A Video going around captured the moment when Kevin D'Agostino learned his life would change forever.
His family woke him up in the middle of the night to give him the news — he would be receiving a much-needed lung transplant.
"No way mom, not tonight! NO WAY!" he said in the video, simply shocked and overjoyed.
Kevin's brother Michael posted the video to Facebook and Instagram, with an update that Kevin's surgery at Loyola University Medical Center went well. The video has been viewed thousands of times.
Michael also thanked the doctors at Loyola in the post, and said his family is very appreciative of the donor's family.
Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth, Kevin suffered an unrelated brain injury in 2016. While he continued to fight his CF, he ultimately needed a lung transplant. His sister Julie, 22, died after her fight with cystic fibrosis in 2015.
Michael has posted updates of Kevin to social media, including one video where he's taking laps around the nurses stations and another where he thanks all the people who have been rooting for him.
"Don't worry, I'll be as annoying as ever soon enough," Kevin said in the video.
The family created a foundation in their sister Julie's honor. You can learn more about it here: thejuliedfoundation.org
It was announced a few months ago that Maroon 5 would hit the stage come February 3rd for the Super Bowl 53 halftime show in Atlanta, and they’ll now have some company.
According to TMZ, the rapper will perform in Mercedes Benz stadium as part of dual performance, a move the NFL has gone to in order to target different demographics of their fans.
There is no word yet on if the two will collaborate during any part of the performance considering Scott and Maroon 5 have no joint ventures, but it’s likely the performances will flow together.
TMZ also reported rumors that Cardi B and Big Boi, as well as a few others, might be making special appearances.
Scott, who’s been on the scene for about five years now is currently on ‘Astroworld’ country-wide and international tour
Scooters can only operate on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less
Scooters can cross the street at intersections where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph
Scooters cannot be driven on sidewalks
Scooters cannot be parked anywhere on sidewalks that would block a walking path
Operators must abide by all traffic laws to include direction signs, pedestrian right-of-ways, and signaling for turns.
Operators must be 18 or older to use motorized scooters
Riders found in violation of these laws could be subject to citations from the Abilene Police Department.
"The traffic enforcement goal of the Police Department is to reduce traffic accidents and injuries and to facilitate the safe and expeditious flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic through the public’s voluntary compliance with traffic regulations," a press release reveals.
Anyone with questions about laws regarding motorized scooter operation can contact Abilene PD's non-emergency number at (325)673-8331.
ABILENE, Texas — Sleet and snow developed in our western areas before sunrise Saturday and spread eastward. Most of the snow fell around and north of I-20. The snow event ended by sunset Saturday.
Here are some totals reported by the National Weather Service:
ABILENE 3.0 inches (New record for Dec 8th)
ANSON 4 inches
ASPERMONT 2 inches
FORT GRIFFIN STATE PARK 1.5 inches
JAYTON 3 inches
LUBBOCK 7 inches to 10.5 inches
STAMFORD 2 inches
SWEETWATER 2 inches
THROCKMORTON 1.5 inches
WEINERT 2 inches.
The 3.0 inches recorded at Abilene was a new record snowfall for December 8th - breaking the old record for the date of a trace of snow measured in 2016 and 1989.
HEB is hosting their 14th annual 'Feast of Sharing' Tuesday night.
The free holiday celebration will take place at the Abilene Convention Center on the 1100 block of N. 6th Street from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
"The event, which is open to the public, also includes live music, entertainment, family-friendly activities and a visit from Santa. On the menu will be glazed ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and apple pie," according to a press release.
The release also states flu shots will be available free-of-charge to anyone who many need one.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Holiday concert
As a part of the Holiday Luncheon Concert Series, the Key City Jazz Quartet will perform at 12:15 p.m. at The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. Listeners are encouraged to bring a lunch. Admission is free.
Pecan show
Public viewing for the 2018 Abilene Area Pecan Show will be open from 3-6 p.m. at the Taylor County AgriLife Extension office, 1982 Lytle Way. Awards will be presented at 6 p.m.
Feast of Sharing
The annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing will be served from 4-8 p.m. at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. Sixth St. Admission is free.
All-star concert
The Ben Richey All-Star Christmas Concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. at 389 Walnut St. Performers include Catherine Hall, Luke Harwell, Sherry Luster and Todd Moebes. Tickets are $50, and are available through eventbrite.com.
Square dance workshop
TYE — The Wagon Wheel Squares will conduct a square dance workshop at 6:30 p.m. at the Wagon Wheel. Tracey Dowell will be the caller.
