Grand jury December 15, 2004

Provided by the Fannin County District Attorney’s Office

Alford Aaron Bolden, age 26 of Dallas, Poss. CS. Cocaine; Bobbi Jene Boone, age 26, of Denison, Poss. CS, Meth; Richard W. Campbell, age 47, of Honey Grove, Poss. CS, Meth; Jimmy Don Steadham, age 54, of Saint Jo, DWI 3rd; Craig Merlin WIld, age 43, of Dodd City, Agg. sex assult of a child & Indecency with a Child; Stephen Keith Pitts, age 35, of Commerce, Burglary of Habitation; William Robert Brost, age 26, of Bonham, Agg. Sex Assault of a Child and Indency with a Child; Marshall H. Horner, age 34, of Dallas, Poss. Firearm by Felon Enh; Jeanetta A. Gilbreath, age 35, of Windom, Aggravated Assault W/DW; Eric Dillon McAdams, age 17, of Bonham, Injury to a Child; WIlliam Bradley Charlile, age 25, of Bonham, Aggravated Assault; Laquita Ann Taylor, age 41, of Ladonia, Forgery of a Check by making, Passing and Possession; Brandon Heath Norris, age 26, of Bonham, Sexual Assault of a Child; Eddie Gene Milman, age 48, of Bonham, Agg. Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency with a Child; Daniel Joseph Reunard, age 17 of Bonham, Agg. Assault w/Deadly Weapon; Ricky Bernard Allen, age 47, of Bonham, Poss. CS, Cocaine; Nicholas Ryan Stidham, age 19 of Bonham, Unauthorized use of Vehicle; Gerald M Craven III, age 23, of Ravenna, Poss. CS, Meth; Kenneth H. Riley, age 24, of Bonham, Burglary of Habitation; Kathy Yvonne McLaurin, age 39, of Tulsa, OK, Theft o/$20,000. U/$100,000

Red River Valley Car Club News

Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year form the Red River Valley Car Club. We held our annual Christmas Party at the Elizabeth May Room in the American Bank, on December 9th, 7 pm. We had 40 members present. A wonderful meal was enjoyed by everyone. It was catered by River Bend Restaurant, Turkey and dressing and all the trimmings. A Chinese gift exchange was enjoyed very much. Benny and Ruth Smith won the door prize, a Poinsettia Plant. Bill Spann was elected President for the coming year. Cheryl Spann as secretary, and Elizabeth Binion for Treasure. We were in the Bonham Christmas Parade on Dec. 4th. We had 20 cars in it. Three members went to the Leonard Christmas Parade at 5 o’clock that day. Gail and Kenneth Deel won a second Place Ribbon for their 1979 Volkswagen Convertible, Claude Wix won a third place ribbon for his 1954 Buick in the car division. We will be starting on plans for our Car Show at the next meeting. Setting up communities, takes a lot of planning to have a good car show. We have had a great year. We now have 61 members on our club list. We were represented at 11 different car shows this year. We went on several cruises. The longest one was 161 miles.

We had a wiener roast with 87 people there. We have had a great time. Membership is always open. The next meeting is at 7 pm on the 2nd Thursday of January at the Elizabeth May Room, American Bank. If you are interested in our club visitors are welcome. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Our website is www.gonecruiseing.com.

Department of Health & Human Services

There is good news for Medicare beneficiaries. Prevention benefits are a new feature of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) signed into law by President George W. Bush in December 2003.

Beginning in January, the new "Welcome to Medicare" exam will help Seniors live healthier lives and control health care costs by finding and treating illness before they lead to more serious health problems.

The "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam includes screening for heart disease and diabetes. It also includes screening for weak bones, glaucoma and cancers of the colon, breast, cervix and prostate. The exam is designed to provide education and counseling about preventive services that may be needed.

Medicare recently mailed an updated "Medicare and You" handbook that emphasizes the new prevention-oriented focus. It guides beneficiaries in how to take advantage of these new services to promote early detection and treatment of disease and to help you control the cost of your health care.

Also, the Medicare Discount Prescription card is still available to any Medicare beneficiary regardless of income. Sizable discounts are readily available with additional benefits for low-income seniors. Make a toll-free call to 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) or go to www.medicare.gov for information on this important program.

The U.S Department of Health and Human Services wishes you a very healthy and happy New Year. We all hope you will take advantage of the many new benefits available to you through the Medicare Modernization Act.

Ask a child whether she wants to live with both parents or just one, and she will choose both most every time. Children are born yearning for a mother and father who love them and who love each other, and they suffer if that need isn’t met.

That’s not just a lofty ideal; it’s the overwhelming finding of marriage research. "Why Marriage Matters," a report issued by a dozen nationally recognized experts in the field of marriage research, summarizes many of the ways marriage benefits children: Marriage increases the likelihood that children will stay out of poverty, do well in school, get a job, be healthy, have good relationships with their fathers, and wait to become parents. Children living with their married biological parents also are less likely to be abused, commit suicide, spend time in jail, and abuse drugs and alcohol.

Unfortunately, a growing number of Americans don’t view marriage and parenting as a package deal. Births to unmarried parents nationally have skyrocketed from less than 6 percent of total births in 1960 to more than one-third today.

