Spooky Time of Year

My favorite time of year is quite possibly the spookiest time of year!

I love October- it is by far my favorite month! It's finally cold enough that I can start wearing my jackets, sweaters and boots!- but there still enough warm days that I can get away wearing tank tops and flip flops.

But my favorite part of October is the end of the month- HALLOWEEN!!!

For most people Halloween is a "magical" day full of ghost, goblins and witches! But for me- it's the day that my parents met (my mom was a witch complete with green face and fake nose with warts! it's a wonder my dad asked her out!) and it's the day that I was born! That's right- I'm a Halloween baby!

And it might be pretty silly but my favorite thing to do on my birthday is to dress up and go to various Haunted Houses!

I've never been in to buying Halloween costumes, even last year when all the girls at work decided to go dressed in Military outfits, I actually put together camo pants, dog tags and green facepaint vrs. the short skirts and low cut tops of my friends.

My favorite place to get costume ideas is from my favorite old movies. This year I'm going as Tippy Hendron from the movie "The Birds". Now trying to put together a classy suit from the 60's on a budget is hard! But thanks to Ebay and Abilene's multitude of thirft stores I think I finally have something that will "pass" for Tippy's classic green suit.

But the biggest part of the weekend won't be what I'm wearing but where I'm going. I love a good scare and nothing gives me the chills like a great Haunted House! And this year Abilene's got plenty- and I plan on doing each and every single one!

Like the Haunted Hanger, hosted by the Tye and View Volunteer Fire Departments. It's in the giant building (that looks like a hanger) and is basically a large narrow maze...it's completely dark with flashing lights, smoke and music, in the end it's mainly your own imagination that will keep you jumping with freight!

Then there's the Frat's Haunted House at Playfaire Park. This is a Haunted House that I actually worked on while I was in college. With lots of college boys putting it on it's very creepy and full of blood and gore!

Then for a little 3D action check out the haunted house, Fright at the Museum, at Frontier Texas. Which will use technology to make it's haunting- extra spooky!

And this next one is one that I'm really excited about, a Haunted Halloween Midnight Hay Ride! OK- which part of that doesn't sound AMAZING!?!? It's a 30 minute ride, through the country, with ghost coming out of abandoned buildings!

All of these events are going on Friday and Saturday night, from dark to whenever people quit showing up. Prices very from $5 to $10....and all come with this bit of caution...while Halloween is all in the Spirit of fun, if you are too young or if you are responsible for someone young, stay at home or go Halloween Trick or Treating....there are also lots of fun Fall Carnivals that will be open on both nights.

Till next time- Courtnee

Arson in Abilene

For the past month I've been part of the Abilene Fire Department's Citizen's Fire Academy (C.F.A.). Every Thursday night after work I go to class where I've been learning about the history of firefighting, Hazmat situations (hazardous materials), the different equipment used to put out fires, arson and much more.

Over a dozen different people are taking the class, many were invited because it benefits their job to have a better understanding of what fire fighters do, I'm one of those people.

Since I've been in the class I've gone to two house fires. Because of what I've learned in the class I've had a better understanding what was going on and then it's easier for me to communicate what happened in my news stories.

One of the fires I went to, within a couple of minutes of the fire being under control the fire investigator was able to tell me the cause of the fire but at the other fire a couple of days later they were still "investigating" the cause.

A week after the fire, investigators were ready to announce what I had begun to suspect- arson was to blame for the fire.

Last week in C.F.A. we were taught all about arson; the different reasons people commit it, what exactly it is, different punishments for being found responsible, etc.

But as everyone knows seeing something on paper and seeing it in real life are two different things- so today I had Fire Investigator and Inspector Clifton Morrison take me through a house that recently burned because of arson.

It was great getting to put my classroom skills to the test. Inspector Morrison was able to point out the different smoke patterns, referred to as a V patterns, and show me how to tell when an excellerant was used and how to tell where the fire originated.

In a couple weeks I'll have another chance to put my new found skills to test- on Saturday October the 24th those in the class will get to head to the fire fighter training field and put all that we learned to use!

Til next time-Courtnee

Is Abilene Safe?

I've spent my entire life feeling pretty safe and secure. As a teenager whenever a friend or I wanted to do something dangerous we always said "it's Abilene, it's not like anything bad will happen," and usually we were right. (as a side note I should probably point out that- when we did do dangerous or otherwise stupid things; they were NOT illegal)

Now as I get caught up working on different stories I can't help but think how wrong my friends and I were. Sure Abilene is not Dallas or Detroit, but we do have murders, people do get robbed and others that are out being stupid do get injured. But nothing made me doubt the safety of my hometown more than last Friday night.

I got home a little after 11p.m. and as I started to put my key in the door I heard a person yell (something to the sound of "boo"!) I gave a startled yell and dropped my keys, as I reached down to pick them up I started to explain to the person that they had startled me but as I looked up I realized that the guy who was less than 3 feet away wasn't wearing any clothes.

