Fire Danger and Advisory Maps

http://curingcancermusicfest.com/

Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dance
1/27/2012
Ballinger FCCLA will be sponsoring a Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dance on Saturday, February 11 from 6 - 9 pm in the Ballinger H.S. Cafeteria. All ages are welcome.

The cost is $10 a couple in advance and $15 a couple at the door.

Refreshments will be served and a complimentary picture will be included.

Come for food, fun, and family time!

For more information, please contact Ashley McIlravy (325)365 - 3547 extension 5043 or ashley.mcilravy@ballingerisd.net.

SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
1/27/2012
FEBRUARY 4TH 6:30 PM
NINTH STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST
FELLOWSHIP BUILDING
FEATURE PRESENTATION
COURAGEOUS
A CALL FOR FATHERS
“Powerful, Heroic, Entertaining & Life-Changing”
---Tony Dungy, Super Bowl-winning Coach

Refreshments provided by the church
Movie is rated PG-13, some violence and thematic elements

The Ninth Street church of Christ offers this presentation in the interest of all of our families in this community. It is a call for faithful fathers to serve their families.
 

Rotary Pancake Supper
1/23/2012
Rotary pancake supper & silent auction is Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Ballinger Community Center from 5-8:30 pm. Tickets are $5.00 each and can be purchased in advance from any Ballinger Rotary Club member.

Plate Lunch
1/23/2012
February is American Heart Month

Each plate includes a heart healthy meal:
a breaded chicken sandwich, chips,
pickle, dessert and tea.
The cost is $7 a plate.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 11:30 to 12:30.

All proceeds benefit the Ballinger Park Board and Imagination Station.
This fundraiser is sponsored by Ballinger FCCLA.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Terilyn Bowman, Stacy Hopper, Elaine Paske, Whitney Knight, and Joy McDaniel. You can also contact Ashley McIlravy at (325)365-3547 ext. 5043 or ashley.mcilravy@ballingerisd.net.
Tickets will be sold through Friday, February 3.

Citizen of the Year Nominations
1/23/2012
The Ballinger Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for Citizen of the Year. Please submit in writing your nomination and why you believe this individual should be Citizen of the Year. No petition will be accepted and no nominations based on job performance will be accepted.
Deadline for nominations is February 6th, nominations can be dropped off at the Chamber office 700 Railroad Ave., faxed to 365-3445, or mailed to P.O. Box 577, Ballinger, TX 76821, all nominations must be signed to be accepted.

BHS UIL Results
1/23/2012
The Ballinger UIL Team began the season with a win by taking the sweepstakes trophy at the Dragon Classic Academic Meet held in Bangs last Saturday. The team defeated over 20 1,2 and 3A schools to bring home the title. The Journalism team placed first in overall team journalism.

In other team competition:
Calculator team 1st - Shayann Matschek, Judd Hatler, Kirsten McCoy and Gina Wilde
Science Team 1st - Blake Holle, Daniel King, Gabe Cavazos and Beau Sizemore
Number Sense Team 2nd - Blake Holle, Judd Hatler, Rachel Gibbs and Gina Wilde
Mathematics Team 2nd - Blake Holle, Abbey Multer, Daniel King and Kirsten McCoy
Literary Criticism Team 2nd - Emily Studer, Erin Boggess and Jacklyn OʼBryant
Social Studies Team 3rd - Jacob Mallory, John Avis and Jordan Kalina

Individual competition:
John Avis - 4th Ready Writing
Samantha Baird - 5th Editorial
Erin Boggess - 6th Literary Criticism
Jennifer Castleberry - 1st Headline, 1st Ready Writing, 3rd Feature
Gabe Cavazos - 5th Science, Tie Top Chemistry
Sydney Dankworth - 4th Informative Speaking
Yocha Dechavaz - 6th Feature Writing
DJ Dismore - 1st CX Debate
Lauren Harral - 6th LD Debate
Lindsey Heidenheimer - 1st CX Debate
Hadley Hatler - 5th Persuasive Speaking
Judd Hatler - 2nd Calculator
Blake Holle - 1st Number Sense, 1st Science, Top Physice, Tie top Chemistry, 4th Mathematics
Molly Jones - 3rd Informative Speaking
Daniel King - 4th Science
Jacob Mallory - 2nd Social Studies, 6th Ready Writing, 4th Headline Writing
Brylee Matschek - 2nd Prose
Shayann Matschek - 1st Calculator
Kirsten McCoy - 3rd Calculator
Abbey Multer - 5th Mathematics
Logan Tounget - 3rd News
Madelyn Tounget - 1st News, 5th Feature Writing
Sterling Sanders - 1st Feature Writing, 1st Editorial, 3rd Headlines
Emily Studer - 2nd Literary Criticism
Gina Wilde - 4th Calculator
Katelyn Willingham - 2nd News Writing, 2nd Feature, 4th Editorial
Paige Zentner - 2nd Headlines, 6th Editorial Writing

MARCH 1ST DEADLINE APPROACHING-2012 ALL AMERICAN SCHOLAR PROGRAM
1/22/2012
(San Antonio, TX) – Applications for the 2012 All American Scholar Program, sponsored by Catholic Life Insurance, must be received no later than March 1, 2012.
Send your completed application package to:

Catholic Life Insurance
Communications Department
PO Box 659527
San Antonio, TX 78265

The All American Scholar Program awards 35 non-renewable college scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to graduating high school seniors. Applicants must be Catholic Life Insurance members who will be enrolled in a private or public college, university or trade school for the fall semester. The scholarships are granted to those students whose academic achievements, leadership skills, and community service experiences set them apart from the others.

Application forms may be downloaded from the company website at www.cliu.com.

For more information, please contact Briana Frantz in the Communications Department at (800) 292-2548 or (210) 828-9921 ext. 141.

About Catholic Life Insurance: Founded in 1901, Catholic Life Insurance offers life insurance, IRAs, annuities and fraternal benefits to individuals living in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi and New Mexico. As a not-for-profit entity, Catholic Life Insurance returns profits to members and the surrounding community through charitable, religious and patriotic community service projects.
 

