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One of our favorite segments for West Texas Roots is a surprising love story…and was picked up by our friends at the Texas Standard. Take another listen to the re-mixed version of Randy Billing’s story.

On this week’s installment of West Texas Roots, we talked to Karen Martin, a longtime horse trainer who was paralyzed in an accident, and continues to ride while pursuing a career as a licensed professional counselor. To hear her powerful story, stay tuned.

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.

This week we talked to the folks at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature about Thanksgiving in Abilene, Texas, the Storybook Capital of America.

This week we’ve got a collection of conversations with the candidates on the ballot for House District 71.As soon as Stan Lambert announced he wouldn’t seek reelection – candidates started filing their paperwork.Liz Case is making a second run for the seat, after coming close two years ago–with the backing of some of the state’s top Republicans.Newcomer Joshua Ohlmacher joined the race after feeling called to it during a church service.And Chance Ferguson, who’s previously challenged Jodey Arrington for the 19th Congressional District seat–has thrown his hat in the ring.Jay Hardaway was unable to make it for today’s show–but we hope to update you on his campaign as soon as possible.We’ll also preview a musical that’s coming to a stage this weekend that tells a story of healing, forgiveness, and self-acceptance.

Early voting has had a much-higher- than- usual turnout in Taylor County this primary-voting season. That’s thanks in no small part to the crowded field for two open seats.Last week we brought you interviews with the candidates for Texas State House District 71–that has been held by retiring state-rep- Stan Lambert.We have another special show in store this week, as we focus on the Republicans vying to become their party’s nominee for Texas’s 19th Congressional District. Jodey Arrington’s retirement has created a wild contest-with seven candidates on the Republican primary ballot.This week we’re partnering with KTTZ in Lubbock to bring you conversations with as many of them as we can.A runoff seems very likely-with so many candidates in the race–but once there is a clear winner - he will take on Democrat Kyle Rable in November.

Today on the show, Mayor Weldon Hurt shares the key takeaways from last week’s State of the City Address. The presentation ranged from economic growth and city projects to some perspectives on Abilene’s housing crisis.The Farm Bill is getting closer to having its day in Congress… Retiring Congressman Jodey Arrington is celebrating. How do West Texas Farmers feel?And speaking of farmers - we’ll tell you about a new challenge for rice farmers. A tiny invasive pest is on the attack.A couple of events are coming up soon: the Abilene Philharmonic performs Carmen next weekend, and later this month a best-selling author shares his miraculous story with locals.And we’ve got a special blast from the past for you this hour - you don’t want to miss it!

Lots of people showed up to the polls for this primary…both Republicans and Democrats. Texas’s Primary Election Day is behind us…but there is plenty of work ahead for some of the candidates… we’ll wrap up the outcome and look ahead.Resources are limited for mental health in rural Texas. The 9-8-8 suicide hotline is key to filling in the gaps for people in crisis… but the state has yet to dedicate funding to it. We’ll tell you more. We’ll also take a look at how uninsured West Texans get healthcare.There’re plans to extend the border wall into Big Bend…and that’s drawing strong criticism across Texas–regardless of political party.And, we’ll tell you about a destination in downtown Abilene that combines creativity and caffeine…

There are many unique experiences that come with living in West Texas, from the bizarre weather to the incredible history. But there is one thing that no one wants to experience, getting bit by a rattlesnake.Jammie Greer tells of such an encounter where she was bit by a rattlesnake while pulling weeds. Fortunately, the lessons she remembered being told and her husband's quick thinking, got her to the hospital in time to receive antivenom!We recorded Jammie Greer’s Story of her rattlesnake encounter at the Taylor County Expo Center.

We have a special show in store today.Early voting in Texas’s Joint City and School Elections starts Monday. Today we’ll hear from the candidates for Place Four. There are four of them.Navy veteran Benjamin Baylie is a small business owner who advocates for streamlining the processes around local development as an approach to addressing Abilene’s Housing Crisis.Rich Lyles touts his experience navigating federal funding and infrastructure as a key part of his qualifications for seeking a seat on the City Council.Allison Carroll is a small business owner who has served on a variety of boards and committees, and says her experiences and community service inform her approach to serving.Tammy Fogle has run for office multiple times—and is a regular participant during the public comment portion of Abilene’s school board and city council meetings.