Christmas concert
The Hardin-Simmons University bands will present a Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. in Behrens Auditorium on campus. Admission is free.
Others ...
Mission on the Move Soup Kitchen, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Southwest Drive Community United Methodist Church, 3025 Southwest Drive.
Abilene Southwest Rotary Club, noon, Beehive Restaurant, 442 Cedar St.
High Noon Al-Anon, noon, Southern Hills Church of Christ, 3666 Buffalo Gap Road (south end; follow the yellow signs).
Bridge, etc., noon, Mabel Lilius Bridge Center, 3001 S. Ninth St. 325-698-5601.
Blood drive, 1-6 p.m., Brookshires, Cisco.
Stroke/Aphasia Recovery Program support group, 1:30-2:30 p.m. West Texas Rehabilitation Center boardroom, 4601 Hartford St. 325-793-3535.
Betty Hardwick Center board of trustees, 5:15 p.m., Betty Hardwick Center, 2616 S. Clack St., Suite 150.
Dystonia Support Group, 5:15-6:15 p.m., Not Without Us, 3301 N. First St. Suite 117.
Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), 5:30 p.m., Brook Hollow Christian Church, 2310 S. Willis St. 325-232-7444.
Legacies Al-Anon Family Group, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Open Door Building, 3157 Russell Ave. 325-280-7584.
Family (of Mental Health Consumers) Support Group, 6-7 p.m., Mental Health Association in Abilene, 333 Orange St. 325-673-2300.
MHAA Bipolar/Depression Peer Support Group, 6-8 p.m., Ministry of Counseling & Enrichment, 1502 N. First St. 325-673-2300.
Free certified nurturing parent class (pregnancy to toddler), 6-8 p.m., Mission Church, North Third and Mockingbird streets. 325-672-9398.
Abilene Star Chorus, 6:30 p.m., Mesa Springs Retirement Center, 7171 Buffalo Gap Road.
Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Exodus Metropolitan Community Church, 1933 S. 27th St.
Al-Anon Parents Group, 7 p.m., Hillcrest Church of Christ, 650 E. Ambler Ave. Use Church Street entrance.
Al-Anon, 7 p.m., Doug Meinzer Activity Center, Knox City. 940-658-3926.
Abilene Society of Model Railroaders, 7-8:30 p.m., 598 Westwood Drive.
Unity Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
Nutrition class
Laroona Jones, of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, will present the first part of a three-part class on nutrition and food safety from 10-11 a.m. at the Mockingbird Branch of the Abilene Public Library, 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane. The class will continue Dec. 12 and 19. Admission is free.
Others ...
Overeaters Anonymous, 8 a.m., Baker Heights Church of Christ, 5382 Texas Ave.
Blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hawley High School.
Abilene Cactus Lions Club, 11:45 a.m., Cotton Patch Cafe, 3302 S. Clack St.
Abilene Wednesday Rotary Club, noon, Abilene Country Club, 4039 S. Treadaway. $12 for lunch. Jo Ann Wilson, 325-677-6815.
Kiwanis Club of Abilene, noon, Abilene Country Club, 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd.
Clearly Speaking Toastmaster Club, noon, Hunter Welcome Center, Abilene Christian University.
Free swim class for people with multiple sclerosis, 5:30 p.m., YMCA, 3250 State St.
Veterans Peer Support Group, 6 p.m., 765 Orange St. 325-670-4818.
Mid-week Al-Anon Family Group, 6-7 p.m., Open Door Building, 3157 Russell Ave. 325-698-4995.
Al-Anon, 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1501 N. Broadway, Ballinger. 817-689-2810 or 325-977-1007.
DivorceCare support group, 7 p.m., Hillcrest Church of Christ, 650 E. Ambler Ave. 325-691-4200.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6
Class for iPhones and iPads
Tom Miller will present a free class for iPhone, iPad and Mac computer users at 1 p.m. at the Mockingbird Branch of the Abilene Public Library, 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane. For information, call 325-692-1087.
Food truck benefit
Several food trucks will conduct a fundraiser from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Food Park, 1089 S. First St. Proceeds from sales will benefit Abilene Operation Blue Santa. Live music, vendors and more will be available.
'Proof'
A production of "Proof" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in the Ryan Little Theatre at McMurry University. Tickets are $7.
Living Christmas Tree
The 36th annual Living Christmas Tree will be presented at 7:30 p.m. at Wylie Baptist Church, 6097 Buffalo Gap Road. Tickets are required, but are free. To reserve tickets, call 325-692-3206.
