THIS ISN’T
OUR FIRST RODEO
You may have met Expedition Royalty Co. for the first time when we sponsored the Big Spring Rodeo or the Howard County Fair last fall. Our commitment to Howard County runs deep. We have made deals for thousands of acres here, and our people have decades of experience serving Permian Basin mineral rights owners. We’re proud to be part of the community, sponsoring and participating in big events year-round. But we’re even prouder to be your mineral advisor in the Permian Basin every day. Get in touch today for a free evaluation of your property and its mineral rights.
Expedition Royalty Co.
ION T I D E EXP CO. Y T L A ROY R E AC H U S TO DAY BY P H O N E O R E M A I L . Matt Scott 432-755-7065 matt.scott@expeditionroyalty.com
Rayne Austin 432-755-7065 rayne.austin@expeditionroyalty.com
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To protect and serve is an oath that is taken by many who have stepped up and answered the call of being a public servant. The oath is something that Erwin Ballarta continues to uphold, even as he walks into retirement from the force. While he protected the communities as a police officer and law enforcement official, in retirement he continues to serve those families of his fallen comrades. As many who have served their nation or their community, the bond that is created is a brotherhood … a family. Police officers and their families hold a special place in Ballarta’s heart which is why he recently created Texas True Blue Coffee as a way to give back to the brotherhood that invested so much into his life. “My parents immigrated in the United States in 1967. My father searched and got a job with Chrysler,” Ballarta said. I rememer sleeping in the basement of my dad’s coworker’s home with my mother, father and 5-month old
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brother in cots. My first Christmas gift in the U.S. was a gift from the Salvation Army. As a kid I was mentored and coached by a police officer with the Detroit Police Department and the Police Athletic League one summer.” He continued, “While some of my friends were arrested, became addicted to drugs or even killed, I was blessed to have gone a different direction and now I have an opportunity to give back. I focus on doing things that will benefit others.” Erwin Ballarta began his law enforcement career with the Big Spring Police Department in 1982; prior to his law enforcemnt career, he served as a counselor for emotional disturbed children. During his time with the BSPD, he moved up the ranks as a Patrol Sergeant, Narcotics Sergeant and Criminal Investigator Sergeant. After serving on the BSPD force for five years, he was recruited to join the Texas Department of Public Safety and after graduation fround duties in Highway Patrol Safety Education and with the
Governor’s Protection Detain and Training Academy. Before he went into retirement – August 2008 – he served as a Lieutenant coordinating the InService Program, Defensive Tactics Program and the Specialized School Program of the Texas Police Association. Even though he has retired, his desire to serve did not wain; he served as the Senior Vice President of CCNG Inc. and CEO of Armatek USA Security Group Inc. “We are all on this Earth for a short time. I have asked myself what is the purpose of life; when I was in college I had everything, but questioned whether this was all there is,” he said. “What is the purpose of life? I have asked God, but I was still confused if I received a college assignment one day to research the reformation. I read a book where Martin Luther said ‘the purpose of life is not living for yourself, but for other.’ I now believe if we focus on ourselves we leave this Earth as if we did not matter. If we help others we will continue to live in them and in others they help.” The heart of a servent is evident in all the works that Ballarta does. Several organizations have even recognized him for his works including in 2001 when he received the Wallace Beasley Association of Texas Law Enforcement Educator of the Year award. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers standards and Education recognized him with the Texas Professional Achievement Award for his contribution to Law Enforcement in the field training. He has even been selected to play a role in the fight against world terror-
ism in Washington D.C. He served as Liaison between Phillippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and President George W. Bush on mutial alliance to combat world terrorism. “Being a servant is also the ultimate form of leadership. If we focus on taking care of others, our leadership role will take care of itself. I am happy to know my children are following this same path and wanting to serve,” he said. “Whatever we have we can always give back with kindness. You will never know the impact you will have on a person
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with a kind encouraging word. The first cause is our family and friends.” The idea to create Texas True Blue Coffee came after a fellow State Trooper – Moises Sanchez – was shot and killed on duty in April 2019. While there were many who supported his family during this time through fundraisers, in his opinion there weren’t as many as could have. “While these associations do give to national police organizations, they do not impact those affected such as the family. I decided we have to create a more sustainable method of supporting the family of fallen officers. I wanted to create a business that will be able to support our first responders now and in the future.” The idea for a new avenue of support strengthened and grew into the creation of Texas True Blue Coffee after Ballarta read about a major coffee company not wanting to serve police officers. Statistics show 50% of Americans over 18 years of age drink coffee daily. “Coffee is something that many drink daily,” he said. After creating a SWAT
