April News Releases


April 30, 2009


Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District provides useful facts regarding swine influenza
ABILENE, Texas – In response to recent reports of swine flu in the United States and parts of Texas, the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District is providing useful facts that can help you take appropriate actions to help protect yourself and loved ones. The Health District also recommends viewing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, www.cdc.gov, or contacting a medical professional for more information.

What is Swine Flu?
In the current outbreak of swine flu, the virus involved is a respiratory infection caused by a type of influenza A. It’s called swine flu since the disease is typically found in swine, or pigs.

How is it transmitted?
Transmission of this particular swine flu appears to be the same way that the seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread primarily from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people who have the flu.

What are the symptoms?
They’re similar to the symptoms of the regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What can I do to avoid catching it?
Most importantly, wash your hands. Try to stay in good health: get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth since germs spread that way.

How is it treated?
There are medicines to treat swine flu. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the swine influenza virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. They may also prevent serious flu complications. They work best if started soon after getting sick.

What should I do if I develop symptoms of swine flu?
You should stay home and avoid being with others to help control the disease’s spread. Call your physician and follow his/her instructions.

I got a flu shot in the fall. Will it protect me against swine flu?
The CDC says it’s very unlikely but may be a possibility.

I’m in contact with lots of people – at work, at church, in a movie theater. Could I get swine flu that way?
It’s a possibility. That’s why people with the symptoms of any kind of flu are urged to stay home and away from groups of people.

Should I avoid travel to Mexico?
According to a recent CDC travel warning, the answer is yes, unless it’s essential.

Can I catch the swine flu virus from inanimate objects like doorknobs?
It is known that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like doorknobs, desks and tables. Try to avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.

News conference regarding swine influenza to be held today
ABILENE, Texas – In order to address concerns regarding swine influenza (flu), a news conference will be held today, Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street. Representatives from the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District will provide the latest information regarding the swine flu and preventative actions citizens can take to protect themselves from getting sick.

The news conference will air live on TV Channel 7, the City’s education/government channel, beginning at 3:30 p.m. today.

April 29, 2009


Police cadets, firefighter and public safety dispatchers to graduate in May
ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene Police Academy will graduate eleven cadets, one firefighter and five public safety dispatchers on Monday, May 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Abilene Civic Center auditorium.

The cadets of Academy #48 will have completed 25 weeks of intensive academic, physical and mentally challenging training. The eleven cadets will be sworn in and commissioned as Abilene police officers at the graduation. The PTO (Police Training Officer) phase begins after graduation for the police officers. This phase involves 15 weeks of training with the senior officers on the street. Upon completion of the PTO training, the newest Abilene police officers will be ready to serve the citizens of Abilene. The firefighter will be sworn and commissioned as an arson investigator for the Abilene Fire Department and will be ready to serve our community in that capacity.

The five public safety dispatchers received 720 hours of intensive training. This included hands-on computer, dispatch and academic training. These individuals are a vital part of the service provided to this community by the Abilene Police and Fire Departments including Medical Dispatch.

Police Chief Melvin Martin will be our featured speaker at this ceremony. This will be Chief Martin’s last graduation ceremony before retiring.

April 24, 2009


Help shape the future of South Downtown Abilene
ABILENE, Texas – Citizens are invited to attend a Community Visioning Session for South Downtown Abilene on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Historic Elks Building ballroom, 1174 N. 1st Street. Your input will help shape the development of a master plan for South Downtown, a 50-block area bounded by North 6th Street on the north, South 7th Street on the south, Treadaway Boulevard on the east and Pine and Butternut Streets on the west.

The public meeting will focus on the following concerns:


The goal of the South Downtown Master Plan is to guide redevelopment and revitalization of the area. It’s intended to be complimentary and compatible with improvements to North Downtown. The master plan will also include recommendations for facilitating redevelopment. These strategies may include special districts such as a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, public-private partnerships and other available tools. 