BYBA Registration
1/18/2012
The Ballinger Youth Baseball Association is now accepting registration forms for the 2012 season. Forms can be picked up from The Treadmill, any BISD campus or print it for yourself at www.leaguelineup.com/ballingeryouthbaseball under the handouts section. This year we are also offering online registration for any who are interested. All forms must be received by February 6th.
Click here for printable form.

Christian 12-Step Group at FUMC
1/18/2012
Christian 12-Step* Group, using the Bible as our guide. Beginning on Thursday, February 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist church. Group will meet every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. Please use the Ave. A & 7th St. entrance. Carrying the 12-Steps to a deeper level – in addition to AA, NA, Al-Anon, or any other 12-step meetings you are attending. *Group is not affiliated with AA, NA, or Al-Anon. For more information please contact the church at (325)365-2323.

Faubion Graduates from A&M
1/17/2012
Cameron Scott Faubion graduated from A&M University on December 16, 2011. Cameron received a bachelor's degree in Construction Science from the department of Architecture and is employed as a project manager for The Industrial Company. TIC is a division of Kiewit, building industrial buildings such as power plants and off shore rigs. Cameron is the son of Cliff and Melissa Faubion of Ballinger, and the grandson of Aubrey and Patsy Faubion of Ballinger and Allen and Nan Turner of Voss.

Runnels County Stock Show Results
1/17/2012
The Runnels County Stock Show was held this past weekend. Click here for the full results.

“Scrubbie” Craft Class to be held
1/16/2012
Malisia Goetz and Debbie DeBerry will teach a class on crocheting “scrubbies”- the little things used to scrub pots and pans, farming hands, and any other really dirty item at the Carnegie Library on Thursday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. Each participant will need to bring the following items:
1. A “K: crochet hook.
2. Your choice of color of yarn rolled into a ball.
3. ½ yard of your choice of color of netting. The netting should be cut lengthwise into 1-inch strips. The strips should be tied together and rolled into a ball.
There will be a limit of 8 participants for this class; however, a reserve list will be kept. For further information about this class, please call Malisia or Debbie at City Hall at 365-3511.
To sign up, please call Kenna at the Library at 365-3616.
 

Pizza with the Principal
1/16/2012
One student from each grade level at Ballinger Elementary got to enjoy pizza with the principal at Pizza Hut on Thursday, January 12. Students with excellent conduct get put into a drawing with the chance to get to eat pizza each six weeks. Those with amazing conduct for the third six weeks were: PK- Desiree Flores, Kinder- Joshua Niavez, 1st- Damien Knight, 2nd-Seth Michalewicz, 3rd- Ty Turney, 4th- Elyssa Korn, 5th- Marissa Pena.

EQIP ranking period ends soon
1/16/2012
TEMPLE, TEXAS, Jan. 10, 2012- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist Kathy Saunders reminds agriculture producers that the ranking period cut-off date for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is February 3, 2012. Producers interested in EQIP should submit applications to the Runnels County NRCS office by the deadline so their applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2012.
EQIP — one of the largest programs in the Farm Bill — is a voluntary conservation program that promotes environmental quality and assists producers to meet local, state and federal regulations.
"EQIP is a valuable tool to help Runnels County’s agricultural producers implement conservation practices that provide environmental benefits to help sustain agricultural operations," says Saunders.
EQIP is a continuous sign-up program that allows landowners or operators to apply for financial and technical assistance for the application of specific conservation practices; but the deadline for the first 2012 funding is February 3, 2012. Contracts are offered periodically depending on budgetary allocations. Applications made after the deadline will be considered in the next funding cycle. Higher priority will be given to those applications that address national, state and local priorities and provide higher cost efficiency.
For more information, including eligibility requirements, call the USDA Service Center office in Ballinger at (325) 365-3415 x3. Service center locations and program information can be found on the Texas NRCS Web site at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov.
 

Girl Scouts debut commemorative cookie box to celebrate 100th anniversary
1/12/2012
Girl Scout cookies on sale January 18

Austin, Texas, January 11 – Girl Scouts of Central Texas will kick off its 100th anniversary year and cookie program in the month of January. The Shortbread commemorative cookie box will be introduced to honor the Centennial year for Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts of Central Texas will launch its annual Cookie Program on Jan. 18. , and it will last through Feb. 24. Girl Scout cookie booths will be available at select neighborhood stores beginning Jan. 24.

“As we approach the second century of Girl Scouting, we will continue to give every girl the opportunity to be the leader she wants to be and to be the leader the world needs her to be,” says Etta Moore, chief executive officer for Girl Scouts of Central Texas. “The Girl Scout Cookie Program does just that, supplying girls with important leadership skills that will provide a lifelong foundation for success.”

While cookies are only on sale for 38 days, local Girl Scouts reap the benefits all year long. A Girl Scout cookie could help girls pay for camp; purchase uniforms and badges; fly a troop to a destination of their choice; or buy school supplies for needy kids. It could also cheer up a soldier far from home.

Community service through Operation Cookie is also a core value of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. It encourages members of the community to buy Girl Scout cookies for donation to the U.S. Armed Forces. Last year, Girl Scouts of Central Texas donated more than 41,500 boxes of cookies. Operation Cookie is done in conjunction with Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit that supports troops by sending care packages to service men and women at home and abroad.

Cookie flavors include the world-famous Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Shortbread, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Thanks-A-Lot, Lemonades and the newest flavor, Shout Outs!

Download the free Cookie Finder app to an iPhone or iPod Touch. Search for sales in your area and share your finding with friends on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on how you can support Girl Scouts of Central Texas by purchasing a box of Girl Scout cookies, visit www.gsctx.org.
 

Vote For Local Talent
1/11/2012
The Texas Regional Radio Music Association Awards have two locals up for an award. Jerri Smith with KRUN is nominated for Radio Personality and the Curing Cancer Music Fest is nominated for Event of the Year. You can go online to www.trrma.net and vote for either or both. How cool would it be for them to bring two awards back to Ballinger? They are in the round two of voting and if they make it to round three then they will get to invited to the award show in Arlington. Go and vote now!