Others ...
Chronic Pain and Depression Group, 11 a.m. to noon, Mental Health Association of Abilene, 333 Orange St., 325-673-2300.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene, noon, Beehive Restaurant, 442 Cedar St. 325-695-0092.
Bridge, etc., noon, Mabel Lilius Bridge Center, 3001 S. Ninth St. 325-698-5601.
Mental Illness Open Support Group, 1-2 p.m., Mental Health Association of Abilene, 333 Orange St. 325-673-2300.
Abilene 42 Club, 6 p.m., Rose Park Senior Center.
Teen Recovery Group, 6-7 p.m., Mission Abilene, 3001 N. Third St.
Free certified nurturing parent class (all ages), 6-8 p.m., Mission Church, North Third and Mockingbird streets. 325-672-9398.
Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:30 p.m. Our Savior Lutheran Church, 4933 S. Seventh St. Weigh-in begins at 5:30 p.m. 325-665-5052.
Free swim class for people with multiple sclerosis, 6:30 p.m., YMCA, 3250 State St.
Gambler’s Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., Unity Spiritual Living Center, 2842 Barrow St. 325-338-2575.
South Pioneer Al-Anon Group, 8 p.m., 3157 Russell Ave.
Unity Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
Insurance enrollment fair
A health insurance enrollment fair will be open from 3-7 p.m. in the lobby of the Shelton Building at Hendrick Medical Center, 2000 Pine St. Counselors will help participants to find a plan on the 2019 Marketplace, which is accepting open enrollment through Dec. 15.
College cram session
A quiet study area will be available for college students from 6-9 p.m. at the South Branch of the Abilene Public Library, in the Mall of Abilene. Coffee, drinks and snacks will be available. Admission is free, but a college ID is required.
'Othello'
A production of Shakespeare's "Othello" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. at Abilene Community Theatre, 809 Barrow St. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students, seniors and military. For information, go to abilenecommunitytheatre.org.
Christmas concert
The Celebration Singers will present a free concert, "Christmas Everywhere," at 7:30 p.m at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St.
'Proof'
A production of "Proof" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in the Ryan Little Theatre at McMurry University. Tickets are $10.
Christmas haunted house
BAIRD — "Christmas Nightmare" will be open from 8 p.m. to midnight at 13 Vultures Haunted Estate, 3480 I-20 West. Admission is $10. Concessions will be available.
Others ...
Abilene Chinese Corner, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Abilene Christian University library. lld09a@acu.edu.
Mid-City Al-Anon, 7 p.m., First Christian Church. 325-670-4304.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
Webb Wilder w/ A Systematic Paradox/ Contra Ted
The Human Cannonball man himself Webb Wilder will be in Abilene at Homer's bar and Music Venue 4201 north 1st. 7pm
Breakfast with Santa
A breakfast with Santa will begin at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at the Abilene Zoo, 2070 Zoo Lane. A craft activity, photos and zoo admission will be included. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-12 and $5 for children 2 and under. Space is limited. For reservations, call 325-676-6085.
Trout derby
Texas Parks and Wildlife and Abilene Parks and Recreation will conduct a free rainbow trout derby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cal Young Park, 950 T and P Lane. Information on fish identification, casting and knot tying will be presented, and hot dogs and chips will be served. Loaner tackle will be available for youths. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if available. All participants age 17 and older must have a valid Texas fishing license.
Holiday market
The Abilene Holiday Art & Craft Gift Market will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. Sixth St. Admission is free. For information, go to https://facebook.com/events/1541909445922331.
Model railroad open house
The Abilene Society of Model Railroaders will conduct its annual open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 598 Westwood Drive. Displays will include a HO-scale model train layout, an operating O scale train and Thomas the Tank Engine. Admission is free.
Movies at the library
A free showing of "Trolls," rated PG, will begin at 11 a.m. at the South Branch of the Abilene Public Library, in the Mall of Abilene. A free showing of "Mission Impossible: Fallout," rated PG-13, will follow at 2 p.m.
College cram session
A quiet study area will be available for college students from 6-9 p.m. at the South Branch of the Abilene Public Library, in the Mall of Abilene. Coffee, drinks and snacks will be available. Admission is free, but a college ID is required.
Christmas parade
TYE — A Christmas parade will begin at 6 p.m. in downtown Tye.
Professional wrestling
Rampage Wrestling will perform at 7 p.m. in the Disability Resources Inc. gymnasium, 3602 N. Clack St. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and under.