This isn’t heartening for anyone concerned about the best interests of children. At the Office of Attorney General, we see the impact of out-of-wedlock births every day. More than half of the one million children we serve through our Child Support Division were born to unmarried parents. Establishing paternity and collecting child support are just a couple of the many ways we help give these young ones a future filled with hope. But is this enough?

One boy I met recently is a star student, despite being abandoned by his father. The boy and his mom were thrilled we were tracking down the thousands of dollars in child support his dad had refused to pay. Yet, there was an emptiness in his life that all the money in the world couldn’t fill -- a vacuum left by a father who was no longer around.

As a compassionate state, Texas does everything it can to help these children, through child support and the array of other social services we provide. But when will we begin to focus more on a path of prevention, and not just a bridge to recovery?

The fact is, healthy, married families are the best child support there is. A child is loved there, supported there, protected there. We can encourage more healthy marriages by helping unmarried parents interested in building a healthy marriage acquire the skills and information they need to make informed decisions and to manage the challenges that arise in marriage. We also can arm them with information about relationship-building skills and cooperative parenting.

Do any unmarried parents want help building a healthy marriage? Yes, according to a major Princeton University study. When asked at the time of their child’s birth, 53 percent of unmarried mothers and 63 percent of unmarried fathers reported being interested in a healthy marriage program.

For a healthy marriage initiative to work, it cannot be done through coercion or guilt, but only by appealing to couples already inclined toward marriage. We also must take seriously the issue of domestic violence, making safety our number one priority. And we will continue to support single parents, who face significant challenges in raising their children.

Of course, the path of prevention is never a quick fix. It took decades for us to get here, and turning things around for Texas families and children won’t happen tomorrow. But we must start the journey.

Collaborations involving the public and the private, the religious and the secular, the liberal and the conservative are crucial to supporting healthy marriage. My office is sponsoring a series of six regional summits across Texas to bring these varied stakeholders together. Partnering with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Workforce Commission, we are convening community leaders to discuss how we can support healthy families and healthy marriages.

We owe it to our children to do this, because if we don’t, it is they who will suffer the consequences.

Nelms Reunion

Texas Will Expand Flu Shot Targets January 3

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) officials said today they will support the recommended expansion of flu shot priority target groups announced last Friday by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The recommendation -- which will not be effective until Jan. 3 -- adds people 50 and older, out-of-home caregivers for the high-risk, and household contacts of those at high risk of severe complications should they get the flu.

"The delayed implementation will give those in the current priority categories who haven’t been vaccinated a few more days to find a flu shot," said Texas Commissioner of State Health Services Eduardo Sanchez. "The supply is still limited and may vary from city to city, but the vaccine has become more readily available in recent weeks. We urge those who have tried and failed to try again."

Sanchez emphasized that the recommendation allows local public health officials to continue to follow the more-restrictive recommendation if they believe the vaccine supply in their specific areas is not sufficient to cover the demand from members of the current high-risk groups.

The current priority groups are children 6 months through 23 months of age, adults 65 and older, anyone with underlying chronic medical conditions, women who will be pregnant during flu season, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, children 6 months through 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy, medical care workers providing direct patient care and caregivers and household contacts of children under 6 months old.

DSHS is asking its regional offices and local public health departments to continue to serve as information clearinghouses to match up doctors and other providers who have the vaccine with those who need it. Doctors and other providers who have or need the vaccine should contact one of those offices.

People wanting to get a flu shot should -- in order -- contact their doctor, call the 2-1-1 information service and call their local public health department or nearest DSHS regional office.

Officials say it is not too late to get a flu shot. Flu season officially runs from October through May. In Texas, the heavy part of flu season typically occurs in late December, January and February.

It takes about two weeks after getting the flu shot for the vaccine to offer maximum protection.

TxDOT Approves $600 Million in Statewide Safety Projects

Highway Improvements Expected to Reduce Traffic Crashes and Save Lives

AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is giving Texans something to celebrate this holiday season – the largest single roadway safety program it has ever undertaken. At just over $600 million, it will include 644 safety projects all across the state. Transportation planners say the highway improvements could save as many as 90 lives and prevent nearly 1,100 injuries every year.

Bonds authorized by voters last year will be used to pay for widening narrow two-lane roadways, installing barriers in the medians of divided highways, adding left turn lanes at highway intersections and building new overpasses around the state. Work on many of the projects is expected to be underway as early as next year.

"Thanks to the voters, we are about to make safety improvements to more than 2,300 miles of state highways," said Governor Rick Perry. "That’s more than the length of a road stretching all the way from Austin to New York City."

The bond program will pay for projects that safety experts say have the most potential for reducing the number of traffic crashes on state-maintained highways. TxDOT will spend $295 million to widen narrow, two-lane roads in 90 Texas counties to lessen head-on collisions and crashes involving vehicles that run off the road. New concrete or cable barriers in the medians of heavily-traveled divided highways are expected to decrease head-on collisions.

Ten new highway overpasses will improve traffic flow and reduce the number and severity of crashes. TxDOT will also install left turn lanes at 171 locations to reduce the number of rear-end crashes.

"Safety is our top priority," said Ric Williamson, Chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission. "The improvements we can now afford to make to highways all over Texas could save an estimated 1,800 lives and prevent 21,000 injuries over the next 20 years."