Relay For Life Fundraiser
1/11/2012
Ballinger FCCLA would like to raise money for Relay for Life. Members will be selling homemade cookies starting January 9 through January 17. The types offered will be chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter, and oatmeal raisin. The cost is $5 for a half dozen and $8 for a dozen. If you would like to place an order, see an Ballinger FCCLA member or call Sarah Wright at (325)718-9917 or Kaleigh Schniers (325)374-1776 or email ashley.mcilravy@ballingerisd.net. Click Here for Flyer.

Ballinger ISD Honor Rolls 3rd Six Weeks
1/11/2012

WINDBREAK TREE ORDER DEADLINE-JANUARY 25
1/10/2012
Seedlings to create windbreaks, produced by the Texas Forest Service West Texas Nursery in Idalou, are now available for order through the Runnels Soil and Water Conservation District. Stock is limited and landowners are encouraged to order trees as soon as possible.
Deadline to order trees is Wednesday, January 25. Please call the Natural Resources Conservation Service office at 325-365-3415 ext. 3 or come by 2000 Hutchings Avenue in Ballinger.

Panther Creek Early Dismissal
1/10/2012
Attention parents!

Panther Creek will not have school on Monday, January 16th due to the county stock show.

****Panther Creek CISD will have early release on Friday, January 13th and Tuesday, January 17th due to the stock shows. Panther creek will dismiss school at 12:00.****

Panther creek will resume classes on January 18, 2012 at regular time.

Parents!!! Buses will be running early on Friday (1/13) and on Tuesday (1/17).

Please make arrangements for your children.
 

Panther Creek 3rd Six Weeks Honor Rolls
1/10/2012

Ballinger High School's Debate Team Places 1st
1/9/2012 -by Sherran Geistmann
Ballinger High School's debate team claimed 1st place in a field of 30 teams and sixty individual debaters at the Hamlin Cross-Examination Debate Tournament. The meet was held January 7, at Hamlin High School. Each team entered competed in four rounds of debate. At the end of the competition, ballots were tabulated and results were announced.

Placing 1st were team members Brandon Vasquez and Virginia Hauser with four wins and 208 speaker points. Placing 3rd were team members Lindsey Heidenheimer and D.J. Dismore with three wins and 222 speaker points. Heidenheimer won the individual top speaker award with 113 speaker points, D.J. Dismore was 5th high speaker, and Brandon Vasquez was ninth high speaker. Other members of Ballinger's debate team included Daniel King, Auggie Woodruff, and Beau Sizemore. The teams are coached by Sherran Geistmann.

"I was very proud of our students. They were professional and great ambassadors for the community," commented Geistmann. The debate topic for this year is resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its exploration and/or development of space beyond the Earth's mesosphere.
 

Rowena Lions Club Fund Raiser
1/9/2012
Young “Lioness”, Allison Sharp, did her part by helping diners who came to enjoy the Chili Dinner sponsored by the Rowena Lions Club on Sunday, January 8, 2012. Allison is the daughter of Roy and Norma Sharp of Rowena. The meal consisted of chili, beans, cheese, cornbread, crackers and dessert. Following the meal, a drawing for five prizes was held. The winners included: lst prize – 1 Hindquarter of Beef processed at Sklenarik Smoked Meats of Miles – Jean Hoelscher; 2nd prize - $200 Gift Card from Shoppin Baskit – Maynard and Nancy Schwertner; 3rd prize – 1 Spiral Sliced, Honey Glazed Ham donated by Sklenarik’s – Brandon Killough; 4th prize – 2 Ribeye dinners donated by the Turnrow Bar and Grill – Donnie Schwertner; 5th prize – KC for 4 donated by Lowake Steak House – Patricia Lange.

Proceeds from the Chili Dinner and Drawings will go towards maintenance and repairs of the Rowena Water System. The Rowena Lions Club are grateful to all who helped to make this fund raiser a success.
 

Ballinger Junior Livestock Show Results
1/8/2012
The Ballinger Junior Livestock show was held on January 7, 2012. See the 4H/FFA Page on the menu bar above under Community, for full results.

Thank a School Board Member
1/9/2012 -by BISD Superintendent, Will Brewer
Texans benefit every day from the tireless work and countless hours dedicated by a group of more than 7,300 men and women in communities across the state. These public servants are elected to serve by local constituents and receive no compensation for their efforts. These men and women are the school board members of Texas. January is School Board Recognition Month and Ballinger ISD will take this opportunity to thank these local leaders for devoting time to support public education and serve our local schools.

"Even though we are making a special effort in January to show appreciation to our board members, we realize their contributions reflect a year-round commitment," said Will Brewer, Ballinger ISD superintendent. "They selflessly give of themselves to ensure that decisions directly affecting our local schools are made by representatives of this community. In these challenging times, they face difficult choices and shoulder critical responsibilities. Their ultimate goal is always focused on the future success of every student enrolled in the district," Brewer said.

"Our district is enriched by the contributions of these local citizens who truly care about our kids. Serving as a crucial link between the community and classroom, this board is responsible for an annual budget of $8.9 million, 968 students, 163 employees, and 3 campuses. We applaud their efforts to serve as advocates for our children and the voice of public education," he said.