In fact, besides his baseball cap and the t-shirt he was holding over his face, he was completely naked!

He stood there for over a minute making eye contact with me.

Everyone keeps asking why I didn't walk over and kick him or something, but truth be told, I was terrified! I had no idea whether or not he was going to turn violent, so my only thought was getting my front door between him and me.

After I got in and locked the door I called the police.

Since Friday I've become a lot more cautious; if I don't get home till dark I call a friend and make them talk to me until I get inside, I've gotten a new can of mace (my last one got taken away when I forgot to take it out of my purse before a flight) and I'm a lot more aware of my surroundings whenever I'm outside.

The truth is, while I do feel like Abilene is a much safer place to live then almost anywhere else, bad and crazy things can happen anywhere. So it's important for us, to help law enforcement protect us.

Till next time-Courtnee

Even Reporters Get Scared...

I've always considered myself to be pretty adventurous; from a young age I refused to admit that I was afraid of the dark and even though my parents worked long hours, and it meant that I had to be alone, I refused to have a babysitter, choosing instead to stay home alone.

As an adult I've backpacked through Europe (with friends and by myself) and through my job I've ridden in a Russian Aerobatic plane where we nose dived toward Fort Phantom lake and did several ariel loops; and I was also involved in a police chase (from inside the cop car)!

But today even I was a bit scared at my assignment.

TNA Wrestlers arrived in Abilene today as part of their tour and since I'm considered the entertainment reporter (I bet you didn't know Abilene had an entertainment reporter- did you?) I got the chance to interview a couple of them for this week's Abilene Buzz.

The thought of interviewing someone who body slams others for a living was extremely terrifying. To be honest- I don't know much about wrestling, I don't like fighting, so watching other people purposely hurt each other is not my idea of a fun evening, so when I started the interview I started by asking the wrestlers their name...they might not have liked that too much, because then things got scary!

After I explained that I wasn't a fan of other people's pain- one of the wrestlers explained to me that he often roughed up reporters, mainly by throwing them around like rag dolls.

I'm not sure how- but I actually managed to steer the interview away from me being tossed and broken and after the camera quit rolling the guys ended up being really nice, and not quite so scary.

Now- it's time to go find another adventure, hopefully one that involves heights and speed (I really want to do an investigative report on roller coasters, unfortunately, there's not a lot of call for that in Abilene).

Till Next Time-Courtnee

City Streets Flying By

I love my job! I'm always getting to learn new things and try new things.

This past weekend, the 4th of July weekend, was a "no tolerance" time for the Abilene Police Department, meaning anyone that was caught drinking and driving would have to either agree to a breathalyzer test or the police can take you to the health department and get a warrant for your blood.

"No tolerance" weekends during busy holidays are a new thing for the APD, but they've already shown success with the few that we've had this year, so I thought it would be fun to ride along with a patrolmen and record people agreeing to or refusing to take a breathalyzer.

The night started out very slow. Every driver that Officer Adam Becker pulled over wasn't drunk- just a careless driver (or in one case, was spending more time watching the cop in his rear view mirror than the road :) ), then it started raining.

At this point it was 2 in the morning and Officer Becker suggested that we head back to the station since drunks are less likely to be driving in the rain. I had already missed all "4th of July" celebrations that my friends were having and I didn't want to head back with little to show for my night, so I begged to take the 'long way' back to the station.

Officer Becker agreed and a few blocks later noticed a black pick-up driving with his high beams on. (Side note: most drunk drivers are not caught because they are swerving all over the road, they are pulled over for a smaller matter i.e. not using a turn signal, crossing the line, slower reflexes and when the Officer pulls them over, then they are often found to be drunk.)

Officer Becker turned on his lights, and the driver kept going, so Becker turned on his siren, in return- the driver sped up. He stopped at a red light and Becker quickly jumped out of the car, and from behind the shield of his car door, order the driver to turn off his vehicle and step out of the car. The driver rolled up his car window and to took off once the light turned green.

It was probably at this point that it fully hit me, "oh man, we're in a police chase!"

Officer Becker continued to keep the driver in our sights while calling for backup; within minutes a second patrol car was on the scene.

Following the driver my heart beat widely even though we never went above 40mph. Even though I have driven through that neighborhood many times, often driving faster, the slick roads, late hour and drunk driver in front of me added to my fear.

A third patrol car appeared from the other direction, it looked like we had the driver surrounded- but then the driver did the strangest thing yet; he pulled into a driveway, his driveway!

The night ended with Walter Morris being arrest for his 6th DWI, driving with license suspended, illegal drugs and evading arrest.

This was not my first police chase, but it was the first time for me to do a police chase from the police car!

For Walter Morris who spent the rest of the night in lock up, it probably wasn't a great night, but for me- it's one that I'll never forget!

Till next time- Courtnee

A Second Chance

I can remember as a little girl going to the movies at the mall. As we stood in line for tickets I could smell the food coming out of the Chelsea St. Pub, it would make me soooo hungry and as we stood in line with our stomachs growling I would dance to the music coming from the club. I would beg my parents to spend the previews at the Chelsea St. Pub- but of course the answer was no because you had to be 21 to go inside.

