Loading...
2025 in Review: A Year of Weather, Change, and Community Challenges in Jones County
December 28, 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, Jones County and the Western Observer coverage area have experienced a year marked by dramatic events, strong community responses, and significant developments — both uplifting and deeply unsettling.
June Storms Test the Big Country’s Mettle
One of the most memorable events of the year hit on June 8, when powerful severe weather swept through West Central Texas. Damaging winds, large hail, and storm systems caused widespread destruction across Jones County and neighboring Abilene. The Western Observer and residents watched as local television station KTXS suffered heavy structural damage, knocking the newsroom off the air and spotlighting the resilience of first responders and media teams alike as they worked to restore service.
The National Weather Service confirmed widespread impacts from these storms, prompting cleanup efforts, utility restoration, and a strong local emphasis on disaster preparedness that continued well into the summer.
One of the most memorable events of the year hit on June 8, when powerful severe weather swept through West Central Texas. Damaging winds, large hail, and storm systems caused widespread destruction across Jones County and neighboring Abilene. The Western Observer and residents watched as local television station KTXS suffered heavy structural damage, knocking the newsroom off the air and spotlighting the resilience of first responders and media teams alike as they worked to restore service.
The National Weather Service confirmed widespread impacts from these storms, prompting cleanup efforts, utility restoration, and a strong local emphasis on disaster preparedness that continued well into the summer.
Safety on County Roads: Tragic Incidents
Public safety remained an ongoing concern throughout 2025. Several hit-and-run investigations, traffic fatalities, and law-enforcement responses kept officers busy. Notably, a two-vehicle crash on FM 600 north of Abilene claimed a life and injured others just weeks before the holidays, highlighting continuing challenges with traffic safety across the region.
Local police and sheriff’s deputies also handled multiple investigations into collisions and arrests tied to negligent driving — reinforcing the importance of safe travel as holiday traffic increased.
Public safety remained an ongoing concern throughout 2025. Several hit-and-run investigations, traffic fatalities, and law-enforcement responses kept officers busy. Notably, a two-vehicle crash on FM 600 north of Abilene claimed a life and injured others just weeks before the holidays, highlighting continuing challenges with traffic safety across the region.
Local police and sheriff’s deputies also handled multiple investigations into collisions and arrests tied to negligent driving — reinforcing the importance of safe travel as holiday traffic increased.
Economic Promise: New Retail Investment Coming to Abilene Area
Amid the year’s upheavals, local leaders announced major economic growth with the Rainy Creek retail development, anchored by a new Bass Pro Shops expected to draw visitors from across West Texas and beyond. City officials and business leaders praised the announcement as a sign of long-term opportunity and regional growth, noting expected job creation and increased economic activity near Interstate 20.
This project — along with ongoing investments tied to Dyess Air Force Base and other local employers — positions the Abilene–Jones County area for continued expansion in the coming years.
Amid the year’s upheavals, local leaders announced major economic growth with the Rainy Creek retail development, anchored by a new Bass Pro Shops expected to draw visitors from across West Texas and beyond. City officials and business leaders praised the announcement as a sign of long-term opportunity and regional growth, noting expected job creation and increased economic activity near Interstate 20.
This project — along with ongoing investments tied to Dyess Air Force Base and other local employers — positions the Abilene–Jones County area for continued expansion in the coming years.
A Troubling Discovery in Anson: Abuse Charges Filed
In November, Jones County law enforcement and community members were shaken by a disturbing incident in Anson involving a vulnerable adult in foster care.
On November 22, a concerned neighbor heard screams for help coming from an adjacent backyard and discovered a 22-year-old woman with physical and mental disabilities locked inside a dog kennel-style enclosure.
The neighbor recorded the encounter and immediately contacted the Anson Police Department, which responded and removed the woman from the unsafe environment. *Kandice “Kandy” Thompson, 60, the caregiver in the home, was taken into custody and initially charged with injury to a disabled person and related offenses. *After further investigation, more serious charges including aggravated kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and assault were added.
Police Chief Daniel Graziose emphasized that the investigation remains active. The victim is now under protective care, and Adult Protective Services is involved to ensure her long-term safety. The community reaction was one of shock and concern — particularly given that Thompson and her late husband had long been known locally for fostering children and adults over decades.
The incident sparked renewed discussion in the community about oversight and protections for vulnerable individuals, especially those in foster or caregiving arrangements.
In November, Jones County law enforcement and community members were shaken by a disturbing incident in Anson involving a vulnerable adult in foster care.
On November 22, a concerned neighbor heard screams for help coming from an adjacent backyard and discovered a 22-year-old woman with physical and mental disabilities locked inside a dog kennel-style enclosure.
The neighbor recorded the encounter and immediately contacted the Anson Police Department, which responded and removed the woman from the unsafe environment. *Kandice “Kandy” Thompson, 60, the caregiver in the home, was taken into custody and initially charged with injury to a disabled person and related offenses. *After further investigation, more serious charges including aggravated kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and assault were added.
Police Chief Daniel Graziose emphasized that the investigation remains active. The victim is now under protective care, and Adult Protective Services is involved to ensure her long-term safety. The community reaction was one of shock and concern — particularly given that Thompson and her late husband had long been known locally for fostering children and adults over decades.
The incident sparked renewed discussion in the community about oversight and protections for vulnerable individuals, especially those in foster or caregiving arrangements.
Looking Ahead
2025 challenged Jones County in ways both expected and unforeseen: from Mother Nature’s fury to community tragedies and moments of heartbreaking struggle. Yet it also brought signs of progress, investment, and renewed commitment to safety and quality of life.
As the Western Observer prepares to enter 2026 alongside its readers, we reflect on the lessons of the past year — grateful for community resilience and hopeful for the future.
2025 challenged Jones County in ways both expected and unforeseen: from Mother Nature’s fury to community tragedies and moments of heartbreaking struggle. Yet it also brought signs of progress, investment, and renewed commitment to safety and quality of life.
As the Western Observer prepares to enter 2026 alongside its readers, we reflect on the lessons of the past year — grateful for community resilience and hopeful for the future.
A healthy Jones County requires great community news.
Please support The Anson Western Observer by subscribing today!
Please support The Anson Western Observer by subscribing today!
