Alex Terrell Russell grew up in Abilene, attending Wylie schools through middle school, until she moved to Nashville with her mom. She began college at the University of Tennessee but transferred to Texas Tech University and graduated in 2014. She had a political science internship lined up in Fort Worth when her grandmother, Abilene restaurant owner Sharon Riley, sat her down … [Read more...]
From Farm to Turbine
Sweetwater woman reflects on leaving the family farm to become a plane mechanic during World War II A smile crosses the face of Jessie Lou McReynolds as she scans the cavernous museum full of vintage airplanes, displays, and other World War II memorabilia, reminding her of some of the happiest years of her life. McReynolds turned 98 on June 8 and still has vivid memories of … [Read more...]
Abilene Pickers
Abilene Pickers Local antique dealers refurbish items and refine their craft Whoever says antiques are boring hasn’t met Brian Hawkins. The junk enthusiast has, on more than one occasion, nearly risked his life for an interesting find. While trying to cut down an old sign with some friends, Brian had an accident on a ladder. The sign fell, knocking the ladder out from … [Read more...]
A New Home for the Holidays: How Refugee Families Celebrate in Abilene
“Fireworks!” 12-year-old Bright Kabura says as he describes a holiday celebration. He’s not describing the 4th of July or New Year’s Eve – he’s describing Christmas in Zambia, where he and his family lived before coming to Abilene as refugees in December of 2016. Like many refugee families in America, the Kabura family has adopted some American traditions for the holidays … [Read more...]
Christmas Comes Early for Matt Robinson
The Christmas season starts in September when you’re in the holiday lighting business, but electrician and business owner Matt Robinson said Christmas came early for him in a different way last year. The Friday after Thanksgiving, Robinson was reaching the end of a major undertaking – spreading festive holiday lighting throughout downtown Abilene – and he and his crew were … [Read more...]