Exhibit Board Contest
12/31/2009
The 2010 Educational Exhibit Board Contest to be held in conjunction with the Runnels County Livestock Show. Click here for rules on the contest.

4H Challenge Food Show
12/31/2009
The Ballinger 4-H Food Challenge team of (left to right) John Glass, Hadley Hatler, Allison Schaefer, and Becca Simpson placed 1st in the main dish category at the District 7 Food Challenge contest in San Angelo.

Immunization Clinics
12/29/2009
Texas Department of State Health Services Immunization clinics in Runnels County
H1N1 Flu vaccine is available

Thursday, December 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

   Imagination Station Playground
12/29/2009
The board would like to thank everyone that has supported the playground project to this point.  We are really excited about this build and look forward to our kids being able to play on the equipment.  We are shooting for a Grand Opening date of 10/10/10 with the build beginning 10/6/10. We will have fundraisers to benefit the playground so keep watching to see what we have going on.  We will also have a website to come.  At this point components and pickets are being sold to help raise money for the playground. When you purchase a component your name will be placed on a sign with what you have bought or what level you have donated at.  When you purchase a picket your name will be engraved on that picket.  The pickets will surround the playground.  Click here to view the brochure that outlines what the components are and their cost as well as a sign up form to volunteer or purchase an item.

Please contact a board member for more information.

Terilyn at Willingham Insurance / Elaine Paske at Little Tots / Stacy Hopper at Mueller / Tammie Virden at the Chamber / Clay Springer at Ballinger National Bank / Elizabeth Cook at First Community / Mary Anderson at First National Bank

Ballinger Jr. Livestock Show Saturday
12/29/2009 -Reported by KRUN
70 entries will be judged at the 2010 Ballinger Junior Livestock Show Saturday. The show will be held at the Ballinger Community Center Showbarn. The day begins with weigh in of all species at 8:00 AM. Judging begins at 9:00 AM with rabbits and turkeys, followed by cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. A lunch break will follow the sheep show. The Little Britches Pig Show will be held following the lunch break. All young people from zero to 18 who have never exhibited livestock and are not currently exhibiting livestock are welcome to participate in the Little Britches Show. A new event this year will be the Old Timer's Show. The Old Timer's Show will be held following the judging of each species and is open to anyone 18 years of age or above that is not currently involved in 4-H or FFA. For a ten dollar donation, someone may be nominated to show in the Old Timer's Show. A nominee may opt out of the show for a twenty dollar donation. No matter your age or experience level, adults are encouraged to participate in the Old Timer's Show, enjoy some good hearted fun, and raise money for the youth. There will be plenty of seating available for spectators or you may bring your favorite lawn chair and enjoy the 2010 Ballinger Junior Livestock Show.

To see more about the show, click on the 4H link under "Columns" on the menu bar above.

Runnels Retired Teachers to Meet
12/29/2009
Runnels County Retired Teachers will meet Mon., Jan 4 at 2:00 PM in the First United Church in Ballinger.

Blood Drive
12/23/2009
Ballinger Healthcare and Rebab Center  will be sponsoring a Blood drive on Tuesday January 5th from 2:30-6:00 pm at Ballinger Healthcare and Rebab Center 2001 N. 6th St. For more information please call Kerrie Pope at 325 365 5766 or to make appt online go to www.bloodhero.com   sponsor code: rehabcenter

The Grass Really is Greener on the Other Side of the Fence!
12/22/2009 -excerpt from "On the Level" by Charles Frerich
    When we last checked in with Harry Rancher and Randy Rangeman they had looked over Harry’s ranch and evaluated the condition.  They found areas of severe overgrazing due to the lack of water in the far reaches of the property.  Heavy brush has taken over areas of the ranch.  Randy has gotten permission from Harry to develop a conservation plan on the ranch.

Click on "On the Level" under columns on the menu bar above to read the rest of the story.

Rowena Knights of Columbus and Catholic Daughter Christmas Social
12/20/2009
The Lone Star Cloggers of San Angelo added some Christmas cheer to the Rowena KC-CDA Christmas Social held Tuesday, December 15. 

The evening began with the lighting of the Advent Wreath and Christmas Tree.  KC members Donnie Schwertner, Andrew Lange, Bernie Halfmann, Rickey Strube along with District Deputy, Pablo Flores, led the ceremony with scripture readings and prayers. The Christmas Story from the Gospel of Luke was read by David Lange followed by the singing of "Silent Night" by all those attending.