The board members serving Ballinger ISD are:
Jimmy Chapman
Charles Frerich
Manuel Galvan
Dale Hoffmann
Scott King
Bobby McNaley

Lady Cats 1st District Win
1/8/2012 -by Ali Tounget
     The Ballinger Lady Cats start district play with a 49 to 35 point victory over Sonora on Friday.
     “I’m proud of our district win,” Coach Menke said. “It will take about six to seven wins to clench a playoff spot, so we’ve got one down.”
     Throughout the game Sonora and the Lady Cats kept up a fast pace and aggressive play.
     “Sonora was very physical and aggressive,” junior guard Kirsten McCoy said, “but we kept working through it, and came together for the win.”
     The Lady Cats took advantage of Sonora’s cold offense in the first half, but in the second it heated up with Sonora guard, 22, Creek leading her team in field goals.
     “When Sonora was gaining momentum in the third quarter, as a team I think we kept a positive frame of mind and just played our basketball,” senior point guard Abbey Multer said.
     McCoy led the Lady Cats in points with 14, followed by Multer with 13, Madelyn Tounget with 11, Elyani Sanchez with six, Katelyn Willingham with three and Sterling Sanders with two.
     “I think we are becoming more confident in each other and in our abilities,” Multer said. “It was a good start to our district, and I feel like we are ready to take  on  the rest!”
 

Self-Therapy for the Stutterer
1/8/2012
Self-Therapy for the Stutterer is the classic self-help guide by the founder of The Stuttering Foundation. It is written to and for the many adults and teens who stutter. The book is available at most public libraries. If you stutter, you do not need to surrender to your speech difficulty because you can change the way you talk. You can learn to communicate with ease rather than with effort. There is no quick and easy way to tackle the problem, but with the right approach, self-therapy can be effective.

This book outlines a self-therapy program which describes what the person who stutters can do to work towards better communication. It is often used as a supplement to speech therapy. A timely feature on page 164 is information about King George VI and how inspirational his speeches were during WWII as depicted in the movie, The King’s Speech.

Writes Charles Van Riper, Ph.D., about this book: “There are always some who stutter who are unable to get professional help and others who do not seem to be able to profit from it. There are some who prefer to be their own therapist. In this book, Malcolm Fraser has provided guidance for those who must help themselves. Knowing well from his own experience as a stutterer the difficulties of self-therapy, he outlines a series of objectives and challenges that should serve as a map for the person who is lost in the dismal swamp of stuttering and wants to find a way out.”

The book is available free to all public libraries. If your library doesn’t have it, ask them to contact the Stuttering Foundation toll-free at 800-992-9392 for a copy.

Runnels County Stock Show Schedule
1/5/2012
Please be aware that the Runnels County Junior Livestock Show schedule has changed this year. It is outlined below.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Arrival of ALL LIVESTOCK 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Weigh-in of ALL LIVESTOCK 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, January 13, 2012
8:00 a.m. Swine Show - Breeding, Market followed by Showmanship
Rabbit Show-Fryers and Breeding
Turkey Show - Hens and Toms
Meat Goat Show followed by Showmanship

Saturday, January 14, 2012
8:00 a.m. Sheep Show-Lambs and Breeding followed by Showmanship
Cattle Show - Heifer, Steers followed by Showmanship
After Steer Show RELEASE of ALL Livestock not in Premium Sale
2:00 p.m. Premium Sale

Remember: NO livestock will be released from the show until after the conclusion of the steer show.
Violation of this rule will result in forfeiture of premium sale proceeds.
LOCAL SHOW SCHEDULES
The Ballinger, Miles and Winters Local Shows are scheduled for January 7. As far as we know, the schedules
are the same as in the past.

Click here for full "Runnels Roundup" January Information Flyer

Ballinger Junior Livestock Show
1/5/2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Schedule
8:00 – 9:00 AM *Weigh-in of Steers, Sheep, Goats, and Pigs
*The Superintendents will weigh ALL animals during this time.

10:00 AM Steer Show
Heifer Show followed by the Old Timers Showmanship for Cattle
Goat Show followed by the Old Timers Showmanship for Goats

Little Britches Pig Show

LUNCH

Sheep Show followed by the Old Timers Showmanship for Sheep
Rabbit Show
Pig Show followed by the Old Timers Showmanship for Pigs

Prizes will be awarded after each show. A lunch break is scheduled for
approximately noon. A concession stand will be onsite offering breakfast, lunch, and
also various drinks and snacks.

Again this year!!!!!– The “Little Britches” Pig Show which will be held BEFORE
the lunch break. This is open to any child wishing to show a pig for fun and
experience. Please, register AT THE ANNOUNCER’S BOOTH. There is not a cost
to enter the “Little Britches” Show.

“Old Timers Showmanship.” This will be an extra event at the end of the Cattle,
Goat, Sheep, and Pig Shows. Anyone wishing to “volunteer” an adult for the “Old
Timers Showmanship” will need to register the “volunteer” (who must be an adult 18
years or older and not a student) AT THE ANNOUNCER’S BOOTH. The cost to
enter someone in the event is $10. If the “volunteer” does not wish to participate,
he/she will need to pay $20. All proceeds will benefit the Ballinger Junior Livestock
Association.

CLEAN UP WILL FOLLOW THE FINAL SHOW AND AWARDS. ALL PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE ASKED TO HELP.

Also, Check the Runnels County 4H/FFA page on the menu bar above under the Community Heading.

Runnels County Historical Commission to Meet
1/5/2012
The Runnels County Historical Commission will hold their first scheduled meeting of 2012 on January 14. Ruth Cooper, Chairman, will preside over the meeting at 209 10th Street in Ballinger at 10 a.m.

Dallinger 70th Anniversary
1/5/2012
Alfred and Bettye Dallinger of Fredericksburg celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Dec. 20. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dallinger met on a blind date in the fall of 1939 in Eldorado, Texas, where she was in the first year of a teaching career that spanned three decades and he was working for Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Co. They had dated two years when the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor occurred Dec. 7, 1941. In the tumultuous days that followed, they escalated their personal plans and were married on Dec. 20, 1941, in the home of friends. Dallinger joined the Army Air Corps and went to Kelly Field in San Antonio for training while Mrs. Dallinger remained at her teaching post. 

As a navigator and bombardier, Lt. Dallinger saw duty in the South Pacific. After his discharge at the end of the war, the Dallingers picked up their lives again. In 1947, they moved to Ballinger, Texas, where they bought a hardware store and renamed it Dallinger Hardware and Furniture Co. They lived and worked in Ballinger for more than half a century before moving to Fredericksburg in 2001 to be near their daughter and son-in-law, Barry and Joanne Cheshier. 

