10 Year Sentence for Hit and Run Death

ABILENE  --  A Clyde woman is going to prison for ten years, for striking with her vehicle and killing an Abilene correctional officer.

Friday, 44-year old Jeanette O'Fallon plead guilty to intoxicated manslaughter.  Last February, she was driving the pickup truck that struck and killed 33-year-old Heather Ince.  The accident was a hit and run.  104th District Court Judge Lee Hamilton sentenced O'Fallon to ten years behind bars.

Crime Numbers Up in 2009

ABILENE  --  Rape in Abilene is up by more than 30-percent. 

The annual crime report, released Monday by the Abilene Police Department, shows weapons crimes, drug abuse, and rape are significantly up.  Crime overall jumped by more than 5 percent.

However, 2009 wasn't all bad.  Robbery, and other sex crimes are way down.  Watch our story... 

Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery

LUBBOCK  --  A Littlefield man has been sentenced for bank robbery in Abilene. 

According to court documents, 50-year-old Terry Don Foley "scouted out" two Abilene banks he was thinking about robbing on September 3rd of last year.  An Abilene police officer confronted Foley in the American State Bank on Antilley Road...and found he was carrying a note demanding money.  He was arrested...and plead guilty in November to one count of bank robbery.  While Foley did not actually rob the bank, entry with intent to commit a felony robbery is a violation.

A Lubbock federal judge sentenced Foley to 57-months in federal prison.

Council to Discuss Taser Purchase by Police

ABILENE -- Abilene City Council members will again discuss the option of putting Tasers in the hands of Abilene Police Officers.

The Abilene Police Department presented findings to the Council last Spring, and will have another discussion this Thursday during their regular meeting.  Watch our story... 

AISD Discussing Spending Tonight

ABILENE -- AISD School Board Trustees have OK'd spending $124,000 to re-roof the press box at Shotwell Stadium.

 The money well also pay for paving at the north end of the stadium. 

City and School Election Filing Underway

ABILENE -- Today is the first day you can file to run for Abilene City Council and Abilene School Board.

On City Council, Stormy Higgins (Place 5) has filed to run for re-election.  Place 6 council member Laura Moore, is not seeking re-election.  To run for City Council, pick up an information packet at the City Secretary's Office at City Hall.

On the AISD School Board, President Stan Lambert, Secretary Laura Dyer and Member Danny Wheat's seats are all up for election.  Lambert and Dyer have announced that they are running again.  Wheat plans to run again, but hasn't officially filed.  To run for School Board, you have to file in the Superintendent's Office at One AISD Center.

Mayor's 5K Registration Open

ABILENE -- You can sign up now to compete in the Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk/Wheel and 1-mile Family Fun Run on Saturday, April 10, 2010. 

Click here to register.  If you register by April 2, it's $18 for the run/walk and wheel events for adults, $10 for ages 10 to 18, free for ages 9 and below, and $40 for a family (up to 4). Late and race day fees are $23 for the 5K run/walk/wheel, $15 for children under 18 and $50 for a family up to 4.

For additional information, call (325) 676-6246.

Sunday February 7, 2010

Residents Speak up About Recent City Cutbacks

ABILENE -- Since the City of Abilene announced cutbacks including furloughs and halted pay raises, residents agreed this plan seems to be the best solution.

City leaders announced last week that these cuts are to help fill a $1.2 million budget shortfall because of shrinking sales tax revenue. Those that KTXS spoke with believe it's hard on all 12-hundred city employees, who have to take 3 furlough days this year.  Watch our story... 

Big Country Residents get in the Superbowl Spirit

ABILENE -- Several residents started their Superbowl celebration early this Sunday, spending time at one local restaurant.

They are just a few of the faces who contribute to Superbowl spending, which is turning into a multi-billion dollar industry.  Watch our story... 

Saturday February 6, 2010

Church Remembers Pastor Two Weeks After her Murder

ABILENE -- More than a hundred people joined together to remember Pastor Karen Johnson Saturday.

