August News Releases


August 31, 2010

 

Abilene Fire Department: School evacuation due to smoke

Around 7:30 this morning, a kindergarten teacher at Allie Ward Elementary School arrived to find her classroom charged with smoke and immediately alerted the rest of the building.  Students and faculty were quickly evacuated and a call was made to the Abilene 911 Center.  Units of the Abilene Fire and Police Departments quickly arrived to find the area around the school heavily congested with traffic as parents were dropping-off their children for the start of the school day.  As police officers performed traffic control, firefighters entered the school and quickly found the cause of the haze and odor to be an overheated blower motor in a roof top air-conditioning unit.  Power to the unit was disconnected and firefighters spent almost an hour venting the smoke and odor from the building.  Battalion Chief Johnny Kincaid was quick to praise school faculty and staff for the speedy and safe evacuation of students from the building.

 

There were no injuries reported with this incident and damage was limited to the blower motor and smoke contamination of classroom furnishings.  Because of the nature of the incident and the fact that numerous school-age children could have been inside the building, the initial Fire Department response was greater than normal, with a response of two ladder trucks, four fire engines, a Battalion Chief, and an investigator for a total of 26 firefighters.

 

REMINDER: Taylor County is now under a Burn Ban

 

Most City offices closed for Labor Day

ABILENE, Texas – Most City of Abilene offices and community service centers will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6 in observance of the Labor Day holiday with the exception of those providing life safety services such as fire and police protection.

 

The Abilene Animal Shelter will be closed Sept. 6. Citizens with an animal related emergency should contact the Abilene Police Department at (325) 673-8331 and an Animal Services Officer will be dispatched to handle the call. The shelter will be open Saturday, Sept. 4, for its normal business hours. After Labor Day, the shelter will resume its normal operations on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

 

Solid Waste Services division offices will not be open Sept. 6 but all residential and commercial container collection will run on the regular schedules. There will be no bulk and brush collection on Sept. 6. The Environmental Recycling Center will also be closed for the holiday.

 

CityLink Transit will not run on Sept. 6. Municipal Court will also be closed on Sept. 6. All citations due Sept. 6 will be due on Sept. 7 with no penalty.

 

Other City closings for Sept. 6 include: City Hall, the Health division, all Abilene Public Library locations, Abilene Civic Center, the Development Corporation of Abilene, the Airport Administration Office and City Recreation and Senior Citizen centers.

 

The Abilene Zoo will be open regular hours.

 

The Water Services Center, 701 E. Hwy. 80, will be open on Sept. 6, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., to take delinquent payments for customers whose water has been turned off and for new customers needing water service. For water emergencies, sewer problems and reports of water conservation ordinance violations, citizens may call the Water Services Center’s emergency hotline, (325) 676-6000, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.          

 

August 30, 2010

 

“Abilene on the Move” is a day to get moving

ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness invites citizens to take 10 minutes towards a healthier lifestyle by participating in “Abilene on the Move” day on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010. It is a day for families, individuals, groups, businesses and schools to take part in an activity that gets people moving.

 

Planned activities include: City of Abilene employees joining Mayor Norm Archibald in a 10 minute walk at 10:00 a.m. from City Hall, McMurry University and Hardin-Simmons University students and faculty participating by walking on their campus for 10 minutes at 10:00 a.m. and the Abilene Independent School District holding walking events at various times at participating schools.

 

Make September STEPtember by:

 

Schools and businesses are encouraged to organize an activity.  Some fun examples:

 

If 10 a.m. is not a convenient time to walk, businesses and schools are encouraged to schedule a time when it best fits into their day.

 

August 26, 2010

 

Fifteen citizens appointed to Emergency Medical Services Citizens Advisory Committee

ABILENE, Texas – During the Thursday, August 26 City Council meeting, City Council members  each appointed two individuals to serve on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Citizens Advisory Committee. Mayor Norm Archibald also appointed the committee chairperson. The EMS Citizens Advisory Committee could make a recommendation to the City Council as early as Feb. 24, 2011 regarding the level of EMS service to be provided by the Abilene Fire Department.