As I got older I remember thinking only 8,7,6 more years till I can go inside to hear the music, it had absolutely nothing to do with going in and ordering alcohol, it was all about being able to step through that threshold, because I felt sure, that it would mean I was an adult.

Then with just four years to go Chelsea St. Pub closed when I was a junior in high school.

I turned 21 without the Chelsea St. Pub and while I've crossed many thresholds and listened to lots of bands, but it never really felt the way I thought it would. But now I've got another chance.

The owner of the Zone bought the name Chelsea St. Pub and got the lease to it's old location, so Chelsea St. Pub gets a second chance to make little kids wish they were older and I get a second chance to walk through threshold this weekend and listen to the band play.

Till next time-Courtnee

Summer Theatre

One of the great things about summer is that others have time to get creative (I say others, because this is my first summer not to have some sort of summer vacation- the pains of being a grown up :) ).

Abilene is practically bursting at the seems with talent all over summer plays are starting. Abilene's Community Theatre will soon open with a new show and tonight starts McMurry Theatre's Summer Shows.

The Fantasticks is a musical about, well, what else? A boy, a girl and their struggles to be together. While the scenario is classic, the troubles that come up are unique and handled in a fresh way.

From tonight until the 13th with a dinner being served at 7 and the show starting 8 and next week from the 18th through the 20th.

McMurry will also present a second theatre performance this summer when they do Sweeney Todd- The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

This satirical musical is about a man who "never forget(s), never forgive(s)" and was recently made into a movie staring Johnny Depp.

The curtain will rise on Sweeney Todd July 23-25th, Aug. 1st and Aug. 6-8th.

Tickets for dinner and a show are $18 to $20 and tickets for just the show are ten dollars less.

Abilene: Where Dreams Begin

Recently KRBC did a story on something I am VERY passionate about. Someone has printed up bumper stickers and placed them on street signs, the bumper stickers read "Abilene Texas, where dreams go to die". 

I can't tell you how furious this makes me! Someone please tell me how Abilene has killed your dream?

Working in the news business most of my colleagues are from somewhere other than here. Many have adjusted and while Abilene is quite different then where they're from, they can really appreciate Abilene for what it is; a town that is neither too small or too big, with friendly people who seem to genuinely care about their neighbors. 

Even the ones that haven't adjusted and aren't in love with the small town charm can't honestly say their dreams have died, in fact for anyone in the news business, Abilene is the perfect place for "dreams to begin".

Abilene may not be the best place for everyone, and as much as I love Abilene, I don't know that I'll stay in Abilene for the rest of my life, but when the time comes that Abilene is no longer the place for me- I'll leave, and when the time comes that you start saying that Abilene killed your dream- I suggest you do the same. 

Till next time-Courtnee

The Warehouse

Chances are, unless a friend has told you about the Warehouse, you probably haven't heard of it, even though it's been around for the last few years.

The Warehouse's creator and co-owner Lisa Biley Cedillo says that while it's been slow to catch on, residents seem to really enjoy the atmosphere and menu.

Set in the old T&P Warehouse on the corner of Pine and N. 1st, everything about The Warehouse is different from other Abilene hot spots. On Thursday you can catch a local DJ and on Friday nights there is usually live music, but those are the only two nights of the week that you can visit The Warehouse, because it's closed the rest of the week to accommodate private parties.

It's been dubbed "The Martini Bar" because of it's extensive martini menu (over 50 original creations, and a feature martini every weekend) but if you prefer something a little stronger they have a fully stocked bar and nearly 20 different types of beer to chose from.

So if you're looking for something different to do in town this weekend, for those 21 and up, The Warehouse is your chance to get away, without leaving the city limits.

Till next time-Courtnee

KRBC's Job Connection

Most people think the best part of a reporters job is being on television, but in reality that is a very small part of my day. Most of my time is spent running around finding stories, calling sources, checking facts, shooting video, writing the story, editing the video and so on. It's a never ending process!

Anyone who spends any amount of time reporting is bound to make enemies and have people upset with them when the do a story and it doesn't turn out how they wanted it too or you tell a story that needed to be told, but the person the story was about didn't want you to do it. Those days are hard, even if you turn out a great story, it's hard knowing that someone is upset or that their life might be a little more difficult. Those are the worst days, those and covering a tragedy.

But the absolute best days are when I do a story and afterwards someone tells me that I made a difference in their life somehow. I love helping people and knowing that I can truly change some one's life is fantastic!

So when my boss told me that I was going to be doing a series where I would meet with people who had recently lost their job and hopefully help them get a job I was both excited and nervous.

Excited because how can you help someone during a recession better than by helping them make connections and secure a job? And nervous about all the people I would be talking too about such a difficult situation.

Every time someone e-mails me about having lost their job, about how they have a car payment, or children in school, it makes the recession that much more real to me.

