Ashley

I recently spent a few afternoons with ten-year-old Ashley Taylor. She is a sweet little girl who was diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome five years ago. Her adoptive family and school are a great support for her. I put together a short video to accompany Sarah Nightingale's article.

Living in the Dust Bowl - for the USA Today

April marks the 75th anniversary of the peak of the Dust Bowl, the unprecedented drought that ravaged the Depression-era economy and forced one of the biggest migrations in American history. I recently went to Muleshoe, Texas, with Brian Winter of the USA Today to help document their story. Here is a link to the article: On Plains, concern about another Dust Bowl. In the story you will also find a video piece I shot - they found some great depression-era photos to include in the piece. Here is a link to their photo gallery (Dust Bowl then and now). And below are some of the stills that I particularly liked.

Wildlife refuge manager Jude Smith explains how a fence post has been buried by tumbleweeds and soil over time at the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge, near Muleshoe, Texas. Smith believes a couple of fences are buried beneath this mound.

Jude Smith, wildlife refuge manager, describes how the levee built by the Works Projects Administration in the 1930s was designed to corral the water at the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge outside Muleshoe, Texas.

"The wind started blowing, and you could hardly see in front of your face," recounts James Wedel, 90, of the Dust Bowl storms in Muleshoe, Texas. "Static electricity was flying around. It was hard to breathe. I tell you, it was awful scary."

"It was rough old times," J.K. Adams, 93, says of the Dust Bowl. His family was able to survive by persuading the bank to suspend interest payments on their farm, and by using irrigation from a nearby well. "Daddy did a lot to keep the farm from blowing away." Adams and his wife, Margaret, live in Muleshoe, Texas.

"There's nothing quite like adversity to focus the mind," says Glen Williams, 93. He remembers how tough times during the Dust Bowl "brought out the best in people" and "trained them" to take better care of the land.

tech spring practice

Texas Tech senior wide receiver Lyle Leong, right, reaches for a pass while being defended by sophomore defensive back Will Ford during practice Monday at Jones AT&T Stadium. Monday was the first day of Spring practice.

Monday, March 22, 2010. (Geoffrey McAllister/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)


Texas Tech quarterbacks (from left) Steven Sheffield, Jacob Karam, and Taylor Potts look to throw during drills Monday at Jones AT&T Stadium. Monday was the first day of Spring practice.

Read Don Williams' related article: Changes evident as Red Raiders open spring football
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recalling service in Haiti

Reporter Kellie Bramlet and I recently did a story about a local Lubbock couple and their memories from serving over 35 years as missionaries in Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean. Read the article HERE.

Happy Who Endure

On July 1st of this year I was assigned to photograph Maria Gil and her daughter for a preview story about a donation drive at Family Promise, a homeless shelter where they were staying. Being relatively new to Lubbock, I had never heard of Family Promise, so I was interested to learn what it was: an interfaith volunteer organization that supports a few homeless families at a time and helps them get back on their feet by providing shelter, food, daycare, and transportation as they work to save money. Right away I knew there was a deeper story to be told. I chatted with Maria for a bit and was impressed with her positive attitude and hope. I told her I wanted to tell her story and asked if she would let me be a fly on the wall as she lived at Family Promise and went through the process of finding a place to live. That night I began shadowing her. On Sunday, the 5th of July, she was in tears as she called to tell me she was moving out. It was then that her story really began. For six weeks Elliott and I shadowed her as she struggled with homelessness. Below is the multimedia that went along with Elliott Blackburn's story - Happy Who Endure (it's a great story!).

I've been in touch with Maria many times since working on the story. Her and Angelina seem to be doing well. Angelina enjoys her mornings at preschool and Maria has been attending Bible study. There spirits are up. I know she was glad to have the story (finally) run because she kept saying how she hopes it gives strength to others who may be in a similar situation.

1 of 10 left in Overton Park

Overton Park used to be known as the Tech Ghetto. Now there are only 10 original houses in the community as it continues to go through a major face lift. I spent an afternoon with the Johnson Family from Guyana.



In a white house on Mac Davis Lane, Winston Edward Johnson has made his best memories.

