Ballinger Girls Softball Registration
2/20/2009
The Ballinger Girls softball Association will be holding annual softball registration in the Walmart parking lot as well as the IGA Shopin Basket from 8:00 to 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 28th. This will be the last sign-up drive before the registration deadline on March 1st. Sign-up forms can also be picked up at The Treadmill and Sonic Drive-in. Please contact Rene Cortez @ 895-5728 or Eric Anderson @ 718-8118 for more Info.

"Friend" bank account
2/19/2009 -by Cinnamon Carter
As of Monday, February 23, a bank account will be open and ready for business at the First National Bank of Ballinger. The name on the account will be "Statue Restoration Fund". My students and I here at Ballinger Junior High look forward to your support and are absolutely thrilled at what is to come!

Straight From The Heart Blood Drive
2/19/2009

MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY AS THE BLOODMOBILE WILL BE HERE –
AT THE WAL-MART BALLINGER PARKING LOT ON
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH
FROM 3:00PM – 7:00PM


Each donor will receive:
A t-shirt with Don Dane’s Judgin’ the Ride artwork
Entry into Daily and Grand Prize Drawings


DAILY DRAWINGS
--A PAIR OF TICKETS TO Various RODEO Performances
courtesy of San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo
--FREE SHOE SHINE courtesy of Ernie’s Shoe Shine
--Beautiful CUSTOM JEWELRY courtesy of Cleo’s Boutique
--SWEET TREATS courtesy of CoCo’s

GRAND PRIZES
--$150 GIFT CERTIFICATE
courtesy of Mr. Boots
--2 TICKETS TO THE FINAL RODEO PERFORMANCE
courtesy of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association
--CROSS CANADIAN RAGWEED
autographed Fender acoustic guitar
--$500 VISA GIFT CARD

Call Julie Gray to set up an appointment at 718-9574.

Rusty Fischer Places 4th in San Antonio
2/19/2009
Just as soon as we get the entire results from the San Antonio Stock show compiled, we will get them posted. Runnels county is being represented very well at this year's show and we are proud of all the youngsters and their hard work!

In the mean time, we were provided a photo from the proud parents of Rusty Fischer and his 4th place Boer Goat. Rusty's class had 131 goats, and to get a spot at 4th in that tough crowd is an awesome accomplishment. Great job Mr. Fischer!!

If you parents or participants have any pictures or anything else you would like to share, please send them in to us at news@ballingernews.com. BallingerNews.com would love to share your moment with our public.

Photo courtesy of ShowChampions.com

Max's Page goes digital
2/18/2009
Max Pratt's column is the newest addition to BallingerNews.com. Mr. Pratt has written columns for print for quite some time now and is excited to see his column go online. We've added a new spot on the link bar to the left called "Max's Page." Check it frequently for updates. We at BallingerNews.com wish to thank Mr. Pratt for his contribution.

Students From BJHS Deliver Valentines
2/18/2009
Several students from Ballinger JHS made valentines for an event qualifier. The students whose names were drawn delivered the valentines to Ballinger Health Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Pictured above are: Logan Orozco, Veronica Luera, Ali Stone, Felix Martinez, and Ethan Langston

Ballinger UIL Meet in Wylie results
2/18/2009
The Ballinger High School UIL Team competed in the Wylie Valentine Classic on
Saturday, February 14. 37 schools ranging from 1A to 3A completed and the Bearcat
team finished 2nd in Sweepstakes Competition. Ballinger was lead by an outstanding
performance by the Journalism team which won first place in overall Journalism.
Team Results:
1st Place Overall Journalism
1st Place Calculator: Katy Chapman, Jacie Frierson, Nathan Kalina, Kaci Hite, Kari Pruser
5th Place Current Events: Madelyn Tounget, Kenneth Miller, Jeremy Fischer, Jessica Thompson, Matthew Rodriquez
Individual Results:
Maritza Aguirre: 6th Prose
Katy Chapman: 2nd Calculator
Jared Fournier: 3rd Number Sense
Jill Halfmann: 1st Editorial Writing, 2nd News Writing
Nathan Kalina: 5th Calculator
Paige Mattingley: 4th News Writing
Jacob Mota: 5th Prose
Kaylee Owen: 5th News Writing
Paige Sanders: 1st News Writing, 3rd Editorial Writing
Ali Tounget: 2nd Headline Writing, 5th Feature Writing

4^th Six Weeks Bearcat Eye and Pays to be Present Winners:
2//18/2009
Pays to be Present: Danielle Ramirez (pictured left)
To qualify for Pays to be Present, a student must have perfect attendance for the entire six weeks. All students that qualify then have their name put in a drawing for 25 dollars. The winner will be in the end of the year drawing for 100 dollars.

