Football Sweetheart Candidates
8/28/2009
Candidates for this year's Football
Sweetheart are, left to right:
Bianca Fuentes, Paige Mattingley, Melanie Bailey, Halie
Wheeler
Right Choices for Youth
8/27/2009
Ballinger Jr. High will have a Parent Preview for Right Choices for
Youth on Sept. 8th at 6pm, in the library. Cassandra
Sanders, of Shannon Health and Wellness, will provide information
concerning the program and address any parent concerns. All parents
are encouraged to attend.
Homecoming Nominees Announced
8/27/2009
The following BHS students have been nominated for homecoming queen
and king and will be on the homecoming court. The homecoming
football game is on September 4, against Merkel.
Queen (left
to right)
King (left to right)
Paige Mattingley Darian Evans
Lauren Michalewicz Guyman Richards
Kaci Hite
Collin Brown
Breanna Hohenstein Adam Studer
Kelci Zentner Juan Esquivel
Katherine Esquivel Lance Michalewicz
Congratulations to all nominees!!
Ribbon Cuttings
8/26/2009
Two ribbon cuttings where held last month to welcome new members to
the Ballinger Chamber of Commerce.
Pictured left is Curiosities, which is under new ownership, Carolyn
Slaughter and Jerri Wylie.
Sylvia's Grand Amis, also new to the Chamber of
Commerce, is a Cręperie located on Broadway at the "Y".
When the Doves Fly
8/26/2009
When the Doves fly....You know it’s Fiesta time. The Fine
Arts League of Coleman County Fiesta de la Paloma Juried Art Show
2009 (our 19th) will be held October 2-3, 2009 at the
Coleman Library Annex.
The Artists’ (6) paint-out will be Friday and Saturday
with silent auction of the paintings to be concluded Saturday at
3:00 pm. This is an excellent opportunity to find that perfect
painting. At 3:30 a slide show critique of paintings submitted by
artists will be presented by Juror Susan Mansell. Some $3000 in
Awards will be given at at 4:30 pm with pick up of art work at 5pm.
For more information you may
contact Sherrell Hazlewood, President, or Theda Rhea. 325-625-4687
.
Runnels County Immunization
Clinics
8/25/2009
Winters
Thursday, September 3rd
1:30-5:30
Professional Building
110 South Main, Suite 108
Ballinger
Thursday, September 10th
10-12 & 1:30-3
608 Strong (old DHS Office 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
St. Joseph Fall Festival
8/25/2009
ROWENA -- Preparations have begun for the 87th Annual
Fall Festival of St. Joseph's in Rowena. Festival date is Sunday,
November 8, 2009.
Ladies
of the parish recently met for an old fashioned "Quilting Bee" to
work on two quilts that will be a part of the festival. One pieced
by Lula Marecek and donated by St. Ann's Altar Society will be the
first prize of one of the two drawings to be held festival day. The
second pieced by Ethel Jansa, Sweetie Willberg, Genevieve Halfmann
and Catherine Hohensee and donated by the Rowena Catholic Daughters
will be an auction item. Members of the two organizations who were
unable to participate in the quilting, provided lunch and snacks for
the quilters during the four day project.
Homecoming Nominees Announced
8/25/2009
The following BHS students have been nominated for homecoming queen
and king and will be on the homecoming court. The homecoming
football game is on September 4, against Merkel.
Queen
King
Katherine Esquivel
Collin Brown
Breanna Hohenstein Lance
Michalewicz
Paige Mattingley
Guyman Richards
Lauren Michalewicz Adam
Studer
Kelci Zentner
Juan Esquivel
Kaci Hite
Darian Evans
Congratulations to all nominees!!
Student Birthday Celebrations
8/25/2009 -by Carolyn Slaughter
For the past several years at Ballinger Elementary
School, we have helped students celebrate their birthdays by
inviting them to have lunch at a special birthday table in the
cafeteria. We plan to continue this successful program for the
2009-2010 school year. For those of you new to BES, following are
the guidelines:
1. Once each month (always on Tuesday),
the children who are celebrating birthdays in that month are invited
to dine at a specially decorated table on the stage in the
cafetorium. Their names will be announced on the loudspeaker prior
to their special lunch.
2. During their normally scheduled
lunch time on the designated Tuesday, the students will eat on the
stage and will be given a birthday ice cream with a candle on top.
3. The other students who are dining in
the cafeteria sing Happy Birthday to the students at the birthday
table.
4. Parents are encouraged to come and
eat lunch on this day with your child. You may bring a special
birthday lunch for you and your child if you choose.
Please make a note of the dates that we will
be celebrating birthdays, and join your child if possible. We will
celebrate both August and September birthdays in September this
year.
September 8,
2009 August birthdays
September 22, 2009
September birthdays
October 20, 2009 October
birthdays
November 17, 2009 November
birthdays
December 8, 2009 December
birthdays
The list of dates for second semester
birthdays will be sent in January. June and July birthdays will be
celebrated in May.
Band Announcement
8/25/2009
The
Band Boosters will meet on Aug 31 @ 6pm, in the JH Library.
President and Vice President will be filled at this time
24 Foot Banana Split
8/24/2009
Friday
evening, August 21st, 48 kids, parents, friends and members of the
First Christian Church, “Kids Church” Program, gathered for a
monumental event. To eat and enjoy one of the largest banana splits
ever seen. Everyone enjoyed a meal and movie. Some 118 Chili Dogs, 4
pounds of potato chips, 8 pounds of chili, 4 gallons of ice cream
and roughly 12 pounds of bananas were devoured. Then without
hesitation everyone converged on a 24 foot Banana Split.
The kids were ecstatic and had looked forward to the event all
summer long. It was obvious that a great time was had by all.
The First Christian Church “Kids Church” pro-gram was started on
March 15th with only 8 children participating. Last Sun-day, we had
a total of 34 in attendance.
The Lord is building a great program that continues to grow weekly.
Currently the “Kids Church” Program provides local transportation to
and from “Kids Church” with our bus for ages 4-12. We soon expect to
divide the class into 2 age groups, 0-5 years and 6-12 years.
