West Texas Dispatch
Each Wednesday at Noon
The West Texas Dispatch is KACU’s weekly talk show dedicated to serving the listeners of Abilene and beyond with news and information that reflects the unique spirit, needs, and issues of our region as well as celebrating the best parts of the Big Country and West Texas.
Latest Episodes
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We’re continuing to look at the increasing pressure on Abilene’s affordable housing market. Today we’ll hear about how things are changing for renters.We’ll hear from one renter who shares her frustrations with finding housing right now…We’ll also hear more about those who rely on the assistance of housing vouchers–and the challenges they face in being able to use those vouchers.We’ll bring you the second part of the Blood Work series…with a look at the industry around blood-plasma…which is a multi-billion dollar segment of the U-S economy.Abilene’s non-profits have one more chance to be part of what’s become the biggest day of giving in the city. We’ll tell you more about the Community Foundation of Abilene’s plans as they wrap up a decade of community philanthropy through “Abilene Gives”.And the owner of Catie Pies shares some favorite recipes and tips for what to do with the holiday leftovers.
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The days of Abilene ranking as one of the state’s more affordable cities–may be numbered. We’ll take a look at how A-I growth combined with major reductions to housing assistance– is pricing-out low-income families.West Texas has at least two open seats for next year’s elections…The window to file for the March primary closed this week. We’ll check out the major party candidates who made it onto the ballot.Texas leads the nation in blood plasma donations. Today we’ll bring you the first installment of a series of reports focused on “Blood Work”.Lots of people look to various types of seeds and nuts to supplement the protein in their diets. We’ll hear about one Texas researcher who’s developing an edible version of one of the state’s big fiber crops.
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December has brought cold temperatures and warm hearts as community members look to bless others this holiday season. We’ll check in on the Salvation Army’s annual bell-ringing and angel tree campaigns.It’s also time for seniors pick their Medicare options for the next year – it can be overwhelming – and we’ll get some tips from a local expert.A new book details the life of a West Texas musician – from the daughter’s perspective.The NCCIL is the home for all things children’s literature. We’ll hear how they work to build a love of reading with children.And this week is the Abilene Philharmonic’s Christmas concert. Conductors Notes gives us a sneak peek at the Three Tenors Christmas.
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Hunting Season is underway. And officials are asking hunters to help watch for the spread of the New World Screwworm.We’ll hear about efforts in West Texas to preserve indigenous history –which has traditionally passed down through families–and a new effort in the South Plains to gather Native tribes for an event that highlights their traditions and art.We’ll bring you some advice for approaching the holiday season with grieving loved ones.…and the maestro has become the man of letters. Longtime Abilene Philharmonic conductor David Itkin has a new book detailing a life of art and travel…with a little drama sprinkled in.
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The mid-term elections just got a little wilder for West Texas. Congressman Arrington’s announcement that he won’t seek re-election to the 19th district seat opens up an opportunity that rarely comes around.The sky over Abilene will change forever. For decades, the sights and sounds of the B-1 Bomber have become iconic…soon, a new, state of the art long range bomber will take its place. We talk to the company behind the bomber.The nation celebrated Veteran’s Day yesterday. We’ll take a look at how Abilene honors locals who served in America’s armed forces.Cemeteries take a lot of work. We’ll bring you the story of a historic cemetery in Lubbock…and hear about some of the unique challenges administrators face.Playoff football gets underway this week for Texas high schools. Abilene High hopes to make their strong season last a little longer.And KACU’s Christmas radio play is in just a few weeks–we’ll have a preview–and you want to add the event to your calendar.
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Individuals, non-profits, and businesses are all looking for ways to help fill the gap for families who rely on federal SNAP benefits. We’ll hear how the West Texas Food Bank is coordinating its resources to respond.The 2025 election offered voters a chance to amend the state’s constitution…and to decide the future finances of local school districts. We’ll wrap up yesterday’s results for you.An invasive species is posing a threat-prices are up and President Trump is working on international trade deals that some beef-producers don’t like. With a number of factors impacting Texas’s beef industry–we’ll check in with a local rancher to hear first hand what it’s like from his side of the process.Hearing more crickets lately? We’ll explain why these noisy guests are showing up in bigger numbers this time of year.From early lights to the city’s big tree lighting, we’re diving into why the holiday season is starting sooner than ever.
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Voting is underway in this year’s Constitutional Amendment election. Fewer people traditionally show up to the polls during this type of election. But one hot topic is Abilene ISD’s tax proposal. We’ll hear more about how it would impact property owners – and what the district has in mind for the dollars if it passes.State Senator Charles Perry was in town yesterday, sharing his view on the 89th Legislative Session and discussing this year’s ballot.Running a farm has never been an easy prospect - but a labor shortage is adding to the challenge. And some farmers are trying a novel approach to pest-control… bats.Finally, we’ll hear how a homecoming musical brings together former students and current students.
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This week we’ll take a look back at Saturday's No Kings protest in Abilene and what it says about politics in West Texas.As the government shutdown continues we take a look at how Dyess is affected.We’ll also hear from AISD about how they’re supporting unhoused students — and Heather Claborn speaks with Elections Administrator Freda Ragan about early voting and why so few people show up when it’s not a presidential year.Then, witches, wool, and Practical Magic — we head to the Paramount Theatre, where Halloween comes with a side of crafting and a rise in “grandma hobbies.”
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The Texas State Legislature narrowed down 288 proposed constitutional amendments to 17. Starting next week registered voters will start to decide which of the measures becomes law. We’ll help explain what’s on the ballot.We’ll hear a conversation about healing, leadership, and what it really takes to make a difference in recovery.A late-night fire, a cherished playground in ruins. We look back at the history and legacy of Fort Imagination.A little Halloween magic... something spooky is happening at the zoo.From Broadway to the symphony hall, the Abilene Philharmonic celebrates the many voices of Leonard Bernstein.October is Texas Wine Month, and grape growers from across the state gathered in Lubbock to toast the future of Texas wine.
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The federal government shutdown doesn’t just impact federal workers. It has ripple effects into local communities. We’ll hear about efforts to support West Texans who are directly affected—and to lessen those ripple effects.The ROC Abilene’s “Recreational Outdoor Complex” is now open for business. The new outdoor fields are building capacity for all kinds of activities—bringing a big expansion to Abilene’s youth-sports scene.The College Rodeo fall-season is underway–and Angelo State is preparing to host its first event in more than three-decades.And from Lubbock we remember singer-songwriter Sonny Curtis who died in September. The Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Famer from Meadow, Texas wrote the theme for the Mary Tyler Moore show- and collaborated with Buddy Holly.