THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury The expression about an ill wind blowing no good goes back almost five centuries. Just 52 years ago, however, a true-life example occurred at what seemed to be an unlucky turn of event at a Justin, Texas, rodeo. Dr. Ronny Collins and wife Terri–both at the rodeo–met for the first time, huddling with others
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By Loretta Fulton The public is invited to hear Bishop Michael Sis speak at the monthly meeting of the Abilene Association of Congregations on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Sis has been bishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo since 2014. The meeting will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap Road. Lunch will begin at 11:45 a.m.
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By Janice Six We used to call it the “F word” and it was a no-no in polite society. A few years ago, I started hearing people refer to it as the “F bomb” and it was being said aloud in public—and not just by rebellious teens. Now, I turn off podcasts when my grandchild gets in the car because
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By Jim Nichols The winter Olympics are on television right now and, as usual, they are spectacular in multiple aspects. Strength, skill, and technique abound, as does courage. Can you imagine how many times each of those athletes has fallen during practice? And not just fallen but fallen on ice? Ice is hard. Hold those thoughts about making mistakes and
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By Danny Minton One day, while shopping at a local discount store, I went into the cold storage area to pick up some eggs. I usually buy white eggs because they are a little cheaper, but on this day, all they had were brown eggs. The cost was a few cents higher, and the carton made sure to tell me
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By Loretta Fulton All three of Abilene’s universities will have observances throughout February in honor of Black History Month. Many of the events are open to the public. Deadline to purchase tickets for a luncheon at McMurry is at noon Friday, Feb. 13. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Mabee Room of Garrison Campus
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Our sense of hearing is to be treasured. The sound of ships nearing shores, buzzers sounding at the end of victories and fireworks signaling a new year are but three examples. There are, however, pitfalls to be endured. Sometimes we “over hear” too much, and–sadly–take off like a world-champion jockey on the fastest of
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Ricky Harrison, a 2014 graduate of McMurry University, is the new Dean of Students at his alma mater. Harrison was named University Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life at McMurry in 2023. He will continue to serve as University Chaplin, while Russell Miller will be Director of Religious and Spiritual Life and Assistant University Chaplain. Ricky Harrision “Rev.
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By Loretta Fulton Beth Garvey, Chief Executive Officer and President of BGSF, Inc., will be featured speaker for the March 3 Fletcher Lecture Series at Hardin-Simmons University. Admission is free, but reservations are required by Feb. 17. Click here to reserve a seat. The lecture will begin at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, at HSU’s Houston-Landrip Center, 2241 Pine St.
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Spirit Of Abilene 