October News Releases
October 28, 2010
Abilene Police Department: Wanted fugitive
David Perez Reyes, w/m, 1-29-68, is currently wanted by the Texas Pardons and Parole Board for a parole violation with the original charge of Involuntary Manslaughter. Reyes was involved in an incident that originated in Knox County and ended in Haskell County. Reyes was taken into custody but released from custody when he was transported to Hendrick Medical Center for medical treatment. Reyes was not in police custody during his stay at Hendrick. Reyes left Hendrick prior to 0930 this morning by sneaking out of the facility. Reyes does not have any discernable ties to Abilene and his last known address is in Stamford. All units of the Abilene Police Department and Taylor County Sheriff’s Office have been notified of Reyes’ fugitive status and are actively looking for him.
Update: Road work on S. 14th St. now scheduled to begin the week of Nov. 8
ABILENE, Texas – Weather permitting, street resurfacing work on S. 14th Street from S. Danville Drive to S. Pioneer Drive is scheduled to begin Monday, Nov. 1, 2010. Traffic lane closures will vary during the project but at least two lanes of traffic – one eastbound and one westbound – will remain open at all times. The contractor’s crews will remove and replace the top roadway surface and pavement markers. The project is expected to be completed in December. This will be the last of six projects to be funded through the federal government’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the “Stimulus Program”.
Motorists are asked to please exercise patience and caution when driving by the road work zone and watch for construction, personnel and equipment.
Update (11/10/10): Weather depending, road work on S. 14th Street is scheduled to begin Thursday, Nov. 11.
UPDATE: Due to the recent rains, the City of Abilene’s contractor now anticipates the work to begin on S. 14th Street during the week of Nov. 8 if the weather cooperates.
October 27, 2010
Abilene Fire Department: Congressman recognizes Abilene Fire Department Battalion Chief
Congressman Randy Neugebauer will be at Central Fire Station, 250 Grape Street at 9:30 this morning to recognize Battalion Chief Johnny Kincaid for his 40 years of service to the citizens of Abilene.
October 26, 2010
City Council may wait for state action regarding synthetic marijuana ban
ABILENE, Texas – During this morning’s meeting, the City Council heard a presentation from an Abilene citizen regarding reasons to consider a city-wide ban of K2 and similar synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of marijuana which is an illegal substance. Cynthia Chambers’ presentation was for informational purposes only. Due to the potential difficulty of enforcing a ban locally, the City Council may wait for the Texas Legislature to take on the issue when it meets in January.
Following the citizen’s presentation, Police Chief Stan Standridge addressed the City Council in which he stated that products like K2, which is marketed as incense and not for human consumption, is available for sale in the Abilene area. However, Chief Standridge pointed out that the Texas Department of Public Safety does not test for this product since it’s not considered an illegal substance in the state which, in effect, could make it difficult to enforce a city-wide ban as well as to prosecute offenses. Also, he noted that any ordinance banning marijuana homologs or marijuana synthetics would have to be broad in nature since the synthetic compounds could be altered slightly to be considered a different substance with similar effects.
Chief Standridge added that according to the Texas Poison Center, there were 71 marijuana homolog exposures from Jan. 1, 2010 to June 8, 2010 in Texas. Of these 71 exposures, there was only one in Taylor County.
Mayor Norm Archibald urged citizens to contact state legislators if a state-wide ban of synthetic marijuana is an issue of concern.
Mayor asks Abilenians to show Texas pride during World Series
ABILENE, Texas – With the Texas Rangers heading to the World Series for the first time, Mayor Norm Archibald asked the community to show its support for the Major League Baseball (MLB) team by wearing Ranger apparel during game days. Mayor Archibald made the request during the Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010 City Council meeting.
“It’s a real thrill that the Rangers are making baseball history by going to the World Series,” remarked Mayor Norm Archibald. “The Rangers never gave up and it’s time for us to let them know that Abilene stands behind them. Their determination clearly shows that this Texas team has what it takes to become world champions.”