So far I've interviewed two different gentlemen, with completely different circumstances. Larry, held the same job for nearly 30 years before the plant closed down, and Troy, a welder in the oil field, has 6 children, each of whom depends on him to buy dinner every night.

So far, Larry has been offered one job, but was unable to accept it. But I'm confident that both of these men and the people who I feature later in the series will all be able to get jobs.

That's the great thing about Abilenians, they genuinely care about each other and want to help each other out.

Till next time-Courtnee

p.s. If you think you might have a job for Larry or Troy or anyone featured on KRBC's Job Connection go to KRBC News and click on Job Connection, there I have everyone's resumes posted.

And if you want to be on Job Connection go to the same spot and sign up, you never know who I'll feature next or who will see it!

Too Sore to Lift My Arms

I'm always looking for different ways to get in shape. I get really bored really easily and have a hard time staying on track when it comes to my workouts, so recently I've started mixing it up and really having fun. 

One of the other reporters loves to go rollerblading, so she and I have been getting together (weather allowing- 50 MPH winds and 97 degree temperatures often slow us down). Now I am no rollerblader, in fact I often fall when I'm wearing tennis shoes, so while Brittany does circles around me (literally) I'm slowly making my way around Redbud Park with my arms outstretched (just incase my clumsiness decides to make an appearance). 

But because of the Texas weather often getting in Brittany's and my way I've also started working out with several other co-workers. You might have seen Kyna's story on Fit Camp a couple of weeks ago, well she's still going and today she was joined by 3 other KRBCers.  To go we had to meet at Dyess at 4am, which meant that I had to get up at 3:30am!!! 

30 minutes into it and we were still running and doing lunges and I caught myself thinking "when does the work out start?" And then I realized that the running was the work out! Not that I thought any of it was easy (I hate running and am horrible at it) but I've always thought of a work out as involving weights. But despite not having any weights (besides the weight of my own body fighting against me while I attempted to do push-ups) I have never been so sore or tired!

But this blog is titled Abilene Buzz, so you might be asking yourself what in the world does all this have to do with Abilene. Well, the latest statistics show that one in four preschoolers in Texas is overweight. That is not the preschools fault, it's the fault of parents and society. If we don't start working out and living a healthier lifestyle, than those statistics will only grow. Here in Abilene we are lucky to have tons of ways to work out; we've got great bike trails, several different types of gyms, horseback riding, rollerblading (if you can handle the weather and hills- it seems like I'm always going up!); about the only thing we don't have is snow skiing!

Till next time-Courtnee

Buffalo Gap Wine and Food Summit

One of my favorite things about the Big Country is our endless supply of great restaurants. Some of my favorites are chains, but the best seem to be locally run. Besides, who knows TexMex, Bar-b-que or steak better than Texas?

One of the best known local restaurants, Perini Ranch Steakhouse, is hoping to educate the public not only great food, but the art of pairing that food with the perfect glass of wine.

At the 5th Annual Buffalo Gap Wine and Food Summit top chefs from all over Texas are coming in to prepare some of their specialties and vineyard owners from Texas and California will be there educating the "testers" on how to pick a great wine and why it really is important to swirl, then sniff the wine.

The event goes from Friday till Sunday and you can choose to attend just one event or make a weekend of it and go to everyone. There's "Gourmet on the Range", "The Who, What, Where & Whys of Wine Tasting", "Cooking with Chef Pyles and Friends" SPOILER ALERT (A special chef will be joining Chef Pyles for this session, it's our own first lady of Texas Anita Perry), "Winemakers with Abilene Roots", "Cowboys, Cuisine & Cabernet" and "Bid-Adieu Brunch" (the last is only available to those that attend the other events).

To find out more or to get tickets you can log onto www.periniranch.com/summit or call 1-800-367-1721, whether you're already a consumer of fine wines or you just want to learn it's sure to be a weekend full of great food and lots of fun.

Sacrificial Ring

As most of us are aware, here in the Bible Belt, religion plays a big part in many peoples daily lives. Well, at least on Sunday.

While working on a recent story I met two people, Brian and Naomi, who not only allow God to play a part in their life on Sunday, but every other day of the week as well.

As a little girl, my best friend and I used to put wash cloths on our heads with a head band and then practice walking down the aisle with flowers from our mothers kitchen table. As we walked we describe the guy at the other end of the aisle, waiting to meet us. I think at the time I was either walking to Joshua Jackson (Mighty Ducks) or Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zach on Saved by the Bell).

As an adult, I no longer walk with wash cloths on my head, but I continue to argue with God about the man that I plan on marrying. Naomi Mandel did just the same.

As a child Naomi argued with her father when he told her that the most important decision she would ever make was to choose to follow God, "No it's not," she'd respond "who I'm going to marry is the most IMPORTANT decision!"

After reading a devotional, Naomi changed her mind. She was so moved by the love she felt for God and the love that He felt for her she asked God to give her a symbol of their relationship and give her an engagement ring from Him.