In 2003, voters gave the Texas Transportation Commission authority to issue up to $3 billion in bonds to pay for state highway improvement projects. The unprecedented number of safety projects announced in Austin today are the first to be funded under this new financing option.

Each year, more than 3,500 people are killed and more than 340,000 are injured in motor vehicle crashes in Texas. The Texas Transportation Institute’s Center for Transportation Safety estimates the annual economic cost of crashes in the state exceeds $19.7 billion.

Cold Snap Brings Wildfire Concerns To Northeast Texas

State fire control leaders remind everyone that good fire safety will be needed to prevent an increase in wildfires during the colder winter months, now that hard freezes have sent grass, weeds and other vegetation into dormancy. Blowing sparks and embers, or irresponsible fireworks use, could lead to wildfires if dry weather prevails.

Though autumn rains brought abundant moisture and the ground may still be damp or wet in many areas, windblown sparks or embers could ignite frost-cured grasses which lose moisture quickly during periods of dry, windy weather.

Most of Texas has fairly wet conditions, as evidenced by a drought index map posted on the Internet by the Texas Forest Service. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) map shows most of the state with a KBDI value of 200 or less, which, during the growing season, corresponds pretty closely with wildfire danger. During the winter, though, a low KBDI index does not necessarily indicate correspondingly low fire danger, according to Tom Spencer, fire risk assessment coordinator for the Texas Forest Service.

"KBDI is closely tied to soil moisture and temperature," said Spencer. "Across most of Texas now, soil moisture is high, but dormant vegetation gets its moisture from the air. Thus, during dry, windy, winter weather, vegetation can dry enough to allow grass and other fine fuels to be ignited by sparks or burning embers."

Cured grasses are already flammable in many areas, including northeast Texas, a region largely missed by Thursday rains. Wildfires are possible, and, indeed, are occurring.

Increased attention to wildfire safety is warranted, particularly if drying conditions persist. Careless burning of household trash, leaves and brush piles causes most East Texas wildfires, so area residents need to be cautious with these activities near dead grass and weeds. Holiday fireworks use should also be kept away from dormant grasses, which could be ignited by sparks or hot fireworks residues. Help keep the area free from wildfires, so firefighters will also be able to celebrate the holidays at home with their families.

After the 109^th Congress is sworn in this January, it will grapple with many issues, including homeland security. How do we better protect our people from terrorists at the same time we uphold our vital civil liberties? This year’s Listening Post survey gathered valuable comments from my fellow Texans which I will share with my colleagues when the Senate begins the next session.

Respondents provided feedback on arrangements regarding visas for foreign nationals, suggested our next priorities in transportation safety, named the most important goal to improve protection from terrorist attacks, and offered guidance about where additional homeland security funding would best be spent.

Over 400,000 people travel into the United States each day through Texas, entering through 11 border crossings. There is a great deal of concern that some of these visitors mean harm to our people. Presently, Canadians can enter the United States for a six-month stay on a tourist visa, while Mexican nationals, on the same type of document, are allowed to remain for just one month. By a large margin, the survey respondents recommended the Mexican visa remain at one month, rather than extend it to match the tourist visas given to Canadians.

A good number of respondents came up with a different idea. Thomas, of Bryan said, "The Canadian nationals should also be limited to a 30-day visa." Jon, from Brooks Air Force Base, says the solution is to split the difference and provide both Mexican and Canadian tourists 90-day visas, but posed this question: "How many Canadians or Mexicans really stay beyond 30 days just for tourism?"

In the Listening Post I solicited your opinions on what we should do next to protect the United States against more 9-11 type attacks. Most of you said we should apply the same standards to air cargo that are in place for passengers. Fortunately, my legislation calling on the Transportation Security Administration to improve aviation security by providing enhanced screening of air cargo was included in the recently-passed Intelligence Reform Bill. A close second in respondent ratings was to set up a computer database to check airline passenger names against criminal watch lists. Many expressed interest in overhauling security procedures for train travel, and the fewest number supported expansion of the registered traveler program to airports nationwide. This program lets passengers who voluntarily supply certain personal information to benefit from expedited security procedures. Davis, of Fort Worth, said any security decision involves, "a tough trade-off, but I want our children to live."

Spending on homeland security efforts has nearly tripled since 2001, providing larger budgets for everything from aviation and port security, to vaccinations and training and equipment for firefighters and police officers. I asked what further changes Texans want to see in homeland security appropriations. Most opted in favor of altering present funding formulas to allocate a larger share of resources to those states and cities facing greater terrorist threats. Many others said we should seek better training and preparation for the firemen, emergency medical technicians, and police who are the first responders in our communities. A distant third replied that we should simply keep our current spending levels. Reid, who lives in McKinney, says that whatever decision we make, we must, "make sure that the money allocated is well-spent and the taxpayer gets what they pay for." I agree one hundred percent.

The attacks on 9-11 spurred Congress to take the unprecedented step of creating the Department of Homeland Security, a single government agency responsible for defending Americans on our own soil. Most of you suggested our next step should be to improve the security of our borders. Many also wanted government officials to address weaknesses in security at our seaports. "Security at ports needs to be addressed," said Keith, from Cedar Park. "This is probably number one on my list. This should include everyone on the ship along with the products and the shipping containers."