The Texas Rangers are facing National League champs, the San Francisco Giants, for the 2010 World Series title. The schedule is as follows:
Game 1 at San Francisco Wednesday, Oct. 27, 6:57 p.m.
Game 2 at San Francisco Thursday, Oct. 28, 6:57 p.m.
Game 3 at Texas Saturday, Oct. 30, 5:57 p.m.
Game 4 at Texas Sunday, Oct. 31, 7:20 p.m.
Game 5 at Texas, if necessary Monday, Nov. 1, 6:57 p.m.
Game 6 at San Francisco, if necessary Wednesday, Nov. 3, 6:57 p.m.
Game 7 at San Francisco, if necessary Thursday, Nov. 4, 6:57 p.m.
The Rangers made it to the World Series by eliminating the New York Yankees in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series on Friday night, Oct. 22, 2010. The Rangers had never won a postseason series or a home playoff game before this year. The Giants haven’t been to the World Series since 2002 and last won it in 1954.
Abilene Fire Department: Vacant house fire/800 block of Graham Street/Under Investigation
Shortly before 1:00 AM this morning, Abilene Fire Department crews were summoned to the 800 block of Graham Street for a fire involving a vacant home. Crews arrived to find heavy fire involvement of one home and fire attempting to spread to a neighboring property. A second alarm was requested and crews battled the fire for about an hour before bringing it under control. The vacant home is considered a total loss estimated at $75,000 and the neighboring property sustained minor damage to an exterior wall, estimated at $1,000. There were no injuries reported with this fire and the cause is still under investigation. Eight pieces of fire apparatus and twenty-six firefighters responded to this incident, with assistance provided by the Abilene Police Department, Metro Care Services, and American Electric Power.
October 25, 2010
Road work on S. 14th St. scheduled to begin next Monday
ABILENE, Texas – Weather permitting, street resurfacing work on S. 14th Street from S. Danville Drive to S. Pioneer Drive is scheduled to begin Monday, Nov. 1, 2010. Traffic lane closures will vary during the project but at least two lanes of traffic – one eastbound and one westbound – will remain open at all times. The contractor’s crews will remove and replace the top roadway surface and pavement markers. The project is expected to be completed in December. This will be the last of six projects to be funded through the federal government’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the “Stimulus Program”.
Motorists are asked to please exercise patience and caution when driving by the road work zone and watch for construction, personnel and equipment.
UPDATE (10/28/10): Due to the recent rains, the City of Abilene’s contractor now anticipates the work to begin on S. 14th Street during the week of Nov. 8 if the weather cooperates.
October 22, 2010
Animal Services Adoption Center celebrates Adopt-A-Dog Month with discounted dog adoptions
ABILENE, Texas – In celebration of the American Humane Association’s national Adopt-A-Dog Month, the City of Abilene’s Animal Services is offering a special discount for dog adoptions over the next few weeks. From Saturday, Oct. 23 through Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, all unsterilized dogs are available for $20 off their adoption fee and all sterilized dogs can become part of your family with a $20 adoption fee. The Animal Services Adoption Center is located at 925 S. 25th Street.
“An adopted dog can bring so much joy to one’s life,” said Aaron Vannoy, Animal Services Manager. “Whether you want an exercise buddy, a best friend for your child, a partner in agility competitions, a constant companion for an aging parent or simply a fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work, an adopted dog can be all of these — and more. Adopt-A-Dog Month is the perfect time for people to adopt a shelter dog and experience how it can make a positive difference in their world.”
Abilene Animal Services Adoption Center has dogs of every type, size, age and personality waiting for loving homes. Visit us this October to find out what a shelter dog can bring to your life during Adopt-A-Dog Month!
Other special animal adoption events will include Animals Services adopting out animals at Primetime Entertainment Center’s 1st Annual Pet Expo on Sunday, Oct. 24. Primetime is located at 4541 Loop 322 in Abilene. On Saturday, Nov. 6, Animal Services will host Rescue the Animals, SPCA at the Animal Services Adoption Center for the final day of the special dog adoption promotion.
The animal shelter is open 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, and is closed Sunday and all major holidays. For more information, call the Abilene Animal Shelter at (325) 698-0085.