The KC's prepared and served a Taco Salad meal with trimmings.  A Christmas Ornament exchange - Chinese style - was held following the meal. 

Rowena News -  Franke Family Christmas
12/20/2009
Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter of Lucille Franke and the late Rudolph Franke, met at the ODHS Hall in Rowena for the annual Family Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 19.  The almost 100 members attending came from San Antonio, Pilot Point, O'Donnell, Brady, San Angelo and the Rowena area. After the children decorated the tree, the  day was spent in visiting, feasting, games, singing and gift exchange. Father Paul Mariasavary was a special guest.

Ladycats are Great People
12/18/2009 -by Coach Chris Sumrall, Clyde HS
The community of Ballinger should be very proud of it's girls basketball team and not just for their exploits on the court. Before we played them a few weeks ago the girls, along with Coach Layton, were in my office and noticed the piles of t-shirts I had everywhere. One of them asked what they were for and I explained we were selling them to raise money for one of my players whose mother was paralyzed in a car wreck this summer. After the game several of the girls bought shirts and the rest of them got one at our tournament this past weekend. I wanted to express my appreciation to these young ladies and let the community know about the great ladies they are turning out.

This picture was taken in my office before the championship game of our tournament. All the girls have their t-shirts on. Sincerely, Coach Sumrall Clyde High School Head Girls Basketball Coach.

BJHS Collecting for Food Pantry
12/17/2009
Ballinger Jr. High collected cans of food to donate to the food pantry in Ballinger.
Cory Johnson, a BJHS student, is pictured helping unload the cans at the food pantry.

Thanks to Tournament Sponsors
12/15/2009
The Ballinger Bearcats and the LadyCats would like to thank the following businesses for their generous donations to our annual basketball tournament hospitality room.  Without these businesses supporting us we could not have the wonderful tournament that we have every year. 

Ballinger National Bank
1st Community Federal Credit Union
Main Street Soda Fountain
Alejandra's Restaurant
Treadmill
Shoppin Basket
Beefmaster Steak House
Pizza Hut
Sonic
 

Mid-West Texas Artist Guild Annual Membership Show and Bake Sale
12/14/2009
            The Mid-West Texas Artist Guild will be having their annual membership show during the Carnegie Library Christmas Home Tour from 2 PM to 5 PM on Sunday, December 20 at the home located at 409 4^th Street. Artists will be available to answer questions about the art that is on exhibit.
            In conjunction with the Home Tour, the Mid-West Texas Artist Guild will be having a bake sale to benefit the Carnegie Library. The bake sale will be located at the Do-Art Studio on S. 9^th Street in Ballinger, across from Kit’s Body Shop. The Cottontree Gift Store will be also open from 2 PM to 5 PM on Sunday, December 20, 2009.
            The Art Guild would like to extend an invitation to the community to participate in these events.

KIXY-FM, Outback Steakhouse Come Together Again For 9th Annual “Christmas For Kids”
12/12/2009
SAN ANGELO, Texas (December 11, 2009) – Foster Communications’ KIXY-FM and Outback Steakhouse come together again to provide the “Christmas for Kids’” toy drive, benefiting abused and neglected or financially disadvantaged children receiving services from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Tom Green County. 
     The event will occur Monday, December 14th at the Outback Steakhouse at 4505 Sherwood Way from 11:00 am-1:00 pm.  Community members are asked to bring a brand new, unwrapped toy, valued at $5.00 or more for the “Christmas for Kids” toy drive.  Upon dropping off your gift, Outback Steakhouse will provide generous community members lending their support with a coupon for a free hamburger that anytime after January 1, 2010. 
     “Christmas for Kids” links community sponsorship and generosity with the needs of abused and neglected children.  The public is able to provide a real Christmas to children in the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Hope House, and Family Enrichment Services programs who otherwise may not have one.   
     Those participating in the program include individuals, families, area businesses and churches and the United States Marine Corps’s “Toys for Tots”, as well as the good men and women of GAFB.  “It is incredible to watch each year, as our community comes together to give to these kids,” said Debra Brown, Executive Director.
     The Children's Advocacy Center of Tom Green County is dedicated to children and improving their lives.  With four programs serving 13 counties throughout the Concho Valley and West Texas, the Children’s Advocacy Center is uniquely designed to represent the needs of hurting children and families in our communities.  Each program is as diverse as the populations we serve, but ultimately, we come together with one goal, to improve the lives of children and break the cycle of abuse and neglect.  The CAC originally began as Hope House, a facility that provides a warm, home-like environment for children interviewed upon making an outcry of abuse or neglect.  Since 1998 we have been affiliated with Court Appointed Special Advocates, (CASA) and we have since expanded to include parent education and public awareness in our mission to improve the lives of children.  Family Enrichment Services was created in 2004 as a means of meeting the needs of families in the Concho Valley. As an umbrella to a combination of four previous existing programs, Family Enrichment Services is geared at providing parents with the tools to raise happy and healthy children.  
     For more information on how you can help the Children’s Advocacy Center or Christmas for Kids’ toy drive, please call 325-653-4673 or go to www.cactomgreen.org