He raised his granddaughter here. He can easily conjure images of her racing back and forth from door to door, her spinning to Caribbean music in the living room with the table pushed aside to yield a makeshift dance floor.

It brings a smile to the 59-year-old's face. So much time has passed; she's now 13.

He and others in this once-blighted neighborhood also have plenty of memories they never wished to make.

"It was like a war zone," said Dennis Vasquez, 47. "One night, I saw something glowing," he said, pointing down the block.

A man had set his ex's clothes ablaze.

"Across there," he said, pointing straight ahead, "a guy beat up his wife. He was beating her to a bloody mess."

Today, the discord consists of construction equipment rumbles and hammer strikes... (read more of Marlena Hartz' story: Last Houses Standing)

Rural USA longs for broadband - for USA TODAY

Three weeks ago I did an assignment for the USA Today for their article "Rural USA longs for broadband". I spent the morning with third-generation peanut farmer Jeff Roper of Plains, Texas. I spent the afternoon in neighboring Morton, Texas documenting the town and specifically focusing on the library that offers free wi-fi. Check out the usatoday link and watch the audio slideshow they produced from the photos and audio I collected. Below are some photos from the two locations.

Third-generation peanut farmer Jeff Roper, Plains, TX


Wi-fi in Morton, TX

A-J Outdoors: Caprock Canyon

We've recently begun an A-J Outdoors series. Check out the first video above. The article will be in tomorrow's Avalanche-Journal.


A-J Outdoors reporter Logan Carver hikes along the Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail on his way to Fern Cave at Caprock Canyon State Park earlier last month.

Wednesday, April 02, 2009 (Geoffrey McAllister/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)

JESUSAVESOULS - behind the sign

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Three weeks ago I was on assignment at an event called "Pray Lubbock" where pastors from the area gathered in a window-filled room on one of the highest floors in the highest buildings in town to pray for the city of Lubbock. After the hour of prayers I chatted with some of the participants to learn of any interesting people about whom I could possibly do a story for the Christmas/Holiday season. One name that came up was Johnny Landrum - "the man who gave away all his possessions and stands on the corner of 66th and University praising the Lord."

What interested me about this story right away was that, here were these credible pastors who knew not only his name but a bit of his life's story. And they didn't call him crazy, but they seemed to be admiring him.

That same afternoon I stopped by Johnny's corner and chatted w/ him for a few minutes. I'm pretty sure he thought I was the crazy one - wanting to learn more about what his days are like and what drives him to stand on the corner six days a week - but he was very welcoming and when I asked to visit his home the next morning he agreed.

That next morning I rolled out of bed at 4:45 AM, said goodbye to my wife, and was at Johnny's house by about 5:30 AM. To my surprise, the front door was open - only a glass door kept out the cold morning air. The father of the home greeted my knocks and welcomed me into his home as he went off to work - Johnny had told him I was coming. Johnny met me with a big smile - I imagine half surprised I actually showed up. That day I didn't do any photographing - I was purely along to observe the kind of life Johnny led.

He was very cheery for 5:30 in the morning. He bundled in many layers and covered his face to confront the frigid cold that awaited him. If you remember, the days before Christmas were VERY cold - another reason why I was so intrigued why he would still stand out on the corner in such extreme weather. He asked me several times if I wanted to borrow any of his clothes so I wouldn't get cold.

By 5:50 AM we were out the door and by 6:00 AM Johnny was on the corner, holding his sign and praising the Lord.

I hung out with him for nearly an hour in the morning, and then I returned in the afternoon for another hour, and again at 5:45 PM. I had repeatedly seen people stop to talk with Johnny, or share food or coffee or water. Some even donated money. I asked Johnny what he did with everything he was given. He explained how he felt the Lord gave him things so he could then share it with others who were in need. As we walked to his home at the end of the day he even asked me, "If I ask you a sincere question, will you tell me the truth?" I replied I would. He then responded, "How are you and your wife financially, could you use any help?" As he asked me I could see him reaching for the money he had been donated earlier in the day. I smiled and replied we were doing just fine.

To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect after my first day of observing, but I was impressed. To me, he seemed very sincere. He was open about his history and how, in his words, he had previously sought worldly things over Godly things - how he was a marine - how he was married, etc.

