Avoca
Avoca, TX · Education
The Abilene Reporter-News
2026 Preseason All-Big Country High School Volleyball Super Team
As summer winds down, and the start of a new school year quickly approaches, teams throughout the Lone Star State are gearing up for the start of the 2026 Texas high school volleyball season. The Big Country and Abilene area’s top high school volleyball players and teams will tip off the 2026 season on Monday, Aug. 10, and look to leave their mark on the court this year. The Abilene Reporter-News is recognizing the top returning high school volleyball stars from across the Big Country with spots on the ARN’s Preseason All-Big Country Volleyball Super Team , which seeks to honor the area’s most talented and prominent players. Selections were determined by a combination of stats, individual awards/accolades and overall team success from the 2025 Texas high school volleyball season . Here’s a closer look at all the athletes who earned spots on the Abilene Reporter-News’ 2026 Preseason All-Big Country Volleyball Superteam: 2026 Preseason All-Big Country Volleyball Super Team – First Team Starters Middle Blocker – Haddie Mock, Abilene Wylie, Sr. Mock was named a Class 5A TGCA All-State pick after a strong junior season for the Lady Bulldogs in 2025, tallying 51 solo blocks, 104 block assists, 243 kills
The Abilene Reporter-News
Texas DPS issues back-to-school warnings for motorists, students
If there's an end to summer, it's the first day of school. To that end, the Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding parents, students and any other motorist traveling past school campuses or along the routes students walk to reach them, to be extra-vigilant. When exactly is the first day of school? For Abilene and Amarillo ISDs, that's Aug. 19 and Aug. 18, respectively. But for Abilene's Wylie ISD, school begins a week earlier on Aug. 13. That's true also for Wichita Falls ISD and San Angelo ISD while Lubbock and Lubbock-Cooper ISDs begin on Aug. 12. “As students head back to school, we’re asking every driver to make safety their top priority," said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. "Slow down, eliminate distractions and remain alert — especially in school zones, at bus stops and in high-volume traffic areas. Every child deserves to arrive at school and return home safely, and that starts with each of us making responsible decisions behind the wheel," Rippee said. DPS provided a list of driving tips for motorists to refresh their skills with: Give students extra room and don’t assume they are paying attention to your vehicle. Students are often distracted by
Breckenridge Texan
Breckenridge schools start 2026-27 year on Monday; drivers urged to use caution in school zones, around buses
The 2026-27 school year kicks off for Breckenridge students bright and early tomorrow morning, Monday, Aug. 10. For the new year, classes will start at 7:45 a.m. (East Elementary, junior high and high school) or 7:55 a.m. (South Elementary) and wrap up between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m., depending on the school and grade level.
BigCountryHomepage
New Abilene ISD teachers receive surprise grants
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – About 40 Abilene ISD teachers who are new to the profession were awarded $150 grants on Thursday by the Abilene Education Foundation. This was the 15th annual distribution of the Judy Dudley Memorial GIFT, or Giving Incentives for First-Time Teachers, Grants. AEF Executive Director Adam Samuels said the grants are important […]
bigcountryhomepage.com
Anson’s Firepower is Physical & Determined to Win
ANSON, Texas (BCH Sports) – The Anson Tigers have the firepower to be a serious district title contender. There’s the 6-foot-5 receiving threat, Malachi St. John. Returning sophomore quarterback Grayson Feagan. First-team All-District linebackers Samuel Wilburn and Avery Lozano. Last season’s District Lineman of the Year, Alijah Lozano....
BigCountryHomepage
School zone crashes up 12%; Eula police urge drivers to slow down
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – As students across the Big Country head back to school, law enforcement is reminding drivers to slow down and stop for school buses, warning that one careless decision could put a child’s life at risk. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, traffic crashes in Texas school zones rose 12% from […]
BigCountryHomepage
From the Kitchen to the Classroom: Big Country chef shares easy summer recipe & TSTC culinary opportunities
SWEETWATER, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Chef Nathan Sheasby, a chef instructor with the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Sweetwater Campus Culinary Arts Program and owner of Chef Sheasby Catering in Abilene, joined Heather Easley and Carter Vandrasik on West Texas Today to prepare a gourmet summer dish: sweet potato gnocchi with asparagus, summer corn, goat cheese, […]
businessdailynetwork.com
Member Spotlight: America's SBDC at Texas Tech University
The Abilene SBDC stands out for its personalized, no-cost advising and strong commitment to the success of local entrepreneurs. By combining expert guidance with practical training and strategic partnerships, the center helps businesses start, grow, and thrive while directly contributing to the region’s economic development. What do customers say...