The Imagination Station Playground Board Raffle Winner
12/12/2009
Congratulations to the winner of the Flip Ultra Camcorder is Kit's Body Shop.  Thank you to everyone that helped to make this raffle a success. 

Census Day 2010 - April 1st
12/12/2009 -provided by BISD Superintendent Laura Strube
The Census is extremely important to Ballinger ISD and our federal funding for the next 10 years.
Click here for a document explaining the Census and its importance.

Veteran's Memorial to Honor Fallen Soldiers
12/10/2009 -by Robert Stapleton, Veteran Falls Memorial
      Veteran Falls Memorial is a memorial that is being constructed in Granbury, Texas and is about 85% complete.
     Most memorials are built years after the end of a war.  Take the Vietnam War as an example.  The last American troops left Vietnam in 1973.  Anticipating the fall of Saigon in 1975, President Ford announced that, as far as the United States was concerned, the war in Vietnam was finished.
     We all know the fates of those brave men and women who returned home after fighting in Vietnam.  They were ridiculed, rejected, spit on and then forgotten as Americans went about their day to day lives. 
     In 1979, a group of Vietnam veterans formed a non-profit organization to raise funds for a memorial for their fellow patriots who died while fighting in Vietnam.  They lobbied congress for a plot of land and in July of 1980, President Carter signed legislation to provide an area for the memorial.  Construction began in March, 1982 and was completed in November, 1984.
     For over 10 years, after our troops came home from Vietnam, there was no memorial, no public show of support.  There was no place where veterans could go to honor those who were lost, where families could go to mourn, where healing could began.  We don’t want to wait 10 years to say thank you to these brave men and women who are fighting for us today.
     People say we can’t compare the Vietnam Veterans with the Veterans of the War Against Terrorism.  They say Vietnam was an unpopular war, that we had no business there, that there was no way we could really ever win.  Aren’t they saying the same things about the war today?  Let’s let the similarities stop there, and not let them bleed over into the way our troops are treated when they come home.  Let’s show them respect, honor and support.  Let’s welcome them with open arms and make them a part of our daily lives.
     Let’s give them a place where they can pay their respects to those they fought with and lost to the war.  Let’s give families a place where they can visit and mourn their sons and daughters, wives and husbands, mothers and fathers.  Let’s give them a place where the healing can begin.
     Veteran Falls is that place.  The water flows and rushes over thousands of stones.  It washes over the pain and smoothes the rough edges of feelings of loss.  It ebbs and flows and takes visitors to a peaceful place where healing can begin.
     Veteran Falls is for our heroes, the men and women who make all things possible in America.  They give us the freedom to be the greatest country on Earth, and then fight to keep us, and our way of life, safe from harm.  While it is a memorial for those who have lost their lives in the war against terrorism, Veteran Falls is a tribute to all American Veterans who have ever worn the uniform of America’s military. 
     To learn more about the Veteran Falls Memorial, visit www.veteranfalls.com.  Help us spread the word about Veteran Falls and about our need for support to complete this memorial.

Editor's Note: Local Hero Justin Byler will have his name included on this memorial being constructed.

NJHS Caroling
12/10/2009
National Junior Honor Society members went to both nursing homes on December 9th to sing carols and deliver Christmas cards made by Mrs. Kelley's art and technology classes.  NJHS members sang all the classics while Lauren played the guitar.  Everyone had a good time singing and visiting with the residents.