Wayne, from Greenville, said we need to watch our northern border with Canada, and suggested changing our policy of setting an upper age limit to those joining the Border Patrol. "This limits the valuable asset of retired military personnel and police," he said.

This survey showed national security is on the minds of many fellow Texans. It also showed, through your thoughtful answers, you take this issue seriously. I want to thank all of you who took the time to send in responses and help me do a better job of representing you in Washington.

Legislation Filed for the 79th Legislative Session

As we end this year and begin a new one, the legislature continues to prepare for the upcoming legislative session which begins January 11. Many bills continue to be pre-filed for consideration during the session. Today I will discuss two bills which are likely to receive considerable media coverage should they make it through the committee process and be brought to the floor of the House for debate.

The first is House Joint Resolution 6 which would amend the Texas Constitution, if approved by Texas voters, to define marriage as between one man and one woman. Texas’ statutes have for some time already prohibited marriage licenses from being issued to same sex couples. Last legislative session, the legislature passed the Defense of Marriage Act. The act says that the State of Texas does not recognize civil unions authorized in other states. Supporters of HJR 6 believe that the amendment is needed to prevent this definition and laws such as DOMA from being overturned or otherwise affected by the courts. Opponents believe that the amendment is discriminatory and unnecessary given our current laws.

Constitutional amendments must be approved by two-thirds of the members of both the Texas House and the Texas Senate instead of a simply majority. If the proposed amendment is passed by each house, it goes to the public for a vote. The governor cannot approve or veto a constitutional amendment. That right is left to the voters of the state.

House Bill 16 would permit pharmacists to refuse to dispense prescribed emergency contraceptives, such as the "morning-after" pill. An emergency contraceptive is defined in this bill as "a prescription drug containing an elevated dose of hormones that is used to prevent pregnancy." Texas law already allows physicians, nurses, and hospital employees to refuse to participate directly or indirectly in abortion procedures. HB 16 would expand that law to include emergency contraceptives and also give pharmacists the right to refuse aiding in either.

In conclusion, I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season. This is a time to visit with friends and family and to give thanks for our blessings.

I am interested in your comments on legislation that will be debated in the Texas House of Representatives. You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910.

Flu Shots More Readily Available, Pneumonia Vaccination Encouraged

Many Texas doctors and other health care providers who did not have flu vaccine a few weeks ago have it now, and others will receive it in the next few weeks, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

DSHS officials said shipments of some 560,000 additional doses from the vaccine manufacturer to Texas providers began in early December and will continue in to January. Many local and state-operated public health clinics around the state also now have the vaccine.

"We’re urging those in the high-risk groups who haven’t been able to get a flu shot, to try again," Texas Commissioner of State Health Services Eduardo Sanchez said. "We want to make sure the high-risk folks are protected. Flu can be a life-or-death situation for them."

Sanchez also encouraged people 65 and older; people with lung, heart, liver or kidney problems; and people with diabetes, sickle cell disease, alcoholism, HIV/AIDS or other chronic medical conditions to get a pneumococcal vaccination.

That vaccine, which can be given year-round, protects against pneumonia and other illnesses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumonia is often a life-threatening complication of influenza.

Sanchez said anyone in the high-risk categories who wants the flu shot should contact their doctor’s office, call the 2-1-1 information service or call the nearest local public health department or nearest DSHS regional office or clinic.

High-risk groups for whom flu vaccination are recommended are: children 6 months through 23 months of age, adults 65 and older, anyone with underlying chronic medical conditions, women who will be pregnant during flu season, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, children 6 months through 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy, medical care workers providing direct patient care and caregivers and household contacts of children under 6 months old.

DSHS supports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that the flu vaccine this season be given only to those in the high-risk categories. But Sanchez said DSHS might expand the target groups if the demand for the flu shot by high-risk people drops off.

"The vaccine won’t do anyone any good sitting on the shelf," Sanchez said.

He said it is not too late to get a flu shot. "The flu shot takes about two weeks to offer maximum protection. The height of flu season in Texas typically is in late December, January and February."

New Year’s is not just a time for ringing out the old year and ringing in the new. It is a time to reflect on how far we have come over the past twelve months, and where we are going.

This past year saw some obvious highlights, not the least of which was the sight of a young Afghan woman casting the opening ballot in that nation’s first democratic elections. Some thought it would never happen, yet Afghanistan is heading in a new direction toward peace and prosperity after years of violence and oppression.

In 2005, we are on track to see the same momentous occurrence in Iraq. This storied land, home to the world’s most ancient civilization, will see its first free and fair elections as her people establish a democracy. Will there be setbacks and problems? Possibly. But what we do know is this: for decades, this was a nation that knew only tyranny and dictatorship, without hope and without freedom. For the Iraqi people, this New Year offers unprecedented and enormous promise. The ouster of a Saddam Hussein regime known to support terrorism is due to the brave men and women in our armed forces who are fighting alongside stalwart Iraqis to defend liberty. We should stand shoulder to shoulder with the friends of democracy in Iraq in the upcoming year. I think our efforts will bear significant dividends in the years ahead and deal a blow to terrorists worldwide.

I also believe 2005 will bring welcome developments in our own country.