analysis and mind mapping to look at the viability, he created a business plan and began to research the best tasting coffee. Ballarta continued his research by visiting and researching roasters. In his ventures he was able to find a specialty roaster that would roast a blend that was smooth and flavorful. While he launched his company with just a few flavors, he is looking at creating two more blends that will be available soon. The product will also soon be available in K cups that are biodegradable. “Through my years in law enforcement I have met former pilots, chefs, ministers, social workers, firemen, mothers, fathers, husbands, coaches, and many more wanting to serve a law enforcement officer. They are willing to put
their lives on the line to protect our community where we live,” he said. The success of Ballarta’s new business is going well and ramping up with each passing week. When asked what would be helpful to continued success, he encourages people to find out about Texas True Blue Coffee, donate what they can, purchase some coffee, but most importantly send prayers. “First we need prayers. We can’t have success without God,” he said. “Of course we ask that people consider buying our product and in turn for their purchase we will donate a considerable amount of profit to fallen officer’s families.” In addition to supporting families, Ballarta is planning on creating programs for youth promoting leadership, ethics and character. To find out more about Texas True Blue Coffee or to purchase, visit www.texastruebluecoffee.com or find them on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
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S
troke is a disease that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly blocked off by a clot, or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing blood to spill into the spaces surrounding the brain cells, ultimately killing them. A stroke that happens due to a blockage of the artery to the brain is called ischemic; a stroke caused by bleeding into or around the brain is referred to as hemorrhagic. The brain can suffer significant damage very quickly from the lack of oxygen and nutrients it is being deprived of. This disease can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender and ethnicity. In the United States, it is the number five cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability. Individuals who have a stroke are more likely to have another— about 25 percent of people who recover from their 8 Living Magazine
first stroke will have another within five years. Although a stroke is a brain disease, it can affect the entire body. Survivors of stroke could develop problems with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgement and memory. Other disabilities that could develop range from difficulty controlling your emotions to having numbness Archana Rao, M.D. and strange Shannon Clinic Neurology and sensations in Sleep Medicine certain areas of your body. In some cases, complete paralysis on one side of the body, also referred to as hemiplegia, occurs. When it comes to stroke, every minute counts. Certain symptoms of a stroke can be easier to identify than others; it is imperative to B.E. F.A.S.T. and get you or someone else the help they need. B.E. F.A.S.T.:
Learn to spot the signs of a stroke with the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym: B: Balance – Do they have sudden loss of balance, have a headache or are dizzy? E: Eyes – Are they experiencing blurred vision? F: Face – Is their face drooping? A: Arms – Can they lift both arms? S: Speech – Is their speech slurred and do they understand you? T: Time – Time is critical. Call 911 for an ambulance. Knowing these signs can help save someone’s life, but taking preventative measures is the best form of treatment. There are three types of risk factors that may increase your odds of having a stroke—non-modifiable, modifiable and emerging. Nonmodifiable risk factors, which you have no control over, include things such as genetics, age, gender, birth weight and race. Modifiable risk factors—things you have control to change—range from a wide variety of things like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and a healthy diet. Emerging risk factors are things that begin occurring and can be taken as warning signs, such as migraines, obstructive sleep apnea, gum disease, blood markers (lipoprotein) and infection. Patients who have a genetic history of stroke should talk to their doctor about the best practices to prevent one from happening. Common preventative measures include controlling blood pressure, exercising, quitting smoking, identifying atrial fibrillation, managing your cholesterol and blood sugar and abstaining from abusing alcohol and drugs. Starting these healthy habits sooner rather than later is recommended, but it’s never too late. Even the smallest of steps can make a difference in improving your health and preventing stroke. For more information on stroke, we encourage you to set up an appointment with your primary care physician. If you do not currently have a primary care physician, call our Doctor Matchmaker at 325-481-2343.
Having a Special Occasion or Event? Experience the time of your life at The Courtyard. Downtown Big Spring's Best Kept Secret. Enjoy a soothing water fall with your party guest. The Courtyard & Party Room
Our Courtyard is perfect for the afternoon luncheon, wine tasting, or birthday party. The Courtyard + Party Room at 119 Main St. Comes with a kitchen area, his and her restrooms and about 2000 Square Feet of space in the Party Room.