 

The 15 appointees are: James McCoy (Chair), Susie Cassle, Chris Vaughn, Lisa Flores, Machall Lowry, Mark Powell, Janice Bedford, Dev Ohre, Cindy Haley, Ed Emerson, Stacey McGee, Debbie Lillick, Robert Kern, Carol Chastain, and Dr. Cole Mitchell.

 

The EMS Citizens Advisory Committee will assist Abilene Fire Chief Ken Dozier and City of Abilene staff in determining the feasibility and timetable for the Abilene Fire Department to become a Level 5 and/or Level 6 Emergency Medical Service provider. Currently, committee members will serve an initial term of six months but the City Council could extend that timeline if there’s a need for further study.

 

In 1985, the Abilene Fire Department (AFD) was certified as a First Responder Organization by the Department of State Health Services. At that time, the AFD began responding to 911 emergency medical calls within the city limits and provided Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Basic level service (Level 2). In 2002, the AFD’s First Responder Program was upgraded to an Advanced Level First Responder Organization with the service level at the EMT-Intermediate level (Level 3). In 2009, the AFD committed to training for the highest level of pre-hospital care: EMT-Paramedic EMS (Level 4). With the proposed Fiscal Year 2010-2011 budget, the AFD is ready to advance to the final step as a First Responder Organization. Once the AFD provides Paramedic level EMS, an option exists for the fire department to provide emergency transports (Level 5) and non-emergency transfers (Level 6) via ambulances.

 

No date has been scheduled yet for the first meeting of the EMS Citizens Advisory Committee.

 

Second public hearing on tax rate held; Vote on budget ordinance set for Sept. 9

ABILENE, Texas – The City Council held the second public hearing on the proposed tax rate increase during this morning’s City Council meeting. If approved, the proposed Fiscal Year 2010-2011 (FY 11) budget will be funded at a tax rate of 69.86 cents. The second reading, public hearing, and vote on the budget ordinance and proposed tax levy are scheduled for the Thursday, Sept. 9 City Council meeting. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1, 2010 and ends on Sept. 30, 2011.

 

The proposed FY 11 General Fund budget is $69,541,630. The proposed tax rate would reflect a .54 cent or just over a half-cent increase per $100 assessed valuation. For the average home value of $85,642, this would amount to an annual increase of $4.62. In the proposed FY 11 budget, city programs and services remain in tact. No furloughs are scheduled. Water, sewer and solid waste rates remain unchanged. There are no adjustments to City fees. A three percent salary increase for non-civil service employees is included in the proposed budget. Non-management employees have not received a salary increase since 2008. Management-level employees have not received one since 2007. The proposed budget and related information is available online on the City of Abilene website, http://www.abilenetx.com/Press/Budget.htm.

 

In other action today, the City Council held a first reading and public hearing on an ordinance involving the City of Abilene’s participation in the Texas Enterprise Zone Program and nomination of Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) as a Texas Enterprise Zone Project. Companies compete for state enterprise project designation in which the state incentives are substantial. BCBS representatives told City officials that if nominated by the City of Abilene, the health care service corporation would seek $1.25 million in state incentives over a five year period. In return, BCBS would commit to $12 million in capital expenditures for technology upgrades and retention of 1,024 jobs for five years. The City Council approved the ordinance unanimously on first reading. Since the application deadline is Sept. 1, 2010, a special called meeting involving a second reading on the ordinance will be held 9:00 a.m. Monday, Aug. 30. The meeting will air live on TV Channel 7, the City’s education/government television channel.

 

During today’s meeting, the City Council also approved a $95,576.79 contract with Geo-Marine of Plano, TX for a Wildlife Hazard Assessment (WHA) at Abilene Regional Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now requires all air carrier airports to conduct a WHA which the FAA will review to determine whether an airport needs a Wildlife Management Plan (WMP). The WHA is a year-long study of wildlife activity and habitat on and around the airport. The WMP is a plan detailing how the airport would control wildlife activity that poses a potential threat to airport operations. The FAA changed it WHA policy following US Airways’ bird strike and subsequent emergency landing in the Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009.

