Author Archives: Loretta Fulton

Skunks in Low Places…

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Far-out occurrences often are illuminated through the miracle of the Internet, sometimes resulting in findings that may, uh, need additional study. Such occurred recently in Dallas, where a homeowner was troubled by skunks who had burrowed their way under the foundation. Then, frustrations increased when the little varmints proceeded to make unwelcome noise with

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Oral Exam

By JIM NICHOLS He hoped he had put on enough antiperspirant/deodorant that morning. He was facing one of the periodic daunting challenges of being a graduate student. In this case, he was seated on one side of the conference table and three of his professors were opposite him.  There were no rules; they could ask him any questions they wished.

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The Church: What Happens Next?

By DANNY MINTON There is a business sign in Nottingham, England, that reads: “We have been established for over 100 years and have been pleasing and displeasing customers ever since. We have made money and lost money and suffered the effects of coal nationalization, coal rationing, government control, and bad payers. We have been cussed and discussed, messed about, lied

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HSU Honors Faculty, Staff

Hardin-Simmons University recently honored its faculty and staff members of the year. Dr. Jennifer Eames is the 2022-2023 Faculty Member of the Year. Elizabeth Torres is the Staff Member of the Year.  Torres is Payroll Manager and Assistant Director of Human Resources. Eames is Director of the Physician Assistant Program.  Dr. Jennifer Eames Elizabeth Torres with HSU President Eric Bruntmyer

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VBS is Just Around the Corner

Vacation Bible SchoolTo list your church’s Vacation Bible School or summer family activity, send information to editor@spiritofabilene.com By LORETTA FULTON If you’re looking for adventure this summer, look no further than the closest church. Many Abilene churches will be hosting Vacation Bible School sessions with alluring themes like “Wild Life,” “Twists and Turns,” “Stellar,” and “God’s Super Heroes.” You don’t

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A Tribute

By DANNY MINTON. Over the past few years, I have lost several friends who have, in some way or another, been an influence in my life. Each one touched a part of my life that made me a better person or at least had me thinking about things more deeply. My mind will play the reruns of our lives together

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Memorial Day Celebrations

By LORETTA FULTON Abilenians will have at least two opportunities for public celebrations on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. The first will begin at 9 a.m. at Elmwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 5750 U.S. Highway 277 South. The following is part of a welcome message on the funeral home website: “Whether you have a personal connection to the military

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The One-Minute Graduation Speech

Editor’s Note: The following is from Glenn Dromgoole’s book, “Just Happy to Be Here,” a collection of “words to encourage, enlighten, entertain.” The book is available at Texas Star Trading Company, 174 Cypress St. By GLENN DROMGOOLE I have never been asked to give a commencement address and probably will never be invited, but I have given it some thought.

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Parents in the Dark

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Prayers of university presidents and school superintendents for commencement exercises to be executed as planned often are short-circuited. Some leaders are extremists–the kind who decree that neither blaring air horns nor unseemly yells will be tolerated. Their wish is for “pomp” to be exceeded only by “circumstance.” Often, they experience countless “slips ‘twixt cup

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