By Jim Nichols Several months ago, I recounted here an unusual experience that occurred in my backyard. It was somewhat of a wildlife fantasy and involved the simultaneous presence of two visitors, a squirrel and a hawk. It featured a device referred to by the seller as a “wildlife language translator.” The instructions were not too clear as to whether
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Until 1955, before Elvis Presley got a sniff of stardom, he was on the brink of greatness. Months later, his name was “marqueed” in capital letters nationwide. A 20 year-old credited with making rock-and-roll music a national phenomenon, he could not have known how short “brinks” sometimes can be. About six months after crowding
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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
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