Bonham Drug Bust Leads to Two Arrest

Bonham, Texas

Greetings from the Red River Valley Car Club. We hope you have a great New Year cruising the highways and the countryside this summer.

The Club met Thursday night Jan. 13th 7 p.m. at the American Bank. With 29 members present, 2 new members joined the club, we now have 64 members.

President Bill Spann appointed committees for our annual Spring Car Show this year. Joe Darling was appointed chairman over the committee to organize the Car Show. He will be appointing other committees to help with the show. This will be discussed nest meeting. Everyone enjoyed a great covered dish dinner.

The Red River Valley Car Club is an open car club. Anyone that loves automobiles is welcome to join at the American Bank in the Elizabeth May room. Visitors always welcome. Until next month, may the Lord bless and keep you safe.

Nadine May, Reporter

79th Legislative Session Convenes

Tuesday, January 11 marked the opening day of the 79th Legislative Session of the Texas Legislature. The House of Representatives is comprised of 150 members. This session, that membership is made up of 118 men and 31 women. You might notice that only adds up to 149. One member, Elizabeth Jones of San Antonio, has been appointed by the governor to the Railroad Commission and will not serve in the House. A special election has been called for February 5 to replace Ms. Jones. Once Ms. Jones’ seat is filled, there will be 18 new members of the House this session. The partisan breakdown of the membership, excluding Ms. Jones’ seat, is 86 republicans and 63 democrats or 58% and 42%.

Following the swearing-in ceremony for the members, the first order of business for the House was to elect a Speaker of the House for the session. The House members once again elected, by a nearly unanimous vote, Representative Tom Craddick of Midland to serve as speaker. This will be Speaker Craddick’s second term as House Speaker. Last session, Rep. Craddick became the first republican to be elected speaker in 130 years. He has served 18 terms in the House, having been first elected in 1969. With 36 years of service, he and Rep. Paul Moreno of El Paso are the most senior members of the House.

Other duties of the House during the first week of business include passing a Housekeeping Resolution and House Rules. The Housekeeping Resolution establishes the administrative functions and duties of offices and members of the House. It covers such issues as office budgets, contracting issues, powers and duties of the Speaker of the House, and a number of other administrative issues.

One special provision was added to the Housekeeping Resolution this year as a result of a constitutional amendment which was passed by the citizens of Texas in 2003. The constitutional amendment allowed a member of the legislature who is serving on active duty in the military to assign a temporary member to serve in the member’s place. Rep. Rick Noriega, from Houston, is currently serving in Afghanistan with the National Guard and temporarily assigned his wife, Melissa Noriega, to fill his seat while he is on active duty. Accordingly, the Housekeeping Resolution included a new section to comply with this constitutional provision.

House Rules dictate procedural issues with regard to the House of Representatives. The rules establish committees, the bill and amendment process, House Floor procedure, and many other issues which provide the framework of daily activity for the House. Among other changes, the House Rules were changed to require the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Unites States and Texas Flags. Last session the legislature required school children to do the same.

Issues Facing the 79th Legislature

(AUSTIN) - On Tuesday, January 11th, the 79th Texas Legislature officially got under way at the State Capitol in Austin. This is my second session representing the citizens of Senate District Two, and I am eager to get started.

We will face and debate many issues in the next five months, including school finance reform, worker’s compensation, transportation, water policy, and crafting the state’s biennial budget. Recently, the Senate Research Center issued a publication entitled "Issues Facing the 79th Legislature." This article is taken from that publication, and more issues from the report will be highlighted in future Capitol Updates. To view the entire report, please go to www.senate.state.tx.us or call my office to receive a hard copy.

BUDGET

The 2006-2007 Biennial Revenue Outlook

In accordance with Article III, Section 29a, of the Texas Constitution, in January 2005, the Comptroller of Public Accounts (comptroller) will issue the Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) Report (79th Texas Legislature, 2006-2007) that presents the revenue estimate for the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2005 and projects the anticipated revenue available for the 2006-2007 biennium. The BRE provides the framework for determining the amount of money the legislature will be able to appropriate for the biennium.

In a September 23, 2004, press release, Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn announced that "due to a rebounding state economy, a successful comptroller tax amnesty program and strong tax collections from oil and gas companies, Texas’ general revenues finished fiscal 2004 $1.8 billion higher than in 2003." The press release went on to state that FY 2004 general revenues increased by 6.4 percent over FY 2003 general revenues, the highest growth rate since FY 2001. While major indicators point to the possibility of even stronger growth in coming months, Strayhorn cautioned against any premature revision of the revenue estimate.