 

August 25, 2010

 

Mayor Archibald supports Connecting Caring Communities as it competes in Pepsi Refresh Project

ABILENE, Texas – Mayor Norm Archibald urges citizens to vote daily for Connecting Caring Communities (CCC) as it competes for $250,000 in this month’s Pepsi Refresh Project. CCC representatives said it would use the funding to open new Friendship Houses, operate other programs and build sustainable, energy-efficient homes for families in Abilene. According to PepsiCo, Inc., up to two ideas will win $250,000 in grants this month as part of the contest.

 

You can vote daily online at www.RefreshEverything.com/abilene or via text message: text 101909 to Pepsi (73774).

 

“By voting for Connecting Caring Communities in this contest, we are demonstrating our support to helping the most vulnerable neighborhoods in Abilene,” explained Mayor Norm Archibald. “Our community would reap the rewards since this grant would provide CCC with funding that it would otherwise not have available to make a positive difference locally.”  

 

According to a PepsiCo, Inc. news release, the Pepsi Refresh Project will award more than $20 million in 2010 to fund consumer-generated ideas that will make a positive impact in their communities. The news release states that “individuals can apply for grants to benefit a variety of projects and site visitors can vote for the best ideas for funding.”

 

August 18, 2010

Cool cats and cool freeze at the Abilene Zoo this Saturday

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene Zoo and WTU Retail Energy are teaming up on Saturday, Aug. 21 to present the “coolest” event of the summer. Visitors to the zoo between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. this Saturday will be treated to price freeze giveaways and games. Additionally, the first 100 children will receive free admission and a coupon for a tasty frozen treat from the zoo’s Watering Hole concession stand. The zoo’s animals will also join in the celebration by receiving their own tasty frozen treats throughout the day.

 

To top off the cool affair, a pair of the Abilene Zoo’s coolest cats will make their debut in a new exhibit. The 11-year-old male and 10-year-old female ocelots will be featured in their new home which recreates the southeastern Texas habitat of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. The Texas /Mexico ocelot sub-species, Leopardus pardalis albescens, is federally listed as endangered with the last remaining United States population found in Laguna Atascosa. The Abilene Zoo contributes to the preservation of the ocelot by participating in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Ocelot Species Survival Plan.

 

The zoo is also kicking off a new website, www.abilenezoo.org, thanks to the support of the Abilene Zoological Society. The new website provides more information about the zoo and also allows website visitors to purchase a membership online.   

 

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.

 

August 16, 2010

 

       Registration to begin for T.A.A.F. City League Flag Football         

ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene’s Recreation Division will offer the T.A.A.F. City League Flag Football again this fall. League information will be available for pick-up from Monday, Aug. 16 through Friday, Sept. 10 at the Community Services Office, 633 Walnut. Entry fee is $350 per team and entry deadline is 5:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10. 

 

       For more information, call (325) 676-6217.

 

 

August 13, 2010

 

City pools closed on Saturday, Aug. 21 due to lifeguard shortage; season ends Sunday, Aug. 22

ABILENE, Texas – Similar to the situation last month, safety concerns over the number of lifeguards available to work Saturday, Aug. 21 will result in both City of Abilene pools, Rose Park Pool, 2642 S. 9th Street, and Stevenson Park Pool, 541 EN 7th Street, being closed for the day. The ratio of lifeguards to swimmers would have been inadequate to ensure appropriate monitoring of the pools. Lifeguard staffing will return to normal the next day so the pools will reopen to the public on Sunday, Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. This is also the last day that the City pools are open for the summer 2010 season.

 

Normal hours of operation for Rose Park Pool are 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $3.00 per person for adults, age 16 and older, and $2 for youth, age 6 - 15. A concession stand is available.

 

Normal hours of operation for Stevenson Park Pool are 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $1.00 for age 6 and up. Children 5 and under at both pools are admitted free with a paying parent or legal guardian.

 

In addition, the 7th annual Doggie Splash Day is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Rose Park Swimming Pool, 2642 S. 9th Street. There is a fee of $2 per dog. All breeds can participate in the open swim. Doggie Splash Day is sponsored by the City of Abilene’s Recreation division, the City’s Animal Services division & Rescue the Animals, SPCA.

 

This is the second time this pool season that the City had to close the pools for one day. The other time occurred on Saturday, July 31. The City’s pool season began on Saturday, June 5.