'Othello'
A production of Shakespeare's "Othello" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. at Abilene Community Theatre, 809 Barrow St. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students, seniors and military. For information, go to abilenecommunitytheatre.org.
'Proof'
A production of "Proof" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in the Ryan Little Theatre at McMurry University. Tickets are $10.
Living Christmas Tree
The 36th annual Living Christmas Tree will be presented at 7:30 p.m. at Wylie Baptist Church, 6097 Buffalo Gap Road. Tickets are required, but are free. To reserve tickets, call 325-692-3206.
Dance
SWEETWATER — A dance featuring Midnight Blue will begin at 8 p.m. at VFW Post 2479, 216 Avenger Field Road. Admission is $10.
Christmas haunted house
"Christmas Nightmare" will be open from 8 p.m. to midnight at 13 Vultures Haunted Estate, 3480 I-20 West. Admission is $10. Concessions will be available.
Others ...
Abilene Society of Model Railroaders, 10 a.m. to noon, 598 Westwood Drive.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
Model railroad open house
The Abilene Society of Model Railroaders will conduct its annual open house from 1-5 p.m. at 598 Westwood Drive. Displays will include a HO-scale model train layout, an operating O scale train and Thomas the Tank Engine. Admission is free.
Living Christmas Tree
The 36th annual Living Christmas Tree will be presented at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Wylie Baptist Church, 6097 Buffalo Gap Road. Tickets are required, but are free. To reserve tickets, call 325-692-3206.
'Othello'
A production of Shakespeare's "Othello" will be presented at 2 p.m. at Abilene Community Theatre, 809 Barrow St. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students, seniors and military. For information, go to abilenecommunitytheatre.org.
Lindsay Lohan is back gracing our TVs and she wants everyone to know she’s a Boss B. MTV’s Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club is premiering on January 8th and this is our first glimpse of the show. LiLo is ready to take over Mykonos and the club scene. We will see the staff she has hired (only the best) and how she manages her club, Lohan Beach House.
If MTV is smart they took inspiration from Vanderpump Rules and have only cast entertaining and dramatic employees for the club. Right now, I’m very optimistic about this show. This could end up backfiring, but I’m kind of getting Lisa Vanderpump vibes from Lindsay here? No offense to Lisa of course, she is the queen. Lindsay should just try and be like Lisa, the formula works. If only she still had that fake accent.
Netflix seems to have seen the Internet’s panic over the expiration date of January 1, 2019 at the top of Friends. They have updated, and removed the date so it is no longer there.
The historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Abilene announced its 2019 film series lineup Monday, December 3.
In an announcement made on its Facebook page, 15 films were listed to screen over the year.
The films chosen, as well as screening dates, are as follows:
The Greatest Showman (2017): January 11 and 12.
North by Northwest (1959): February 8 and 9.
Beauty and the Best (1991): March 8 and 9.
The Help (2011): April 12 and 13.
The Searchers (1956): May 10 and 11.
Saving Private Ryan (1998): June 6, 7 and 8.
The Avengers (2012): July 3.
Ben Hur (1959): July 12 and 13.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977): August 9 and 10.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): September 13 and 14.
The Magnificent Seven (1960): October 11 and 12.
The Changeling (1980): October 31 and November 1.
Singin' in the Rain (1952): November 15 and 16.
White Christmas (1954): December 13 and 14.
When Harry Met Sally (1989): December 31.
For more information, visit the Paramount's online events page
The holidays are a joyous time for children, but not every child gets to experience the magic of Christmas morning.
However, there is a group in Sweetwater hoping to change that in your community.
The Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) non-profit organization works through out the year to help children who have survived child abuse.
"We go with them to court. Whenever they have the court, a lot of times the parents are subpoenaed. That's where we come in. We'll be there. We'll sit with them through court," Armando Moncibais said.
He is one of the heroes in the world, working to end child abuse through BACA.
"When you first meet them in an initial interview, they shut down. They are pretty much clinging on their mom or their dad, then after a while, they open up. It's just a wonderful feeling knowing we did something for that child," Moncibais said.
The 501(c) non-profit works hand in hand with law enforcement, district attorney's offices and agencies, like the West Texas Children's Advocacy Center (CAC).
"All of the victims that we serve throughout the whole year and their non-offending siblings, we help those families out with Christmas," Kelsey Zimmerman, executive director of CAC said.
With one of the agency's biggest time of the year, the two groups are teaming up to ensure each child gets the Christmas they deserve.
"We have a big tree at WalMart in Sweetwater and in Snyder," Zimmerman said.
