By Danny Minton Many of you may remember a comedian, actor, and singer who was popular in Vaudeville in the 1920s, radio broadcasts in the 1930s and 1940s, and in movies and TV in the 1950s and 1960s, with his own TV show from 1954-56. His name was Jimmy Durante, known for his gravelly voice and, as he called it,
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By Loretta Fulton Next week will be a busy one on Abilene’s college campuses as Abilene Christian, McMurry, and Hardin-Simmons universities start classes on Monday, Aug. 24. The opening of the fall semester always brings a lot of ceremony as students are greeted for the first time or as they return to class. ACU will kick things off with its
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Click here to read about the dedication of the Baby Box at Fire Station No. 7 in 2024, with remarks by Karen Light. By Loretta Fulton Karen Light, a member of Holy Family Catholic Church who was the driving force behind bringing the state’s first Safe Haven Baby Box to Abilene, will be guest speaker for the August meeting of
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By Jim Nichols “I’m a new driver,” she said plaintively. “Please help me. I don’t know how I did this, but I am afraid if I move the car anymore, I will scratch both. What will my father say?” She was panicked—waving her hands wide-eyed. I had a meeting on the campus and was simply walking through the parking lot
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By Nancy Patrick When I began teaching school in 1972, I viewed my call to teach young people as a way to serve God in the secular world. As a teenager, I played with the thought of becoming a missionary, but I left that idea when Mike and I fell in love and married at such young ages. We lived
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Editor’s note: Spirit of Abilene posted a Q&A with Dr. Larry McGraw on June 20. In the article, he said, “”Not seeking to single out the students, “All of us should be cautious when it is more about “what I feel” rather than “what is my calling.” Click here to read the Q&A. By Dr. Larry McGraw For 14 weeks
Read moreHardin-Simmons University has announced its theater lineup for the 2026-2027 academic year, leading off with Wait Until Dark, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24-26 and 2 p.m. Sept. 27. Performances will be in the Down Centre Stage Lab Theater. “Our 2026–2027 season celebrates the enduring legacy of storytelling,” said Dr. Victoria Spangler, Associate Professor of Theatre in the College of
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury When my Uncle Mort draws a bead on topics, he redefines “random.” He’s as likely to converse about frogs “belly-bouncing” into his favorite fishing hole as he is about whether there’s life in distant galaxies. Recently, he targeted a favorite snack, Graham Crackers. How’s that for random? His latest query may justify placement at
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West Texas Rehabilitation CenterThe Rehab Center originated in 1953 at Bonham Elementary School. The current facility at 4601 Hartford Street opened in 1955 and was remodeled in 2012 to allow for improved services for audiology, orthotics, and prosthetics patients. By Loretta Fulton West Texas Rehabilitation Center’s new facility is on track for completion ahead of time. A groundbreaking ceremony for
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