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READY FOR PRIME TIME For months, leaders of the Bob Wills Center focused on fundraising and getting a new roof. Efforts have paid off in time for the year’s biggest event. | DEY LANE

READY FOR PRIME TIME For months, leaders of the Bob Wills Center focused on fundraising and getting a new roof. Efforts have paid off in time for the year’s biggest event. | DEY LANE

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The heart of Turkey gets a new lease on life

Deyanara Lane |
Thursday, April 23, 2026
If the walls of the Bob Wills Center could talk, they’d be humming a fiddle tune—and thanks to a massive community effort, those walls (and the roof above them) are stronger than ever.

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Francis to retire from Silverton ISD; York named lone finalist

Barbarabrannon |
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Following a search to identify a successor to retiring superintendent Michelle Francis, Silverton ISD has announced a lone finalist, John York, for the position.York has served during the past year as superintendent of San Jon Municipal Schools in New Mexico, following two years as secondary...

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Matador Connect

Week Of April 10, 2026
Thursday, April 16, 2026
I got a nice note from Pat Groves about his trip to Matador last week. He brought grandson Enzo Algie Groves to see his ancestral roots. One of the positive comments was the neatness and cleanliness of the Matador and Roaring Springs cemeteries.

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Abilene man killed in single vehicle accident in King County

News Staff
Thursday, April 16, 2026
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETYOn the night of April 7, 2026, an Abilene man was killed on U.S. Hwy. 83 when his pickup left the roadway, entered the west barrow ditch and collided with a tree, according to a DPS report.Ty Means, 46, was driving a 2012 Ford F-250, traveling south on U.S. 83 five...

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Turkey man placed on probation in 2025 meth case

News Staff
Thursday, April 16, 2026
On January 9, a Hall County man pleaded to an information filed by the State in the 100th Judicial District Court, according to an April press release from the court.Lawrence Dustin Herzberg, 39, from Turkey, Texas, was placed on three years’ probation for the state jail felony offense of...
THE KING OF WESTERN SWING The original Bob Wills and His Playboys pioneered Western Swing by blending country fiddle music with jazz, blues, and big band influences. The foundational lineup featured vocalist Tommy Duncan, fiddlers, and specialized in a high-energy, danceable sound.

THE KING OF WESTERN SWING The original Bob Wills and His Playboys pioneered Western Swing by blending country fiddle music with jazz, blues, and big band influences. The foundational lineup featured vocalist Tommy Duncan, fiddlers, and specialized in a high-energy, danceable sound.

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Keeping the swing alive: The stories behind the music

Deyanara Lane |
Thursday, April 16, 2026
COMING UP: FULL GUIDE TO BOB WILLS DAY IN OUR APRIL 24 ISSUECOURTESY PHOTOSWhile many of the bands performing at Bob Wills Day are perennial favorites and familiar to longtime fans, new generations arrive at the event each year to discover these artists anew.
WINDY DAY AT WHITEFLAT Marisue Potts Etheredge (left) and Leesa Ruderman led efforts to secure a Texas Historical Commission historic cemetery medallion. It was installed by Motley County Historical Commission volunteers and dedicated April 11. | COURTESY PHOTO

WINDY DAY AT WHITEFLAT Marisue Potts Etheredge (left) and Leesa Ruderman led efforts to secure a Texas Historical Commission historic cemetery medallion. It was installed by Motley County Historical Commission volunteers and dedicated April 11. | COURTESY PHOTO

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Whiteflat, Texas: Remembered once more

Marisue Potts Etheredge |
Thursday, April 16, 2026
The historical marker dedication for the Texas Historic Cemetery at Whiteflat (Motley County) took place during an extremely brisk wind Saturday, April 11, 2026.Motley County Historical Commission chair Marisue Potts Etheredge and researcher-author Leesa Ruderman of Middletown, Maryland, welcomed...