The minister was tragically murdered two weeks ago by a member of her own church at his house on Caldwell Road. It was an emotional day for everyone at Unity Church, where Karen Johnson once served as Pastor. The pews filled up with friends and family who shared their memories and experiences of Karen's life. January 22, Karen visited a Unity Church member at his home. Police say she went to help, but instead lost her life.   Watch our story... 

Taylor County Judge Candidates out Campaigning

ABILENE -- Two candidates running for Taylor County Judge were out campaigning around town Saturday morning.

Curtis Tomme and Downing Bolls are facing off in the Republican Primary for Taylor County Judge. Current Judge George Newman will not seek reelection this year. Tomme is the former Republican Party Chairman and is currently serving as the Assistant District Attorney of Taylor County. Bolls, is a former TV Anchor here in Abilene. Both have served for over 20 years in their positions, but bring very different backgrounds to the table.  Watch our story... 

Local Toyota Dealer Begins Fixing Recalled Cars

ABILENE-- Abilene's Toyota dealership is fixing recalled cars.

Toyota recently recalled eight popular models because of sticking accelerators and faulty floor mats. They are considered a safety hazard. If you own a recalled Toyota and want to have the problem taken care of representatives from Lithia Toyota in Abilene, just ask you to call before you come in.

Bank Robber Still at Large

STAMFORD -- An armed man robbed the First National Bank in Stamford Friday.

As of Saturday, Police still did not have many leads, and no suspects had been apprehended.

The robbery happened around 12:30 PM Friday.  According to police, when the man walked up to a teller and demanded money, the teller thought he was joking.  But then the robber pulled out a pistol.  It's not known exactly how much money was stolen.

The Suspect is described as an older white man, about 6 feet tall, slender build, with gray hair, and wearing a brown jacket and a baseball cap.

If you have any information call Stamford police at 773-3647. Or you can also call Clear Fork Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Friday February 5, 2010

Man Sentenced For Sexual Assault

ABILENE  --  An Abilene man has been sentenced to 75-years in prison for raping a 4-year-old girl.

31-year-old Erik Leonard Pitcher plead guilty in November to aggravated sexual assault of a child.  Police say in January of last year, pitcher assaulted the 4-year-old girl, who was living with him in his southwest Abilene home.  104th District Court Judge Lee Hamilton handed down the 75-year sentence.

The victim, who's now 6-year-old, now lives at Hendrick Home for Children.  Pitcher won't be eligible for parole until he's at least 60-years-old.

Tightening the Purse Strings

ABILENE  --  The City of Abilene continues to work on plans to shave expenses from the current budget year because of the shortfall in anticipated sale tax revenue.

Sale tax revenue is down more than 11% this fiscal year and that means at least a $1.2 million dollar deficit.  Worker furloughs, and pay increases have been cancelled as a result.  Watch our story... 

Democrats Debate

DALLAS -- The two leading Democratic candidates for Governor, businessman Farouk Shami and former Houston Mayor Bill White, will debate Monday February 8th. You can see the debate on our sister station, Abilene's CW from 9-10 pm. 

Thursday February 4, 2010

City of Abilene Employees Face Furloughs, Pay Freeze

ABILENE -- The City of Abilene says that due to the declining economy, they are scheduling three furlough days for City employees.  They will be Friday, March 19; Friday, April 23; and Friday, July 2. 

The scheduled 2% pay raise for 2010 has also been eliminated.  The City is also putting other cost-saving measures into place, after sales tax revenue went down more than 11% in a year.  Watch our story... 

Man Facing Assault Charges

ABILENE  --  A 28-year-old Abilene man is behind bars, accused of having sex with a 16-year-old.

28-year-old Derek Gandall is in the Taylor County jail on a $100,000 bond for sexual assault of a child.  Investigators say the sexual relationship, which lasted from August through September of last year, was consensual.  The victim also says the incidents occurred after Gandall gave her ecstasy and marijuana.