Citizens may also 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
E-mail: planning@abilenetx.com

April 23, 2009


Crews to work on downtown traffic signals tomorrow morning
ABILENE, Texas – Beginning around 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, April 24, traffic signals in the downtown Abilene area will be in flash mode for roughly 30 minutes. The affected area is North 1st to North 6th Streets and Hickory to Walnut Streets. This temporary change is to allow city crews to make adjustments to the traffic signal system. Motorists should drive defensively and give themselves additional time to get to their destination while the system is worked on.

Just in time for flea and tick season, a popular service for dogs is available again through Animal Services
ABILENE, Texas – Beginning Wednesday, April 29, Animal Services is once again offering free flea and tick dips for dogs of Abilene residents. The Abilene Animal Shelter, located at 925 South 25th Street, will offer the flea and tick dip on Wednesday afternoons between the hours of 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. through September 16. This service is for dogs only.

Animal Services Manager Aaron Vannoy said, “The flea and tick dips were extremely popular for pet owners last year, and it is an important component of an integrated pest management system for pet owners. Integrated pest management is a pest control strategy that uses a variety of complementary strategies including identifying and treating all areas of pest issues. Pet owners will still need to treat pet beds, blankets, yards and dog houses to prevent the pest problem as well as contact their local vet for long term prevention for their pets. Now is a good time for dog owners to take action and we’re helping them do that through the tick and flea dips at no cost to them.” 

There are four major tick-borne diseases that affect dogs in the United States: ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, these are considered dangerous and most can be fatal unless diagnosed in time and treated aggressively.

Vannoy adds, “The flea and tick dips are designed to kill any ticks and fleas on the pet at the time of the dip. Owners will also need to treat the yard and any other areas the pet may come in contact with to prevent re-infestation.”

Shelter attendants will be available to assist the owner with the dipping of the dog. Citizens wishing to have their pet dipped are asked to come through the shelter’s east gate and contact one of the employees for assistance.

April 20, 2009


Best turnout ever for Mayor’s Round-Up 5K Run/Walk/Wheel
ABILENE, Texas – The 6th annual Mayor’s Round-Up 5K Run/Walk/Wheel had record attendance with a total of 422 people, including Mayor Norm Archibald, participating in Saturday’s event. 300 people took part in the 5K while 122 signed on for the 1-Mile Family Fun Run. There was also one wheelchair participant in the 5K. The Mayor’s Round-Up got underway at 8:25 a.m. on April 18, 2009, beginning and finishing at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street.

The overall male finisher is John Ring with a total running time of 18:38:790. The overall female winner is Aspen Baber with a total running time of 20:59:694. Additional race results can be found online through Cadence Sports, which provided the event timing, at www.cadencesportsonline.com/results.cfm.

Organizers attribute this year’s record-setting attendance to the community-wide fitness initiative and two new events, the Wheelchair Division and the Family Fun Run. Last year’s Mayor’s Round-Up had 264 participants which set a record for attendance at that time.

This year’s Mayor's Round-Up was sponsored by the City of Abilene, Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness, Abilene Runners Club, The Monogrammer and Junior League of Abilene's Kids in the Kitchen.

April 17, 2009


Citizens invited to share their housing experiences during community-wide forums
ABILENE, Texas – Do you know your rights under the Fair Housing laws? Have you ever been denied the opportunity to buy, rent or insure a house or apartment based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin? These questions and more will be discussed during community-wide fair housing forums, hosted by the City of Abilene, in the months of April, May and June. The public forums will focus on resident’s experiences with buying, renting or insuring a home.

“The City of Abilene is interested in ensuring the efforts to affirmatively further fair housing choice and believes that the principles embodied in the concept of “Fair Housing” are fundamental to a healthy community; not only because it is the law, but because it is the right thing to do.” said Sandy Bowen, Neighborhood Initiatives Manager.

The City, as a recipient of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds, is committed to fair and equal opportunity in housing. The forums are designed to receive input on this issue from citizens, social service agencies, mortgage lenders, landlords and real estate and insurance agents.

Abilene residents are invited to provide their experiences and thoughts. Input from these forums will be used to formulate strategies that will affirmatively further fair housing choice. Please join us at the forum closest to you and bring a friend or neighbor. 

