree leads to prison sentences Oct. 8-- After relocation to Amarillo: Stempel Mfg. in debt to Coleman County over taxes Oct. 8-- After truancy hearing: Judge relents on handcuff order -- for now Oct. 7-- Line-item Veto: $10 million dollar Dyess project killed Oct. 7-- Accident Information: Media attorney to challenge new state law limiting access Oct. 7-- Crime Spree: Jury finds trio guilty of organized criminal activity Oct. 7-- Lucado at ACU: Best-selling author speaks at alma mater Oct. 7-- From AG's Office: Computers for West Texas being distributed Oct. 7-- City Council Advance: DCOA contract approvals to be considered Oct. 7-- Planning and Zoning: Play Street renamed Expo Drive Oct. 7-- Federal Ruling: No communitywide fiber-optic infrastructure for Abilene Oct. 7-- Check It Out: Locals contributing to campaign to build a bigger library Oct. 7-- Paying Faculty; Keeping Costs Down: Local universities compare favorably to statewide peers Oct. 6-- Illusive Celebrity: DeLeon's old gray mare polishes up for TV role Oct. 6-- HSU Professor Stays Busy: Logotheraphy, philosophy and answering the phone about meaning Oct. 5-- Ken Ellsworth column: The Carnegie Medal for heroes Oct. 5-- Journalism conference named for him: HSU alumni to honor A.C. Greene Oct. 5-- Reporter's Notebook: The news behind the news Oct. 5-- Library bond issue: Old library best argument for new one Oct. 5-- Bobby Estes Cowboy Gathering: Veteran showman honored Oct. 5-- El Nino: Local weather may not be affected much Oct. 5-- Fiesta de la Paloma: Event is largest in its history Oct. 5-- Habitat For Humanity House in a Week: New residents move in next week Oct. 4-- Accused of fondling woman in his care: Former nursing home employee arrested Oct. 4-- Sentenced to five years in prison: Anson man pleads guilty in stabbing death Oct. 4-- $200 fine for violation: Judge reminds residents of burn ban Oct. 4-- Bucking state trend: Most Big Country teachers certified for classes they teach Oct. 4-- Old chief plans suit: Gorman names new police chief Oct. 4-- Searching for hantavirus: Health department traps 155 rodents in Merkel area Oct. 4-- Still interested: NCCIL studying move to Boyd Building Oct. 4-- TYC facility for Sweetwater: City files application just before deadline Oct. 4-- While recognizing gains: TCADA criticized at public hearing Oct. 4-- In response to truancy charges: Father ordered to attend school with daughter Oct. 3-- Between Abilene and Wichita Falls: TxDOT urged to widen Highway 277 Oct. 3-- Ken Ellsworth column: May Hurst to celebrate 100 years Oct. 3-- Drawing lots of applicants: Museums of Abilene seeking new education curator Oct. 3-- Pi Kappa at ACU: Social club members to attend Promise Keeper's rally Oct. 3-- Abilene Independent School District: Number of confiscated weapons rises Oct. 3-- Stephenville school district: School bond election is Saturday Oct. 3-- Rural landowners objected: Winters rejects TYC facility idea Oct. 2-- Wayne East appeal: State asks court to reconsider ruling Oct. 2-- Bout with hantavirus: Merkel family thankful after teen survives Oct. 2-- Center for Contemporary Arts: Center's director resigns Oct. 2-- Home for mentally challenged adults: Marbridge House to close Oct. 2-- 'Gordo juice': Sweetwater teen-agers getting sick after experimenting with backyard seeds Oct. 2-- Learning Center to honor Robert Strauss, Charles Stenholm: Stamford library to become home to collections Oct. 2-- After being denied liquor permit: 'Wild Thing' sues city over zoning ordinance Oct. 2-- Area news roundup: Baird council sets budget and tax ... Colorado City Council passes required resolution ... Grass fires continue to plague firemen ... Huber honored at Houston educators' meeting ... Hospital tax rate kept at 27 cents Oct. 1-- Making More Room: Taylor County Jail expansion under way Oct. 1-- Taylor County Commissioners: Medical provider for inmates approved Oct. 1-- Ken Ellsworth Column: Camels to come to the Renaissance Faire Oct. 1-- Boys and Girls Club: Executive director stepping down Oct. 1-- All in a Day's Work: Logotherapy and Frankl death thrusts HSU professor into limelight Oct. 1-- Hantavirus Investigation: Rodent trapping has begun in Merkel by Health team Oct. 1-- Testifying against Cohorts: Crime spree drivers says she figured it out too late Oct. 1-- McMurry Gallery: AIDS quilt drawing steady stream of traffic Oct. 1-- Abilene GOP Visit: Texas Republican Party chair says local elections vital Oct. 1-- Livestock for a Good Cause: Round-Up for Rehab surpasses 1996 sale by almost $30,000 margin Oct. 1-- Evaluating City Personnel: McDaniel explains larger raise for two top lieutenants January ... February ... March ... April ... May ... June ... July ... 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