The Dallingers have a grandson, Jeff Cheshier of Lakeway, Texas, and three great-grandchildren.

Show You Care, Be Aware
1/5/2012
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Millions of people currently are living with cancer or have had cancer. There are different types of cancers, the most common are lung and breast cancer. We, Kaleigh Schniers and Sarah Wright, would like to help make the public aware of causes and ways of preventing cancer.
Cancer can be caused by things in everyday life. Smoking can lead to lung cancer and tanning beds can cause skin cancer. Some cancers can be prevented by eliminating certain habits from your daily lives. Bad habits such as overeating, smoking, and going outside for long periods of time without sunscreen can cause cancer. Cancer can be prevented by staying active, eating right, and avoiding tobacco use.
The earlier cancer is detected, the better the survival rate. Going to the doctor for regular cancer screenings can save lives. For more information on types of cancer, cancer prevention, and cancer treatment visit www.cancer.org. Remember to “Show You Care, and Be Aware”!

Lady Cats Take Tourney Championship
1/4/2012 -by Ali Tounget
     The Lady Cat basketball team will attempt to repeat their victory over Sonora, at 6:30, Friday in Ballinger. Just last week, the Lady Cats beat Sonora 40-38 in the championship game of the 81st annual Mary Tatum Holiday Classic Tournament in Big Lake.
     “I expect the game on Friday to be as intense and competitive as the tournament championship,” senior guard Madelyn Tounget said. “However, our team has more experience against Sonora now, and we plan to use that against them.”
     The Lady Cats made a comeback after the half, and in the last seconds, senior point guard, Abbey Multer lobbed the ball to senior post Sterling Sanders who made the lay-up to win the championship.
     “Coach Menke had prepared us for the buzzer beating scenario, during the time out. We just executed the play. I really didn’t have to think; I just reacted. I felt no pressure because of the perfect assist from Abbey,” Sanders said.
     The Lady Cats defeated Monahans and Reagan County to advance to the tournament championship. Abbey Multer was awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Madelyn Tounget, Sterling Sanders, and junior Kirsten McCoy received all-tournament honors.
     “I was surprised and excited to get MVP. I felt like I played the best since coming back from my injury, and I felt like the team really connected too,” Multer said. “I think that we are playing at our best , and just in time for district.”
     Junior post, Shayann Matschek, suffered a broken hand during the first tournament game. Shayann has consistently been the team’s high scorer in previous games. After Matschek’s injury, the team turned to their bench to step up and fill the spot. Katelyn Willingham, Elyani Sanchez, Christal Garcia, Dacayla Caudle and Susan Wallace did just what they needed to do to help the team take the championship title.
     This makes the second consecutive year that the Lady Cats have claimed the championship title in Big Lake.

Pictured above(back to front):
Coach Hamilton, Coach Menke
Jordan Kalina, Dacayla Caudle, Madelyn Tounget, Sterling Sanders, Abbey Multer, Katelyn Willingham, Shayann Matschek, Coach Bird
Susan Wallace, Kirsten McCoy, Elyani Sanchez, Christal Garcia, and Logan Orozco

First Annual Runnels County Stock Show Shopping Extravaganza
1/4/2011
When: January 13 & 14
During the Runnels County Stock Show
Where: Ballinger Community Center
Booths featuring handbags, fashion clothing, home décor and more!
Plus a silent auction benefiting the Runnels Co. Livestock Assoc.

For more information about having a booth at the shopping extravaganza or to make a donation to the silent auction - call DeeDee Peterson at 718-8428 or Lynna Rollwitz at 212-8007.

Click here for printable Flyer.

BHS Coronation 2012
1/4/2012
When: Saturday January 28^th, 2012
Where: BHS Auditorium
Tickets $5.0

Benefit Meal
1/4/2012
A drive through meal to benefit Mary Cortez will be held on January 22, 11:00-1:00, Old St. Mary's Hall Ballinger. Servings will include brisket, sausage, beans, potato salad, and dessert. Tickets are $7.00 each. See flyer for full information including where to purchase tickets. Click here for Flyer.

Ballinger Varsity Boys Bring Trophy Home
1/4/2012 -by Cinnamon Carter
Congratulations to the Ballinger Bearcat Basketball team on their Consolation trophy in the Big Lake Tournament December 28-30.  The Bearcats won 2 of their 3 games played to win the Consolation Bracket defeating Ozona by over 20 points.  The Bearcats played Water Valley and were defeated in the first game on Wednesday then went on to defeat Grape Creek in the second game on Thursday, and of course their final win on Friday.  Lane Carter was selected as All Tournament for the Bearcats.  Good Luck Bearcats in your new 2012 season.  Best of Luck to our three Seniors as you finish out your final season, Lane Carter, Raymond Delgado, and Anthony Hurst! 

“What if I”… A New Year
1/3/2012 -by Charles Frerich, excerpt of "On the Level"
A new year is a time of new beginnings, reflections on what happened the previous year and of course the New Year’s resolutions. I was listening to a speaker the other day and he made a comment that really struck me as a thought provoker. He said three words, “What if I”. If you think about these words your mind should go in one of two directions, What if I had and what if I do. “Had” referring to if I would have done something and “do”, referring to if I will do something.

Read the rest of the column by following the link to "On the Level" under Columns on the Menu Bar above.

Adapting to the Changing Roles of Caregiving
1/2/2012 -Jessicca Hallmark, Marketing Director - Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
The Alzheimer's Association is pleased to announce that Teepa Snow(pictured left), one of the most qualified and engaging speakers the Alzheimer's Association has ever brought to North Central Texas, will speak at the Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Seminars on February 14 in Abilene.

Ms. Snow has over 28 years experience in geriatrics and dementia care and is a strong voice and advocate for people living with dementia. Throughout her long and varied career s occupational therapist, professional caregiver, lecturer, researcher and clinical specialist in geriatrics, she has focused on helping care providers, family members and professionals better understand the experience of the person living with dementia. An excellent actress, Teepa keeps the audience glued to her every word as she adopts the voices of the fictitious people she uses as examples.