I was also surprised at how many people stopped to talk with him on the corner - even as he wore a ski mask and was bundled up in so many layers. I soon realized the angle I wanted to work my story - the lives that Johnny touched while holding his sign.

The next day was similar to the first, only this time I was documenting him with audio and photographs. There was one moment that I will never forget.

It was in the afternoon; a woman walked up to Johnny and it was clear she was depressed. The conversation between them was short, but very powerful (it can be heard in the video below):
- Johnny: "God bless you, sister. You doin' alright?"
- Woman: "Not really."
- Johnny: "Need some help? Need some help? Here you go." Johnny then reached in his pocket, and without saying anything else he hands her his money. She then begins to cry and together they sing "Jesus Loves Me." As the woman walks away I asked her a few questions (also can be heard in the below video). I asked her what brought her to visit Johnny. She explained how she has been going through some rough times, how she doesn't have any income and how someone/something had told her to visit the man on the corner. She said she was afraid because she didn't know what to say, but that she heard the Lord tell her - don't worry, he won't ask you anything.

This was a powerful moment to experience firsthand. I went back to Johnny to share what she had told me and he simply replied that he felt in his heart she was deserving and that the Lord wanted her to receive the money he had.

I typically don't share my photography experiences in so much depth, but this one wasn't exactly an everyday experience. I wanted to share it with those who cared to read more.
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View the audio slideshow of Johnny's story below:

Johnny messenger from geoffrey mcallister on Vimeo.
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Also - read Jeremy Henderson's story: Johnny Landrum takes God's word to the street

HS playoff football video: Muleshoe 42, Clyde 7

Click ABOVE to watch video game highlights of Muleshoe and Clyde.
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WOLFFORTH - Muleshoe decided to have a second Thanksgiving dinner on Friday night.

A host of Muleshoe defenders tackle Clyde's Colby Smith (21) during the Mules' 42-7 playoff victory on Friday in Wolfforth.

The Muleshoe defense provided the meat, and quarterback Wes Wood did the carving as the No. 4 Mules beat Clyde, 42-7, at Tiger Stadium to advance to the Class 2A state semifinals for the first time since 2000.

“It means everything to these kids,” Muleshoe head coach David Wood said. “They all made the trip and watched that game eight years ago and said, We want to be that team.’ And now they have the same chance to try and get to the state finals.

Muleshoe (13-0) forced seven turnovers against Clyde - four in the first half - to knock the Bulldogs off their rushing attack... (Continue reading the related article: Mules kick aside Clyde to reach state semis)

Tailgating in Norman

Click ABOVE to watch a 1 minute clip of Tech tailgators in Norman the night before.
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When Matt Shelton picked up his tickets earlier this year to watch Texas Tech play Oklahoma, he was hoping for something special.

A 2002 Red Raider graduate, Shelton said he knew if Tech did well before facing off against the Sooners that it could be the biggest game of the year. That's why it was the only game he planned to attend.

As he grilled burgers and hot dogs with friends outside their RV Friday in Norman, Okla., he said his team didn't disappoint.

"That's what ended up happening," he said. "I'm pretty excited about it." Like many Raider fans who headed to Oklahoma this weekend, Shelton is hoping his excitement will continue to grow today as Tech faces off against the Sooners in a game that will largely determine the Red Raiders' shot at a national title... (Continue reading the related article: Tech fans firing up grills, team spirit for Big 12 clash)

Texas Spirit Seekers investigate Motley County Jail

Texas Spirit Seekers co-founder Teresa Allen documents a jail cell during an investigation in the Motley County Jail in Matador Saturday, October 18th. A variety of sensory equipment recorded any paranormal activities in the jail.

Saturday, October 18, 2008. (Geoffrey McAllister, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)

Texas Spirit Seekers technical manager Chris Travis investigates a staircase in the Motley County Jail in Matador during a paranormal investigation Saturday, October 18th. A variety of sensory equipment recorded any paranormal activities in the jail.

Saturday, October 18, 2008. (Geoffrey McAllister, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
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When it comes to hauntings, some places just seem to fit the bill.