Gandall is currently on parole for an unrelated drug offense.

Car Burglaries Up

ABILENE  --  Once again, Abilene police say they're seeing a spike in car burglaries.

People leaving valuable items in plain sight in their cars, and vehicles left unlocked in the parking lots of businesses and apartment complexes are the main problem.  Watch our story...  

Body Shop Business Booming

ABILENE  --  Body shops are busy this week fixing cars involved in wrecks from recent winter weather.

Finding a trustworthy shop isn't that hard.  Tips to remember are checking in with the Better Business Bureau to see if the shop has any complaints against it.  Insurance companies also have a list of places they recommend but insurance companies have to work with the shop you choose.  Watch our story...  

February 3, 2010

Trucker Injured in Tanker Accident

ABILENE  --  The driver of an oil tanker was taken to Hendrick Medical Center Wednesday morning after his tanker rolled and he had to be pulled out by firefighters.

The driver had a couple broken bones and was suffering from hypothermia when firefighters finally got him out of the truck's cab.  Hazmat crews also responded because the 150 barrels of used motor oil he was carrying leaked out of the overturned truck.  Watch our story... 

Man and Wife Facing Child Endangerment Charges

ABILENE  --  An Abilene couple is charged with child endangerment.

Police arrested 40-year-old Jonathan Hancock and his wife, 30-year-old Christina Clark.  Detectives say they left their 13-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl home alone with marijuana.  Police also discovered the boy was injured.  Police say Hancock admitted to causing those injuries.

Hancock is charged with injury to a child.  Both he and his wife could face up to 20-years in prison.

Dead Goat May Have Been Dragged

ABILENE  --  The Taylor County Sheriff's Department is investigating a possible animal cruelty case.

Tuesday evening, a passerby reported a suspicious goat carcass on County Road 177, a couple miles south of Ovalo.  Deputies found a dead goat in the middle of the road with a rope tied around its back legs.  Authorities aren't sure if it had been dragged by a car.

If you have any information, call the Taylor County sheriff's department at 325-674-1300.

Teen Pregnancy Numbers Up

ABILENE  --  According to a recent study, teen pregnancy and teen birth rates rose nationally for the first time in ten years.

In 2006, the latest year of statistics, teen pregnancies increased by 3%.  About 7% of teens become pregnant.  Texas is in the top 5 states when talking about teen pregnancy numbers. Watch our story... 

Pin Up the Pony Tail to Get Back in Class

ABILENE  --  Here's an update on a story we brought you Tuesday about the boy not allowed in class because of his long hair.

6-year-old Adrian Peña was allowed back in class Wednesday, but was told he now has to pin his hair up.  Mary Peña told KTXS, her son had been kicked out of class due to his hair cut but says the hairstyle is part of their family culture.

Wednesday, she met with the principal at Ortiz Elementary who will allow Adrian to keep his hairstyle, as long as it's pinned up.

Local Group Heading Back to Help Out Haitians

ABILENE  --  A local group is drumming up support to head back to Haiti.

The Big Country Baptist Community in conjunction with Global Samaritans already spent 4 days in the torn country.  They delivered food, and medical supplies to thousands in need.  Now, their seeking your help for a return.

Donations of new tents, unused medication and medical supplies, or monetary donations can be made at:

Abilene Baptist Association
2058 Marshall Street
Abilene, TX 79605-5958

or call them

(325) 673-8349

Help with Filing your Taxes is Now Available

ABILENE --Taxes are due April 15, but already help will be available if you want to get your taxes filed early.

The help is free of charge. You can find people set up at the Mall of Abilene and the Downtown Public Library.

Mall of Abilene Tax Help:                   Downtown Library:

     Monday --10 a.m. -- 2 p.m.                   Wednesday 1 p.m. -- 5 p.m.

     Tuesday -- 4 p.m. -- 8 p.m.                    Thursday   1 p.m. -- 5 p.m.

     Friday -- 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m.    

     Saturday -- 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m.