The Hardware Store
The Hardware Store is perfect the yearly office Christmas party, New Years Eve bash, Graduation Party, or maybe just the family reunion. The Hardware Store at 117 Main St. comes with a full wet bar, his and her restrooms, and about 7000 Square Feet of space including the mezzanine.
Both The Courtyard & Party Room + The Hardware Store
Renting both The Courtyard & Party Room + The Hardware Store is excellent for weddings, large reunions, office parties, and so much more. Offering up over 9000 Square Feet of space, a wet bar, a full kitchen, outdoor sitting area, and 4 restrooms, you cant go wrong.
t: a s U Visit downtownbigspring.com Or Call For Information
432.263.6514
Living Magazine
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A
re double portraits double fun or double trouble? Using the one rule of composition – Never make any two intervals the same – can readily be applied when there is more than one subject, as in a double portrait or a group portrait. The same practice is used no matter if you are painting people or pets. Double portrait: With two or more figures or faces in this composition it is more interesting if the heads are not equally spaced or on the same level - both violations of the one rule. The relative heights of the heads may imply prominence of one over another, so be watchful of that significance to your sitters if you have live subjects (or photographs if using those). Be mindful of the direction the people are looking. If they are looking in different directions or if one or both are looking out away from the center, a distracting pull out of the picture can be created. So it is better to avoid boredom of two equally spaced heads by not lining them
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up at equal distance or along any central axis. Photographers know these tricks also as do floral designers. A regular triangle or square placement of your subjects should be avoided at all costs. Remember Mount Rushmore and how those faces or heads are each one different from another. It is apparent in this recent watercolor how I have staggered the women’s heads, varied the hair as to color and length and strands blowing in the sea breeze. Not only was the water treated with different shades but the women’s clothing as well as their hats were given consideration. One note if you are painting or even posing an entire family or group of people, ask them to look in more or less the same direction of all of them looking in toward the center. If one or more looks outward, it attracts the viewer’s attention out of the picture or painting. Visit Brushworks at 2106 Scurry, Big Spring or https:// kaysmith.artspan.com
MaKynlee Overton is a star athlete at Coahoma High School and is steadily becoming one of the strongest and most skilled leaders that the Bulldogettes have had in recent memory. She is a force on the boards in basketball and near the net in volleyball. Her strength shows out in her shot put throwing, and her ability to lock-in and dominate on the mound in softball is second-to-none. Earlier this year, in one of the many sports she plays and excels at, Coahoma student-athlete MaKynlee Overton broke the school shot put record. The mark of 35’ 6” is an outstanding throw and even more impressive when you realize that Overton is only a junior. She still has an entire year to get stronger and try to make her record as untouchable as possible. “I’m hoping (to add) quite a bit,” Overton said. “I feel like if we had been able to continue the season I would have been able to throw even farther.” The strong and athletic Overton stays involved in sports almost all 12 months of the year and has grown into one of the best overall athletes that Coahoma High School has to offer. Even though her spring sports season’s were ended
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early because of COVID-19, the 5-foot-9 versatile athlete was still able to make her mark on both the softball and track & field programs. Track and Field Head Coach Mitchell Woodard is thrilled with the consistent progress he has seen out of Overton and also believes that she could add some solid distance to her record before her high school career is finished. “I would say she can put another two feet on it,” Woodard said. On the softball diamond, Overton was the Ace on the mound and recorded a handful of shutouts in the shortened season. She was almost impossible for the other team to get a hit on and also contributed on offense with her big bat at the plate. The soon-to-be senior has the power to send the softball into orbit and should be looked at alongside All-State teammate Madison Rodgers as one of the strongest hitters in the area. She is also one of the strongest shot putters.