Covering three counties, Nolan, Mitchel and Fisher, the agency and BACA hopes to alleviate families who are struggling.
"That kind of helps them get through a little bit of their struggles, because when you're dealing with an investigation, a lot of that can take time and money and time away from work," Zimmerman said.
Hoping to end the abusive trend in the process.
"It has really humbled me to know that my kids are safe. There is bad in the world. I don't want to scare people when they hear about child abuse but it's there, it's around the corner, it's underneath our noses, it's at the schools," Zimmerman said.
BACA is also in need of kids vests and teddy bears.
The kids vests are given to the kids who are adopting BACA into their family, and the teddy bears are for hugs when their BACA member is not there to give them one.
If you would like to donate to BACA, you can contact:
Chapter President: Kris "Mijo" Warner, mijo@rp-tx.bacaworld.org, (325) 829-2078
Chapter Vice President: Luis "T-Bone" Torres, t-bone@rp-tx.bacaworld.org (325) 242-6689
Chapter Child Liaison: Norma "Mouse" Torres, mouse@rp-tx.bacaworld.org (325) 242-5410
The official schedule of memorial services for former President George H.W. Bush was released on Saturday. The ceremonies over the next four days include Bush lying will in state at the U.S Capitol, a funeral service at the National Cathedral in Washington, and finally a burial at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
The ceremonies begin Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. central time with a departure ceremony from Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston. Bush's remains will be flown from Houston to Joint Base Andrews in Prince George's County, Maryland.
Once the president's casket arrives in Maryland, it will be taken to the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
An honor guard will be in place as George H.W. Bush's casket will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. Monday until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The public is invited to pay their respects at the Capitol from 7:30 p.m. on Monday until 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday.
On Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. eastern time, there will be a departure ceremony for Bush at the U.S. Capitol. His casket will then travel to the Washington National Cathedral, five miles away, at 11:00 a.m.
The funeral at the Washington National Cathedral will be attended by a vast group of dignitaries; including President Donald Trump, and former presidents and politicians. The memorial service is expected to last about 90 minutes.
Following the funeral, Bush will return to Joint Base Andrews at 1:15 p.m. to depart back to Houston. His arrival at Ellington Field is expected at 4:30 p.m. central time on Wednesday.
Upon arrival back in Houston, Bush will lie in repose at the St. Martin's Episcopal Church, where first lady Barbara Bush's funeral was held in April.
On Thursday, the president's casket will then depart by railroad at 12:30 p.m. central time to arrive at Texas A&M University in College Station, which is home to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
At 3:45 p.m., Bush, an admirer of trains, will be transported to his internment via a special train with a glass viewing car.
George H.W. Bush will be interred next to his wife and daughter Robin at 4:15 p.m.
Abilene is getting an ALDI grocery store after a remodel of their current Kohl's building!
The City of Abilene confirmed a permit has been filed to remodel the interior of Kohl's on the 4700 block of Southwest Drive to accommodate the ALDI's location. Kohl's will remain open, just reduced in size.
It's unknown when the remodel will be complete.
The ALDI's website describes the history of the chain as follows: "Founded by the Albrecht family, the first ALDI store opened in 1961 in Germany, making ALDI the first discounter in the world. Headquartered in Batavia, Illinois, ALDI now has more than 1,600 stores across 35 states, employs over 25,000 people and has been steadily growing since opening its first US store in Iowa in 1976."
Star Student May 2024: Bryant Jones - Meet Bryant Jones, our "Black Plumbing - Abilene Teachers FCU" Star Student of May 2024! Bryant, a senior at Merkel High School, exemplifies excellence both in and out of the classroom. With an impressive track record in Student Council and as the Area Winner (2022) in FFA speaking, Bryant’s leadership skills shine. He's also a standout athlete, excelling in three varsity sports, with baseball holding a special place in his heart. Beyond this, Bryant's dedication to community service is truly inspiring. Tune in as Bryant shares his journey, highlighting his involvement in initiatives like Merkel Helping One Another, National Night Out, and Merkel Little League!
May 17th, 2024 12:00pm
Star Student March 2024: Jed Thompson
Star Student March 2024: Jed Thompson - Meet Jed Thompson, our "Black Plumbing - Abilene Teachers FCU" Star Student of March 2024! With a stellar 4.0 GPA, Jed is setting the academic bar high. But his achievements don't stop there! He's also deeply involved in extracurricular activities that reflect his enthusiasm for agriculture and community service.
@Jennwybieracki_