Graveyards, churches and abandoned hospitals are common themes for spooky tales. But what about a derelict frontier jail?

It was that curiosity that brought the Texas Spirit Seekers, a group of paranormal investigators, to the 117-year-old Motley County jail in Matador... (Continue reading related article: Spirit Seekers spend eerie evenings in old Motley County jail)

Goat industry growing in west Texas

Terry Taylor of west Lubbock feeds his goats Friday morning. Taylor and his wife Sue own about 120 head of goat specialize in breeding show-quality goats which are sold to buyers throughout the country. (Geoffrey McAllister/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)

Don Handley of Get-Ya-Goat Ranch in Crosbyton feeds his goats day-old-bread early in the morning. Handley and his wife Sharon raise goats because "it's pressure relief, it's [their] hobby, and [they] enjoy it." (Geoffrey McAllister/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)

Watch two short videos detailing the lives of goat farmers Don Handley and Terry Taylor by clicking HERE or on the photos above.
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As the cost of feed and land escalates, a growing number of people looking to raise livestock on the South Plains are focusing on the other red meat - goat.

Just in Lubbock, there are about 2,000 head of breeding-age meat goat does, and that number is increasing according to Robert Scott, a Texas AgriLife Extension agent in Lubbock.

Many of the people raising goats in the Lubbock area are small-time operations with anywhere between 10 to 50 heads, according to Scott... (Continue reading the related article: Goat industry growing in region, says expert)

Hub City BBQ Cookoff

Watch this 2 minute video about the Hub City BBQ Cookoff in Lubbock, Texas by clicking HERE or on the photo above.

Bouldering Championship - Salt Lake City

Click HERE or on the photo above to watch the audio slideshow of the event, Saturday night in Salt Lake City
Vikki Weldon of Canada prepares for the first problem, Saturday night during the Bouldering Championships in Salt Lake City. -- Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/Deseret News
Alex Johnson of Wisconsin climbs during the first women's challenge at the third annual Mammut Bouldering Championships in Salt Lake City on Saturday night. -- Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/Deseret News
Athletes tout benefits of climbing Lisa Rands attacks a problem during the third annual Mammut Bouldering Championships in Salt Lake City, Saturday. -- Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/Deseret News

Read related article: Athletes tout benefits of climbing

Remembering Crandall Canyon

Please watch the audio slideshow and remember those touched by this tragic event (click on the above photo, or HERE.)

HUNTINGTON — Steve Allred finally has a special place to go near the sealed Crandall Canyon Mine where his brother, Kerry Allred, was entombed in a collapse one year ago.

"It's amazing," Allred said about a new monument dedicated Wednesday at the mine. "It's helping me."

But moving on has been hard.

"I'll never have closure, never," said Allred, a miner for 27 years. (Continue reading related article: Crandall Canyon remembrance)

Meals program ramps up delivery by volunteers

Click HERE or on the photo above to view the audio slideshow.

LEHI — One day a week Charlton Middleton, 88, volunteers to deliver up to 10 noontime meals to elderly shut-ins.
So does composer Steven Kapp Perry and Renita Revill, the director of the Miss Utah Pageant.

Middleton is the oldest volunteer in the local Meals-on-Wheels program, which is in a push to get more volunteer drivers, coordinator Liz Merrell said.

"Volunteering is a good idea," Middleton said. "It's worthwhile. I have a lot in common with the people I deliver to." (Read more of the related article: Meals program ramps up delivery by volunteers)

Utahns clamor for 'Breaking Dawn'

"Breaking Dawn" is here.
The long-, feverishly, breathlessly, yearningly, awaited final installment in Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" saga, hit the bookshelves at one minute past midnight Friday night.

Release parties were held — with much the same fervor that greeted the last "Harry Potter" book — at Borders, Barnes & Noble, some Deseret Book and other bookstores throughout the state. (Read more from the related article: Utahns clamor for 'Breaking Dawn')

View related audio slideshow HERE, or click on the image above.

Days of '47 Pioneer Day parade

Click HERE to view video.
Read related article: Days of '47 Parade — Thousands flock to celebration

Tony and the Special Kids Rodeo

Click HERE to view the audio slideshow of Tony and the Special Kids Rodeo.