Allowing us to
better serve the spiritual needs of each child. “Kids Church” meets
every Sun-day morning from 10:30am till noon. If you would like to
know more about “Kids Church” or would like the bus to pick up your
child, please call 325-718-9440 or 325-718-9436. Every one is
welcome!
Thank You
8/24/2009
The
family and friends of Mary Zarate, Rucca as many of us know her,
would like to thank the following teams for coming out and part
icipating
in the fundraiser and for hanging in there with us during our many
schedule changes. We really appreciate your time and donations.
2 & BBQ--first place
Fiddlestrings--second place
Spud Buds
Tx Aces
Tx Finest
Fully Loaded
Achievas and Believas
Thank you again and keep your ears and eyes open for other
fundraisers to help with her medical expenses.
New Spotlight for New School
Year
8/21/2009
Do you know which of the BISD Employees is
an ex-Lakeview Chief? Check out the BISD Spotlight to find out.
D.A.T.E Grant
8/19/2009
Ballinger ISD has been involved in the State
of Texas’ District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E.) grant
program this
past year. The purpose of the D.A.T.E. is to award educators for
outstanding work above and beyond their normal job duties,
specifically for their contributions to improving student
achievement. When the state first made this grant available, all
districts in the state were eligible to apply, but if the districts
decided not to participate in the grant, the available monies would
be increased for those districts that did. Local districts would be
also required to contribute funds toward implementing the grant.
Ballinger decided to go ahead and pursue this process. The total
amount available for Ballinger ISD was $77,631. A committee,
consisting of a representative from each campus and administrators,
Supt. Laura Strube, Brian Arrott (pictured), Joan Baird, Christy
Kvapil, and Cheryl Buchanan was formed.
Knowing BISD planned to start the one-on-one computer
initiative program for students, the committee chose to tie the
grant to technology by asking teachers to integrate technology into
their lessons. Little did the committee know that BISD would be the
ONLY district that had tied their grant monies to technology. Most
other districts chose to relate their grant to TAKS scores, teacher
retention or mentoring. Because of the uniqueness of their plan,
Ballinger ISD was asked to participate in a panel discussion for
other D.A.T.E. awarded schools during a seminar sponsored by TEA at
the Omni Hotel on August 6 in Austin, TX. Brian Arrott represented
Ballinger on the panel discussion. Ballinger ‘s plan was the only
plan presented not tied to test scores, heightening interest in our
plan. Needless to say, BISD was the shining star at the workshop.
Committee members from Ballinger had their laptops and were more
than happy to share some of the projects that had been created by
BISD teachers.
Many schools were very eager to view the projects and visit
with the committee asking for information and input. Over 75% of the
teachers in BISD participated in the D.A.T.E. grant project and
received various amounts of money. The committee has been busy
making adjustments for the next year of the grant. The committee
would like to thank all participants, the BISD school board and Ms.
Strube for their dedication to this project.
BISD Elementary Meet the
Teacher Night
8/19/2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Grades: Pre-K thru 2nd
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 & Friday, August 21, 2009
Grades: 3rd thru 5th
Time: 6:00 – 7:00
Please bring school supplies. Enter through 3rd grade wing (brown
building) meet in Cafetorium first and then will be released to go
to Class Room.
First Day of School Monday, August 24, 2009
WHS Class Reunion
8/19/2009
The WHS Class of 1954 will meet at the Winters
Housing Authority September 5, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. to observe their
55th Class Reunion. The class members invite others to visit in the
afternoon.
Blood Drive Information
8/18/2009
The blood mobile will be in the Wal-Mart parking lot on
Monday, August 31 from 4:30 - 7:15p.m. for the Labor of Love Blood
Drive. Go to bloodhero.com or call Julie Gray at 325-718-9574 to
make an appointment.
Silver Clover Banquet News
8/18/2009
Texas AgriLife Extension Service s annual
Silver Clover Recognition Banquet celebrated its 42nd year Aug. 13
with a banquet at the Zentner s Daughter Steak House in San Angelo.
This year s event recognized 32 individuals across the district who
are instrumental to the success of District 7's 4-H youth program.
The honorees were selected by a committee comprised of electric
cooperative personnel and AgriLife Extension officials.
The banquet is sponsored by the rural electric
cooperatives serving the area covered by the 23 counties in AgriLife
Extension s District 7, West Central Texas.
Sponsors are Central Texas Electric Cooperative;
Coleman County Electric Cooperative; Concho Valley Electric
Cooperative; Hamilton County Electric Cooperative; Big Country
Electric Cooperative; Pedernales Electric Cooperative; Southwest
Texas Electric Cooperative and Taylor Electric Cooperative.
The honorees from Runnels County were D'Ann Hatler
(below left), club manager of the Ballinger 4-H Club and Norma
Multer (below right), club manager of the Rowena 4-H Club.
Ballinger Biker Bash was a
Great Success
8/18/2009
The Ballinger
Biker Bash was a great success with lots of vendors, fun, games, a
rocking band, and friendly folks. Bob and Jodie
Six of Ballinger hosted the event with the aid of the Big Country
Chapter of Phoenix M/C Saturday the 8th of August for a fundraiser
of the Friend of a Friend. There was a terrific turnout despite the
heat, raising $1,233.13 for the Indian. There are plans for a club
representative to make a formal contribution once school starts,
donating the money directly to the class.
Everyone involved would like to
thank the donors of door prizes, the volunteers who helped work, the
band Redneck Jedi who rocked the house, our terrific DJ from
Coleman, the vendors who sold everything from shirts, food,
collectibles, tattoos, patches, and all in between, and especially
the nice people who came from all around to celebrate with us.
"We
want to say thanks again to the Ballinger Police Department, Runnels
County Sheriffs Office, and the local residents for
putting up with us Saturday night. It goes to show that a lot of fun
can be had in Ballinger without any trouble caused. We saw bikers
supporting the local merchants throughout the weekend and truly
appreciate all the kindness shown to everybody," club Treasurer,
Kelly Monse stated.