Naomi even went to the store to buy herself a plastic ring, but God told her to wait, so she did.

During this time, Naomi became friends with a guy from ACU named Brian. It wasn't long before Naomi realized that Brian liked her for more than a friend and she was quick to set him straight.

"I told him that we could never be more than friends," and Naomi even tried to discourage the friendship, so not to hurt Brian.

But Brian's interest was much more than just physical attraction.

"Within a couple of days of knowing her, I knew God was talking to me about her. I knew He was telling me that I was suppose to marry her."

During this time of friendship Naomi's need for a ring from God continued to grow, but He encouraged her to be patient.

One day while shopping, Brian glanced in a jewelry shop and saw a trail of light leading to an engagement ring and wedding band.

"God told me I was suppose to buy the ring for Naomi," but knowing the way that Naomi felt about him, Brian walked away. But the nagging feeling refused to leave so a few days later Brian returned to purchase the rings.

As nervous as Brian was about giving his gift to his friend, nothing prepared him for Naomi's reaction. "She started crying."

Naomi knew right away that the rings were not from Brian, but from God, through her friend.

Naomi had told both God and Brian that she and Brian weren't going to date, but how can you keep turning down someone who so clearly listens to God, even when told to do bizarre things? It took awhile, but Naomi and Brian started dating and eventually got married.

I can't tell you what Brian and Naomi's faith means to me. When you're single (especially in Abilene, where it feels like everyone else gets married at the age of 18), it's often hard to continue to walk in faith, to believe that God knows both your personal desires and what's best for you.

But as Naomi says, 'no one can pick out a better spouse for you than God'. So if you're luckily enough to have Him speak to you, you'd better listen.

Til next time-Courtnee

LEFT: a dissection of the brain

If you've ever seen me walk down the street and trip over my own feet, then you know how clumsy I am. With me being so uncoordinated I really enjoy watching people who are both natural dancers and able to 'move to the music', I guess that's why I'm so excited about this weekend's Chameleon Performing Art's show "LEFT:a dissection of the brain".

This show has it all: ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, break dancing, martial arts and even exercise balls. That's right, there's a dance with people using exercise balls (there abs were amazing!)

Besides the large array and various dances, the dancers themselves have a lot of talent and a lot of heart for dancing.

While the students all take from Teri Wilkerson (who is also the main choreographer and the director of the show), many of the students helped with choreography adding their own personal stamp on the show.

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, then I recommend you check out "LEFT" at the Paramount Theatre this Friday and Saturday (March 27-28th) at 8p.m., but be aware, this dance recital isn't The Nutcracker or Sleeping Beauty, it's a fast paced show full of athletic ability.

Tax Season...HELP!

On April 15th everyone is expected to have filed their tax returns.
But what is the best way to file your taxes? Should you hire a trained accountant or try to save a few dollars and do it yourself?

To help get a better understanding I went over my taxes several times this year to find out which way is best.

I've been filing my taxes for years now, but this is my first time to file not as a student or have my parents claim me.

My first stop was H&R Block where Larry Carpenter looked over my paper work and did a run through on my taxes.

When he was through, Carpenter said I owed the IRS money!

After hearing that dreaded news, Carpenter and I talked some more, and he showed me why I owe the money and how I can avoid it in the future.

I decide to do my taxes again, but this time I turned to Turbo Tax.com.

This time around, I was responsible for filling out all the numbers, so I triple checked the numbers, just in case.

I was NOT an accounting major in college, and a couple of times I got lost in the paper work.

In the end, Turbo Tax came out with the same number as H&R Block, only H&R Block said I owed money and Turbo Tax said the IRS owed me!

Whether you file your taxes through a trained accountant or you attempt to do them yourself, in the end it really comes down to how comfortable you feel.

As for me, I need a 3rd opinion.

In case you are wondering about the cost difference.

You can get a simple version of Turbo Tax at Turbo Tax.com for free or pay up to a hundred dollars for software customized to fit your needs.

A visit to H&R Block will cost you around $100 or more.

Till next time-Courtnee

Road Trip!

If you've ever read any of my previous blogs than you know about my love for Abilene and all the unique things available here. Well I've finally found someone who shares my passion- the Abilene Visitors Bureau! 

They too are sick and tired of hearing people say "there's NOTHING to do in Abilene!" So the Visitor's center started a website www.abileneroadtrip.com to show Abilenians, both new and old, that there IS something to do in Abilene.

Abilene road trip is divided into itineraries for all the different things you could be looking for. Trying to plan a girlfriends get away? Try the "girls day out" tab. Want to experience the real 'wild west'? Check out the "western fun" section. There are also different ones for families, couples and other activities. 

Even if you don't have to go on a road trip to get to your destination, as soon as you get there your sure to have a great time.

Till next time-Courtnee 

Eat Soup, Fight Hunger

The Empty Bowl Project started in the 90's by a middle school teacher and through the years it has grown to include people all over the world. 