Bearcat Eyes Winner: Brandon Vasquez (pictured right)
When a school employee witnesses a student doing something over and above what is called for, they fill out a “Bearcat Eyes” card and return it to the office. At the end of six weeks, their names are put in a drawing for 25 dollars. The winner will be in the end of the year drawing for 100 dollars.

LadyCats edge out Early by 2
2/18/2009
The Ballinger LadyCats (24-9) won 35-33 over Early (20-9) in the Region I-2A bi-district playoff game at McMurry's Kimbrell Arena last night. Coach Don Layton stated, "We are very proud of the girls. They showed great heart overcoming a slow start. I thought we did a great job of handling the ball in the final minutes and Halfmann had a big 3 and Lauren had a big free throw."

BallingerNews.com photo

Points by Quarter   1st      2nd       3rd       4th    Final
Early                     10        4          10         9        33 
Ballinger                 6        10         10         9        35

Morgan Halfmann 15, McKenzi Matschek 3, Kaci Hite 7, Lauren Michalewicz 6, Brenda Delgado 2, Valerie Albarado 2.

For a good write-up on last night's game by the Abilene Reports News, read their story here.

The LadyCats will face Bowie this Friday February 20th, in Breckenridge at 5:30pm. BISD will have an early release of 1pm on Friday so that all the LadyCat fans will be able to make it to the game in time.

Winters hosted the Trail Riders
2/18/2009 -by Jean Boles Winters Chamber of Commerce
Yeehaw and Giddy Up! Chamber directors and volunteers hosted the San Angelo Trail Riders for an overnight stay on Monday, February 16. Riders moseyed by the elementary school on their way into town, and then enjoyed a hot meal at the Rock Hotel, followed by a street dance. The riders also had breakfast before hitting the trail back to San Angelo Tuesday morning. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped in decorating, meal preparations, cleaning, and extending a warm welcome to these special visitors.

To read the full Winters Chamber news for this week, by Jean Boles, click here.

Meet the Spring Bearcats
2/17/2009
This Thursday February the 19th, join us in supporting our Ballinger Bearcat Spring athletes. The Athletic Booster club will be hosting a hot dog dinner with chips, drink and dessert for $3.00, as a fund raiser, starting at 5:30pm. Come out to meet the Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Track and Golf teams in the Ballinger High School Auditorium from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Go Bearcats!!

LadyCats Playoff Game Reminder
2/17/2009
This is a reminder that the Ballinger LadyCats will face the Early Lady Horns tonight at McMurry University in the Kimbrell Arena. Tip-off will be at 8:00pm. The LadyCats will be the Home team for this game. Tickets will be sold at the door, $5 for adults and $2 for students. For directions to McMurry University, click here and click here for a map of the campus.
The LadyCats faced the Early Lady Horns earlier in the season and won a close game with a score of 45 to 42.
The winner of tonight's game will go on to face No. 2 ranked Bowie in the 2nd round of playoffs.

New Friend Gets Approval!
2/17/2009 -by Cinnamon Carter
Well Ladies and Gentlemen, the Verdict is in and the answer is YES!!! The Ballinger City Council gave their approval for our quest for a new Indian statue of Friend to be placed in the Ballinger City Park at Monday night’s meeting. Arrangements will now be made in regards to a bank account being set up for donations, a committee being established to formulate details for the statue, and a whole lot of excitement and smiles from 75 sixth graders on Tuesday morning when the news is announced that our dream is "a GO"! We would love your support in the next steps of the process and look forward to the day when our community comes together both from near and far to unveil a new beginning for an old Friend!

Go Red Heart
2/16/2009 -by Hope Henson
Ballinger Elementary Students kicked off their Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart campaign on Friday, February the 6th. Our elementary students joined thousands of women, companies, organizations and cities across America to help the American Heart Association support ongoing research and education about women and heart disease. Heart disease is the #1 killer of American women.

Photograph courtesy of Jason Gore, www.gorephotographyshop.com
 

DPS Announcement on falling space debris
2/16/2009
The Texas Department of Public Safety office out of San Angelo released a bulletin advising the public to steer clear of any fallen debris that you may come across after the recent collision of two satellites in orbit. Some of the debris is expected to fall in various places throughout the state of Texas. Local agencies are instructed to advise the public not to touch or seek out any fallen objects. If you do come across any such debris, you are asked to call your local law enforcement agency. In Ballinger you may call the PD at 365-3591, Winters PD at 754-4121, or the Runnels County Sherriff's Department at 365-2121. You may also contact Jerry Huffman with the San Angelo DPS at 325-223-6501.

If you would like to read more on the cause of this announcement, a full story about the collision can be found on CNN.com.

United Blood Services Blood Drive
2/15/2009
United Blood Services will be having a blood drive at the Ballinger Wal-Mart on February 20th from 3pm to 7pm. If you'd like to make an appointment or need more info you can visit www.bloodhero.com or call Sandee Schneider at 325-365-5732

Check out the new BISD Spotlight!
2/12/2009
Today is the start of our 2nd installment of the BISD Spotlight.  Check it out and see what the scoop is on Ms. Strube. Tune in next week to see who's next.