If there is one government program which looks to the future, it is schooling, because public education has laid the foundation of democracy in America. Implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act will continue to provide incentives, funding, and accountability to our public school system. I have also supported grants to many Texas institutions to help our state recruit and retain highly skilled educators to prepare our children to excel tomorrow. We are already seeing gains in education for our children, and these should continue through 2005.

Texas’ colleges and universities will continue making strides as well. I have worked to increase our share of federal research, and hope to see our ranking among the states in R&D funding improve in the coming year. That will translate into more discoveries and advances as well as stronger economic growth in our state.

One of most important legislative initiatives we shall see in 2005 will be a plan to improve and strengthen the Social Security program and preserve it for future generations. As the Baby Boomer generation retires, the system will be placed under tremendous strain and will eventually become insolvent unless we take steps soon. President Bush has shown courage and vision in addressing this issue now. Delaying action would only make changes that are inevitable more painful to implement.

Any legislation I support will be based on two bedrock principles. First, the United States will fulfill its promises to present beneficiaries and those who will be retiring soon. Reform will also allow recipients to voluntarily invest a portion of their Social Security payroll tax payments into personal accounts which will provide a better return on investment and offer beneficiaries ownership over their retirement security.

This subject requires serious study and discussion before Congress takes action, but I am hopeful we will make progress in 2005 to strengthen Social Security.

America is a land of optimism and opportunity. We remain mindful of our past, but look forward to the future. With this positive attitude, I am confident that together we will make 2005 a year to remember.

Home Hospice of Fannin County Ribbon Cutting

TWC Receives $1.2 Million in Federal Grants for Unemployment Insurance System Enhancements

AUSTIN – The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) eight grants totaling $1.2 million for Unemployment Insurance (UI) system enhancements. The funds will help to prevent fraud and abuse, make tax and wage reporting easier for employers, and provide advanced security measures.

"We have made great strides in increasing the efficiency of the Unemployment Insurance system, reducing fraud and overpayments and ensuring that only qualified claimants receive benefits," said TWC Chair Diane Rath. "These grants will allow us to strengthen services to both employers and job seekers and to add to the improvements we have already made."

Six grants totaling $600,000 will complement TWC’s strong program integrity policies to ensure the most effective use of tax dollars, to provide more online services for employers and to ensure that only qualified applicants receive UI benefits.

Funding will enhance technology programs to cross match the UI claimant database with New Hire Reporting data, which is information submitted by employers when new employees are hired. Through New Hire Reporting, employers can help protect themselves against unemployment compensation fraud or overpayment. By comparing the information from other agencies, TWC can identify UI claimants who have already returned to work. The funds will enhance computer cross matches between TWC’s tax database and the New Hire database to improve overpayment early detection.

A system with the Social Security Administration also will detect overpayments and improve investigations. Additionally, cross matches with the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission will detect and prevent UI overpayments to individuals who have been injured and are not seeking work.

"We owe it to the employers of Texas to protect their taxes from fraud and abuse, to provide employer-friendly services for them and to be sure we have state-of the-art security in our UI system," said Commissioner Representing Employers Ron Lehman. "This grant will allow us to provide better service to employers and to streamline our processes to their benefit."

While employers have been able to file wage and tax reports as well as pay taxes online since April 2000, another grant for $500,000 will ultimately give employers the option to:

· Make and pay online adjustments to tax and wage reports

· Enable agency e-mail notices to be sent to customers who subscribe to this service

· Rewrite existing online quarterly tax and wage reporting program

The final grant for $100,000 will be used to ensure TWC continues to be equipped with the most advanced security measures. The agency always has taken all available precautions to protect the confidential information of employers, job seekers and the public.

"These grants support TWC’s overall operations to provide enhanced, secure services to our customers," said Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. "Our agency continues to strive for excellence as it puts job seekers and employers first in developing future services and systems."

BCM Studies New Treatments To Unclog Blocked Arteries In The Legs

HOUSTON – (Dec. 21, 2004) – Atherosclerosis can cause serious problems in the legs, as well as the heart, say experts at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston.

As people age, the normal flow of blood through the legs and feet can be affected by the build up of plaque inside the leg’s arteries and having pain while walking is the first sign of leg artery disease, or peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Two current treatments for leg atherosclerosis include exercise programs and medication, and BCM is currently studying two new forms of treatment, an aggressive new combination of lipid management drugs for patients with less severe PAD and a gene therapy option for patients with advanced leg ischemia.

"We hope the new combination of medications consisting of three lipid-lowering drugs, compared to just one in standard medication therapy, will work to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol," says Dr. Alan Lumsden, a professor and chief of the division of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy at the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at BCM. "This new combination will work to reduce the chance of atherosclerosis in the heart and other arteries."

The gene therapy study for patients with severe leg blockage involves injecting a growth factor, a substance that the body produces naturally in the liver and other organs of the body, into the leg. The growth factor will have the ability to cause new blood vessels to grow from existing blood vessels.

"Only patients with severely reduced blood flow caused by blocked arteries in the leg will be considered for the gene therapy study," says Lumsden.

A person’s risk of developing peripheral arterial disease increases with age, with people over age 50 being at greatest risk of developing the disease. It effects 20 percent of people over 70 years of age in the United States and can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

"PAD refers to a partial or complete blockage of the circulation to the legs or the feet, and the first sign is cramping while walking because of blockage in the femoral artery," says Lumsden.

