Diana Groom

United States

Public Service Reporter at Abilene Reporter-News

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Articles

Police contract approved; fitness standards abolished

Aug 8, 2024 | reporternews.com | Diana Groom

After a series of meetings, closed door caucuses and negotiations across the table, Abilene's City Council approved the five-year contract with the Abilene Police Department in a unanimous vote Thursday. Most notably, the contract does not include any mandatory physical fitness standards for APD officers but includes other benefits such as a comprehensive annual health exam for all officers.
Wildfire threat level raised across Texas

Aug 8, 2024 | reporternews.com | Diana Groom

The Texas A&M Forest Service raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2 on Monday. The forest service raised the level "due to an increase in current and expected wildfire activity across the state," according to a recent forest service post. There were 38 recent wildfires which burned 2,977 acres across the state the week prior to the increase. In Abilene alone, a recent wildfire razed 21 acres and threatened many nearby homes.
How much? Tax hike coming to Abilene

Aug 8, 2024 | reporternews.com | Diana Groom

Approved tax hikes will soon be affecting your bill. Abilene City Council approved a 2024-2025 tax rate of $0.7607 per $100 of property valuation on Thursday, according to a recent press release. This rate is below the voter-approval tax rate of $0.7914, so there's no need for an election. No city councilmen opposed the new tax rate.
Former Abilene City Council member dies after battle with cancer

Aug 7, 2024 | reporternews.com | Diana Groom

A pillar of the Abilene community died Sunday. Bruce Franklin Kreitler was 63 years old when he lost his long battle with cancer. He was a man of God who was married to the love of his life for 40 years. "I consider myself fortunate to have had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside Bruce," current Abilene city councilman Shane Price said Tuesday. Oklahoma roots to Abilene City CouncilKreitler was born an Army brat on Nov.
Names released for two killed in Sunday head-on collision in Tye

Aug 7, 2024 | news.yahoo.com | Lani Sneed |Diana Groom

Names released for two killed in Sunday head-on collision in TyeThe Tye Police Department has released the names of the two deceased in a Sunday morning head-on collision. According to information from Tye police Chief Christopher Selander, the wrong way driver was identified as Ebinson Jonael Cordova Ramirez, 28, of Portales, New Mexico. Syed Sulman Haider, 32, of Conroe was killed when Ramirez hit his vehicle head-on while trying to evade police, according to Tye police.
one reporter's farewell to the paper

Aug 7, 2024 | reporternews.com | Diana Groom

I am leaving the Reporter-News and wish to bid you all a final farewell. While I am not leaving the beautiful city of Abilene, I am called to my new path which is no longer in journalism. Over the past nine months, I have interviewed countless pillars of Abilene, and I can say with confidence that Abilenians, you are the salt of the earth.
From Beirut to the Big Country: A day in the life of a constable in Taylor County

Aug 7, 2024 | reporternews.com | Diana Groom

Editor's note: This is the tenth installment of the Abilene Reporter-News occasional series "A Day in the Life," in which we shadow local law enforcement, public figures and other people of note to catch a glimpse of all that they do for the community every day. It was as if the Johnny Cash song, "I've been everywhere," was playing in the background, as Constable DeWayne Bush, Taylor County Precinct 3, described each of his tremendously varied careers.
PHOTOS: A day in the life of a Taylor County constable

Aug 7, 2024 | reporternews.com | Diana Groom

Taylor County Constable DeWayne Bush walks toward the Taylor County Juvenile Justice Center to check on his deputy constables on May 22, 2024. Diana Groom/ The Reporter-NewsTaylor County Constable DeWayne Bush's office in Tuscola with the water tower hanging over it on May 22, 2024. Diana Groom/ The Reporter-NewsThe view from Taylor County Constable DeWayne Bush's county vehicle on May 22, 2024, as he crossed Taylor County several times a day.
APD responds to the string of officer-involved shootings

Aug 5, 2024 | reporternews.com | Diana Groom

In response to the four officer-involved shootings this year, the Abilene police chief has released the following statement:"The recent incidents involving officer-involved shootings have understandably raised concerns within our community. The safety and well-being of every resident are of utmost importance to us, and these events weigh heavily on our hearts. Each incident is being thoroughly investigated by the Texas Rangers to uphold the highest standards of justice and integrity.
Head-on collision claims two lives in the Big Country

Aug 5, 2024 | reporternews.com | Diana Groom

Two have lost their lives as a result of a Sunday morning crash on Interstate Highway 20, according to officials. The crash occurred in the early morning hours and involved four vehicles, two of which hit in a head-on collisionThe names of the two victims have not yet been released, and the Tye Police Department has not yet responded to a request for comment.