LadyCats heading into the Playoffs!
2/11/2009
The LadyCats basketball play-off game has been set. Ballinger LadyCats will face the Early Lady Horns, Feb.17th at McMurry University in the Kimbrell Arena. Tip-off will be at 8:00pm. The LadyCats will be the Home team for this game. Tickets will be sold at the door, $5 for adults and $2 for students. For directions to McMurry University, click here and click here for a map of the campus.

When asked about the playoffs, Coach Layton had to say, "It has been a great year for us. We are 24-8 on the year and I know the girl's are looking forward to the play-offs. I feel that we are a very dangerous draw in the play-offs. Our team believes that they can beat anyone on a given night. We also think that our strong district has prepared us for the play-offs. Go Ladycats!"

City Officer Election Called
2/11/2009
The City officer's election has been called for May 9, 2009. The period for people to sign up for a place on the City Council started on February 9, 2009 and will continue until March 9, 2009.

Anyone interested in serving on the City Council should come by the City hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and get in contact with Bonita F. Shields, City Secretary.
The positions that are up for election:
           Mayor, presently held by Joe Selby
           Single Member District # 1, presently held by Phillip Arp
           Single Member District # 2, presently held by Darlene Kelly
All incumbents have filed for their current seats.
For more information call 325 365-3511 or come by City hall at 700 Railroad Avenue.

Ballinger Fire Department to host SkyWarn Class
2/11/2009
The Ballinger Fire Dept. will be hosting a Skywarn Class on Feb. 12, 2009. The class will be at the fire station in the Training Room. The class will start at 7:30 p.m. and the National Weather Service will be instructing the class. All who are interested may attend. If you have any questions call the station, (325) 365-5137 between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Taste of Ballinger
2/11/2009
The Taste of Ballinger (food provided by Ballinger churches) benefitting the Carnegie Library will be Thursday, February 12, 2009, at the Ballinger Community Center from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. The cost of the meal is $ 7.00 per person, carry-outs are available. Please try to attend and support the library. We are struggling financially and there are many repairs needed. This is a worthy cause...and you get to sample LOTS of Food!! There will be 8 meat dishes, 8 side dishes, and 8 desserts and you may have some of all. See you Thursday!!

New Photos of  Ballinger's Indian Hill!
2/10/2009 -by Cinnamon Carter
We recently have been given some very neat pictures taken at OUR Indian Hill site. I would just like to share some of those with you now.

Click images below to see a larger version:

And as it looks today:

First United Methodist Church Garage Sale
2/10/2009
The Junior High and Senior High Sunday School class of the First United Methodist Church will have a garage sale in the Fellowship Hall of the church on Saturday, February 21st , beginning at 8:00 a.m. Please come by and check out the bargains. The church is located at 1501 north Broadway. The number for more information is 365-2323.
 