Neighborhood Forums will meet from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 
       April 21st – Rose Senior Center, 2601 S. 7th
       April 28th – Sears Senior Center, 2250 Ambler
       May 5th – Cobb Senior Center, 2302 State St.
       May 12th – GV Daniels Senior Center, 541 N. 8th
       May 19th – Chavez South Park Senior Center, 1002 Cherry St.
       May 28th – ACU Center for Conflict Resolution, 1541 N. Judge Ely Blvd.

Mortgage lenders, landlords, real estate and insurance agents will meet from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
       June 2nd – City Hall, Basement Conference Room, 555 Walnut

Social Service agencies will meet from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
       June 4th – City Hall, Basement Conference Room, 555 Walnut

Persons with disabilities who would like special assistance to participate may contact the Office of Neighborhood Services at 676-6366. For special transportation needs, please phone CityLink at 676-6287. The TTY line is 676-6568.

If you or someone you know has had their fair housing rights denied; you have a voice in this community. For additional information, contact the Office of Neighborhood Services at 325-437-4576. You may also contact the HUD HOTLINE in Ft. Worth, TX at 1-800-424-8590.

April 16, 2009


6th annual Mayor’s Round-Up this Saturday
ABILENE, Texas – It’s not too late to join in on the fun this Saturday, April 18, 2009 when the 6th annual Mayor’s Round-Up 5K Run/Walk/Wheel and 1-Mile Family Fun Run get underway at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street in downtown Abilene. Although early registration is over, you can still register for the event Saturday morning.

Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the 5K Wheelchair Division kicking off the race at 8:25 a.m., followed by the chip timed 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m., and the 1-Mile Family Fun Run at 8:35 a.m. Overall 1st place male and female runners will be sent to Austin for the Governor's Texas Round-Up on April 25th, courtesy the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness.

The Mayor's Round-Up is sponsored by the City of Abilene, Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness, Abilene Runners Club and Junior League of Abilene's Kids in the Kitchen.

April 15, 2009


Spring Clean for Abilene & Tire Amnesty Days are here
ABILENE, Texas – Spring Clean for Abilene & Tire Amnesty Days are an opportunity for citizens to clean out their homes, garages and attics while recycling their unwanted items at the City of Abilene’s Environmental Recycling Center (ERC), 2209 Oak Street. This year’s event is scheduled for this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 16 – 18. Hours of operation will be 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Special traffic conditions will be set up on Saturday, April 18th when Oak Street will become a one way street, entering from South 25th. The one-way traffic is meant to increase safety during the busiest day of Spring Clean.

During this special event, the ERC will accept a variety of items including furniture, mattresses, batteries, common recyclables, bulky brush and tires. Citizens can even drop off household hazardous waste ranging from paint and automotive items such as oil and oil filters and computers. Materials that won’t be accepted are items from major remodeling projects, roofing materials, concrete, stones and dirt. Fencing will be taken but participants will have to off load their own materials. 

Abilene residents may bring in up to eight (8) passenger tires without rims, free of charge with proof of residency (current water bill). Passenger tires with rims will have an additional $3.00 service fee per tire. Truck tires without rims are $6.00, with rims $10.00. Only Ag tires without rims will be accepted and are priced by the size of the tires. No commercial, business nor large truck tires will be accepted.

For more information about Spring Clean for Abilene & Tire Amnesty Days, call (325) 672-2209.

April 14, 2009


Police Chief Melvin Martin’s announcement to air on TV Channel 7
ABILENE, Texas – Abilene Police Chief Melvin Martin officially announced today that he is retiring after serving as chief for the last 15 years. Chief Martin is the longest serving officer in the Abilene Police Department’s history. He joined the force in March 1969. His last day as police chief is May 31, 2009. Chief Martin made the announcement during a news conference held at the Law Enforcement Center this afternoon.

TV Channel 7, the City’s education/government channel, will rebroadcast Chief Martin’s announcement on the following days and times:


Mayor Norm Archibald and City Manager Larry Gilley also made remarks during the announcement.

