June 14 Highland Hymn Sing 
The public is invited to Highland Church of Christ, 425 Highland Ave., on June 14 for its Hymn Sing at 6:30. Ice cream will be provided. Everyone is asked to bring cookies. 

Six White Horses, Cowboy Band in Washington parade
Hardin-Simmons University’s World-Famous Cowboy Band and the Six White Horses proudly represented Texas as the only college from the state to participate in the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade held May 25 in Washington, D.C. Click here to read HSU news release.

Food Bank partners with Abilene Flying Bison
Fans of the Abilene Flying Bison baseball team are invited to Food Bank Night at ACU’s Crutcher Scott Field on Wednesday, June 17. Fans who bring a bag of none perishable foods will receive a free ticket to any remaining 2026 Flying Bison home game. The Food Bank will also have special giveaways and activities. Following is a list of food items most needed:
Peanut butter
Canned protein (chicken, tuna, chili, etc.)
Canned beans and other vegetables
Canned fruit
While grain rice, pasta, cereal

Howard Payne University nursing program granted 10-year reaccreditation
Howard Payne University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN) was granted reaccreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for 10 years. Click here to read HPU news release. 

HSU hosting autism-inclusive classroom conference
HSU’s Houston-Lantrip Center will be the site of a conference focused on autism-inclusive classrooms 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, June 18. Educators, students, families, and community members are invited to join the conversation. Guest speaker will be Emily Kircher-Morris. Her talk will be followed by a book signing. The center is located at 917 Lineberry Blvd., just off of Pine Street. Click here to register. 

Upcoming VBS sessions
Following are some of the Vacation Bible School sessions scheduled for upcoming days and weeks.
SOUTHWEST PARK BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 2901 S. 20th St.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. June 7-11
Theme: Illumination Station
Registration: Click here
WYLIE METHODIST CHURCH
Where: 3430 Antilley Road
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14; 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, June 15-17
Theme: Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God
Registration: Click here
WYLIE BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 6097 Buffalo Gap Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon July 13-16
Theme: Emerald Crossing
Registration: Click here
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Where: 5125 Antilley Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon July 13-16
Theme: Cactus Ranch
Registration: Click here
FIRST CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Where: 400 Orange St.
When: 5-8 p.m. July 24 and 8:30 a.m.-noon July 25
Theme: Wander & Wonder (Family VBS)
Call the church for registration information, 677-3501

HSU and Western Texas College Establish New Transfer Agreement
Hardin-Simmons University and Western Texas College formalized an agreement that establishes a pathway for students to earn a bachelor’s degree at HSU. Click here to read HSU news release.

Baptist Women in Ministry hosting preaching forum
Rev. Dr. Janiece Williams of Deep Launch Solutions will be the presenter for a three-week, online preaching series designed for Baptist women clergy seeking to strengthen their sermon development. Zoom meetings are scheduled for July 6, 13, and 20 from 5–6:30 p.m. Central Time. Registration is $50, which includes a workbook. Click here to register. 

McMurry to add two STEM-related graduate programs
McMurry University’s Walter F. and Virginia Johnson School of Business has announced the launch of two new STEM-designated graduate programs: AI in Business and Healthcare Administration. Both programs will launch in spring 2027, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Click here to read McMurry news release.