The local club would also like
to invite everyone to the 13th Annual Phoenix M/C Run from the Heart
Rally at the Riverside Park in Brownwood on September 11th and 12th.
All proceeds going to the Dallas Shriners Hospital for Crippled
Children. The Big Country Chapter of Phoenix has raised and donated
over $70,000.00 and truckloads of gifts in the past years and hope
to make it a even bigger event this year. For more information call
(325-365-6961) Ask for "Blue".
Runnels County 4-H Back to
School Bash
8/17/2009
The
Runnels County 4-H will be holding the annual Back To School Bash on
Saturday, August 22nd from 7:00-9:30 pm at the Ballinger High School
Cafeteria. The 4-H Council is hosting an evening of recreation and
dancing. All 4-H family members and prospective members are invited
to attend. If you are interested in becoming a 4-H member, this
would be a great opportunity to meet local young people who are
already involved in 4-H.
Ballinger 4-H families are asked to help by bringing
one 3 Liter Drink per family. The Rowena 4-H club will be providing
sandwiches. The Winters 4-H families are asked to bring one large
bag of chips per family and the Miles 4-H families are asked to
bring 2 dozen homemade cookies per family.
Current 4-H members are asked to bring spare change for
the "Pennies for the Pound" community service project. The money
will be distributed to the animal shelter in Ballinger to help with
local expenses.
BHS Seniors
8/17/2009
All
Seniors need to report to the Auditorium on Monday, August 24th,
at 8:00 a.m. even if they do not have a 1st period
class.
Bearcat Stadium Reserved
Tickets
8/17/2009
Please pickup your reserve seat football
tickets for Bearcat football at the school administration office
before Friday, August 21st.
Cost is $25.00 for five home games.
Bearcat Football Program Ads
8/16/2009
The BHS Junior class and the high school
cheerleaders are currently selling ads for this years football
program. These ads can be sold to businesses or individuals.
Individuals are welcome to submit a photo, greeting or design of
your choice. Ads will be printed in color or in black and white.
These can be turned in to Ballinger Printing by this Friday, August
21st!!!!
Your support is appreciated!
Elementary Ribbon Cutting
8/16/2009
BISD Superintendent Laura Strube and Elementary School
Principal Brian Arrott invited the public out Friday the 14th to
tour the new elementary school wing. The public was invited out to
tour the new wing and to eat a hamburger lunch provided by The First
National Bank of Ballinger.
Back in the spring of 2007, this project began when
former superintendent Scott Goen and the Board of Trustees organized
the Facility Needs Assessment Committee. The committee put together
a plan for replacing the 1950's era wing with a new 4th and 5th
grade wing and then it was presented to and approved by the Board of
Trustees.
After public voters approved a tax ratification, the
ground breaking ceremony was held on Aug. 12, 2008. Construction was
completed about 1 year later to be ready for the 2009-2010 school
year.
The wing is beautiful inside to say the least. From the
red and black tiles, to the elementary school science lab, to the
computer lab that rivals most college campuses, it will be an
exceptional setting for our youngsters to stay on the cutting edge
of education.
Ballinger's Annual Garage Sale
8/16/2009
The Ballinger Chamber of Commerce will host Ballinger's
Annual Garage Sale on September 12, 2009. We are currently asking
for anyone who wants to participate in the garage sale to contact
the Ballinger Chamber to get put on the map. This year we also have
a location downtown for anyone needing a place to have a garage
sale. There will not be any additional charge for this location
outside of the $5 registration fee. Bring your $5 and address to the
Chamber office located at 700 Railroad Ave. or call to have an
invoice mailed to you 325-365-2333.
BISD Class Start August 24th
8/14/2009
The first day of school is Monday, August 24, 2009. All
grades will begin school at 8:00am each day. A student is tardy at
8:05am.
Prekindergarten and Kindergarten will be
released each day at 3:05pm.
First Grade will be released each day at
3:10pm.
Second through Fifth grades will be released at
3:20pm.
Prekindergarten students will go home after
lunch (first 2 weeks of school) at 12:00 noon from the first
day of school through Friday, September 4, 2009. PreK students
will begin a full day on Tuesday, September 8, 2009.
Kindergarten students will go home after lunch
at 12:00 noon from the fist day of school through Friday,
August 28, 2009. Kindergarten students will begin a full day on
Monday, August 31, 2009. PLEASE NOTE: This is a change from
previous years. Kindergarten will go half days for only one week.
First Grade students will go to school all day
from the first day of school. PLEASE NOTE: This is a change
from previous years.
Events for the evening of the 24th include:
-Booster Club Fundraiser Meal for community 5:00 - 6:30 pm at the
Elementary Cafeteria
-Meet the Bearcats 7:00 pm.
@ Bearcat Stadium to introduce Jr. High and High School
Football teams, Cheerleaders, Cross Country and Band.
Ballinger Elementary "Meet the
Teacher Night"
8/14/2009
Ballinger Elementary School will have a
“Meet the Teacher Night” on two nights this year. PK-Second
Grades will be Thursday, August 20th, from
6:00-7:00pm. Third-Fifth Grades will be Friday,
August 21st, from 6:00-7:00pm.
Parents and students are asked to go to the elementary
cafeteria first for a short meeting. Your child’s classroom
assignments will be posted in the cafeteria. After the meeting, in
the cafeteria, you will be released to go to your child’s
classroom. This is a time for you and your child to meet his/her
teacher and get acquainted with the school. Bring your child’s
school supplies and he/she may put them in his/her desk at that
time.
Press Release Regarding Olfen
ISD First Rating 2009
8/14/2009 -by Superintendent David Velky, Olfen ISD
Olfen Independent School District earned
the highest possible rating on the Financial Integrity Rating System
of Texas (FIRST). The District was rated as having “Superior
Achievement” on 24 indicators of fiscal health. Olfen has managed
its finances well over several years to create a strong fund
balance, excellent facilities, and a record of academic gains on the
Texas Assessments of Knowledge and Skills. This year the district
was again rated Academically Acceptable by the Texas Education
Agency, and met the federal requirements for Adequate Yearly
progress. “Our goal,” says Superintendent David Velky “is to gain a
Recognized rating for our district. We have great students, a
supportive community, and a caring, dedicated staff of teachers. We
have everything we need to get the job done.” Olfen is a public
school district located on the grounds of St. Boniface Church, ten
miles south of Ballinger. The school offers football, basketball,
track, and UIL academics.