Engagement Announcement - Bredemeyer/Ryan
12/9/2009
A Jan. 2 wedding at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Anderson, Calif., is planned by Lori Bredemeyer of Redding, Calif., and John Ryan of Sacramento, Calif.

Lori is the daughter of Jill Strube of Ballinger and Rodrick Bredemeyer of Winters, and the granddaughter of Freddie and Juanita Bredemeyer of Winters and the late Marvin and Mildred Strube of Wall. Lori is a 2001 graduate of Winters High School and a 2005 graduate of Abilene Christian University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in psychology. She is the assistant news editor at the Record Searchlight in Redding.

John is the son of Mike and Shelly Ryan of Billings, Mont., and the grandson of Bill and Annette Ryan and Joie Kramer and Juda Kramer, all of Deer Lodge, Mont. He is a 2001 graduate of Enterprise High School in Redding and attended Shasta College in Redding. He is pursuing a bachelor's degree in government with a minor in economics at Sacramento State University. He is the president of the College Democrats at Sac State.

Ballinger's Bank Open House
12/8/2009
To our valued Friends, Ballinger's Bank wishes all the best of the Season to you and your family. Thank you for letting us serve you. You are invited to attend our Open House on Thursday December 17, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. May the Lord bless you!

Raffle
12/8/2009
The Imagination Station Playground Board is raffling off a Ultra Flip Camcorder. $1 each or 6/ $5
Once you video you can plug it right into your computer USB port and download it to a CD or your computer. (They work really well, we used it at the kids Christmas Program at church.) If you would like come tickets please let me know. The drawing will be Thursday after moonlight madness. All proceeds will go to the Playground.


Flip Ultra Black Camcorder
2 Hours of Recording Time
2" LCD Display
4GB Internal Memory

Moonlight Madness 2009
12/8/2009
December 10, 2009 5p.m.-9p.m.

Join us downtown Ballinger for great holiday shopping and bake sales. You can get pictures with Santa at 1st Community Federal Credit Union while your there supper will be taking care of there will be hamburgers and hotdogs for sale. Visit participaiting businesses to enter your name in a drawing held at the end of the night to win a giant Santa sack full of goodies. Listen to KRUN-AM 1400, visit ballingernews.com, or pick up an Agriplex Flyer this week to see what businesses you can register at Thursday night December 10th.

Carnegie Library Home Tour
12/6/2009
The Carnegie Library Board of Directors of Ballinger will host a Home Tour December 20, 2009 from 2 to 5 pm. The tour will include 5 homes. Each home is distinctive and with its own charm. Tickets are available at the Carnegie Library and will be available at each home the day of the Tour. Each $10 ticket will include a map to locate each home. The Board hopes you enjoy the tour and thanks you for your support of the Carnegie.

Click here to view all the homes to be toured and view their descriptions.

Surprise 80th Birthday
12/6/2009
Rose Franke was honored with a surprise "80th" birthday party on Saturday, December 5 at the VFW Hall in Rowena, Texas. Rose was born to Anton and Leona Franke on December 22, 1929 in Rowena, Texas. Brothers and sisters of Rose are Wilfred Franke and Leon Franke of San Angelo, Harold Franke and Sylvia Rollwitz of Rowena and Eileen Weller of Merced, CA. Her sister Eileen was able to be here for the surprise party. After graduating from St. Joseph's Catholic School, she has been a lifelong resident of Ballinger. She retired from the Ballinger ISD administration in the mid 90's after working there for 37 years. About 50 of Rose's closest relatives, friends and fellow coworkers attended the party. Nieces and nephews including Jackie Pospichal, Brennan Rollwitz, Connie Dodson, Donna Kalina, Debbie Hurt, Peggy Pruitt, Gene Franke, Ronnie Franke and Chris Franke hosted the party. A memory book was presented to her by her family. Everyone enjoyed wishing "Aunt Rose" a wonderful birthday.