As the disease progresses, it starts involving blood vessels below the knee and patients may then have limb-threatening atherosclerosis in the legs.

"It is very common for someone with atherosclerosis in the leg to have it in the heart," says Lumsden. "More than 40 percent of patients with PAD will have coronary disease."

Factors that contribute to the risk of developing leg artery disease are:

· Smoking

· Hypertension, or high blood pressure

· Diabetes mellitus

· High levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood

· Being more than 30 percent over one’s ideal weight

For more information or to enroll in the lipid management study, contact Shawna Johnson at 731-798-2301. For more information or to enroll in the gene therapy study, contact Priscilla Miller at 713-798-3106.

Holiday Travelers Should Encounter Few Delays In Work Zones

* TxDOT will do its part to assist mobility during the Christmas holiday period.

* Construction projects will cease operation during the holiday period.

* Few major delays are expected on Texas highways.

* Work zone lane closures will be in effect in some areas and could cause some traffic delays.

Construction reduces traffic to one lane in each direction on the following roads:

Interstate 20 - Palo Pinto County - between CR 193 to one mile west of U.S. 281

I-10 - Kent - westbound between mile marker 180 and mile marker 186

I-20 - Pecos (Reeves County) - between mile markers 41 and 49

I-10 - Kent - eastbound between mile marker 178 to mile marker 186

U.S. 190 - Menard County - only one lane of traffic at Rocky Greek, between mile markers 408 & 410. Temporary traffic light operating.

U.S. 271 - Gilmer (Upshur County) - through town

U.S. 277 - Haskell - from town to 12 miles north

U.S. 281 - Edinburg - from BUS 281 North to FM 2812

U.S. 84 - Hermleigh to Inadale (Scurry County) - eastbound only

SH 350 - Snyder (Scurry County) - through town

SH 349 South - Midland - from New York Avenue to Interstate 20.

FM 1187 - Tarrant County - between U.S. 377 and FM 1902

FM 305 - McCamey (Crockett & Pecos counties) - closed over Pecos River Bridge.

Detour: Southbound

Option #1: Travel east on US 67 to SH 349, south to US 190 or

Option #2: Travel west on FM 1901 and FM 11 to IH 10, east to US 190

Northbound FM 305 at US 190 Detour:

Option #1: Travel west on IH 10 to FM 11, to FM 1901, to FM 305 or

Option #2: Travel east to SH 349, north to US 67, west to FM 305

Move It Chapter 550.022 Accident Involving Damage to Vehicle

If an accident occurs on a main lane, ramp, shoulder, median or adjacent area of a freeway and each vehicle can be normally and safely driven, each vehicle operator shall move the operator’s vehicle as soon as possible to a designated accident investigation site, a location on the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street or other suitable location to complete the requirements of Section 550.023 TEXAS STATUTES TRANSPORTATION CODE and minimize the interference with existing freeway traffic flow. Failure to do so is punishable by fines of up to $2000.

Buster Cole State Jail Food Donation

Senior Warden Bryan D. Vandagriff is very proud of his employees all year through. But, at a time of year when so many families are in need, the staff have once again stepped forward to prove there is no limit to their generosity and compassion for our community.

In a fun, friendly competition between departments, with a pizza party (courtesy of the wardens) as the grand prize, employees have encouraged one another to get involved and bring in those canned goods to help in the total canned food drive. Each day for the past week, the total weight of the canned items has been tallied for each team and stored with excitement about the pending outcome of the contest.

As of the deadline on noon, Monday, December 20, 2004, a total of approximately 8,463 lbs. of canned goods had been collected. The employees of the Buster Cole State Jail definitely know the joy of giving and sharing the blessings of the season and were happy to participate in this worthy event.

The winners of the contest, donating the largest amount, was "Team 5" which included staff from the Field Department, Community Service, Food Service Department, Property, Compliance, Back Gate and Security Threat Group Departments. Cash donations were taken up from team members to purchase items from the Campbell Soup plant in Paris, Texas. Thru the further generosity of the Campbell Soup Company and their representative Mary Mead, this portion of the canned food drive far exceeded expectations and allowed a much larger overall successful effort to occur. The total for this group well exceeded 7,700 lbs. donated. With an inspiring second place finish, the security shift with the least number of employees collected 300 lbs. of the final total. Our congratulations to "Team 3" comprised of Third Shift Security staff on this noteworthy and determined effort. It should be noted that this same shift won the same contest last year, defeating groups with higher numbers of team members.

The photographs attached are of the first trailer load of canned goods, loaded and departing the facility in route to be delivered and distributed to local area families by Compass Ministries. Another trailer load departed the facility shortly thereafter.

Several members of the winning team are pictured with only a portion of their group’s donation (from left to right); Travis Howery, Lt. John Miller, Steven Farley, David Johnson, Stanley Larue, Falicia Fuller, Jerri Maddox, Mark Taylor and Ken Wilson.

Joyce Chavez of Compass Ministries stated she was grateful to those that donated the canned goods for "how many smiles they have put on the faces of the children and being able to let them load up with a food basket, just like Santa packed it for them...God is good."

The American Bank of Texas in Bonham is taking donations on behalf of the Chris Jackson Family.