Fashion Show at Chastanade
Boutique
8/14/2009
Help
us celebrate 1 year of fashion and fun at Chastanade Boutique
Tuesday August 18th. We will be open Tuesday during regular hours
from 8:30-6:00 with discounts and items marked down. Then beginning
at 6:00 the fun really begins with Discounts, door prizes,
Refreshments, drinks And a fashion show! So gather your girlfriends,
your sisters, mom’s, grandma’s or your favorite shopping buddy,
just don’t miss the fun. See more details and product photos on our
webpage
www.chastanadeboutique.com/.
The First National Bank of
Ballinger Announcement
8/13/2009
Greg W. Schwertner, President and CEO of The
First National Bank of Ballinger and its branch, Bank of San Angelo,
announces
the promotion of Vivian Keele and Wendy Frerich to
Assistant Vice-Presidents.
Vivian Keele (pictured left) has been with the bank
since 1990 and works in loan support. Schwertner states “Vivian is
extremely dependable. Her loyalty and dedication to the First
National Bank of Ballinger, show that we can count on her to perform
her duties with utmost care and attention”. Vivian is a native of
Ballinger and graduated from Ballinger High School in 1963. Keele
states, “Being a part of The First National Bank of Ballinger and
this community has been the most rewarding experience of my
life. I appreciate the friendship and opportunities that the people
of Ballinger have shown me through the years. My goal, as well as
the goal of everyone at The First National Bank of Ballinger, is to
provide our community with quality service.”
Wendy Frerich (pictured right) assisted with the
opening of the Bank of San Angelo branch in 2004 and has worked in
most capacities of the bank. Schwertner states, “Wendy’s experience
and willingness to accept additional duties makes her very worthy of
this promotion.” Wendy was raised in Killeen, and then moved to San
Angelo in 2001 to attend Angelo State University. Wendy is married
to Patrick Frerich of Rowena, son of Charles and Linda Frerich.
Wendy and Patrick live in San Angelo with their daughter Isabella.
Wendy states, “It has been my privilege to be a part of The First
National Bank of Ballinger for the past five years. I am looking
forward to continuing my commitment of serving the needs of our
customers and community.”
Bronte Talent Show
8/13/2009
The Bronte Chamber of Commerce is hosting
a talent show October the 2nd at 7pm at the Texas Theatre.
Click here
for entry form and more details.
High Winds and Rain Move
Through
8/13/2009.JPG)
High winds and driving rain moved fast through Ballinger
yesterday evening leaving us with some minor destruction and one
collapsed building on Railroad Avenue. The building on Railroad Ave
was more or less destroyed and crews are onsite performing cleanup
this morning. The sheet metal building was torn apart and strewn
down the street as you can see in the photos.
The BallingerNews.com weather station reported that sustained winds
were up to 46 miles per hour with gusts as high as 50mph. It was
also reported that Downtown B-town received .71 inches of rain in
that short time period and the high temperature for yesterday was
98.1 with a low of 68.9 degrees.
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Come for a Celebration of Faith
in Rowena
8/13/2009 -by Pastor Art
Mavrode, Zoar Community Church of Rowena
On
Saturday, September 5th at 6 p.m., at Zoar Community Church of
Rowena, we will be celebrating the 100+ years of Christianity in our
town and you're invited to join us. Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer and
clergy from churches in Miles and Rowena will join our
ecumenical
celebration. Our special musical guests will be the Cokesbury
Singers of First United Methodist Church of San Angelo, Saint Joseph
Choir of Rowena, and accordionist/author Loran Roman of San Angelo.
For more information on this historic event please call
325.617.4111.
ZOAR COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ROWENA
511 Park Street
Rowena, Texas
http://zoarcommunitychurch.org
YMCA Football Registration
8/12/2009
YMCA Football registration for grades 3-6 ended August 7. Late
registration is until August 15, $15.00 late fee will be waived for
Ballinger players according to Angel Flores. Regular fee is $75.00,
plus helmet and shoulder pads rentals if you do not have your own
($17.50 each). Financial Assistance is available to those that
qualify, Contact the YMCA for more information. YMCA phone number
is 325-655-9106. Angel Flores is in charge,
aflores@zipnet.us. Forms can be downloaded at ymcasanangelo.org.
Ballinger is a part of the Central Division.
Winters Bank Robber in Custody
8/11/2009
About 1pm today a man, later
identified as local Winters resident Tony Johnson, walked into
the Compass Bank in Winters to conduct normal business, it seemed.
What the bank employees did not realize at first was that Mr.
Johnson was armed with a knife and a note demanding cash. After the
standard business was completed, the note was presented to a bank
employee.
Mr. Johnson took the cash given to him and proceed to
leave the bank, unknowing that the alarm had been activated. Law
enforcement personnel arrived on the scene as the suspect was
exiting the bank, which in turn caused him to reenter the bank. At
that point he displayed his knife and took one teller as hostage and
demanded another to hide with them behind the counter.
Officers then entered the bank, which flushed the
suspect from his hiding spot, releasing the hostages. Mr. Johnson
fled from the rear of the bank on foot where he was able to get an
unwitting passer-by to give him a ride to a local residence.
The unidentified driver later learned of the robbery,
and informed law enforcement where they dropped off Mr. Johnson just
a few minutes earlier. Law enforcement officers arrived on scene at
the residence. Mr. Johnson was apprehended and transported to
Runnels County Jail. Most of the money was recovered as well as the
weapon used during the robbery.