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BIG SPRING STATE HOSPITAL ANNOUNCING INCREASED SALARIES LVN up to $4072.01 per month DOE RN’s up to $5755 per month DOE PNA’s starting at $2312.85 per month
PART TIME POSITIONS NOW AVAILABLE For more information on jobs and salaries: CALL Paula at (432) 268-7674 or Submit a resume to jennifer.patton@hhsc.state.tx.us for initial screening; application process will be initiated at a later time. Or visit us at: Big Spring State Hospital 1901 N. Hwy. 87 Big Spring, TX 79720 GMS/Medical Clinic Laboratory Tech 1/GMS Runner Flexible Daytime Working Hours In GMS Laboratory Salary Range: $2,075.83 - $3,047.58 According to Experience Contact our Job Center 432-268-7341 or 432-268-7298 Or Complete an application online at https://accesshr.hhsc.state.tx.us
The initial thought from the Coahoma Track & Field team and coaching staff was that Overton had broken the record at the first meet of the year at Big Spring High School. But after further judgement it was discovered that she had come up just a few inches shy of the school record. Following some more practice time, the extremely competitive Overton went out to the home meet in early March and finally etched her name into the Coahoma record books with her eye-popping throw. “I was amazed, honestly,” Overton said. “I wanted to win but I didn’t think about any records or anything and so when I broke it, it kind of caught me by surprise.” Overton will now have her name displayed in the Coahoma weight room for her record-breaking throw. The Coahoma coaching staff celebrated her record-setting throw and Overton was ecstatic with her performance. Even though she is only a junior, Overton and all of her coaches seemed to expect this type of performance out of her. “After the first track meet at Big Spring when she threw almost 34 feet and I saw that she could’ve put a lot more into it, I knew she was close. In practice she kept getting better everyday and I knew she was going to break it pretty soon,” Coach Steven Arista said. There is going to be a long time away from practice now and Overton might not have a chance to pick up a shot put until next spring. Athletic Director Chris Joslin is still hoping, and planning, to have summer workouts where
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a shot put thrower. “I feel like I’m ready and I’m excited to be able to be looked up to as the leader. I feel like I’m ready for it,” Overton said. One of her current teammates knows all about Overton's leadership ability and has received some first-hand training from the multi-sport star. Current freshman Christain Everett has been practicing her softball pitching skills with Overton since the pair played together on a Dream Team way back in elementary school. From the beginning, Overton had an infectious determination and love for sports and Everett looked up to her both on and off of the field. “I just noticed that she was really kind and outgoing and she was really a leader on the field and I just knew that that's really who I want to be as a player,” Everett said. “The biggest thing she's taught me is how to shake things off. Every pitcher is going to have a bad game but you just have to be able to shake it off and continue to do your best.” Overton has established herself as one of the premier athletes in the Coahoma program over the past year-plus. With still more time to grow and develop as an athlete, the sky is the limit for Overton. The Coahoma community should get prepared to start cheering for the future college choice of the star shot putter, pitcher and forward. all of his student-athletes can come up to the school to improve their skills in all sports. During last year’s summer workouts, in the first year of their existence, is where Woodard believes that Overton took a big step forward with her plethora of athletic skills. “She’s one heck of a competitor and she’s going to do whatever it takes to win,” Woodard said. “She always showed up to our summer workouts last year and worked hard so she’s going to do whatever it takes to win.” Whether there are summer workouts are not this year, Overton will surely be back next year to star on and lead the Bulldogettes’ volleyball, basketball, softball and track & field teams. She has already begun to step into those leadership roles during this past school year and has brought her skills to the next level. Next year, the ball will move through her on the court in Head Coach Jim Kinnear’s system and she is expected to once again be the Ace on the mound when softball starts back up next year. There is no reason to believe that she will not also excel in volleyball and in her future as 14 Living Magazine
Spring
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432-267-3363
Photo submitted by Linda Hoover This is our hero. She works as a RN nurse with Steward Clinic under Dr. Howard. Her name is Jamie Cooper. She goes in everyday to help with the patients. The whole crew there are heroes. Thank you to the staff of Steward Medical Clinic. Photo submitted Meagan Gicklhorn Mallory Clinkscales, an RN, was recognized by her best friend Meagan Gicklhorn. Mallory is one of the essential workers who has been battling the pandemic on the front lines, serving her community. She is an amazing person and has a heart of gold. Photo submitted by Liza Alvarado James Carillo works at the VA and was recognized by his niece . Photo submitted by Samantha Rodriguez
My sister Inez Marie Delgado works at H-E-B Pharmacy. She literally goes above and beyond for all customers and she has such a beautiful, kind heart. Felipe Delgado works as the grocery manager at Midland H-E-B. He works long hours, goes above and beyond for the customers and travels to Midland for work. He is such a amazing boss...
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www.BigSpringHerald.com
It’s easy to read the news on the go with our newly renovated website. Simply go to www.bigspringherald.com to see the daily news updates and featured stories. With the recent upgrade to our website, it’s even easier to browse on your mobile device, too! Living Magazine
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For A Listing Of Employment Opportunities, Visit Martinch.bamboohr.com/jobs/ Living Magazine
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