The Abilene Reporter-News
2026 All-Big Country High School Baseball Super Team, Awards
From elite defenders and speed demons on the basepaths to prolific power hitters and dominant pitchers, the Big Country’s 2026 Texas high school baseball season was defined by elite playmakers who delivered when it mattered most. Several Big Country squads launched deep playoff runs, while many of the area’s top high school baseball stars stood out on the diamond and left their mark with spectacular individual seasons. The Abilene Reporter-News recognizes the area’s top players, coaches and teams from the 2026 season with our All-Big Country High School Baseball Super Team . Super Team selections were determined through a combination of coach nominations, statistics, all-district honors and team success. Here’s a complete look at the Big Country and greater Abilene area’s top standouts who earned all-area honors and spots on the Abilene Reporter-News 2026 All-Big Country Baseball Super Team: More: Fan Vote | Who should be 2025-26 All-Big Country Boys High School Athlete of the Year? More: Fan Vote: Who should be 2025-26 All-Big Country Girls High School Athlete of the Year? More: Coleman ISD taps longtime assistant as interim football coach 2026 All-Big Country Baseball – Major Awards MVP – P/SS/C Aiden Shank, Gordon, Sr. Few players meant as
The Abilene Reporter-News
ARN’s 2026 All-Big Country High School Softball Super Team, Awards
From super consistent slappers and dominant pitchers to high-impact power hitters and elite defenders, the Big Country’s 2026 Texas high school softball season was defined by playmakers who delivered when it mattered most. Several Big Country squads advanced far into the postseason on deep playoff runs, while many of the area’s top high school softball players also stood out on the diamond and left their mark with spectacular individual seasons. The Abilene Reporter-News recognizes the area’s top players, coaches and teams from the 2026 season with our All-Big Country High School Softball Super Team . Super Team selections were determined through a combination of coach nominations, statistics, all-district honors and team success. Here’s a complete look at the Big Country and greater Abilene area’s top standouts who earned all-area honors and spots on the Abilene Reporter-News 2026 All-Big Country Softball Superteam : 2026 All-Big Country Softball – Superlative Awards MVP – CF Addi Hart, Coahoma, Sr. Hart was the most valuable player on the Big Country’s best team, earning TGCA and TSWA All-State honors after helping Coahoma reach the UIL state title game for the fifth consecutive season. She was a consistent tone-setter as the leadoff hitter in the Bulldogettes’
The Abilene Reporter-News
Dave Campbell's predictions for 5A DII Big Country high school football teams
With summer nearing its end and fall just around the corner, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has analyzed and made preseason predictions for Class 5A Texas high school football teams across the Lone Star State. Next up in the 2026 Texas high school football preseason predictions is Class 5A Division II. In the Big Country and West Texas area, there is one 5A DII district that includes many of the most talented teams in the greater Abilene area — District 2-5A DII. Before diving into DCTF’s predictions for this West Texas district, the Amarillo Palo Duro Dons were the only District 2-5A DII squad to secure a spot in Dave Campbell’s preseason 5A DII statewide rankings at No. 18 following their trip to the area round of the 5A DII UIL football playoffs last year. Amarillo Palo Duro quarterback Julian Reese II and Abilene Wylie linebacker Bo Kates were recognized as DCTF’s Preseason Offensive and Defensive MVPs, respectively, for District 2-5A DII. Here is what Dave Campbell’s analyzed and predicted for the Big Country, Abilene-area’s Class 5A Division II district. More: Fan Vote | Who should be 2025-26 All-Big Country Boys High School Athlete of the Year? More: Fan Vote: Who
The Abilene Reporter-News
Everything you need to know about the 2026-27 AISD school year
As summer begins to simmer down here in the Big Country, students and families are now gearing up to hit the books with the start of the upcoming school year just right around the corner. Here's everything you need to know about Abilene ISD's 2026-2027 school year. When is the first day of school? The first day of school for all Abilene ISD students is Wednesday, Aug. 19. "I always look forward to the first day of school," said Abilene ISD superintendent Joseph Waldron. "It's just as exciting as it was when I was a kid. To see all those smiling faces walk in, high-fiving us, and the adults who are just excited to see kids again." Enrolment and registration However, before students are ready for the first day of school, they must complete either prior student registration or new student enrolment. All returning Abilene ISD students and families are required to complete an annual registration, which can be found online . New students and families zoned to enroll in an AISD school can do so online by creating a Frontline account and uploading the following documents . Birth certificate Social Security number Immunization records Parent/guardian ID Proof of residence
The Abilene Reporter-News
Dave Campbell's predictions for 5A DI Big Country high school football teams
With summer nearing its end, and fall around the corner, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has analyzed and made preseason predictions for Class 5A Texas high school football teams across the Lone Star State. Next up in the 2025 Texas high school football preseason predictions is Class 5A Division I. In the Big Country and West Texas area, there is one 5A DI district that features many of the top teams throughout the Abilene and greater West Texas area in District 2-5A DI. Before diving into DCTF’s predictions for this West Texas district, the Abilene High Eagles earned the top spot among Big Country squads in Dave Campbell’s preseason 5A DI statewide rankings at No. 20 following their district championship and trip to the area round of the 5A DI UIL football playoffs last year. Abilene High quarterback Tristan Beal and Amarillo High defensive back Creed Cavalier were recognized as DCTF’s Preseason Offensive and Defensive MVPs, respectively, for District 2-5A DI. Here is what Dave Campbell’s analyzed and predicted for the Big Country, Abilene-area’s Class 5A Division I district. More: Fan Vote | Who should be 2025-26 All-Big Country Boys High School Athlete of the Year? More: Fan Vote: Who should
businessdailynetwork.com
InternABI: A Bridge Between Students and Abilene Businesses
Every summer, college students return to Abilene with new experiences, skills, and the potential to become the next generation of leaders in our community. At the same time, businesses in our area are looking for talented individuals who can contribute to their organizations and, hopefully, one day choose to build their careers here.