Winters Chamber News
2/9/2009 -by Jean Boles Winters Chamber of Commerce

Dance under the stars Monday night with Trail Riders
Yeehaw! Trail Riders are comin’ to town! Chamber directors and volunteers will host the San Angelo Trail Riders for an overnight stay on Monday, February 16. Riders will mosey by the elementary school on their way into town, and then enjoy a hot meal at the Rock Hotel, followed by a street dance. The community is invited to come join the fun at the free dance from 7-9 p.m. on Melwood Street between the Rock Hotel and the Z. I. Hale Museum. Volunteers are needed to help with hospitality for more than 150 riders who will camp in our town. If you can help welcome, serve supper or breakfast, or clean up the facility, please call the Chamber at 754-5210. We can certainly use your help in extending a warm welcome to these special visitors.
First Baptist Church of Winters will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the church sanctuary on Sunday, February 15. Former church members, guests and visitors are invited to services at 10:45 a.m., followed by a potluck church lunch. Call FBC 754-5521 for more information.
Please mark your calendar for the annual Chamber banquet on Sat., March 7, at the school cafeteria. This year’s theme is “Boots ‘n’ Bling” so folks can wear their jeans and/or diamonds. Doors open at 6 p.m. to begin the silent auction bidding and visiting. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Tickets are only $15 in advance and include a delicious pork loin dinner, fun trivia contest and program. Keynote speaker will be Mike Bodenchuk, wildlife biologist and State Director for the Texas Wildlife Services Program. He will share informative and entertaining stories about wildlife management, economic development and how the two interact and affect our area. He has guided for over 500 big game animal hunts and was featured on the cover of Outdoor Life magazine. Tickets are available at the Chamber, J&T Hardware, Guy’s Dirt, Raymond’s Clip Joint, Security State Bank, and the Daisy Patch.
Prior to the banquet, the evening activities begin with a private reception from 5-6 p.m. at the Rock Hotel for anyone purchasing a sponsorship. Gold sponsorships are $200 and include 4 tickets to the banquet and 4 to the wine and cheese reception with Mr. Bodenchuk. Silver sponsorships are $125 and include 2 banquet tickets and 2 reception tickets. All sponsorships will be promoted in local media and on the banquet program, as well as on signage at the banquet.
Nominations are being accepted for Man and Woman of the Year with winners to be announced at the banquet. Please take a few minutes to send your nominations to the Chamber at P. O. Box 662, Winters 79567, e-mail to wacc@wtxs.net, or come by 100 West Dale. All nominees will be recognized at the banquet.
Anyone interested in helping with the upcoming census may call 1-866-861-2010. Part-time and full-time workers are needed to cover days, evenings and weekends.
If you’ve ever thought of running a marathon, writing a book, starting or selling a business, or any other personal or professional “dream”, mark your calendar to attend the Big Dream Gathering on Thursday, March 5, at 6 p.m. in the McNease Convention Center in San Angelo. Sponsored by the Texas Midwest Community Network, Mitch Matthews of Iowa will bring his BDG expertise to help us publicly share our dreams and possibly link such dreams to people with skills, know-how, connectivity and finances to make those dreams a reality. There is no charge for this fun and exciting “meeting of the minds and opportunities.”
Texas Midwest Community Network is a regional effort that promotes a cooperative approach to economic and community growth among its 43 member cities, including Winters. On February 3, nine business leaders from Winters were among 130 people representing rural cities in the TMCN region who met with legislators in Austin to discuss issues such as state services, tax reform and natural resources. Attending from Winters were Shelley Guevara with the City of Winters; Lupe Guevara, President of the Chamber Board of Directors; Amy Wheat of Wheat Energy Services; Brenda Briley, Human Resource Manager with Tradesman Truck Accessories; Rick Rickard, Administrator of North Runnels Hospital; Mary Lynn and Ronald Presley, County Commissioner; and myself.
For more information about these and other Chamber activities, contact the Chamber at wacc@wtxs.net, or check out our website at www.winterschamber.org. We always encourage and welcome new members. The Chamber board of directors meets the first Monday of each month at 5:30 in the Chamber office of the Gehrels Building, 100 West Dale.
 

All-Star Roster Announced for 2009 FCA All-Star Classic
2/9/2009
Who: 2009 North and South All-Stars
What: Player check-in and introduction press conference for the 10th Annual FCA Greathouse All-Star Classic
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 1:30 p.m. (Player introductions scheduled to begin @ 2 p.m.)
Where: Beltway Park Baptist Church, 4009 Beltway South

Representing 52 Big Country high schools, the players and cheerleaders chosen for the 10th Anniversary Fellowship of Christian Athletes Greathouse All-Star Classic football game will be announced Saturday.
The 2008 game is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium with all proceeds benefitting the Big Country Chapter of the FCA.
On Saturday, 83 players, 28 cheerleaders and the coaching staffs will be introduced to the media and then attend informational meetings with organizers and coaches at Beltway Park Baptist Church.
Teams, cheerleaders and coaches report for two-a-day practices in Abilene on Wednesday, June 10.
As announced earlier, the coaching staffs from the inaugural Classic in 2000 are reuniting as part of the 10th Anniversary celebration.
The North will be led by head coach Steve Warren of Abilene High, assisted by Albany head coach Denney Faith, former Colorado City head coach Gerald James and former Sweetwater head coach Hank Dowell. James is now an assistant coach in Bridgeport, while Dowell is on Warren’s staff at AHS.
Wylie’s Hugh Sandifer will return as head coach for the South and will be assisted by former Brownwood head coach Steve Freeman, retired Ballinger head coach Danny Slaughter and Wylie defensive coordinator Clay Martin. Martin replaces former Cooper head coach Randy Quisenberry from the first FCA staff. Quisenberry has a scheduling conflict and is unavailable for the 2009 game.
Information about the Big Country Chapter of the FCA can also be found at www.bigcountryfca.org

Click here to see the North Roster, and the South Roster.

Town and Country Women's Fair
2/9/2009
Taylor County will host a Town and Country Women's Fair on February 24th, 2009 at the Taylor County Expo. Center. Admission is free and there will be plenty of activities including door prizes and refreshments. To see a schedule of events click here.

Knights of Columbus Free Throwers going to State Competition
2/9/2009
Taylor Bowman won the 11 and under girls division and Davis Matschek won the 11 and under boys division of the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Regional Championship which was held in Wall on Sunday Feb. 8. Both have qualified for the State Competition to be held in San Antonio on March 7. This was Taylor's second year compete at regional. Davis was the regional champion last year and will advance to state for the second year. Taylor represented the Ballinger District and Davis represented the Rowena District.