Harry's Home on the Range
12/5/2009 -excerpt from "On The Level" by Charles Frerich
During our last visit (Harry, Harry Quite Contrary, How does your grass grow?), you were introduced to Harry, a rancher, who was in need of some insight on how the grass plant functions.  Harry met Randy Rangeman at the annual Ag Day and set up an appointment to meet with Randy on Harry’s ranch.  And the story continues… (The rest of the article can be read in full by clicking "On the Level" under the columns on the menu bar above)

Grease Production
12/5/2009 -by Sharon Geistmann
     Ballinger High School's Fall Production, GREASE - High School Version, book music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey - Samuel French, was a huge success. The cast, crew, and directors wish to thank all those that helped and supported the performances.
     Cast members were Evan Wilson, Danny; Maggie Hogan, Sandy; Melanie Bailey, Rizzo; Ali Tounget, Frenchy; Paige Mattingley, Marty; Maritza Aguirre, Jan; Spencer Ryan, Kenickie; Jared Fournier, Doody; Will Irish, Roger; Jacob Arp, Sonny; Samantha Gonzales, Patty; Bianca Fuentes, Cha-Cha; Eugene, Dane Dallas; Garrett Collenback,
Vince Fontaine; Clay Kelley, Johnny Casino; Christal Castillo, Miss Lynch; Tanner Nixon; Lauren Tabb; Krystal Koenig; Lindsey Heidenheimer. Crew members were Halie Wheeler, lights; D.J. Dismore, sound; Emily Studer, Paige Zentner, Samantha Baird, Dulce Castillo, Charli Blackwell, Skyler Schniers, and Michael Keene set design.
     Special appearances were made by Mike Riley, President of the BISD School Board and Jamie Rouse, Assistant High School Principal. Their musical talents entertained the audience while students were busy making set and costume changes.
      “I am really proud of each of the students and the efforts they made in this show,” commented Sherran Geistmann, director of the show. “I also had the expertise of Dale and Ida Lee Ellis. They were the music directors and did an excellent job,” added Geistmann. “We were so glad to see so many people attend the community performance. It meant so much to the students to see the number of people that turned out to support their endeavors.”

H1N1 Flu Clinic
12/5/2009
Texas Department of State Health Services
H1N1 Flu Clinic
Ballinger Community Center
200 N Crosson Avenue
Wednesday, December 16^th  
Time:  9:30 – 12 & 1:30-4:00

Olfen Christmas Program
12/5/2009 -by Superintendent, David Velky
The Olfen Independent School District announces it will have its annual Christmas Program on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 6:30 PM in the parish hall. Everyone is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Call 325-442-4301 for more information.

Vandalism
12/4/2009
On Thursday, December 3, someone stole two taillamps out of a used vehicle on the Toliver Brothers Car Lot.  There is a $1000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual responsible.

Rowena Lions Club
12/3/2009
The Rowena Lions Club is having it's annual Chili Lunch benefit on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at the St. Joseph Parish Hall in Rowena, from 10:45am to 1:00pm. 

Chili, beans, cornbread, cheese, crackers and dessert.

Dine inside and get seconds or get it to go. (Some fixings inside not available to go.)

Only $6 per person. 

Also, there will be a raffle for the following prizes:  1 hindquarter of beef (processed to your specifications at Sklenarik's Smoked Meats in Miles, - $300 gift card to the Shoppin' Baskit' in Ballinger -Spiral Sliced Honey Glazed Ham donated by Sklenarik's Smoked Meats - KC for 4 at Lowake Steak House and 2 Ribeye Dinners donated by the Turnrow, Rowena.  Chances are $1 each or 6 for $5.

The Club will also be collecting used eyeglasses during this event.  For more info: contact Cliff 442-2331 8am-5pm or Mike 442-2006 after 6pm.

Trailer Used in Theft Located, Suspects in Custody
12/3/2009
Our Local Game Warden, Lane Pinckney, located a trailer on 11/24/2009 at Town and Country in Miles, Tx. BallingerNews.com ran a story on this trailer on 11/5/2009, where photos of men loading this trailer with stolen property were posted asking the public for any info they may have. 

Lane Pinckney was off duty when he noticed the trailer and followed the suspects into Tom Green County.  When Runnels County Sherriff's Office personnel arrived, the suspects were gone but the pickup and trailer were parked at a residence on Mullins Crossing Rd.  Runnels County SO took the trailer, that was loaded with scrap metal, as evidence.  Two adults and one juvenile are facing charges at this time. 
 

The First National Bank of Ballinger hosts Open House
12/3/2009
The First National Bank of Ballinger invites everyone to come enjoy refreshments with them at their ANNUAL CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE on Friday, Dec. 11.    The annual  Employee Cookbook will be available.  We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Safe Holiday Season!