The seminar will be held at the Southern Hills Church of Christ, 3666 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX. The session will start at 12:00 noon and run to 4:00 p.m. This program is presented at NO COST to family caregivers. Professional cost is $35 and includes CEUs for 1 discipline. Disciplines approved are: Social Workers, Activity Directors, Nurses, Assisted Living Administrators and Long-Term Care Administrators. All attendees need to register for this event.

Currently, Ms. Snow works with dementia service providers throughout the U.S. to improve and optimize programs and services for people with dementia. She has developed training videos, published articles, and made presentations on a variety of topics and to a wide variety of audiences and has received awards for her clinical and teaching skills from numerous organizations. To learn more about Teepa Snow, visit her website at http://www.teepasnow.com/.

This is what Heather McKay, OTR/L, a past caregiver seminar presenter, has to say about Teepa Snow:

Dynamic, informative and fun! Teepa Snow brings real solutions for the problems that so many caregivers and people with dementia are struggling with. Participants will learn techniques to practice right away from a caregiver who’s been there herself.

To register of for more information, please call Libby Connally at 325-672-2907 or 800-272-3900.

RUNNELS 4-H SHOOTING SPORTS CLUB RECEIVES GRANT
12/27/2011
Friends of the NRA generously presented the Runnels Co. 4-H Shooting Sports Program with a grant for $4,000.
The grant was used to purchase an enclosed trailer for the Shooting Sports Club.

Ballinger National Bank to Honor Retiree - James K. Rose
12/21/2011
Ballinger National Bank would like to invite all our friends and customers to come and help us celebrate with JAMES K. ROSE as he announces his retirement from Ballinger National Bank at the end of the year 2011. Please come by the Bank on Thursday December 29, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM to congratulate JAMES for his 40 years of service in banking and to his community. The management and employees of Ballinger National Bank would like to honor and say thank you to JAMES for his loyal and dedicated service to our Bank for the past 23 years and to wish JAMES and LEMA the very best in the years to come. Thank you JAMES!

Artist of the Year at Kendall Art Gallery
12/21/2011
The San Angelo Art Club is having a reception Friday, January 6, 5pm till 7pm, for its annual show, “Artist of the Year“. Club members bring art work to monthly meetings and four are chosen to be on display at local banks for the month. These monthly paintings are then in an annual show and one is chosen as the Artist of the Year in a judged venue. The public is invited to attend the opening. The show officially opens Saturday, January 7 and runs through Sunday, January 25. The Kendall is at 119 West 1st Street and gallery hours are Saturday 10am - 4pm, Sunday 1pm - 4pm and Wed 9am- 1pm. Admission is free to the public (donations accepted).

Christmas at St. Joseph's - Rowena
12/20/2011
Christmas Eve Mass at St. Joseph's, Rowena will be at 7:30 p.m. Prior to Mass, beginning at 7:00 p.m., The Christmas Story will be presented in narrative and song. There will be special music and carols by St. Joseph's Choir and will also include congregational singing. To climax the evening, children will be invited to place the final ornament on the Jesse Tree and gather around the crib to wish "Happy Birthday" to the Baby Jesus. Christmas Day Mass is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come help celebrate this blessed and joyous season of Christmas.

Texas Department of State Health Services Immunization Clinics
12/20/2011
Flu Vaccine will Be Available
Ballinger
Thursday, January 12th
10-12 & 1:30-3
608 Strong (behind the courthouse)
Please bring child's immunization records
If Child has Medicaid or CHIP please bring card  For more information call 325/754-4945

Candlelight Communion Service
12/20/2011
The First Presbyterian Church would like to invite anyone interested to attend the Christmas-Eve Candlelight Communion Service at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 24.

Rowena Lions Chili
12/15/2011
It's that time again, time to eat some chili. Sponsored by the Rowena Lions Club
Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, St. Joseph Parish Hall, Rowena, 10:45am - 1:00pm
Chili, beans, cheese, cornbread, crackers and desert. $6 per person.
Dine inside and get seconds, or get it to go. (some fixings inside are not available to go)

Also buy a chance to win prize: $1 each or 6 for $5
1st prize: 1 hindquarter of beef processed to your specifications at Sklenarik's Smoked Meats, Miles, TX
2nd prize: $200 gift card to the Shoppin' Baskit, Ballinger, TX
3rd prize: Spiral Sliced Honey Glazed Ham, donated by Sklenarik's Smoked Meats
4th prize: 2 Ribeye Dinners - donated by the Turnrow Bar & Grill, Rowena, TX
5th prize: KC for 4 at Lowake Steak House
Raffle tickets available at Lange Drilling Co, Rowena, - The Turnrow, Rowena, West Texas State Bank, Rowena
Hoelscher Liquor, Rowena or any Rowena Lions Club member.

The Club will also be collecting used eyeglasses during the day, so bring any you may have for this worthy project

The First National Bank Open House
12/14/2011
The First National Bank of Ballinger would like to thank you for your business in 2011. You are invited to our Christmas Open House on Friday, December 16. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served and the Employees Annual Recipe Book will be available. Merry Christmas to everyone from The First National Bank of Ballinger family to your family.

Federal Funds Advisory Council Meeting
12/14/2011
The public is invited to the Ballinger ISD Annual Federal Program Consultation Meeting on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:30 AM in the Ballinger ISD Administration Board Room. The Local Advisory Council will be meeting to help assess the 2011-12 school year and plan for the federal funds for 2012-13 school year. Funds include: Title I, A (Improving Basic Programs), Title I, C (Migrant), Title II,A (Teacher & Principal Training and Recruitment) and Title VI,B (Rural and Low Income).If you have any questions, please contact Caroline Toliver at 365-3588.