I

ndian Hill Meeting Scheduled
2/9/2009
by Cinnamon Carter
Next Monday, February 16, a group of students and myself will be attending the Ballinger City Council meeting to discuss the commissioning of a replacement statue of Friend. If we get the "Official" ok to move forward from the city, I plan to set up a bank account on Tuesday to start taking donations from any interested parties and those who have been so kind as to offer money already! Please keep those fingers crossed and send very happy thoughts our way! Stay Tuned, Same Bat Channel, Same Bat Cave, Same Bat Time!

Olfen Fish Fry
2/6/2009
Friends of Olfen school will be hosting their annual Fish Fry on February 27, 2009 of the St. Boniface Parish hall in Olfen. Serving will begin at 5:30 pm and go until 7:30 pm. The cost of the meal is $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. To-go plates will also be available. The meal consists of fish, french fries, hush puppies, slaw, and dessert. Sweet Bingo will also be played in the dining room for any who want to participate. Please come out for a good meal and fun time.
 

Iron Chef America Challenger comes to San Angelo
2/6/2009
     Executive Chef David Bull of The Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa's signature Modern Italian restaurant Bolla is coming to San Angelo to prepare a six-course dinner for the Wine and Dine event of the San Angelo Wine and Food Festival. The festival, which runs from April 30 to May 2, will be celebrating 25 years for 2009 and is honored to have Chef Bull prepare this gourmet dinner for the event.
     In addition to appearing on the Food Network in 2006 as an Iron Chef America challenger, Chef Bull was nominated for the prestigious 2007 James Beard award of "Best New Chef Southwest. Chef Bull most recently joined The Stoneleigh team after an extensive tenure at The Driskill Hotel in Austin , Texas . While serving as the Executive Chef of The Driskill Grill, David led his team to receive The Austin American Statesman's sought after "Number One Restaurant Award" for three consecutive years. With Chef Bull at the helm, the Five Star Driskill Grill was also recognized as one of the Top 50 Hotel Restaurants by USA Today as listed for Conde Nast Traveler. Bull achieved celebrated acclaim as one of the "Best New Chefs 2003" by Food & Wine Magazine and appeared on several Public Broadcasting Syndications in the years that followed. And recently, his restaurant, Bolla, has been named the #4 on Texas Monthly's Top Ten Restaurants in the state of Texas (February 2009 issue).
     For more information on the Wine and Dine or the other San Angelo Wine and Food Festival events, please go on line at www.sanangeloarts.com.
 

Special Meeting of the BISD Board Scheduled
2/6/2009
A Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Ballinger ISD will be held February 9 & 10, 2009,
beginning at 1:00 PM in the BISD Administration Building, 802 Conda Ave, Ballinger, Texas
76821.
The topic of this meeting will be to Interview Athletic Director/Review Head Coach Applications.

Former Rowena Resident Elected Beef Board Vice Chair
Dierschke to chair Executive Committee, as well
2/6/2009
CENTENNIAL, Colo. - (February 6, 2009) – During its meeting in Phoenix on Jan. 31, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) unanimously elected Texas beef producer Dan Dierschke, formerly of Rowena, to serve as vice chairman of the Board for 2009. Massachusetts dairywoman Lucinda Williams will serve as chairman, and Tom Jones of Arkansas was elected secretary/treasurer.
     Dierschke served as the 2008 secretary/treasurer of the Beef Board, and has been a member of the CBB since his nomination by beef organizations in Texas and his appointment by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in 2006. Dierschke is a fifth-generation Texas ag producer. He and his wife, Marilynn, produce beef near Austin, Texas.
     During his first three years as a Beef Board member, Dierschke served on committees including the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, the CBB Executive Committee, the CBB Audit Committee, and the Joint International Markets Committee.
     He has been very active in other beef industry organizations, as well. He is a past chairman of the Texas Beef Council; former Texas Farm Bureau State Director; and a member of the board for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, for which he previously served on the Executive Committee. Other organizations on which he continues to serve include the Technical Subcommittee on Farm Land Preservation for USDA’s National Resources Conservation Service (Texas); as an appointee of the Secretary of Ag to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products; as an appointee of the Texas governor to the Texas Farm & Ranch Lands Conservation Council; and as an appointee of the Texas Comptroller to the Property Value Study Technical Advisory Committee.
     In addition to serving as Beef Board vice chairman in 2009, Dierschke will serve on the Beef Board Executive Committee and the Beef Promotion Operating Committee.
     As administrator of the national Beef Checkoff Program, the mission of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board is to build demand for beef through promotion, research and information programs of the national Beef Checkoff Program. That includes management of the widely recognized “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” campaign.
     During its recent meeting in Phoenix, Beef Board members worked in joint committees with representatives of the Federation of State Beef Councils to prioritize strategies aimed at leveraging beef producers’ checkoff dollars on the research, educational and promotional efforts that they believe offer the biggest return on producers’ investment. In addition, the Board elected officers for 2009, as well as representatives to serve on the Board’s Executive Committee and the Beef Promotion Operating Committee. For more information about those elections, go to CBB Leadership Elected. For more photos and information about the goings on at the 2009 Cattle Industry Convention, go to www.beefboardmeeting.com.
 