The Bonham Fire Department will be receiving donations at the American Bank of Texas in Bonham for on behalf of the Chris Jackson Family.

Excessive Exercise Can Be Dangerous to Your Health

Jennifer Wider, M.D.
Society for Women’s Health Research
December 21, 2004

The cornerstones of good health have always included a proper diet and plenty of exercise. But is there a time when too much of a good thing can be dangerous? As the New Year approaches and brings countless pledges of more exercise, people need to beware of the risks involved with over-exercising.

There’s no doubt about it: exercise is part of being healthy. But for some people, it can become an addiction and lead to physical and emotional consequences. Sometimes called compulsive exercise, certain people use extreme, continuous activity at the gym to lose an abnormal amount of weight, calm a powerful fear of being fat, pacify guilt or purge their body of calories.

A host of physical consequences can result from over-exercising. "If the exercise causes overuse injuries or if the person’s physical performance is declining rather than improving, it may suggest over-training," says James C. Rosen, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Vermont and head of the obesity advisory committee at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. Overuse injuries include: pulled muscles, stress fractures, knee trauma, shin splints, strained hamstrings and ripped tendons.

There is evidence that women who over exercise may be at higher risk for certain types of injuries when compared with men. Women seem to be more likely to injure their anterior cruciate ligament, which is one of four ligaments critical to the stability of the knee joint. Although a definitive reason for this has not been pinpointed, several theories have been explored including female hip width and knee angle, discrepancies in muscle strength and hormonal influences.

It’s important to note that overuse injuries are frequently seen in both women and men. Many studies support the belief that injury rates are more often the result of the type of exercise or sport rather than the gender of the participant. For both sexes, strains and sprains seem to be the most common type of injury.

The damage done by over exercise can have psychological implications as well. According to Rosen, "if the exercise significantly interferes with other responsibilities that the person agrees are important or if the person is losing enjoyment for physical activity and feels burned out," there may be a problem.

There’s nothing wrong with adding a solid regimen of exercise to your New Year’s resolutions, but try not to overdo it. Exercise can be very healthy, especially in moderation. Here are a few tips to prevent overuse injuries:

• Stop exercising immediately if you feel pain. It’s usually a sign that something is wrong. If the pain or discomfort persists after you have stopped, seek medical attention.

• If you are starting a new exercise routine, start slowly and increase gradually.

• Alternate the type of exercise you do every day. You should get at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily and there are a variety of workouts to accomplish this: running, stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, and swimming, for example.

• Replace your running shoes every 500 miles. The shoes can wear out and lose their ability to absorb shock, which will increase your risk of injury.

• Women should consume the recommended daily intake of calcium through their diets or vitamin supplements, which is normally 800 to 1200 milligrams. This can lower their risk for stress fractures. Women who are pregnant or post menopausal need more calcium and should consult their doctors.

Become familiar with the signs of over exercising, "recognize the symptoms which include physical injury, declining performance, feeling burned out, feeling stale in terms of exercise or loss of motivation," cautions Rosen. "Be honest with yourself about the impact of your exercise time relative to other responsibilities and people." If exercising is getting in the way of your daily activities or relationships, you may need to slow down.

Sources

Hurd WJ, Chmielewski TL, Axe MJ. Differences in normal and perturbed walking kinematics between male and female athletes. Clin Biomech. 2004 Jun;19(5):465-72.

DeHaven KE, Lintner DM: Athletic injuries: comparison by age, sport, and gender. Am J Sport Med 1986; 14(3):218-224

Coolnurse.com, Preventing Overuse Injuries, 2004.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

In the advent of an emergency situation either in your family or a large scale event in Fannin County would you know how to protect and save yourself or your loved ones? Do you have a few hours a week to volunteer and learn how to prepare for such a need?

In the wake of September 11 terrorist attacks on America, thousands of Americans responded by volunteering their talents and skills to help others. Many more Americans asked "What can I do to help?"

Fannin County has been awarded a continuing grant to establish a new volunteer group within the county to help in times of crisis. This group of volunteers will supplement the existing emergency services throughout the coming years.

The group will meet once a week for approximately an eight week period. This training will better prepare individuals and the group to protect and help not only your family, but also to protect and give help to the citizens of the county.

This volunteer unit will be trained in first aid, light search and rescue, fire extinguisher operations, and other areas. The training will be provided by the Fannin County Office of Emergency Management and other emergency service instructors, and the Fannin, Cooke, Grayson Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the Fannin County Amateur Radio Club.

Fannin County CERT teams are open to any citizen of Fannin County and the surrounding areas that are willing to commit to the training and the ability to respond to an emergency situation.

The Kick Off meeting for CERT Class Number 3 will be held January 4^th at 7pm at the Fannin County South Annex 210 S. Main, Bonham Texas. The CERT program will be explained in detail and membership applications may be completed at that time.

For more information contact Clint Wagstaff, Fannin County Emergency Management Coordinator 903-640-8484 or email fcmcem@cableone.net.

Clint Wagstaff

American Airlines Honors Cindy Baker

The Customer Relations Department of American Airlines named Cindy Baker the recipient of the coveted C.R.E.S.T. (Constructively Reaching Effective Solutions Together) award during their annual Christmas party at Arlington’s Wyndham Convention Center on Friday, December 17. Approximately 200 attended the dinner-dance and awards ceremony.

