Reporter-News salutes

Getting the 'boot'

The Abilene Chamber of Commerce honored Earl Williams, owner of The Bootery, as its "Small Business Person of the Year." Williams, who is also a member of the Black Chamber of Commerce, is active in a wide range of civic affairs. He was named "Kiwanian of the Year" by the Kiwanis Club of Abilene in 1988, has been a member of the Public Housing Authority Board since it began in 1978 and also serves on the board of the Juvenile Justice Center, Restitution Center, West Texas Rehabilitation Center and King's Kids Outreach. Congratulations for this recognition.

Golden cane

Abilene's Dr. B.J. Estes was presented with the "Gold-Headed Cane" award by the Taylor-Jones-Haskell County Medical Society for his significant contributions to the medical profession and the community. Estes, in private practice here for 40 years, has been continually involved in civic affairs and was recognized last year with the "Golden Deeds" award by the Abilene and Breakfast Exchange clubs. The "Gold-Headed Cane" award dates back to 16th century England, where it was a symbol of tribute among medical and scientific professions.

McMurry honors women

McMurry University honored four Abilene women in connection with the school's Women's Issues Week. Diane Sutter, owner and president of KTAB television and Shooting Star Inc., received the Trailblazer Award for her work in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Sonya Papion, an education major and co-captain of the McMurry women's basketball team, was given the McMurry Pathfinder Award. Former McMurry student Dr. Paula McCoun was honored with the Unsung Heroine Award. And Corky Swanson, McMurry's director of financial aid, was presented the Gypsy Ted Sullivan Wylie Award.

Conservation awards

Trent farmer Lloyd Williams was honored as Conservation Farmer of the Year by the Middle Clear Fork Soil and Water Conservation District. Dudley rancher Gary Chrane was recognized as Conservation Rancher of the Year. And Merkel Elementary teacher Lilly Braune was named Conservation Teacher of the Year. Congratulations.

Area recognition

At the Ranger Awards Banquet, longtime Ranger fire chief Darrell Fox was honored with the Golden Deeds Award. And the Ranger City Commission - Mayor Billy Guess and commissioners Eddie Wallace, J.J. "Red" Jones, Margaret Greene and Jesse Brown - was recognized with the Community Service Award for bringing order and good business principles to city government. Meanwhile, over in Santa Anna, the Chamber of Commerce honored Gary Patterson as Citizen of the Year. Patterson is an artist and carpenter who is currently renovating the old Kelly Building on Main Street.

Chorus of acclaim

Abilene's Dr. Betty Karol Wilson, music director of the Classical Chorus of Abilene and the Classical Youth Chorus, was honored by the American Choral Directors Association with the Julius Herford Dissertation Award for writing the nation's best doctoral dissertation in 1995 pertaining to choral music. the prestigious award is given in alternate years and salutes outstanding scholarship in the field of choral music. Wilson received her doctoral degree in musicology from Boston University. Her award-winning dissertation covered the theory and practice of choral teaching in 16th century Germany.