 

August 12, 2010

 

New maned wolf joins mate at Abilene Zoo

ABILENE, Texas – A female maned wolf met her perspective mate at the Abilene Zoo this week.  The 2-year-old female, “Rosita”, was successfully introduced to the 6-year-old male, “Cerrado”, over the course of several days. The public can see the pair at the Abilene Zoo’s maned wolf exhibit. The female wolf arrived from the Louisville Zoo this spring and completed a 30 day quarantine prior to being introduced to the male

 

"The introduction went very well," said Abilene Zoo Director Bill Gersonde. "The staff monitored them closely and the introduction went off without any major incidents."  

 

The Abilene Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan for maned wolves. Species Survival Plans or SSPs are managed breeding programs for threatened and endangered species. These programs are overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Abilene Zoo participates in numerous SSPs as part of its conservation work. The zoo has been given permission from the Maned Wolf SSP to breed this pair of wolves although it may be a year or two before pups arrive. Females usually don’t breed until the age of three.

 

The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is the largest canid of South America, resembling a large fox with reddish fur. It is found in open and semi-open habitats especially grasslands in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia.The maned wolf’s diet includes small mammals, birds and even fish. A large portion of its diet (over 50% according to some studies) is vegetable matter including sugar cane and fruit. Maned wolves are considered threatened due to habitat destruction and poaching.

 

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. From June through August, the Abilene Zoo is open late from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays for the Sunset Safari Concert Series. The zoo is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

City of Abilene employees award scholarships

ABILENE, Texas – During the City Council meeting on Aug. 12, 2010, Mayor Norm Archibald presented the Employee Scholarship Fund Awards to five students whose parents are employed by the City of Abilene. The graduating seniors each received a $1,000 college scholarship which they can use at the college of their choice.

 

The students, who are winners of the City of Abilene Employee Scholarship Awards for 2010, are:

 

  • Amanda Catherine George.  Amanda is the daughter of Jolene George, Public Health Nurse in Public Health. She graduated from Abilene High School with a 92.93 GPA.  Amanda plans on attending San Angelo State University, and pursue a degree in Medicine.

 

  • Karsten Andrew Goodman. Karsten is the son of Rodney Goodman, Fire Lieutenant in Tactical Operations. He graduated from Abilene High School with a 101.98 GPA. Karsten plans on attending Abilene Christian University and pursue a degree in Political Science.

 

  • Lauren Elizabeth McClure. Lauren is the daughter of Travis McClure, Land Agent in Public Works. She graduated from Wylie High School with a 96.977 GPA. Lauren plans on attending the University of Arizona, and pursue a degree in Physical Therapy.

 

  • Sarah Elizabeth Moore. Sarah is the daughter of Danny Moore, Fire Fighter in Tactical Operations. She graduated from Lueders-Avoca High School with a 96.33 GPA. Sarah plans on attending Hardin Simmons University and pursue a degree in Education.

 

  • Jackson Bryan Teal. Jackson is the son of Ron Teal, Firefighter in Tactical Operations. He graduated from Cooper High School with a 99.66 GPA. Jackson plans on attending Texas A&M University in College Station and pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering.

 

For the last 19 years, City employees have been contributing money out of their pay checks to help support the dependents of their co-workers with higher education expenses. Graduating high school seniors, who are dependents of City employees, submit an application form. The scholarship applications are then reviewed by a panel of local college counselors and educators.

 

Since this program was implemented, City employees have contributed over $88,700 and have awarded 91 scholarships to dependents of City employees.

 

August 11, 2010

 

Animal Services to begin microchipping animals that are adopted/reclaimed next week

ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene Animal Services Division announced today that it will begin microchipping every dog, cat, puppy and kitten that is adopted or reclaimed by its owner at the Abilene Animal Shelter, 925 S. 25th Street, starting next Monday, Aug. 16. The microchipping provides a means to identify the pet’s owner through a national registry. The microchip and registration with 24PetWatch will be included as part of the adoption fee or pet reclaim fee.

 

“By adopting out animals that are already microchipped, the chances that a lost pet will be returned to its owner are greatly improved,” Animal Services Manager Aaron Vannoy explained. “From January 2009 thought June 2010, the Abilene Animal Shelter was able to return 99 percent of the animals with microchips to their owners. Less than two percent of animals without any identification were reunited their original owner.”