Imagination Station
12/13/2011 -by Terilyn Bowman
Two thousand eleven has flown by for the Imagination Station Playground Project. The board and committee members hit the ground running in January and have not stopped. This year brought new ideas, new learning experiences, and has reinforced the belief that our children, no matter their age, are excited about this project and want to help make this dream a reality.

Through pickets and component sales a total of $17,150 has been raised. With that said we still have several pickets and components available for purchase and sponsorship. At the end of last year the board did a Vegas raffle and the lucky winner was Michelle Rose. The ladies brunch and fashion show and auction was held in April at the community center and brought in $2,010. With the help of the our local groups as well as local business in Ballinger, Winters, San Angelo, and independent consultants the brunch, fashion show, and auction was a success. If you missed it this year be watching for information on the third annual brunch and fashion show and auction that will prove to be just as good in early spring. In May Blue Bell Ice Cream donated several boxes of ice cream and Red Wheel donated boxes of cookies and pies. These items were sold at the Ethnic Festival and the Movie Night. Due to the weather at both of these events there are still a few boxes of ice cream, a box of peanut butter and oatmeal raisin cookie dough, and a Butterfinger pie left for purchase. If you are interested in these items please see Elaine Paske. In June everyone was brought together down in the park for a good ole fashion Sunday Social. Along with a wonderful hamburger meal, several businesses and groups once again showed their support and brought down goodies, games, and spring pictures for the families to enjoy. A picnic will be held again so be watching for details. In August the board held a back to school splash for the kids to have one last day of swimming and fun before they started back to school. That was a huge success and everyone had fun swimming or just watching the kids swim. Along with all the events we participated in we also held raffles for Oak Ridge Boys tickets and two different trips for Christmas in Texas. Bart & Lynn Bartlett were the lucky winners of the Oak Ridge Boys tickets. Curtis Wilde won the Grapevine trip and Sandra Rollwitz won the Fredericksburg trip for Christmas in Texas. This year we have had major support from the FCCLA high school sponsor and students through different fundraisers they have held in support of this project.

Due to limited funding, we were not awarded a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife. Although this was disappointing, the park board searches for other grant opportunities. At this time, we have applied for two grants totaling $45,000 and should know if we are awarded either in early 2012.

To date we have raised approximately $52,000. We would like to thank everyone who has helped with this project. This has been an event filled year and it would not have been possible without the support of you our community, friends, and family. With several events already in the works for twenty twelve it will prove to be just as successful.

If you want to be a part of this project in any way please contact a board member. There are several committees and all help is appreciated. Thank you all again and we look forward to this coming year!
Click here for the recycling fundraiser flyer. 

And be sure to check the Imagination Station Page here on BallingerNews.com by following the link to it on the Menu Bar above under the "Community" header.

HOLIDAY SEASON DIFFICULT FOR SOME TO NAVIGATE
12/13/2011
BIG SPRING – Friends and family members who confine themselves to their homes and don’t want to participate in holiday preparations need encouragement from loved ones to involve themselves in the season.

Many people feel sad during the holidays because of recent losses, time and financial stresses, and unrealistic expectations, said Robin Riha, LMSW, Big Spring State Hospital Director of Social Work Services.

“The changes in emotions can originate from a variety of sources – unrealistic expectations about the holidays, increased social demands, financial hardship, traditions changing, stress, fatigue, Remembering those you have lost and won’t be there for this season, being alone without support, not being able to do what you want to do, even a change in the weather (cold) can make someone feel ‘blue,’” she said. “These feelings of loss and estrangement are often amplified during the holiday season.”

At any other time of the year, people may be able to move past the same feelings, but during a time when everyone is expected to be joyful, guilt often is a debilitating factor, Riha said.

People living with the holiday blues may exhibit signs of sadness, excessive sleeping, insomnia, nervousness, agitation, and crying, she said. Also, little interest in activities such as shopping, cooking or going to social gatherings can be a heads-up to friends and family that something is wrong.

Many communities offer free activities, such as holiday tours, Christmas light displays, and church and community plays and productions and can help kick-start someone into involving themselves in the season with a little encouragement from loved ones, Riha said. The holiday season also is a wonderful time to volunteer. Many food banks, children’s charities and hospitals, including Big Spring State Hospital need an extra pair of hands during the holiday season.

The feeling of giving back is a powerful way to lift the holiday blues, she said.

Most importantly, we should spend time with people we care about.

It also may be a good time to start a new holiday tradition, Riha said. “Try not to focus on the past, but begin developing new personal New Year’s resolutions. This may help when the New Year arrives and you can focus on new goals.”

Those who are depressed may try to spend themselves out of depression, but that short-lived euphoria from shopping often leads to guilt as soon as reality sets in, she said.

Healthy habits, such as a good diet, exercise and plenty of rest may help alleviate some of the anxiety during this time of year.

The holiday blues should be short-lived and last through the holiday season, lifting after the first of the year when the holidays conclude and daily routines resume, she said.

“This depressed feeling usually subsides after all the commotion of the season,” Riha said. “It’s a normal stress reaction to a stress-filled time of the year.”

“If holiday depression continues into the New Year and a person continues to show signs of depression, they should seek professional help.”

West Texas Centers operates a 24-hour Crisis Hotline. The toll-free number is 1-800-375-4357.

Big Spring State Hospital is a 200-bed hospital for people with mental illness.

BJHS UIL Meet Results
12/11/2011

RUNNELS COUNTY COMMUNITIES FEATURED IN REGIONAL GUIDE
12/8/2012
Ballinger, Miles and Winters are three of 42 communities featured in the 2012 Texas Midwest Guide. The 17th edition of the annual publication is now in circulation and showcases quality of life and points of interest in the region.

The Texas Midwest Guide includes community information, attractions, recreation, lodging, regional calendar of events, unique shopping and dining opportunities and much more information about the Texas Midwest region. Distribution of 70,000 copies goes to Texas Travel Information Centers along the State’s borders, chambers of commerce, CVBs, hotels & motels and advertisers throughout the region.

An online turn-the-page version of the guide is at texasmidwestguide.org. All websites on community pages and ad spaces have hot links from the online version.