April 13, 2009


City of Abilene to be rewarded for energy efficiency
ABILENE, Texas – As part of its participation in the AEP CitySmartSM energy efficiency program, the City of Abilene will receive an incentive check for $19,350 for energy efficiency upgrades made in 2008. The City earned the incentive by upgrading roughly half of the traffic lights and pedestrian signals to incorporate light-emitting diode (LED) technology, and also replaced lighting systems in the Abilene Public Library and Law Enforcement Center with more efficient equipment. The check will be presented at the April 23, 2009 City Council meeting.

“Coupled with the savings we will see on our energy bills, the AEP incentives made the decision to undertake these projects very easy,” said Odis Dolton, Assistant Director of Finance. “We’re already realizing significant savings, and we’re just getting started.”

The CitySmart program is offered by AEP Texas to select cities to help improve energy efficiency and reduce energy operating costs. Incentives are calculated by the amount of energy saved. The lighting upgrades installed by the City of Abilene are expected to yield an annual energy savings of approximately 889,000 kilowatt-hours, equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions of 117 cars, according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculations.

The City will complete the first phase of its energy efficiency improvement plan in 2009, and is already considering additional projects. “We are taking a long-term approach to improving the efficiency of all our facilities, and look forward to continuing to work with AEP and the CitySmart program to identify opportunities,” Dolton added.

“We identified a real need for an energy efficiency program that specifically targets local government entities, especially as budgets are spread thinner,” said Gary Throckmorton, CitySmart Program Manager for AEP Texas. “This program is an organized effort to help bring needed resources and energy efficiency to Texas cities.”

Triple the fun at the Abilene Zoo this coming Saturday
ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene Zoo has much to celebrate on Saturday, April 18, 2009 when the Wetlands Exhibit Series opens to the public during the combined Zoo Day/Earth Day celebration. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Wetlands is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

The Wetlands is composed of four exhibits that represent a cross section of wetland and coastal species. The exhibits include the American flamingo, waterfowl featuring eleven species of birds, the American alligator, and the Attwater’s prairie chicken. Spanning the length of these exhibits is an elevated boardwalk which provides a closer vantage point for zoo patrons to experience these animals.

“This new addition provides a unique opportunity to learn more about Wetlands conservation and the efforts to support these animals in the wild,” noted Abilene Zoo Director Bill Baker. “Our terrific staff deserves the credit for making the vision of a Wetlands Exhibit Series come to life here at the Abilene Zoo.”

In addition, visitors can take in animal enrichment events, listen to keeper talks and visit with education animals during Saturday’s Zoo Day/Earth Day festivities. For an additional 50 cent ticket, children can play games and enjoy the jaguar bouncer and wave slide. Delicious food will also be available for purchase. Proceeds from Zoo Day sponsors and tickets will go to the expansion of the zoo’s veterinary services and facilities.

“Sponsorships are up this year which shows broad community support for the zoo,” said Julie Napier, Zoo Day Chairperson. “Volunteers and staff have been working hard to continue to have a great zoo for fun and education in Abilene.”

Zoo Day is in its 26th year. For more information about Zoo Day/Earth Day, contact Julie Napier at 325-665-4916.

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 Memorial Day through Labor Day. The zoo is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

April 7, 2009


City to hold emergency exercise on Friday, April 17
ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene’s Office of Emergency Management will conduct a city-wide emergency preparedness exercise on Friday, April 17, 2009, starting at 9:30 a.m. More than 200 people will participate in the live action exercise with personnel from the City of Abilene including the Fire and Police Departments, Hendrick Medical Center, Abilene Regional Medical Center, Taylor County, and ambulance service from Metrocare, Citizens, South Taylor and Merkel. The scenario will involve a simulated aircraft accident at Abilene Regional Airport.

In the simulation, an aircraft will crash on the runway and passengers will be in need of rescue and transport to the hospitals, using the City’s mass casualty plan. The exercise will involve a community wide response to the simulated emergency, involving airport staff, firefighters, police, the City’s Office of Emergency Management and Hendrick Medical Center. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be in use for the exercise. Volunteers will also be on the scene, portraying passengers.

