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. 8^th 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 Crêperie 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 19^th) 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 3^rd  
1:30-5:30
Professional Building
110 South Main, Suite 108

Ballinger
Thursday, September 10^th       
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 participating 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 24^th, at 8:00 a.m. even if they do not have a 1^st 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 20^th, from 6:00-7:00pm.  Third-Fifth Grades will be Friday, August 21^st, 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
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.

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 3^rd 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 5^th and 6^th 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 5^th 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