Taylor County’s 2019 Agriculture Family of the YearBy Wendy KilmerPhotography by Beth DukesMary Beth Farris grew up near Chicago and envisioned herself settling down somewhere around Cape Cod. Her husband, Danny, admits to experiencing culture shock when moving from the rolling, piney hills of Northern Louisiana to West Texas. But today both say they can’t imagine … [Read more...]
All Heart
Doyle Reeves makes the most of life after two successful heart transplants By Loretta FultonSpending a hot summer in a skilled nursing facility as the result of a broken hip would be enough to make most people at least ask, “Why me?”But Doyle Reeves is far from most people. If he had started asking “Why me?” way back when his troubles started, that’s all he would … [Read more...]
A Day in the Life: Mayor Anthony Williams
By Wendy KilmerPhotography by Beth DukesThe past year has been marked by transition for Abilene’s mayor, Anthony Williams.Ahead of and after being sworn in as mayor on June 26, 2017, he began shifting and culling his commitments, making room for perhaps his most significant one. He stepped down from several boards on which he served, transitioned to a new role … [Read more...]
Murals on a Mission
Palette of Purpose strives to support artists, create connections and showcase Abilene’s creativity By Wendy KilmerPhotography by Beth Dukes“Abilene’s theme color is brown,” said artist Stephanie Prosser with a joking smile. “But it doesn’t have to be that way.”The case could be made that it’s not anymore. In the larger downtown area, at least 10 eye-catching … [Read more...]
Cole Watts’ New Lease on Life
Kelsey Watts was never so happy to hear her husband telling her how to drive. It meant that he was alive and coherent enough to talk and know what was going on. He was giving Kelsey directions – make that “bossing” her. All Kelsey could do was give thanks, not complain about her bossy husband.“Thank the Lord, he’s talking,” was Kelsey’s only thought.That was the night … [Read more...]