 

Also starting next Monday, Animal Services will begin offering 15 days worth of ShelterCare Pet Insurance for animals adopted out of the animal shelter. ShelterCare offers different levels of pet insurance. Go online to www.sheltercare.com or call 1-866-375-7387 for more details.

 

For more information about animal adoptions, contact the Abilene Animal Shelter at (325) 698-0085 or go online to www.abilenetx.com/animal. Shelter hours are 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturday and is closed Sunday and all major holidays.

 

August 10, 2010

 

Dogs invited to dive in at the 7th annual Doggie Splash Day

ABILENE, Texas – Dogs and their owners are invited to an open swim during the 7th annual Doggie Splash Day. The canine friendly event will take place Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Rose Park Swimming Pool, 2642 S. 9th Street. There is a fee of $2 per dog. All breeds are welcome to take a dip in the pool.

 

Doggie Splash Day is sponsored by the City of Abilene’s Recreation Division, the City’s Animal Services Division & Rescue the Animals, SPCA.

 

For more information about Doggie Splash Day, call (325) 734-5301.

 

August 9, 2010

 

City of Abilene designates locations as cooling centers

ABILENE, TX – The City of Abilene Office of Homeland Security has identified several cooling center locations for senior citizens looking for relief from the severe summer heat. The locations where citizens can go to escape the heat include the City’s five senior centers and The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army, located at 1726 Butternut, will open their cooling center when the temperature is 100 degrees or above.

 

“Many of the days ahead could have temperature highs over 100 degrees. Some of our citizens with no or inadequate air conditioning in their home need a place to get a break from the severe heat when the temperature is that high,” said Jim Bryan, City of Abilene Emergency Manager. “The City has designated several locations where citizens can go to find relief from the heat and to rehydrate. Citizens are welcome to utilize these locations during their regular hours of operation.”

 

Cooling Center Locations

 

Name

Address

Hours of

Operation

Phone

number

The Salvation Army

1726 Butternut

24 hours

677-1408

Rose Park

Senior Center   

South 7 and Barrow

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

734-5300

Cobb Senior Center

2302 State Street

9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

676-6584

G.V. Daniels Senior Center

541 North 8th

9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

676-6583

Sears Senior Center

2250 Ambler

9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

676-6582

Chavez South Park Senior Center

1002 Cherry Street

9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

676-6579

 

The City’s Office of Homeland Security wants everyone to stay cool and safe during these hot summer days and advocates the following tips:

 

 

For more information about the cooling centers, contact the City of Abilene Office of Homeland Security at (325) 676-6525.  

 

August 7, 2010

 

Abilene Fire Department: House fire on 1200 block of Palm Street

Shortly after 3:00 this morning, units of the Abilene Fire Department responded to the report of a house fire in the 2200 block of Palm Street.  Units arrived to find the occupant safely out of the home but the kitchen heavily involved in fire.  It took firefighters almost an hour to bring the fire completely under control and damage is estimated at $22,000.

 

Abilene Fire Investigators have determined this fire was accidental but the exact cause remains undetermined.  The fire appears to have originated in the area of the dishwasher.

 

Abilene Fire Department: Update on Team Abilene

Around 11:30 this morning, Team Abilene finished the first round with a time of 1:44:62, qualifying them for a spot in the finals.  Around 2 p.m., they were able to shave ½ second off their previous time, but failed to qualify for the next round.  However, this time was good enough for Team Abilene to qualify for the World Finals, to be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in November.

 

August 4, 2010

 

Abilene Fire Department: Team Abilene and Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge

Five Abilene Firefighters will travel to Lubbock, Texas to compete in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge Relay on Saturday, August 7th.  As many as 25 teams are scheduled to compete in this particular event and will travel from cities such as El Paso, McKinney, and Farmers Branch.  According to the Challenge website, “The Challenge seeks to encourage firefighter fitness and demonstrate the profession's rigors to the public. Wearing "full bunker gear" and the SCOTT Air-Pak breathing apparatus, pairs of competitors race head-to-head as they simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting by performing a linked series of five tasks including climbing the 5-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 lb. "victim" as they race against themselves, their opponent and the clock.”