For more information about Texas Midwest Community Network, visit the website www.texasmidwest.org

Ballinger National Bank Open House
12/8/2011
Ballinger National Bank invites you to attend our Open House from 9:00-3:00 on Thursday December 15, 2011.

Carnegie Library Christmas Home Tour
12/8/2011
The Carnegie Library is proud to sponsor the annual Christmas Tour of Homes December 18 from 2-4 pm. Each home is unique and is sure to please. Tickets are $10 and can be picked up at the Carnegie at 204 North 8th during the hours that the Carnegie is open or from any member of the Library Board before the tour. On December 18, tickets may be purchased at any of the homes listed on the tour.
Click here to see this year's homes.

Chief J.C. Gore to Retire
12/7/2011
After 27 years of service with the City of Ballinger, Chief of Police J.C. Gore plans to retire after the new year. His last day is set for January 31, 2012.

Jon Copeland Gore was born in San Angelo on Sept. 11, 1947. The Gore family moved to Lubbock 5 years later where he grew up and graduated from Coronado High School in 1966. J.C. met Dana sometime later, and moved his new family south to Ballinger in 1976.

Gore worked several jobs in Ballinger before finding his place in law enforcement. Some of those previous jobs included Acme Sheet Metal, Custom Cabinet Maker, and a Runnels County Deputy.

Chief Gore started with the Ballinger PD under the previous Chief, Paul Boggess, in May of 1985. Gore's initial position was as a dispatcher in the office.

Boggess sent Gore to Peace Officer Training later that year in the Fall to certify Gore as an Officer of the Law. Once that training was completed, Officer Gore was set out on patrol in the City of Ballinger. In November of 1995, Gore left law enforcement to work as the City Code Enforcer for about 5 years.

When the position of Chief came open, several citizens asked for J.C. to apply for the position. Gore expressed his interest for the position to the City, and on September 11, 2000 the City Council appointed Gore to the position of Chief of Police. Gore has been Chief for just over 11 years and has decided to retired on January 31, 2012.

According to Chief Gore, being hired as Chief was the highlight of his career and his time serving as Chief since then is the “grandest experience of his working career.” Chief Gore added that now he is ready to turn the reins over the someone younger. Currently, Gore has no plans in mind for any new employment. In an exclusive interview, Chief Gore said he would like to “to take it easy for awhile.”

Chief Gore and his wife, Dana who is the Runnels County Jail Administrator, have two sons, Jason, and wife Joanna of Ballinger, and Jeremiah, and wife Terri of Graham. They have four grandchildren, Tanner, Jadyn, Jackson, and Jacey.

Chief Gore stated that the hiring process will be ongoing.

Breakfast with the Chamber
12/7/2011
Breakfast with the Chamber will be held at 2001 6th Street and the host will be Ballinger Health Care & Rehab Center from 7a.m. to 8a.m. on Wednesday, December 14th. Please join us.

BALLINGER FEATURED IN REGIONAL GUIDE
12/7/2011
Ballinger is one of 42 communities featured in the 2012 Texas Midwest Guide.
The 17th edition of the annual publication is now in circulation and showcases quality of life and points of interest in the region.
Participation in the regional marketing guide is sponsored by the Ballinger Chamber of Commerce. Local advertisers supporting the Ballinger feature pages include Ballinger National Bank, Executive Inn, Rustic Princess and Willingham Insurance Agency.

The Texas Midwest Guide includes community information, attractions, recreation, lodging, regional calendar of events, unique shopping and dining opportunities and much more information about the Texas Midwest region.
Distribution of 70,000 copies goes to Texas Travel Information Centers along the State's borders, chambers of commerce, CVBs, hotels & motels and advertisers throughout the region.

An online turn-the-page version of the guide is at texasmidwestguide.org. All websites on community pages and ad spaces have hot links from the online version.

For more information about Texas Midwest Community Network, visit the website www.texasmidwest.org 

Santa Coming To Carnegie Library
12/7/2011
Santa is coming to the Carnegie Library! Yes, Santa Clause is coming to story-time on December 19, 2011 at 10:30 am. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Library to sing carols, tell Christmas stories and take pictures. All are welcome, but please give the Library a call if you are coming, so Santa will have an idea of how many he will see. Parents and Grandparents remember to bring your cameras as Santa will stay and take pictures after the program. If you have any questions or to sign up your child, please call Kenna at 365-3616.

Blood Drive
12/5/2011
Wal Mart Ballinger
Saturday, December 17th
4:30pm to 7pm
Bloodmobile parked near Sonic

PART OF THE LARGER COUNTRY CHRISTMAS BLOOD DRIVES

Each donor will receive:
--Free Seasonal T-Shirt
--Marble Slab ice cream coupon
--Texas Roadhouse appetizer coupon
--Country Christmas daily drawings
--points in the Hero in Me Rewards Program
--FREE cholesterol check

To schedule an appointment, contact United Blood Services at 325-223-7500
or go online to www.bloodhero.com enter sponsor code: walmartbal

First Baptist Church Christmas Musical
12/4/2011
The Sanctuary Choir at First Baptist Church will Present
“Best Gift of All” ~ A Christmas Musical
Sunday, December 11, at 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM
Everyone is invited!
For more information, contact the church office
400 N. 8th Street, 365-3565

Christmas for Kids Program Deadline
12/4/2011
Deadline: Children's Advocacy Center Christmas for Kids Program. Thank you to everyone who has donated to this program to help make this Christmas brighter for the 22 Runnels County children who are currently in foster care! Your donations have made it possible for the wish lists of all 22 of these children to be filled!

For those of you who have a child's wish list to fill, please remember that the unwrapped gifts need to be delivered to 317 Koberlin in San Angelo by Friday, December 9. Please be sure and include the child's wish list so that the gifts will reach the correct child. If you need the gifts to be picked up and delivered to San Angelo, please call Sam and Laura Mallory at 365-4277 by Thursday, December 8.

Thank you, again, for making the giving of these gifts possible!