This Saturday (February 21st) is the second to be held in Abilene. Last year the Empty Bowls Project had 600 bowls donated and they ran out so this year they have over 1,000 and are hoping to run out again. 

On Saturday from 11a.m. till 7p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church everybody in the Big Country is invited to purchase a bowl (with a donation) and eat soup and bread, and once lunch is over you can take your bowl home with you! What restaurant lets you take your dish home with you?!

Local artist who own shops, or people taking classes (for school or leisure) or people whose hobby it is to make bowls have spent the year donating their supplies, time and finished products to this weekends event. Local businesses are also donating soup and bread- so 100% of the donations go to feeding the hungry in both West Texas and internationally. 

Some of the bowls donated are real works of art but all were made with love and hope that one day hunger won't be an issue here in the Big Country. 

Till next time-Courtnee

University Theatre

Two universities have opening shows tonight! I was lucky enough to get to sit through both dress rehearsals, and honestly, I'm trying to find time in my schedule to go see them again!

McMurry's dinner theater is Hedda Gabler a tragedy, by Henrik Ibsen, in which a selfish conniving girl's wrongful decisions ultimately lead to her end.

It's preformed in the Amy Graves Ryan Little Theatre with dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for dinner and the show or $8 for just the show, and it will be performed Feb. 12th-14th and the Feb. 19th-21st. You can reserve your tickets by calling the McMurry Theatre Box Office at (325) 793-3889.

If you haven't made Valentine's Day plans yet, this might be a great affordable idea for you and a date- though the content matter might be a little hard for younger audiences to understand.

ACU also has an opening night tonight with their Winter Musical Little Women. Even those familiar with the book and multiple movies will be entertained with this version, because it's set to music!

The singing and dancing are as great at the acting and I kept finding myself trying to sing along- luckily for the people sitting next to me I didn't know the words so I wasn't able too!

Tickets for Little Women are $15 and are available by calling the ACU Theatre Department at (325) 674-ARTS (2787). The show starts at 7:30 and can be seen Feb. 12th-14th, the 19th, 20th, 27th and the 28th!

Abilene is so lucky to be able to have traveling Broadway shows visit, but also because we have all this talent that's already here! Many of the students in both plays are from fight here in Abilene!

Till next time-Courtnee

Fade to Fashion

I experienced another first tonight, my first fashion show. And it wasn't in Milan or Paris, but I bet it was just as good! 

Last year Mallorie Frank, current ACU graduate, was trying to think of a new way to bring black culture to ACU, she looked out a window only to see people walking by and she thought, 'Fashion!'.

Tonight's show had ACU students from all ethnic backgrounds dressed as they would normally dress- just maybe kicked up a notch!- in fact most of the clothes came from the models own closets.

Frank wants her fellow students to feel comfortable in their own skin and their own clothes- and tonight they did just that! Fast paced music and awesome outfits set the mood as the packed out audience cheered and whistled at each outfit as their classmates walked by. 

I always knew Abilene was filled with talent like singing, dancing, acting...but who knew we had a fashion show director in our mist?

Till next time-Courtnee 

p.s. check out the video to fully catch the feeling of the show!

The Harsher Side of the News and of Abilene

I'm constantly telling you about my favorite things about Abilene, but Abilene is just like any other city. It has it's good qualities but it also has crime and tragic accidents (crime can often be similar to tragic accidents, except it's more like senseless accidents), and today was one of those.

While many of you were out getting last minute cokes and pretzels for your Super Bowl parties I was out getting footage of a house that was no longer standing and talking to neighbors who watched their friends house burn to the ground with a mother trapped inside.

Early this morning three fire engines and a ladder truck, along with several other rescue personal, went to the 1200 block of Cedar where a house was already full engulfed in flames.

According to one neighbor, the home owner Eddie Edwards was trying to distinguish the fire with a garden hose and was unsure where his wife Michelle was.

It turns out that Michelle was trapped in a bathroom and fire fighters were unable to save her.

Eddie and his three children made it out of the house, but one of his sons did receive 3rd degree burns to 87% his body and had to be air lifted to Lubbock by a helicopter. His other two children were treated in town for minor injuries and have already been released.

It made it even harder when I went back tonight to shoot my stand up (when you can see me in the story), because Michelle's father came out and spoke with me. It's so hard to talk with a parent who has recently lost their child, and to make it worse he still does not know the fate of his grandson.

I choose to be a reporter, I've spent my whole life wanting it, but I can't deny the hurt and pain I feel having to be so close to so many horrible things that happen.

People talk about how depressing the news can be- but just imagine if it was your daily duty to stand in the middle of all that ciaos and tell others about it.

Don't get me wrong, I do my job for several reasons, 1) because somebody has to do it, 2) usually I do love my job and 3) there can be some really rewarding moments; like after you do a story and someone comes up and tells you how much you helped them or they tell you how they were impacted by something you reported on- there is no feeling in the world like it. Like when I was talking to Michelle's father and he told me about all the people who have already been to his home donating clothing for the children, giving them food and money, offering to help in anyway they can. Despite this horrible event I still get to see a great side of people.