Ballinger City Council Members meet with Gov. Perry
2/5/2009
The Ballinger City Council attended the Texas Midwest Community Network Day in Austin on February 3. Governor Rick Perry stopped by to have his picture made on the steps of the Capitol. Others attending from Ballinger were Tommy New, Mayor Joe Selby, Councilman J.B. Teters, Tammie Virden, Mark Heinze, Steve Smith and John Francesco.

Darlene Kelly pictured to the left with Governor Rick Perry.

Click here and here for a look at two other photos from the event.

Ballinger Chamber of Commerce Banquet
2/5/2009
The Ballinger Chamber of Commerce will be holding the annual Chamber Banquet, February 26, 2009 at the Ballinger High School Cafeteria at 7:00p.m. The guest speaker will be Wendy Ellis from Brady Chamber of Commerce and our theme this year is Big Dreams. The meal will be catered by Big O's Bar-B-Que who will be serving brisket, sausage, and turkey with all of the trimmings, tickets will be $15 each. Please RSVP by February 19th to the Ballinger Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 577, Ballinger, TX or call 325-365-2333. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

The Chamber is still accepting nominations for Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year. Please submit in writing your nominations. Keep in mind this person or business must be community and civic minded and go above and beyond their jobs or businesses to help our community.

Last Chance Pesticide License CEU Program
2/5/2009
Tom Green County Presents “Last Chance Pesticide License CEU Program”
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 At Texas AgriLife Research & Extension Center 7887 US Hwy 87 N San Angelo, Texas

Registration begins 12:30 PM
Program - 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Registration Fee - $5
Total CEUs Available – 5 (1 General, 2 IPM, 1 Laws & Regs, 1 Drift Min.)
Speakers:
Cory Pence – TDA Representative
Dr. Billy Warrick – Extension Agronomist (Retired)
Rick Minzenmayer – IPM Agent, Runnels/Tom Green Co.
Ross Benson – CEA, Ag/NR - Irion County
John Begnaud, CEA-Horticulture (Retired)

For more information, contact: Tom Green Co. Extension Office
(659-6522 or 659-6524)
 

Investigation on going in Miles shootings
2/5/2009
Runnels County Sherriff Bill Baird and other law enforcement officials are investigating a couple of shooting incidents that occurred near Miles on Monday evening the 2nd of February. Two separate vehicles were struck by bullets within about a 1/2 mile distance of the Miles city limits on the east side of town. The investigation is ongoing, but Sherriff Baird stated that at this time there are no persons of interest. Please contact your local Crimestoppers at the Sherriff's Department, at 365-2121 if you have any information that could assist in the investigation. There could be a reward up to $1000 for your information.

Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center News
2/4/2009

On January 9th, 2009, Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center's Lighthouse Unit for residents with Alzheimer's and Dementia sponsored a blood drive with United Blood Bank Services. We would like to thank all who participated in this event, and encourage you to keep a watch for our next blood drive.
 

Ms. Eleanora Zly (pictured left) from Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center celebrated her 102nd birthday on January 8th , 2009. We were honored to celebrate this wonderful occasion with her and her family.

 

On January 14th , 2009 Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab. Center celebrated our January Birthdays with cake and ice cream. (pictured right)

 

On February 2nd, 2009 Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center welcomed Home Depot (pictured left) for their monthly woodworking shop. This month all residents were given the opportunity to build their own birdhouses. Residents, volunteers, and staffed enjoyed being able to create a lasting memory. Watch in the future when our Own hometown art guild will come to help these residents paint their newly built birdhouses. Click here and here for two more pictures from the Home Depot visit.
 

The Lifesteps Unit of Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center honored Daws Switzer on February 3rd, 2009. Mr. Switzer successfully completed his Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapy. The Lifesteps Unit allows residents residents to be able to return home after a brief stay at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab. Center. If you see Daws ask him his story it is a page turner.

Ballinger Elementary Book Fair
2/4/2009

Announcing the "BISD Faculty Spotlight"
2/4/2009
This Special Feature Article is designed to "Spotlight" the employees of the Ballinger Independent School District. We will have a new employee of the BISD featured here each week. The purpose of this BISD Faculty Spotlight is to allow the community to meet the great folks that are dedicated to ensuring our children's education is the best that it can be. This week is a special first time edition where we have 3 employees in the spotlight. This week is Counselor's Week and we felt a great way to start off our "BISD Faculty Spotlight" was to spotlight all 3 of the BISD campus counselors. BallingerNews.com hopes you enjoy reading about our BISD Faculty!

Each week as we spotlight a new faculty member, we'll post a reminder. But we have also added a new link to the link bar to the left called BISD Spotlight. Please click there any time to read about our school employees spotlighted so far.

