Abilene Reporter-News Videos: Big Country

Black Friday Madness

Hundreds of shoppers braved the weather on Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. Some waited in lines overnight, while others arrived at 2 or 3 a.m. to be the first in line for deals they hoped would save them money on Christmas gifts.

Hurting Economy Puts Strain on Food Bank

The Food Bank of West Central Texas is seeing an increased number of people in need.

Neugebauer in Abilene as Early Voting Results Released

U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, was in Abilene Tuesday night as early voting totals were released. He led Democrat Dwight Fullingim 76-21 in Taylor County after early voting.

Super Nanny comes to Abilene

"Super Nanny" held a casting call in Abilene and the response to the hit ABC show was less than desirable. The show, which airs Friday nights, features British nanny Jo Frost.

DRI Pumpkin Patch

Disability Resources Inc. still has plenty of pumpkins on hand in the patch at their headquarters, 3602 N. Clack St. This is the third year DRI has put on the pumpkin patch, and it grows larger every year.

Motorcyle wreck near Abilene kills man

Boss Thomas Dolen, 55, of Highland Springs, VA. was driving a blue 2009 Harley Davidson when he entered east Interstate 20 near mile marker 279 in Tye. Police said Dolen merged left into traffic from the on ramp and failed to yield to the 18-wheeler, hitting the side of the big rig. He struck the right side of 18-wheeler near the rear tires. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Standing Firm

Two Big Country amputees were fitted Tuesday with a computerized leg invented by the company Otto Bock. Representatives of the company were in Abilene to show the men what it is like to use the C-Leg rather than a mechanical leg.

Big Country Support the Troops Rally

The third annual Support the Troops Rally featured martial arts and military security dog demonstrations, musical performances and food vendors.

TxDOT hears concerns

Texas Department of Transportation officials were in Abilene Wednesday to hear residents' concerns about traffic, construction, on ramps and more. The town-hall meeting is one of three state wide aimed at improving communication between TxDOT and residents.

West Central Texas Career Fair

Employers talk about the effects of the struggling economy on employment in the Big Country.

Butler House Marked By History

A historicial marker was unveiled Saturday at the Butler House, 701 Mesquite Street. William H. Butler, Sr. was the first African-American to practice medicine in Abilene. He used the site-now the home of Interested Citizens of Abilene North and Neighborhoods in Progress.-to practice both medicine and dentistry. The marker is only the second in Abilene to honor an African-American.

Fire on North Orange Street

A Friday afternoon structure fire in the 3100 block of North Grape Street is under investigation. When fire crews arrived at the scene, smoke and flames were present. The fire was quickly extinguished, but the cause remained unknown Friday night. No one was home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries.

USA Luge Comes to Stephenville

Nearly 50 kids aged 11 to 14-years old had a blast zipping down the hill of a shopping center parking lot in Stephenville Saturday. The event was part of a national search for new members of the USA Luge team.

Fleeing From Ike

A dozen members of a family that lives north of Beaumont fled Hurricane Ike and ended up in Brownwood. The American Red Cross has arranged to have them stay at a Christian camp on Lake Brownwood until they can return home.

One Tough Toddler

Two-year-old Rayven Fields is one tough toddler who can break boards with the best of them.

Winters Residents Air Grievances

More than 50 Winters residents gathered at a city council meeting to complain about the city's police department.

Abilene Hope Haven Blues Festival

Blues benefit concert in Abilene for Hope Haven.

Racing for the wiener

Dacshund dogs and their owners went to Perini's Sunday for the Rescue the Animals, SPCA Daschund Races. The event's proceeds went to Rescue the Animals, and several wiener dog owners brought their pets to the races to see if they would be a winning wiener.

Collision on East Highway 80

A truck and semitrailer collided Thursday afternoon after the semi attempted to make a U-turn. The driver of the truck was transported to Hendrick Medical Center.

Under This Steeple They Will Gather

The Trent United Methodist Church took another step toward rebuilding after a fire ravaged the building in June 2007. Construction workers erected a new steeple Wednesday morning, delighting parishioners who watched from under the shade of a nearby tree. The first service inside the new church will likely be in November.