Winters Chief of Police Nathan Johnson was happy to
say, "I'm just glad that no one was hurt and the suspect was taken
into custody very quickly." Chief Johnson went on to thank the many
law enforcement agencies for their assistance. "I'd like to give
credit and thanks to the Runnels County Sherriff's Department,
the TABC officers, Winters PD Officers, the 3 game wardens, as well
as the Texas Rangers and the FBI," Chief Johnson stated.
The FBI is in charge of the crime scene at this time to
complete the investigation.
Wedding Announcement
8/11/2009
Leslie
Ann Matthiesen and Nathan Cole Glass were united in Marriage on
Saturday, June 6, 2009 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Olfen by
retired Bishop Leroy Matthiesen of Amarillo. The Bishop was assisted
by Sam Matthiesen of Olfen.
Leslie is the daughter of James & Starla Matthiesen of
Olfen. She is the grand-daughter of Nelda and the late Tom Riddle of
Miles. Arnold & Charlene Matthiesen of Olfen.
Nathan is the son of Kerry & Connie Glass of Miles. He
the grand-son of Paul & Ethel Jansa of Rowena. Janie & the late
Charles Vignal of The Woodlands and Lester and Annetta Glass of
Lowake.
Jamie Strube, sister of the bride served as Matron of
Honor. Bridesmaids were Lacy Matthiesen, Jamie Glass, Heather
Hohensee, and Hollie Howell. Flower Girls were Evan Strube, Harlee
and Jacey Matthiesen.
Shawn Glass, brother of the groom served as Best Man.
Groomsman were Omer Puente, Blake Schwertner, Jessie Rector and Lee
Dickson. Ring bearers were Cade Strube and Jaxon Hohensee.
Jeff Earnshaw, Slade Jansa, Joe and Brad Matthiesen served as
Ushers.
Hayden Harris of San Angelo was the pianist for the
ceremony. Hanna Vaughn & Sloan Riddle lit the candles. Ryan Byler
and Riley Eggemeyer served as Acolytes. Tracy Eggemeyer and Karla
Glass read the scriptures. Bringing up the gifts for the Eucharistic
celebration were the couples God Parents, Billy & Diane Eggemeyer
and Steve and Trudy Glass. Mitchel Jansa served as an Eucharistic
Minister.
Nathan is a graduate of Miles High School and is
employed by T&K Services of Sonora. Leslie is a graduate of Paint
Rock High School and Texas Tech University and is employed as an
elementary teacher at Robert Lee ISD.
Nathan & Leslie went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for
their honeymoon and now reside in Miles.
St. Mary's Annual Fall Festival
8/10/2009
The St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church is kicking off their
centennial celebration with their annual fall festival. Mark your
calendar for the Pioneer Spirit Fall Festival on Sunday, September
13, 2009. A traditional Mexican beef fajita meal will be serves from
11:00am to 1:00pm. Drive-thru plates will also be available. Other
activities include an auction, bingo, fancy stand, children's games
and a raffle. For more information, call 365-2687.
Conservation, Be Aware and Care
8/10/2009
-Excerpt from "On the Level" by Charles Frerich
Being
in the conservation business for over twenty years the conservation
mode gets ingrained in you. Driving down the roads of Runnels and
four surrounding counties that I service, I notice details of the
land and events that change the land. Unlike global warming which is
arguable whether it is a major factor or not, things that we do on
the ground do affect the way the earth responds to wind and rain.
Read the rest of the column here.
We Need Your Stuff!!
8/10/2009 -by
Staff Writer Cinnamon Carter
The Friends of a Friend Class of 2015 has been
granted the use of the former Complete Packaging Building for their
garage sale to raise funds for the Indian project. However, to have
a garage sale, you need stuff! WE HAVE NO STUFF! We are ready and
willing to start receiving calls to come and pick up your stuff or
be available for you to bring us your stuff. We are looking to hold
the sale later in September. Please call Cinnamon Carter, home
365-5939 or junior high 365-3537, or Bob-O Wright, home 365-2373 if
you would like to donate to our sale. Thanks in advance for your
support!
Friends of the NRA Banquet
8/10/2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Doors open at 6:00pm
McNease Convention Center <-click for more on the location
Enjoy a family evening of auctions, raffles, games,
good food, and great company! Dinner tickets are $25/adult, and
$15/child. Tickets are available at Field and Streams or The
Outdoorsman in San Angelo.
You may also contact Lori Looka at 277-7139 for
tickets and table sponsorships. (100% of net proceeds benefit youth
shooting sports, education, range improvements and more)
Dove Fest Plans Being Made
8/10/2009 -by
Randall
Conner, Economic Development Director,
Winters Area Business & Industrial Corp
The
Winters Dove Fest 2009 Planning Committee has been active in making
preparations for this year’s Dove Fest to be held Saturday,
September 5, 2009. Most activities will be the same as in past
years, plus WHS Homecoming will be held the same weekend. There
will be a football game with Rotan and homecoming activities on
Friday night and several classes will have reunions on Saturday.
The Arts and Crafts show will once again be held downtown by popular
demand.
The annual barbeque Hunter’s Appreciation Lunch will be
held at the Community Center from 10:30 am until 2 pm. Other
activities, including musical entertainment, exhibits, silent and
live auctions, and a raffle for 6 guns will be also be held at the
Community Center. The Winters Gun & Knife Show and Arts and Crafts
Show will be held downtown. A Clay Pigeon Fun Shoot will again be
held near the Rodeo Arena and the West Texas Rehabilitation Center
will arrange dove hunts in the Winters area for anyone wanting a
place to hunt during the weekend.
Gold Sponsor for Dove Fest 2009 is Horse Hollow Gen
Tie, LLC. Silver sponsors include Calcote Dirt Contracting, Wingate
Gin and Elevator, and Powerflex Services. Bronze sponsors are AEP,
Bluebonnet Mercantile, Coleman County Electric Coop, First National
Bank of Ballinger, Enprotec/Hibbs & Todd Engineers, J & T Hardware,
Lawrence Bros. IGA, Security State Bank, Selkirk/Airmate, Sonny’s
West Dale Grocery, Standard Pump Services, The Stitchin Post, Tim
Glendening & Associates, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Wheat
Energy Services, and Winters Feed Seed and Supply.