“The goal of the exercise is to train emergency responders to be prepared to handle an actual airport emergency, put into practice Emergency Operation Center procedures and review the mass casualty plan,” Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Bryan explained. “The exercise will test procedures for fighting a fire at the airport, rescuing victims from the wreckage, and getting the injured transported to the designated hospital for immediate treatment. Another objective for the exercise is to practice the city's Incident Command System for responding to and handling emergencies and disasters.”

Citizens who monitor local public safety radio channels and the All-Hazards Radio should be advised that they may hear radio communications concerning this exercise on Friday and to remember that this is only a simulated exercise.

The emergency exercise will run from 9:30 a.m. until approximately 12:00 p.m.

April 6, 2009


Seven citizens appointed to Municipal Golf Course Advisory Board
ABILENE, Texas – With City Council approval, Mayor Norm Archibald appointed seven Abilene citizens to the Municipal Golf Course Advisory Board during today’s City Council meeting. They are: Charles Maciel, a minister and former high school golf coach and golf course director; Claud Clifton, Clifton Printing Company; Phil Gage, Southwest Direct Advertising; LeWayne Harris, retired realtor, former owner of Par 3 Golf Course and chair of the American Junior Golf Association’s Abilene chapter; Sherri Bowden, former Hardin Simmons University All-American golfer and Shady Oaks Golf Course board member; Melvin Martin, Abilene Police Chief and former president of the Shady Oaks Golf Course board; and Petty Hunter, former Assistant Director of Recreation for the City of Houston and director over two municipal golf courses.

Prior to making the appointments, the City Council unanimously approved the ordinance that establishes a seven-member Municipal Golf Course Advisory Board. The ordinance empowers the Board to develop and recommend policies, procedures, rate structures and capital improvements for municipal golf to the City Council. The Board will look to enhance junior and women’s golf programs by seeking out both public and private fundraising opportunities such as grants and partnerships. Board members will also continually study and seek best practices in the municipal golf industry. No one addressed the City Council during today’s public hearing on the ordinance.

The Municipal Golf Course Advisory Board will begin meeting as soon as possible but no specific date has been set.

New event at Mayor’s Round-Up features sport wheelchairs, provided by West Texas Rehabilitation Center
ABILENE, Texas – Thanks to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, the 6th annual Mayor’s Round-Up 5K Run/Walk/Wheel will have light-weight sport wheelchairs available on a first come, first serve basis for participants in the 5K Wheelchair Division. This is the first time that a wheelchair event is featured at the Mayor’s Round-Up which begins the morning of Saturday, April 18, 2009 at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street. The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness, an event sponsor, came up with idea of featuring a wheelchair race at the Mayor’s Round-Up.

"We’re interested in reaching as many people as possible for this family-friendly event,” explained Liz Rotenberry, Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness Chair. “By incorporating a wheelchair race along with a new family mile run to the annual 5K Run/Walk, we are increasing the number of ways that someone can participate. We are grateful to West Texas Rehab for donating their sport wheelchairs for the event so wheelchair-bound athletes can take part, too. We hope many Abilenians will join us for a great morning of fitness!"

The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is also sending the overall 1st place male and female 5K Mayor’s Round-Up Run/Walk runners, with their expenses paid, to the 6th annual Texas Round-Up in Austin on April 25, 2009.

Wheelchair racers, who would like to use a sport wheelchair, are advised to register early and make the request on their registration form. In addition, anyone who registers for a Mayor’s Round-Up event by April 11 is guaranteed a t-shirt, race number and participant bag. Race day registration begins at 7:30a.m. with the 5K Wheelchair Race kicking off the Mayor’s Round-Up at 8:25 a.m. followed by the chip timed 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m., and the 1 Mile Family Fun Run at 8:35 a.m. Registration forms and additional information including the course map can be found online at the following websites: www.myfitnessabilene.com, www.abilenetx.com, www.abilenerunners.com or www.jrleagueabilene.com. You can also call 325-676-6246.

The Mayor's Round-Up 5K Run/Walk/Wheel and 1 mile Family Fun Run are sponsored by the City of Abilene, Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness, Abilene Runners Club and Junior League of Abilene's Kids in the Kitchen.