About Animal Services
The Mission of the Animal Services Division is to protect the health & safety of Abilene citizens and visitors, their pets, and property through licensing, field enforcement, and education programming to promote responsible pet ownership.
About American Humane Association
American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals from abuse and neglect through public policy, education and services reaching a wide network of organizations and advocates.
Sectional Punt, Pass & Kick competition
ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene’s Recreation Division will host the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick sectional competition on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at McMurry University football field. These competitors are the winners of the area Punt, Pass and Kick competitions held earlier in the month. The sectional competition will include 88 competitors from surrounding cities.
Sectional winners may advance to the Dallas Cowboys Team Championship to be held Nov. 21 at Cowboy Stadium.
Recreation and Senior Citizens Halloween and Fall Festival events at recreation center
ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene’s Recreation Division will host several Halloween and Fall Festival events for the public at recreation centers. Each event will include fun filled events for participants.
- October 30 – A Fall Festival which is open to the community from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. will be held at G.V. Daniels Recreation Center located at 541 N. 8th St.
- October 30 – Candy Carnival open to the community from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will be held at Rose Park Recreation Center located at 2601 S. 7th St.
The City of Abilene’s Senior Services Division will host several Halloween events for seniors at recreation centers. Each event will include fun filled events for participants.
- October 27 – Cobb Senior Halloween Party from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. will be held at Cobb Recreation Center located at 2302 State St. (Costume Contest)
- October 29 – Sears Senior Halloween Party from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. will be held at Sears Recreation Center located at 2250 Ambler Ave. There will be a Cake Walk, too!
- October 29 – South Park Senior Halloween Party from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. will be held at South Park Recreation Center located at 1002 Cherry St.
- October 29 – Rose Senior Halloween Party from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. will be held at the Rose Senior Activity Building located at 2609 S. 7th. (Costume Contest)
For more information contact (325) 734 – 5306.
October 21, 2010
Next City Council meeting set for Tuesday
ABILENE, Texas – Due to a scheduling conflict with the Texas Municipal League (TML) Annual Conference, the City Council will conduct its next meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010. The meeting was originally scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010.
Agendas and minutes for City Council meetings can be found online on the City of Abilene website, http://www.abilenetx.com/AgendasandMinutes/index.htm. Agendas are also posted on the Public Notice Board located at Abilene City Hall, 555 Walnut Street.
City Council meetings are shown live and re-air Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m. on TV Channel 7, the City’s education/government channel. TV Channel 7 is available on Suddenlink Cable Channel 7 and broadcast Channel 7 on KXN-TV. DVD copies of the meetings are also available for check-out at the Abilene Public Library’s main location, 202 Cedar Street.
City to begin posting signs to notify citizens of zoning change requests
ABILENE, Texas – Beginning this Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, the City of Abilene will begin posting zoning notification signs on properties and land where a zoning change has been requested. In the past, only property, business and home owners within a certain distance of the zoning change request were required by law to be notified by the City. With the new signage, the public will now have another way to know when a property’s zoning status could change.
The Planning & Development Services Department purchased 20 signs at a cost of $1,162. The zoning notification signs will state that the property is subject to a zoning request. These signs will be reused for future zoning change request locations.
When a zoning change request is made, the City notifies all property owners within 200 feet of the subject property by a letter in the mail and now with a sign posted on the subject property. The proposed zoning change is then presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission during a public meeting. The commission’s recommendation for the zoning request will later go before the City Council for its approval or denial. Public hearings are also held during both the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council meetings.
The change in zoning notification came about through the City Council’s adoption of the new Land Development Code which went into effect on June 1, 2010.
October 14, 2010
Keep Abilene Beautiful: make a difference with Myrtle and her girls
ABILENE, Texas – Keep Abilene Beautiful (KAB) will host a dwarf crape myrtle sale on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 P.M. at Sprinkler & Scapes, 1425 Marshall Street. The sale is part of KAB’s Make a Difference in One Day beautification event. Approximately 250 three gallon dwarf crape myrtles with red, pink or white flowers will be available for purchase for $11.50 each. The proceeds will benefit KAB and its mission of beautifying Abilene.