Till next time-Courtnee

p.s. a special thanks to Bill Altom who shared this photo with me

My first celebrity interview!

Being a new reporter I've already experienced a lot of first; first time to watch myself on television, first time to be live on air- not knowing that I was on air (ouch!) and I'm sure to have many others during the next year, like today.

Today I got to do my first celebrity interview! Texas Country Music sensation Kevin Fowler was in Abilene to headline Zopapolooza and I got to sit down with him in his tour bus to have a chat!

This was really exciting for me because I've been listening to Kevin ever since he hit the music scene back when I was in high school.

Since I'm a fan- and this was another first for me, I was understandably a little nervous, but Kevin and his crew were so nice that I quickly got really comfortable and into the swing of things.

He's been playing at Zop's for the past few years, but he's been playing in Abilene for years before that. Kevin says he loves Abilene for the support his fans here in town have given him over the years (and you know I love anyone who says great things about my city!).

He's headlining the show so he won't go on till late tonight and after that he and his crew are heading back home to Austin so they can be home in time to watch the Super Bowl. What team is Kevin rooting for? He says since the Cowboys aren't playing he won't be too upset by whoever wins. I'm with you Kevin, maybe next year!

Till next time-Courtnee

Several nights of music and magic instore for Abilene!

For a city the size of Abilene I'm often surprised by all the culture we have and that city employees work hard to bring in.

Showing off some of our local talent this weekend and next is Cooper High School as they perform their winter musical, Walt Disney's High School Musical. The show closely resembles the popular made for TV movie that recently released it's third sequel in theaters last October.

Performances start at 7:30 on Thursday, January 29th and also run on Friday and Saturday the 30th and 31st. Then again February 5th thru the 7th with a special matinee performance at 2 on Saturday the 7th.

You can contact Cooper Theater for tickets.

If you enjoy the high school's performance than you'll love it when Broadway comes to Abilene next week on February the 3rd. The Broadway Series next show is Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. This fast paced musical, set in the French Riviera and follows two con-artist trying to out do each other while swindling an American actress out of her money.

If musicals aren't your thing, but you do enjoy a good show then you might want to catch David Copperfield when he comes to Abilene on February 28th. The Broadway Series just added him to Abilene's venue.

If you've ever wanted to win the lottery be sure to check out his show Grand Illusion where he teaches audience members how to pick the winning lottery numbers (keep in mind the title of his show is the Grand Illusion).

Tickets for both these shows start at $34.50 and are available by contacting the Civic Center or you can go to startickets.com.

If you do get a chance to check out any of these shows (or any others) please let me know about!

Till next time-Courtnee

Abilene's ONLY Winter Weather

If you've ever looked at any of my previous blogs then you know that I usually talk about places to go and different things to see in and around Abilene. But the blog is titled Abilene Buzz and I take that to mean that anything about Abilene is relevant and fair game.

I can't tell you how proud I am of Abilene for the low number of wrecks it reported over the last few days of bad weather.

From Monday evening till Wednesday afternoon we did not have as many wrecks or accidents as we did earlier this month when the weather suddenly turned colder. And police reported that the wrecks we did have were minor wrecks compared to the ones from January 5th.

There are many things that can be attributed to the lower number of accidents. First the city of Abilene, which worked hard with the state to make sure the roads were probably sanded. I was out shooting video at 10 o'clock one night and saw trucks sanding Loop 322 and the next morning at 5 there were more trucks still braving the weather to sand the loop and other roadways once again.

Then there were all the news crews (both television, newspaper and web) and the radio stations that worked hard to let the people know about the dangerous road conditions and encourage people to stay at home if at all possible. Several of my fellow reporters were here until 11 Tuesday night covering the weather and then were back with me at 5:30 on Wednesday morning so we could let as many people as possible know what was going on. We even had other people from different parts of the station volunteer to come in and help the reporters and photographers. (I can't tell you how many cups of coffee it took me to get here that early, and I don't even like coffee!)

And finally the people of Abilene were great about taking the advice that was offered them! As many of you that could stayed home and off the roads, keeping potentially dangerous roads clear.

I prefer warmer weather, but I don't mind the cold (as long as we get snow, instead of ice!), but what I would like is for mother nature to settle down and pick one or the other, because this 19 degrees thing in the morning and 50 degrees in the afternoon is killing me!

Till next time-Courtnee

Around the Big Country

I spent part of the weekend in San Angelo; my grandparents recently moved there and I thought I'd take advantage of spending some time with them without the rest of my family. As my grandfather and I were driving around San Angelo trying to find a place to eat I kept seeing all these really cute antique shops or clubs that I thought my friends and I might want to go dancing at and I realized, despite having friends that live in San Angelo I never take advantage of the short drive to see and do something different.