GoSanAngelo | Standard-Times
Coleman ISD taps longtime assistant as interim football coach
Coleman Independent School District announced the hiring of Zach Edington as the interim boys athletic coordinator and football coach for the 2026-2027 school year on Monday. Edington has been with Coleman ISD and the Bluecat athletic program for the past 22 years, serving as the boys and girls golf coach while also being the offensive coordinator for the past 14 years. More: See the 2026 All-West Texas high school baseball team “I’m excited for the opportunity,” Edington said. “We’ve got our work cut out for us this year, and our overall goal is to get one of those four playoff spots. We’re gonna have to get better every day.” The decision comes less than one week after the Standard-Times confirmed long-time athletic director and football coach John Elder stepped down from his position after 12 years leading the Bluecats . Coleman struggled as a program for the past two seasons, combining for a 6-16 record after a 2021 season that saw the program reach the third-round of the postseason with a 11-1 record. More: Meet the 2026 San Angelo Standard-Times' All-West Texas softball team After the most recent UIL Reclassification and Realignment, Coleman joins a revamped Class 2A Division I
BigCountryHomepage
New Abilene ISD superintendent talks districts future
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Just over a month into his tenure as superintendent of Abilene ISD, Dr. Joseph Waldron is already outlining a long-term vision for the district, focusing on teacher compensation, leadership development, and future growth. Since taking over the district, Waldron said he’s had numerous conversations with community members about where AISD is […]
The Abilene Reporter-News
Texas college prepares workers for AI data center boom | Exclusive
After 18 months of the growing intensity in building out AI data centers across the Lone Star State, Texas State Technical College has begun offering curriculum to train workers in maintaining those facilities. The first group of 13 graduated last month at the Abilene campus. Now a second cohort is being assembled for the one that starts in September. Cindy Evans is the director of Accelerated Training for TSTC in West Texas. She oversees programs like the new MEI curriculum at TSTC West Texas campuses, as well as Red Oak and the Austin area. "MEI stands for Mechanical, Electrical, Information, and it's a program geared around data center operators," she said. "We asked what they would like to have in someone who is a jack of all trades? What would that one course look like?" Industry partners The result was MEI, but it didn't manifest in a vacuum. The development of the curriculum began two years ago when the buildout was in its infancy. "The way TSTC operates when we create new programs is we listen to industry," Evans said. "Two years ago, as we know, the new industry hitting Texas was the data center ecosystem." Educators partnered with industry
ktxs.com
'It's time to pass the torch,' Wylie ISD leader retires after 46 years in education
ABILENE, Texas — For over 40 years, Craig Bessent has worked in education, majority of that time being at Wylie ISD. Now, after leaving his mark on so many people, he’s decided to retire. KTXS spoke with Bessent to find out some of the highlights of his career.
GoSanAngelo | Standard-Times
Coleman coach John Elder steps down after 16 years
Coleman Independent School District athletic director and high school football coach John Elder is stepping down from his position and leaving the school district the Standard-Times confirmed on Tuesday. Elder first joined Coleman ISD in 2010 and was named the athletic director in 2013. During his 12 seasons as the Bluecats’ football coach, he compiled an 81-56 record with eight playoff appearances as one of the most consistently competitive programs across Class 3A and 2A. More: Dave Campbell's Texas Football predictions for West Texas teams “Loved our time in Coleman,” Elder said Tuesday by phone. “Met lifelong friends and felt like family to so many. Had the pleasure of coaching some outstanding young men and working with some amazing coaches.” The Bluecats’ best season with Elder at the helm was in 2021 when they finished 11-1 and advanced to the third round of the postseason. The last two seasons, though, Coleman finished with a combined 6-16 record. Coleman ISD has not yet confirmed plans for filling in the Athletic Director and football coach positions. More: See the 2026 All-West Texas high school baseball team The Bluecats begin their 2026 football season at San Angelo Grape Creek at 7 p.m. Friday,
ktxs.com
Abilene ISD Hosts enrollment event July 23-24
ABILENE, Texas — Families preparing for the upcoming school year will have an opportunity to complete enrollment, registration and other back-to-school requirements during a districtwide enrollment event hosted by Abilene ISD later this month. The two-day event will be held at the Abilene Convention Center, where district staff will...