Local school and service organizations provide most of
the workers to make Dove Fest a success and they share in the
profits from the activities. Make your plans now to attend Winters
Dove Fest 2009. There will be lots of food, fun, and entertainment.
Garcia-Fisher Wedding
Announcement
8/9/2009
Garcia/Fisher
- The blessing of the marriage of Jamie Nicole (Garcia) Fisher and
Scott Raymond Fisher was celebrated August 8, 2009 at 2:00 in the
afternoon at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church of Waco with
a Mass and Rite of Marriage officiated by the Reverend Hilario
Guajardo and convalidating their civil marriage of February 29,
2008. A reception and dance followed the ceremony at The Palladium
with music provided by Rob Schutz, the bride’s uncle. On the eve of
the wedding the wedding party and family enjoyed a rehearsal dinner
and music at Lake Brazos Steakhouse. The bride is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Doel G. Garcia of Morgan, Texas. She is the
granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Schutz of Morgan, TX and Mrs.
Shirley Garcia of Paris, TX and the late Jose Santiago Garcia of
Arlington, TX.
Jamie is a 2006 graduate of China Spring High School
and following graduation served in the U.S. Air Force and was
employed in the U.S. Postal Service. The groom is the son of Mr. and
Mrs. Donald Raymond Fisher of Midlothian , TX. He is the grandson of
Helen Fisher and the late Arthur Fisher of Ballinger, TX and the
late J.D. and Vera Mae Cooley of Hawley, TX. Scott is a 1998
graduate of Ballinger High School. Having served in the U.S. Army
from 1998-2005, he is currently employed as a Field Service
Representative with E.S.P., Inc. in Killeen, TX.
The bride was given in marriage by her parents and
escorted to the altar by her father. For her wedding the bride chose
a full A-line gown in duchess satin with a beaded and embroidered
bodice enhanced with crystal beading on the sculptured neckline and
modified basque waistline as well as with beaded straps. Embroidery
also decorated the front skirt as well as the back along with
buttons meeting the split, scalloped hemline on a full chapel-length
train. The gown was completed with an oval fingertip-length veil of
ivory scalloped with beading and teardrop accents. She carried a
round garden bouquet consisting of cream and pale pink roses and
white freesia accented with seeded eucalyptus berries, oregonia
greenery and crystals. Jamie wore maternal great grandmother’s
wedding ring and carried a rosary given to her by her godparents.
The bridesmaids wore light pink European satin
tea-length dresses with front and back v-neckline. A pleated band
accented the empire and the tie in back formed long tails to
hemline. They carried garden clutch bouquets of cream roses,
lavender stock, pale yellow statice, accented with seeded eucalyptus
berries and oregonia greenery. The flower girl wore an ivory taffeta
gown with a sweetheart neckline, sleeveless bodice with a crossover
shirred empire band on the a-line skirt. The back bow was accented
with beaded rose and streamers. Maid of honor was Mary Beth Schutz
of San Antonio, cousin of the bride, and bridesmaids were lifelong
friends of the bride Megan Chatfield of China Spring, Loren (Mormino)
Bemben of San Antonio, and Lynsey Cole of China Spring. Audra
Fisher, daughter of the groom, was flower girl. Serving in the house
party were Jen Figueroa, Chelsea Allen, April Parrott, Amber Odle,
and Brooke Moore. Best man was Rogie Ballard, friend of the groom.
Groomsmen were Donald Fisher, father of the groom, Cody Garcia,
brother of the bride, and Billy Nail, brother-in-law of the groom.
Ushers were Kevin Allen and David Tibbets. Cameron Fisher, son of
the groom, served as ring bearer. Jim Schutz, grandfather of the
bride, and Cathy Allen, aunt of the bride, were Proclaimers of the
Word. Special prayer intentions were offered by Trey Tibbets, the
bride’s uncle and Michelle Nail, the groom’s sister. Gift Bearers
were Joe and Diane Garcia, Godparents of the bride, Peggy Skinner,
Confirmation sponsor of the bride, and Shirley Baker, aunt of the
bride. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion were Theresa Schutz,
aunt of the bride, and Tim Prefume and Stephanie Hyman, long-time
friends of the bride. Allison Terry, Mark Crenwelge, and Cody Garcia
served as vocalists and cantors, and Zachary Ridgway, Cody Garcia,
Anna Julian, and Melinda Crenwelge provided music on piano, guitar,
violin, congos , bells, and dulcimer. The couple resides in Killeen,
Texas. The couple will honeymoon in Fredericksburg and plan an
extended tropical honeymoon next year.
Mustang Roundup
8/7/2009
It’s time for Mustang Roundup! If you are
considering enrolling your child at Olfen ISD, or are a returning
Mustang, come to the Mustang Roundup, Thursday, August 20, at 7:00
PM at the Olfen campus. Free hot dogs and ice cream will be served.
Meet the teachers and staff as well as the new superintendent!
Classrooms will be open for visitation. See you at the roundup!
Yankees place 3rd in State
8/6/2009
The Ballinger Yankees won 3rd
place in the Texas Teenage Baseball League State Tournament. They
were knocked out by DeLeon who went on to win the tournament. We are
so proud of them for all the hard work they put in this year. Great
job guys!
Runnels County Shooting Sports
Club Receives Grant
8/6/2009
Friends of the NRA generously presented the Runnels Co.
4-H Shooting Sports Program with a grant for $12,000. The proceeds
will be used to purchase equipment and supplies to further expand
their program.
Fiesta Juried Art Show & Art
Camp at FUMC
8/6/2009
-by Marian Johnson, Publicity,
Coleman Fine Arts Leaque
Entries for the 2009 Fiesta Juried Art Show
are still coming in – Ohio and California are the
latest out of state work to be received. 41 artists, so far, have
entered their work- Over 100 paintings From the entries, the
juror, Susan Mansell, will select the paintings that will be
exhibited in the Show October 2 & 3 at the Coleman Library.
