West Texas Dispatch

KACU
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 2D AGO

    November 12th

    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.

    43 min

  2. NOV 5

    November 5th

    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.

    43 min

  3. OCT 29

    October 29th

    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.

    42 min

  4. OCT 22

    October 22nd

    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.”

    43 min

  5. OCT 15

    October 15th

    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.

    42 min

  6. OCT 8

    October 8th

    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.

    43 min

  7. OCT 1

    October 1st

    What’s ahead for West Texas? Some demographers project a huge population boom. We talk to an expert who paints a picture of the possibilities in the coming decade.West Texas has some of the best views of the heavens. We’ll hear about a remote observatory that combines technology with excellent conditions to offer astro-photographers from anywhere the ability to capture the beauty of space.Brownwood hosts the “Feels Like Home Festival” this weekend. The second annual event features eleven bands on two stages and lots of Barbecue.And, we’re talking about a brand-new celebration of creativity right here in Abilene.

    29 min

  8. SEP 24

    September 24th

    Official recommendations on immunizations come from a committee of the Centers for Disease Control. The panel met last week, taking action on some proposals and delaying votes on others. We’ll hear what vaccines residents can get at the local public health vaccine office.Each fall, monarch butterflies pass through West Texas on a 3,000-mile journey, and local experts say our region plays a vital role in their survival.A local clinic is shedding light on why menopause education matters, and how better awareness can support women’s health through every stage of life.This week on West Texas Roots, we explore the history and legend of the fall equinox, and why Monday’s change of seasons carried such importance for past generationsA vibrant 62nd anniversary performance brings traditional dances from across Mexico to the Paramount Theatre in Abilene.

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

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