Indian Hill Update...
2/4/2009
Cinnamon Carter has provided us with another update to the story and their plans in regards to the Indian Hill at the Ballinger City Park. Mrs. Carter and 4 students plan to present information to the City Council in regards to their quest to return our "Friend." Click on "Indian Hill" on the link bar to the left to read the update.
 

BallingerNews.com gets "Fishing with Dave"
2/4/2009
As many of you know, Dave Caudle runs a fishing guide business out at Lake Ivie. Dave has kindly agreed to provide us with his weekly column for our online readers to have access to his fishing reports constantly. Click here to read Dave's current report.

Youth Art Show at Coleman Library
2/4/2009 (contributed by Marian Johnson, FALCC Publicity)
ANOTHER CHANGE...  YOUTH ART SHOW – COLEMAN LIBRARY FEB. 3 - 13^th, 2009      
        Off and running – the  First Annual Youth Art Show (YAS) sponsored by the Fine Arts League of Coleman and the Coleman Public Library!!  Due to the “change” in the Fiesta Art Show (open)  to a juried show in October, the Fine Arts League of Coleman County  decided  to sponsor  the Youth with  their own show.  Hopefully, it will be a growing  annual event.
        The exhibit is up and will be judged by the time you get this news.  It was difficult to tell who was the most excited about the new art venture – the Youth bringing in art work or the FALCC Community Projects Chair, Robin Black and CISD art teacher, Danna Dawson.  The show will run from Feb. 3,  through Feb. 13, 2009 during regular hours at the Library.
        47 students presented a total of 61 pieces of artwork to be entered – in various media including mosaics, wood, pastel, graphite, watercolor, paper sculpture, colored pencil, acrylics and oil pastels.
        The date for the awards ceremony will be will be announced  soon. Make plans to attend – as the Fine Arts League dedicates its efforts to the arts through the youth. The Coleman Library is a vital part of our community and its fine facilities and the cooperative spirit exhibited by the staff are appreciated. www.fineartsleaguecolemantx.com
 

Runnels County Relay for Life Kickoff Meeting
2/3/2009
Runnels County kicked off the 2009 Relay for Life season with a Kick Off Rally on January 29. This year’s Relay theme is “Celebrating 25 Years of Hope”. Each team is asked to choose a theme depicting any event, movie, pop culture, TV show, toy, etc. from the last 25 years. Based on the teams that have registered so far, this year’s Relay is sure to have an exciting diversity of themes.

Photo Contributed of Relay participants at the Kick Off Meeting.

Local Hero of Hope, Sue Sorrells (pictured left, photo contributed), gave her inspiring story of her own battle with cancer and her determination to fight back. Survivors and caregivers were recognized for their courageous fight against cancer.

This year’s Relay committee was introduced members are as follows:
Event Chair - Misty Ueckert
Event Co-Chair - David Ueckert
Underwriting & Publicity - Elizabeth Cook
Entertainment - Laura Gonzales
Luminaria - Cari Cuellar
Luminaria - Deborah Earnshaw
Fight Back Ceremony/Activities - Erica Duarte
Survivor/Caregiver Chair - Carolyn Slaughter
Survivor/Caregiver Co-Chair - Lisa Willingham
Advocacy/Activities - Sheree Goetz
Teams/Activities/Online Chair - Julie Gray
DJ - Rodney Nichols
Treasurer - Deborah Jean

The first Team Captain meeting is currently set for Thursday, February 12 at 5:30p.m. at Main Street. Team Captains will be given team packets complete with the information needed to get their team geared up and ready for Relay.

For more information about Relay or to register your team, please contact Julie Gray at 365-2403.
 

Photos Contributed of Relay participants at the Kick Off Meeting.

Spring/Summer Fast Pitch Softball Registration
2/3/2009
Registration for the Spring/Summer fast pitch softball has now begun. Registration deadline is March 1st, and tryouts for all age groups to be held the first week of March. Registration is $40 per child ($50 after March 1st) and forms can be picked up at the Treadmill, or Sonic drive in.
The age groups are as follows:
8 under
10 under
12 under
14 under
High School Eligible

Please contact:
Henry Howell 365-9949 / 365-5021 / 325-660-3349
Jennifer Howell 365-9949 / 325-260-7965

Ballinger Education Foundation Has Reached $25,000 Goal
2/2/2009
With the Ballinger community coming out and believing in a great cause to give our Ballinger ISD students a little more we have met that $25,000 goal. Ballinger Education Foundation wants to acknowledge everyone that has helped reach the matching pledge that began on February 1, 2008 and ended February 1, 2009. Ballinger Education Foundation has been excited about the donations made and having the opportunity to reach out to the students and teachers of BISD. With the donations made to meet this pledge the foundation will have a chance to give out senior scholarships and/or grants to students to begin their college courses while in high school. The teachers will have the opportunity to receive grants to bring in new classroom projects and/or programs.