Art Patron donations have been
coming in at a constant pace. The Patrons of the Arts have been very
responsive and encouraging. Without the help of these folks
there would be no Art Show. Thank you and come and see what
your generosity has accomplished for Coleman one more time on
October 2. The Special Awards Preview will be 6-8pm at the
Library.
In addition to the continuing work to get the show up and
ready, Art League members are busy elsewhere in the community.
Those members who are helping with the “Art Camp” this week
at the First United Methodist Church – Robin Black, Ted and Martha
Shelton, Tammy Jo Turner, Bill Shields, Bob and Bitsy Murchison.
First National Bank Makes
Donation
8/6/2009
Beverly Everett, representing The First National Bank of
Ballinger, presented members of the BHS Class of 2015 with a check
for $2,000 from the bank. The class is raising funds for a bronze
Indian statue to be placed in the Ballinger City Park. This
donation brought the total amount raised by the group to almost
$11,000 since February, or a fourth of the way toward their goal.
Donations can be made to the Statue Restoration account at The First
National Bank of Ballinger
Pictured left to right are: Amanda Ruiz, Priscilla Pospical, Hailey
Esquivel and Beverly Everett.
Mother's Day Out
8/5/2009
Mother's Day Out at the First
United Methodist Church will start on Tuesday, September 1, 2009.
Our program is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. for ages 6 months to Pre-K.
For more information, please call Sara Vanicek at 365-2020.
Ballinger ISD Accountability
Ratings Details
8/5/2009 -Laura
Strube, BISD Superintendent
Campus Ratings:
High School Recognized
Junior High School Recognized
Elementary School Recognized
Fairview Accelerated Academically Acceptable
District Rating:
Academically Unacceptable
Ballinger ISD received a district rating of
Academically Unacceptable due to the completion rate of the
economically disadvantaged students in the Class of 2008. The
economically disadvantage completion rate was 69.7% and the district
must have a 75% for Academically Acceptable.
Academically, Ballinger ISD is doing a good job
for the students shown by the campus ratings. The students who are
not coming to high school and completing their education are where
Ballinger ISD is Academically Unacceptable.
2009 FOOTBALL PROGRAMS are under
way!
8/4/2009
If you are interested in purchasing an ad for the 2009
Bearcat football program please bring your information and/or
pictures to Ballinger Printing or give to a Varsity cheerleader.
These ads can be personal or business. DEADLINE for ads will be
Friday August 21st. This fundraiser is sponsored by the
High School
Cheerleaders and the Class of 2011. FMI contact a varsity
cheerleader or call
Roxan at 718-9179 or Kelly at 365-1431.
Also, this year's football schedule has been posted on the sports
page.
BJHS Open House
8/4/2009
Open house will be
August 17
from 6:00 pm –7:00pm. The entire Jr. high staff will be present.
6:00 – 6:20 Everyone will meet in the auditorium. Principal Gary
Cates to address the parents as far as the handbook, code of
conduct, computer use policy,etc.
6:20 – 6:40 Pick up class schedules/packets, find lockers, tour
classrooms, and meet teachers.
6:40 – 7:00 Teachers will visit with parents concerning student
expectations, responsibilities, and Q&A.
6th grade faculty visits with parents in
Lunchroom.
7th grade faculty visits with parents in
auditorium.
8th grade faculty visits with parents in
Library.
BISD
Classes start on August 24!
Winters Longhorns Place 5th in
State
8/3/2009
The Winters Longhorns placed 5th in the
Texas Teenage Baseball League State Tournament when they were
knocked out by the Anson Rockies on Thursday. Winters went 2 and 2
in the tournament play. We congratulate them for their appearance in
the State Tournament that was eventually won by the Eastland
Bulldogs. Full results on the tournament bracket can be viewed
here.
Weather Station Fully
Operational Again
8/3/2009
The malfunctioning part to the weather
station has been replaced and the weather station is fully
functional again. The part that was malfunctioning kept the unit
from reporting rainfall and trending graphs to the internet. Now
that it's operating properly, we'll once again be able to see rain
fall reports on our weather page.
Just a reminder, this weather unit is installed on top of the
building at 800 Hutchins Ave at the Laurie Woodruff State Farm
Office. This unit will give us up to date weather conditions for the
downtown Ballinger Area. From on top of the building, the data is
sent to a weather display unit inside the State Farm office that is
connected to the internet so it can be viewed on our
BallingerNews.com weather page.
You can stop in the State Farm Office at anytime, during business
hours, to view the indoor unit. Another way to view the data is to
visit the weather page.
There you will see updated data ever 5 seconds as well as moon phase
and trending charts (scroll to the bottom). Click on the large
weather banner and you will be taken to
www.weatherunderground.com where you can view more data that is
provided by Weather Underground in conjunction with the data
reported by our station.
While working on the unit, yearly rainfall totals for downtown
Ballinger were reported at 8.08 inches. This would be for the
timeframe of when the unit was installed, which was April 2, 2009,
until today. Most of that rain had fallen last week.
Let us know what you think of the weather station, and if you want
one on your own property, contact us and we can help you out.
A Prophetic View of Revelation
-Reminder
8/3/2009
Presented By: Eddie Chumney
Hebraic Heritage Ministries International
6:30 pm, Thursday
August 6, 2009
1458 Sewell Street
(corner of South 15th & Sewell)
Abilene, Texas
Sponsored by Abilene Torah Study Group
(Location provided through generosity of Crossway Baptist Church)
(ADMISSION IS FREE – a free-will offering will be taken for HHMI)
You might have seen Eddie Chumney on God’s Learning Channel as a
weekly teacher (programmer), or on Light of the Southwest, where he
has been a guest of Al and Tommie Cooper several times. Eddie is an
international teacher of the Hebraic/Jewish roots of Christianity,
helping people to understand the scriptures through the Hebrew,
rather than the Greek, mindset.