That got me to thinking about all the towns surrounding Abilene; Brownwood, Sweetwater, Anson and tons of other communities. Every town must have neat little shops to go shopping at, or local community theaters that are surprisingly good for their small size, hole in the wall restaurants that only locals know about- but the rest of Texas should, or even local dances or festivals.

The Big Country is just that- a big country.

In my last blog I wrote about one of my favorite places in Abilene, but I'd like to encourage each of you, either your not from Abilene or you just know of a great place, to comment. Let me and everyone else know about it.

I'd like to go and check all the places out, and with all the new reporters who aren't from the Big Country, I'd love to take them with me and have them really experience West Texas.

Till next time-Courtnee

Some of my favorite Abilene spots- part one

During our first (and most likely ONLY) major freeze of the year there were over 80 wrecks and I'm embarrassed to admit that- while out reporting on the wrecks- I was one of them. Because of a back and neck injury that I received during that wreck I haven't been able to go back to work. And since I'm not allowed to drive (my pain pills make me fall asleep randomly :) ) and haven't been at the newsroom I thought I'd stay in touch via my blog by telling you about some of my favorite places in Abilene.

If you've been in Abilene for a while you might recall the Abilene Duck Races held every summer. They went on for years but the last one was around 20 years ago, I barely remember them at all and the only reason I do is because of my fathers involvement. My dad, Dale Hembree, is a local veterinarian and used to reside as the Duck Doctor, or "Duc-tor" during the races. They were held in downtown Abilene and it must have been in July or August because it was always brutally hot during the races and everything took place outside, except for free cartoons that were shown in the historic Paramount Theater. I remember begging my mother to let us go in and cool down, but she would insist that we spend part of the afternoon outside with my father.

The fact that the Paramount was the only place that was air conditioned had little to do with my desire to go in (and the cartoons were even less appealing since I have never enjoyed them), the real reason that I could not wait to get inside was the theater itself. If you haven't been inside, I can't encourage you enough to go a watch a movie or catch a play.

The Paramount was built in the 1930's and is a great display of the grandeur of that time period. The inside and outside feature a Spanish-Moorish interior architecture, including gold inlay cravings surrounding the stage- but that's not the best part. Somewhere, usually about halfway through what ever show you are enjoying you will glance upward and completely forget about the show you are watching. The ceiling is midnight blue with clouds that float across the ceiling, with twinkling stars appearing between the clouds (okay-they're lights not stars-but have some kind of an imagination!). It's breath taking, and the closest thing I will ever get to seeing the enchanted ceiling at Hogwarts.

I'm a history buff, so if the history of the Paramount hadn't already won me over, the ceiling would have.

The Paramount operates year round often showing classic and new movies and houses numerous live performances....it's even been used to make short movies including one called 'The Dummy' in-which a ventriloquist dummy comes to life, and yours' truly has a cameo in it. It's an awesome movie (despite the fact that they misspelled my name in the credits) and I own the DVD if anyone wants to borrow it. :)

Till next time-Courtnee

Video Game Virgin

Okay, I admit it, I'm a video game virgin...I have never played a video game except for once on a school trip when I played on a friends hand held Tetra...a game that everyone else mastered 20 years ago and I am still currently fascinated by it.

So when I was told to go cover a gaming competition I had no idea what was in store.

There's a new store in the Mall of Abilene called the Gamerz Dome where groups or individuals can go and play games against each other...I'm so new to this that the only game I recognised was Halo 3, luckily that's what they were playing at the tournament.

6 teams of 4 competed against each other, the individual games took only minutes but the competition took all day.

It was easy to get caught up in all the excitement once they started competing. The team captains would yell instructions to the other players as they faced off. You could hear individuals celebrate as they made another kill and their victims 'oh man!' from the other side of the room.

As much fun as the teams appeared to be having I think I'll stick to just watching, I'm pretty sure my inexperience would shine through and I'm pretty positive I would just end up shooting myself, even in the virtual world I'm pretty uncoordinated.

But if you're into gaming you should check out the Gamerz Dome at the mall, they have a list of their upcoming competitions posted on their myspace page.... The Gamerz Dome... and for all you parents, The Gamerz Dome has strict rules about language, games that they can play and so forth, plus they encourage you to come out and play with your kids, maybe you can do a father/son competition! Or you can always start a competition in your living room between your family and your neighbors!

Till next time-Courtnee

Introductions

Having been born and raised here in Abilene, I never went a weekend without hearing the sentence (or more likely moan)..."there's NOTHING to do in Abilene!"

Well, let me tell you, I have never spent a moment bored in Abilene. Maybe I just have a better imagination than most of my friends growing up, I don't know. But what I do know, is that if you stick with me, the weekly "Buzz" (shown on Thursday nights at 6) and my blog, you will never have another "there's NOTHING to do in Abilene!" moment again!

With everything that goes on in the Big Country, there's always something going on and I plan on letting you know the where and when, but to do that I need your help. If you have an event or occasion that you think the rest of Abilene and the surrounding area can benefit from, let me know! Send me an email at chembree@krbc.tv.

Till next time-Courtnee