As recipient of the first quarter’s achievement award in the Teamwork category in April, Cindy received a plaque and $250. She competed with the other three quarterly winners in Quality, Productivity, and Customer Service categories for the Annual Achievement Award. As the overall winner for 2004, she received $500.

Sean Bentel, Customer Relations Operations Manager, said, "On the certificates we give to CREST award winners, a mountain peak is pictured. The symbolism is just right this award recognizes those who have reached a pinnacle of success within our department. Our management team is delighted that Cindy has won our first CREST annual achievement award as she embodies just the right combination of qualities we hope a Senior Customer Service Representative will display."

Cindy is a resident of Bonham and daughter of Arline Currin and the late Travis Currin. She taught at Bonham High School, owned Currin’s Man’s Shop, and served as president of the Bonham I.S.D. board, Bonham Chamber of Commerce board, and Bonhi Ex-Students Association. In addition to working for American Airlines, Cindy writes a weekly column, "Crow’s-Feet Chronicles", for Sherman’s HERALD-DEMOCRAT.

Cindy has three children: Dusty Baker, Corey Baker, and Lizann Baker. Her three grandchildren are Bo Baker, Brock Baker, and Blair Baker.

A Gift of Music

Music students of Deanie Dunham gathered at the Elizabeth May Room on Saturday, Dec.18, 2004 to present a gift of music to their parents and friends.

Caleb Stephens opened our recital. He gave us Jingle Bells on his guitar. Caleb’s younger sister Haylie presented us with a piano version of Jingle Bells. The rest of the recital continued on the piano. Elizabeth Prater was next. She performed We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas and Silent Night. Kenna Duncan played Deck the Halls and O Come All Ye Faithful. Blair Boling was next to perform. She gave us Ode to Joy and Angels We Have Heard On High. Cheyenne Sisk played White Christmas and then gave us an extra gift of song as she sang along to The Little Drummer Boy. Savannah Duncan presented us with Joy to the World, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear and O Little Town of Bethlehem. Deanie Dunham closed the Christmas Recital with The First Noel, We Three Kings/Fuer Elise and Santa Claus is Comin to Town.

Giving the gift of Christmas music lets us give the gift of Christmas spirit too.

Cookies and punch were enjoyed by all.

VA Opens Flu Vaccination to All Eligible Veterans

Dallas- Due to the national shortage of this year’s flu vaccine, VA North Texas Health Care System had imposed limitations on veterans who could receive a flu shot at VA facilities in Dallas, Bonham and Fort Worth. Flu vaccinations are now available for all veterans due to receipt of new shipments of vaccine.

Vaccinations are available 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. through December 31 at Dallas VA Medical Center, Clinical Addition Atrium, 4500 S. Lancaster Rd.; Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham, 1201 E. 9th St., Building 1 Outpatient Clinic; and Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic, Reception, 300 W. Rosedale.

Together with

Presents

January 21 - 6:30 pm

January 22 - 8:30 am

Hillcrest Christian Church

509 South Graves

McKinney, Texas 75069

Legislation Filed for the 79th Legislative Session

I hope everyone’s holiday season has been filled with cheer and hope for the upcoming new year. With the new year comes a new legislative session, beginning on January 11. Legislative sessions last for 140 consecutive days, making this session last until May 30. In today’s Capitol Watch, I will continue to discuss some of the bills which have been pre-filed for consideration during the session.

During each of the last few sessions, we have seen bills filed which would regulate or prohibit the use of cellular telephones by drivers of vehicles. Once again, there have been a couple of bills already filed this time around regarding cell phone use by drivers. House Bill 237 would prohibit the use of a cell phone by the driver of a vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. The bill would allow the cell phone to be used if it is operable without the use of the driver’s hands. There is also language in the bill to allow for the use of a cell phone in certain emergency situations. This particular bill contains language that increases the fine when the offense is committed in a school crossing zone. The offense is a misdemeanor in either case, but the fine would be $25-100 if it occurs outside of a school crossing zone or $125-200 if it occurs within a school crossing zone.

Supporters of bills to restrict cell phone use by operators of motor vehicles say that people who use cell phones while driving are much more likely to cause or be involved in an accident. Opponents of the proposals believe that there are many other distractions in a car and unless we also prohibit other activities such as listening to the radio, eating, or carrying on a conversation with a passenger, then cell phone use should not be singled out.

Another bill, House Bill 219 would regulate outdoor advertising for sexually oriented businesses. I’m sure many have driven down the highway and be confronted with billboards for adult entertainment venues or big signs for "XXX" book and video stores. This bill would limit a sexually oriented business to two, on-premise signs no larger than 40 square feet that can only contain the business’ name, street address, telephone number and operating hours. The bill would also prohibit the use of images on these signs.

The language of the bill states that its purposes are to "mitigate the adverse secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses, improve traffic safety, limit harm to minors, reduce prostitution, crime, juvenile delinquency, and deterioration in property values, and encourage neighborhood improvement efforts."

Opponents of the proposal say that the bill would be an infringement on the first amendment rights of the operators of the businesses. They also say that the businesses are legal entities and should not be unfairly restricted with regard to advertising.

I am interested in your comments on legislation that will be debated in the Texas House of Representatives. You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910.