“Planting a tree or a shrub like a dwarf crape myrtle is one way residents can make a difference in our community,” explained Keep Abilene Beautiful Coordinator Alexis Rolfe. “The Make a Difference day is about taking action to help beautify where we live, work and play.”
The owners of Sprinkler & Scapes, Vic and Melissa Valentine, will be available to answer questions concerning the planting and care of the crape myrtles. Mulch will also be available for purchase on the day of the crape myrtle sale. Individuals or groups can also purchase the trees to be placed in areas for beautification around Abilene.
KAB offers these suggestions for Make a Difference in One Day:
- Plant a tree
- Pick up trash on highways
- Mow a neighbor’s yard
- Wipe out graffiti
- Trim trees for the elderly
- Clean a park
- Unite a community
- Paint a house
- Teach a child by taking them with you
For more information, contact KAB at (325) 734 - 3301 or go online to www.keepabilenebeautiful.org.
October 13, 2010
Abilene Regional Airport seeking proposals for restaurant and/or gift shop operator
ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene will accept proposals until Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010 for operation of the Abilene Regional Airport terminal restaurant and/or gift shop. The restaurant and gift shop are already well-equipped and ready for a tenant operator. A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010 at the airport terminal, 2933 Airport Blvd. Interested parties may contact Don Green, Director of Aviation, at (325) 676-6061 for more information.
The most recent airport restaurant operator, Alley Cats Restaurant, ceased operations at the airport as well as its downtown Abilene location on Sept. 13, 2010. The airport gift shop which operated as Buffalo Trading Post has been closed since March 2010.
For more information about Abilene Regional Airport, go online to www.abilenetx.com/Airport.
October 12, 2010
More than 18-hundred residents turn out for Fall Clean and Tire Amnesty Days
ABILENE, Texas – Over a three day period, 1,812 Abilene residents brought in tons of trash, dozens of computers and hundreds of gallons of paint and chemicals to the City of Abilene’s Environmental Recycling Center (ERC) during the Fall Clean and Tire Amnesty Days. This year’s Fall Clean was held Oct. 7 - 9.
Here is a summary of the items that were brought in during the annual event:
- Trash 126.5 tons
- Metal 18.23 tons
- Tree Limbs 70.75 tons
- Tires 1,545
- Batteries 61
- Oil 41 gallons
- Oil Filters 39
- Paint/Chemicals 589 gallons
- Computers 56
Organizers attribute the Fall Clean’s success to the on-going support of the community and dedicated efforts of ERC personnel and manual collection crews.
For more information on recycling, call (325) 672-2209.
October 11, 2010
Abilene Fire Department: Battalion chief celebrates 40 years of service with AFD
Please join us in recognizing Abilene Fire Department Battalion Chief Johnny Kincaid for forty years of dedicated service. He will be presented an Employee Service Award during the City Council meeting scheduled for 8:30 AM, October 14th, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 555 Walnut Street.
October 6, 2010
City requests citizen ideas for capital project
ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene is requesting citizen suggestions for potential projects or general comments on priorities for the upcoming 2011-2015 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). One way to provide input is by taking an online survey called CIP Survey available on the City of Abilene website, www.abilenetx.com, under City Spotlight. CIP projects involve major construction or acquisition and are long-term investments rather than day-to-day operating expenses. Each year, the City adopts a new 5-year plan to identify needed capital projects and to coordinate their financing and timing. Qualifying CIP projects include:
- Construction of buildings, or facilities; including design, engineering, and other preconstruction costs with an estimated total cost in excess of $25,000
- Purchase of major equipment and vehicles, other than office and data processing equipment, valued in excess of $25,000 with a life expectancy of 15 years or more
- Major equipment and furnishings for new or renovated buildings
- Acquisition or purchase of land or other property
- Studies pertaining to capital improvements that require the employment of outside professional consultants at a cost in excess of $25,000
City staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission use citizen suggestions to help develop and prioritize recommendations to the City Manager. The City Manager then forwards a recommendation to the City Council for final approval in the spring of 2011. The 2010-2014 CIP included over $8.5 million in planned improvement projects.