             

This will be an exciting competition and only the second time a team from Abilene has competed in this particular event.  The Abilene Team will conduct their final practice Friday morning, August 6th, around 9 AM at the Fire Department’s training facility, D.C. Musick Field, 4242 East Lake Road.  Representatives of the news media are invited to observe the final practice session and the actual competition.  For further information about The Challenge, refer to the website at the following link: http://www.firefighter-challenge.com/

 

August 3, 2010

 

Friends of Fitness Day is Aug. 13, brought to you by the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness

ABILENE, Texas – Get your heart rate up with a fun workout as part of Friends of Fitness Day on Friday, Aug. 13, 2010. That morning, the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is hosting an exercise conditioning workout from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on the McMurry University football field, located at 14th Street and Sayles Boulevard. Citizens of all ages are invited to attend the free workout which is geared for all fitness levels.

 

“Come join us for Friends of Fitness Day and see how much fun you can have working out,” said Kris Dawson, Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness board member. “Living a fit lifestyle doesn’t have to be boring or feel like a chore. Experience fitness as I do and find out how it can make a positive difference in your life.”

 

Friends of Fitness Day is this month’s Favorite Fitness Activity of the Month (FFAM). FFAMs are sponsored nearly every month by this City of Abilene board.

 

Citizens serving on the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness are: Dr. Dennis O’Connell (Chair), Bill Horn (Vice-Chair), Kris Dawson, Cheryl Edgar, Joy Hedges, Mary Herron, Dr. Dan Munton, Dr. Pug Parris (Former Chair), Ron Richert and Deonna Shake.

 

For other fitness activities in Abilene, go online to www.MyFitnessAbilene.com.

 

August 2, 2010

Abilene Fire Department: House fire on 1400 block of Hollywood Drive

An Abilene family was forced from their home shortly before 10 PM last evening by an electrical fire in the attic.  The residence, located in the 1400 block of Hollywood Drive, suffered minor damage to the attic and the ceiling of one room due to failure of the electrical system from overloading.  The American Red Cross was called to assist the five family members with relocating until repairs can be made.

 

Abilene Fire Department investigators discovered the wiring system simply could not handle the load placed upon it by numerous window air conditioning units and other appliances.  Even though damage from the fire was minimized, it is likely the electrical system will have to be replaced due to its age and inability to support the demand placed upon it.  Damage is estimated at five hundred dollars.  The fire was discovered by firefighters who had been called to the area to investigate a blown electrical transformer and noticed smoke coming from the roof of the nearby home.

 

Abilene Fire Department: Major vehicle accident on West Stamford St. and Arnold Blvd

Around 9:45 this morning, units of the Abilene Police and Fire Departments responded to the report of a vehicle accident at the intersection of Arnold Boulevard and West Stamford Street.  The accident involved a parcel delivery van and a Chevrolet Avalanche.  Both vehicles incurred extensive damage and the driver of the Avalanche was trapped for several minutes before Fire Department personnel were able to free her from the vehicle using the Jaws of Life.  This driver, a forty-one year-old female, and the passenger, a sixty-one year-old female, were both treated at the scene for extensive lacerations and blunt trauma injuries.  Both were transported to Hendrick Medical Center by ambulance.

 

The driver of the delivery van was freed before Fire Department arrival by persons on the scene who cut the seat belt.  His injuries were believed to be relatively minor and he was transported to the hospital by private vehicle for observation.

 

City’s public affairs television show recognized at state conference

ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene was recently honored for its public affairs television show, “Abilene City Magazine”, by the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA). As part of the 2010 TATOA Programming Awards, “Abilene City Magazine” won second place in the Interview/Talk Show category.

 

The 30-minute T.V. show about City services and programs is co-hosted by City Manager Larry Gilley and Communications & Media Relations Manager Lenka Wright. Communications Specialist Rick Tomlin is the program’s videographer. The show is a partnership production with Abilene Christian University. “Abilene City Magazine” airs Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Fridays at 7:00 p.m. on TV Channel 7 which is available on Suddenlink Cable Channel 7 and broadcast Channel 7 KXN-TV.

 

Winners were announced during a luncheon Thursday, July 29 at the annual TATOA conference in Dallas, Texas. Judges received 145 entries from municipalities across Texas.