For more information about Eddie, please visit his website
www.hebroots.org , or visit his PalTalk congregation, HHMI Beit
Yacov, on the internet each Saturday morning beginning at 9:45 a.m.
for the current news update to help us understand things currently
happening in the middle east, particularly as it regards the land of
Israel in the latter days. Following the update, there is a study of
the weekly Torah portion, and an afternoon midrash of the weekly
scripture study. (PalTalk.com is a free downloadable software with
audio and chat.)
To RSVP or request more information, please contact: Michael or
Deborah Meyer
(325) 673-0676 (home) (325) 660-1952 (Deb’s cell)
Funding Available for Texas
Grassland Owners
8/3/2009
SAN ANGELO, TEXAS, August 3, 2009
–Grassland owners in south Texas, the area hardest hit by the
state’s drought, will be given priority consideration to participate
in the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), a $4.2 million program in
Texas.
“While GRP is open to anyone who owns grassland, we are
giving priority consideration to drought areas so ranchers can
protect their land resources through rental agreements or perpetual
easements,” said Don Gohmert, state conservationist for the USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas.
Extreme or exceptional drought has been designated in
78 counties in south Texas by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Landowners
in these counties can sign-up for GRP to be compensated to defer
cattle grazing until grassland conditions improve.
“South Texas is the driest area in the entire country,”
said Juan Garcia, Farm Service Agency (FSA) state executive director
for Texas. “By enrolling in GRP, landowners can defer grazing,
protect their land and natural resources and be compensated.”
GRP is a continuous sign-up program, but landowners are
encouraged to apply as soon as possible to be eligible for the 2009
funding cycle, which ends in September.
The NRCS and FSA administer GRP, a voluntary program
reauthorized in the 2008 Farm Bill to protect grazing uses and other
related conservation values by restoring and conserving eligible
grasslands and certain other lands through rental agreements and
easements.
The enrollment options for GRP include:
• Permanent
easements – USDA makes payment based on the fair market value of the
property less the grazing value.
• Rental agreements
– 10, 15, or 20-year duration, USDA pays 75 percent of the grazing
value in annual payments for the length of the agreement.
Land that is privately owned is eligible for GRP. The
land must be grassland for which the predominant use is grazing.
Land that has been historically dominated by grassland and provides
habitat for animal or plant populations of significant ecological
value, or land that contains historical or archeological resources
is eligible. Land previously enrolled in the Conservation Reserve
Program is eligible for GRP. Publicly owned land is not eligible or
land already under protection from conversion to non-grazing uses is
also not eligible.
For more information about GRP and conservation
programs that may be available for conservation technical and
financial assistance, visit the nearest USDA Service Center, NRCS at
2000 Hutchings Avenue in Ballinger, call 325-365-3415 ext 3, or
visit the NRCS Texas Web site at
www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov.
Joy Beck Workshop
8/1/2009
-by Marian Johnson, Publicity,
Coleman Fine Arts Leaque
Thirteen ‘students’ gathered Wed., Thurs, Fri. for a
fun-filled, informative class with Clifton, Texas, artist, Jo Beck.
The group was given suggestions, and examples of how to create a
different kind of art with unusual surfaces and tools – bringing out
the “creative soul” each of us has. After ‘practicing’ several of
the techniques, a critique of the class’s work was given at the end
of the Friday session.
The workshop was sponsored by Heritage Hall – Board members,
Kathy Andrews and Kay Mitchell headed up the project, and managed to
get a little painting done as well.
The students attending the workshop were: Anita Lane, Buffalo
Gap; Cindy McCarn, Tuscola; Jean Hensley and Dorothy Dankworth,
Ballinger; Shirley Minzenmayer, Winters; Sandra McSwain, Mary
Cadenhead, Brownwood; Pam Bunch, Del Rio; Ginger Test*, Novice;
Faith Nelson, Kathy Andrews*, Kay Mitchell*, Marian Johnson*,
Coleman.
Olfen ISD Press Release
8/1/2009
-by Superintendent David Velky, Olfen ISD
Have
you been thinking about enrolling your child at Olfen Independent
School District? There are still seats available at Olfen in grades
1-8. If you would like your child to have individual attention in
smaller classes with caring, friendly teachers, please call
Superintendent David Velky at 325-442-4301. We will be glad to
deliver a transfer application right to your door. Olfen School
offers athletics for boys and girls, Accelerated Reader, tutorials,
and free transportation to and from school. Call 325-442-4301 for
more information.
Lady Texan Team Basketball Camp
8/1/2009
-BallingerNews.com Exclusive
Eight young ladies, represented Ballinger, at
the Lady Texan Team Basketball Camp, at South Plains College, in
Levelland. The camp was three days of non-stop basketball. There
were 32 teams involved, they were divided into two pools of 16.
Every team played nine games in their pool, with the top 6 teams
going on to the championship tournament. The Ladycats went 6 and 3
in pool play. They were in a four way tie for 5th and 6th
place. To determine who would advance to the tournament, each team
picked 5 players to shoot one free throw each, best out of five got
into the tournament. Ballinger hit 4 out 5 free throws, which was
the best out of all 4 teams, and got 5th place in pool
play. The Ladycats won the first game of the championship
tournament against Bordon Co. In the second round, Del Rio got the
win over Ballinger, 38 to 36. The girls ended up going 7 and 4
overall.
Great Job LadyCats!!
Pictured left to right, top row: Valerie Albarado, Victoria
Kalina, Lauren Michalewicz, Kaci Hite
front row: Jessica Hite, McKenzie Matschek, Abbey Multer, Kelci
Zentner
Home Run Derby Softball
Tournament
8/1/2009
Where: Chandler Park, Ballinger
When: august 14th - 15th , 2009
Why: benefit tournament for Kasey Clary, the son of a Ballinger
volunteer firefighter, who was injured in a tragic car accident on
may 1st, 2009 and is now paralyzed.
Please contact Henry Howell @ 325-660-3349 for
more info. Concession stand will be open
Co-ed Softball
Tournament
8/1/2009
Coed softball Tournament
Benefitting
Mary Zarate (Rucca)
For help with her rising Medical Bills
August 22-23
Contact Sheila Hernandez for more information or to register at
325-365-2457