Members of the public can participate by attending a public hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission to be held in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, 555 Walnut Street, at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, 2010. Information may also be obtained online at http://www.abilenetx.com/PlanningServices/CIPPage.htm.
Interested persons may send comments or questions to:
Planning and Development Services
555 Walnut Street, Room 100
P.O. Box 60
Abilene, TX 79604-0060
Phone: (325) 676-6237 Fax: (325) 676-6242
Click here for 2011 CIP Program Schedule.
October 5, 2010
Assistant City Manager David A. Vela receives prestigious credential
ABILENE, Texas – David A. Vela, assistant city manager for the City of Abilene, recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA (International City/County Management Association), the premier local government leadership and management organization. Vela is one of 1,200 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.
To receive the prestigious ICMA credential, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government, have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field, and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development.
“I commend David for achieving this internationally recognized credential,” noted City Manager Larry Gilley. “This recognition demonstrates David’s commitment to public service as well as his on-going efforts to achieve excellence in city management including here in Abilene.”
Prior to his appointment in 2006 as Abilene assistant city manager, Vela served as assistant city manager in Alice, TX. He has also made significant contributions to a number of other organizations including serving on the Texas City Management Association Board of Directors, Frontier Texas! Board of Directors and the Kiwanis Club of Abilene.
For more information regarding the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program, contact Amanda Relyea at ICMA, 777 North Capitol Street, N.E., #500, Washington, D.C. 20002-4201; arelyea@icma.org; 202-962-3556 (phone); 202-962-3565 (fax).
The mission of ICMA is to create excellence in local governance by developing and advocating professional management of local government worldwide. ICMA provides member support: publications, data, and information; peer and results-oriented assistance; and training and professional development to more than 9,000 city, town, and county experts and other individuals throughout the world.
October 1, 2010
Abilene Zoo surpasses attendance record yet again
ABILENE, Texas – For the third year in a row, more people than ever before are visiting the Abilene Zoo with its 500 animals representing 160 species. Zoo officials report 172,463 people visited the zoo in Fiscal Year 2010. That’s an increase of 120 zoo visitors compared to the previous fiscal year’s attendance.
“This record attendance is a credit to our incredible zoo staff, Abilene Zoological Society, volunteers and supporters who continue to work diligently in making the Abilene Zoo what it is today,” remarked Abilene Zoo Director Bill Gersonde. “The Elm Creek Backyard exhibit series which showcases animals native to Texas is now open and this weekend, the African lion cubs will go on exhibit. The Abilene Zoo is a wonderful family destination where visitors learn about animals from near and far, conservation and the preservation of endangered species.”
The zoo had 172,343 visitors in FY09, 161,964 visitors in FY08 and 152,693 in FY07. The City of Abilene’s fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30.
The Abilene Zoo is located in Nelson Park, off Highway 36, at 2070 Zoo Lane. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays through the months of June, July, and August. The zoo is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit the zoo’s website at www.abilenezoo.org.
Punt, Pass & Kick local competition
ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene’s Recreation Division will host the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick local competition on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Rose Park located at S 7th and Barrow Streets. This event is open to youngsters, ages 6-15 (age as of December 31, 2010) and is FREE of charge. BIRTH CERTIFICATES are required to verify age at registration. Registration will be held at the site on the day of the event. Participants may come at any time during the competition time to compete. Awards ceremony will be held immediately following the competition. Participants may compete in only one local competition in the Abilene area.
Separate age divisions for boys and girls will be offered. Gym shoes ONLY will be allowed for competition. Cleated, turf or football shoes are not allowed. Scoring will be based on distance and accuracy.
Winners of each age division will qualify for the PP&K sectional competition to be held here in Abilene on Saturday, Oct. 23. Sectional winners may advance to the Dallas Cowboys Team Championship to be held Nov. 21 at Cowboy Stadium.
For more information, call (325) 676-6445.