Ballinger Education Foundation would also like to recognize three of the past board members, Rodney & Carolyn Flanagan, and Ebb Grindstaff. These three members have resigned but they were a major part of the board and the foundation want to let them know how much the Foundation will miss them and appreciate their dedication, time, and hard work they have given. BEF wants to recognize the three new members, Jason Gore, Robert Martinez, and Julie Gray. The members continuing their service are Jackie Gibbs, Elaine Paske, Jeanette Johnson, Thella Henderson, Kay Smith, Terilyn Bowman, Justin Busenlehner, and Tammie Virden.

To make a contribution to the foundation or for more information please contact Jackie Gibbs by phone at (325) 365-3588 ext. 1010 or by mail at Ballinger Education Foundation c/o Jackie Gibbs, P.O. Box 231, Ballinger, TX 76821. You can also look us up at www.ballinger4education.org. 

Ballinger ISD Regular Meeting
2/2/2009
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Ballinger ISD will be held February 5, 2009,
beginning at 5:30 PM in the BISD Administration Building, 802 Conda Ave, Ballinger, Texas
76821.
The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are as
listed below. Items do not have to be taken in the order shown on this meeting notice.
1. Call to order
    A. Invocation
    B. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Approval of Minute(s)
3. Superintendent Report
    A. Enrollment Figures
    B. Letter - Representative Harvey Hilderbran - HB 471
    C. Elementary - Construction of New Wing
    D. CSCOPE Curriculum - Llano ISD
    E. 2008 - Property Value Study
    F. Miscellaneous
4. Petitions and Communications
5. New Business
    A. Consideration and possible action of resolution for the State of Texas
        Co-Op Program
    B. Consideration and possible action of approval of application and
        agreement for commodities
    C. Consideration and possible action on Budget Amendment(s)
    D. Consideration and possible action for designation of auditor for 2008-
        2009 annual audit
    E. Consideration and possible action to order the May 9 School Board
        Election
    F. Personnel
        (This item requires a closed meeting as authorized by Section 551.001
          through 551.146 of the Texas Government Code)
        1. Interview invitation deliberations for Athletic Director/Coach
        2. To deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation,
            reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer
            or employee
        3. Discuss Personnel Matters with Superintendent
        4. Resignations
        5. Recommendations
6. Action, if any, of Matters Discussed in Closed Session
7. Adjournment

Winters Chamber Of Commerce News
2/2/2009
Nominations needed and trail riders coming
It’s that time of year again…time to send your nominations for Man of the Year and Woman of the Year to be honored at the annual Chamber banquet on Sat., March 6. Winters is so blessed to have many wonderful community members who contribute to the well-being of so many. These may be front-and-center folks or behind-the-scenes men and women. So please take a minute to send us a brief description of your nominees to the Chamber at P. O. Box 662, Winters 79567.
The banquet this year will feature Mike Bodenchuk as keynote speaker. Mr. Bodenchuk's presentation should prove to be an entertaining and informative program. Watch for more details in next week’s Chamber News.
Congratulations to Gloria Abernathie who was honored with a retirement reception last Friday at Bedford Norman Insurance. Gloria began her work at Bedford Norman Insurance in March, 1981. The agency is one of the oldest businesses in Winters, having been established in the 1930’s when W. G. Bedford bought the agency from the Sheppard family.
Congratulations are also in order to Lawrence Bros. IGA supermarket which was selected as Business of the Quarter by the Chamber. The business is owned by the Lawrence family in Sweetwater, and is managed by Randy Couch.
First Baptist Church of Winters will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the church sanctuary on Sunday, February 15. Former church members and guests are invited to services at 10:45 a.m., followed by a church lunch. Call FBC 754-5521 for more information.
Chamber directors and volunteers will host the San Angelo Trail Riders for an overnight stay on Monday, February 16. Riders will enjoy a hot meal at the Rock Hotel followed by a street dance. The community is invited to come join the fun, meet the riders, extend some hospitality and dance a little from 7-9 p.m. on Melwood Street between the Rock Hotel and the Z. I. Hale Museum. There is no charge for the street dance. Volunteers are needed to help feed more than 100 riders who will camp in our town. If you can help welcome, serve supper or breakfast, or clean up the facility, please call the Chamber at 754-5210. We can certainly use your help to make a good Winters impression on these special visitors.
I also want to remind readers that the Chamber is asking for donations to help purchase new letters for the community sign on the parking lot of IGA supermarket. We lost all but a very few letters in a house fire in December. Displaying messages has been a free service the Chamber has provided for numerous clubs and organizations for several years. Now we are looking to these same organizations and other community members to help replace the letters which cost about $325 per set. Any donations will be appreciated and may be sent to P. O. Box 662, Winters.
Concerned citizens are reminded of the town hall meetings to discuss the future of North Runnels Hospital.