The vast majority of general revenue (GR) will come from sales taxes. Other major sources of GR and GR-dedicated revenues are: motor vehicle sales taxes, franchise taxes, natural gas taxes, insurance premium taxes, tobacco settlement proceeds, and lottery proceeds.

Synopsis of the Budgets: Fiscal Year 2003 and Fiscal Years 2004-2005:

In January 2003, the comptroller announced that in the absence of action by the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, there would be $7.4 billion less in GR funds available for the 2004-2005 biennial budget than was available for the 2002-2003 biennial budget, including a $1.8 billion shortfall in GR funds for the second year of the 2002-2003 biennium. Based on certain assumptions regarding spending needs made by the comptroller, coupled with revised revenue projections between the biennia, the comptroller told the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, that legislators would be facing a total deficit of $9.9 billion.

In response to the estimated shortfall in GR funds for the 2004-2005 biennium, the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, took a three-pronged approach that entailed reducing the FY 2003 budget; reducing the 2004-2005 biennial budget and making concomitant policy changes; and taking actions to increase the amount of GR funds available for appropriation.

Fiscal Year 2003 Budget Reductions

In January 2003, the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house directed all state agencies and institutions of higher education to reduce FY 2003 GR and GR dedicated expenditures by seven percent. This budget reduction plan led to the enactment of H.B. 7, 78th Legislature, Regular Session, that provided for $1.4 billion in savings from GR and GR-dedicated funds. In addition, H.B. 7 appropriated $450 million from the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF or "Rainy Day Fund") to alleviate the budget shortfall for FY 2003.

Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Budget Reductions and Policy Initiatives

In the effort to align the 2004-2005 budget with reduced available revenues, the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, instructed all agencies and institutions of higher education to prepare a modified legislative appropriation request (LAR). These modified LARs provided agencies and institutions of higher education with a baseline amount (known as the Initial Relevant General Revenue Amount (IRGRA)) that was 87.5 percent of their 2002-2003 appropriation levels. Beginning with the newly calculated IRGRA, agencies were directed to prioritize their budgetary needs into "building blocks," integrating program and service needs. Agencies were allowed to request additional funds above the IRGRA, if the agency determined that there was a need. The 2004-2005 General Appropriations Act passed by the legislature totaled $2.6 billion less in GR funds than the 2002-2003 biennial spending level. In addition to the reductions in expenditures, the 78th Legislature appropriated an additional $811 million from the ESF (H.B. 7, 78th Legislature, Regular Session), initiated program policy changes, and reorganized numerous state agencies. For example, H.B. 2292, 78th Legislature, Regular Session, consolidated 12 health and human services agencies into five agencies and was estimated at that time to produce a savings of $1 billion for the 2004-2005 biennium.

Revenue Changes and Other Actions:

The 78th Legislature acted on a number of measures to increase available GR funds for the 2004-2005 biennium, including consolidating funds into the GR fund; extending an assessment on telecommunications; creating a tax amnesty program; closing certain tax loopholes; maximizing returns from the Permanent School Fund; and authorizing the state’s participation in a multi-state lottery. These actions increased the amount of GR funds available for appropriation by $1.8 billion for the biennium.

To contact Sen. Deuell about the legislative process, contact the Capitol Office at (512) 463-0556 or mail to Sen. Bob Deuell, Texas Senate, P.O. Box 12068, Austin, TX 78711. The website for the Texas Senate is www.Senate.state.tx.us. The e-mail address for Sen. Deuell is: bob.deuell@senate.state.tx.us.

The Dance Studio Ribbon Cutting

Trent Jones, Jacy Martin

Tyler Self, Nathan Thomason

Nathan Glaser, Andy Haas, Darcy Holder, Danyelle Huey, Ashland Merworth, Kendall Owen, Brett Pearson, Mallory Smyers

• "A" Honor Roll- Nathan Glaser, Juan Grijalva, Andy Haas, Darcy Holder, Danyelle Huey, Rachel Jones, Ashland Merworth, Brett Pearson, Tiffany Sellers, Kaylee Smith, Mallory Smyers, Shelby Stockton, Dallas Stone

Bonham High School Reunion Missing People

The 2005 Reunion Committee is in need of help in locating former students of Bonham High School. The all-school reunion is set for June 17-19, 2005.

This week we are focusing on the class of 1987. If you know the address or can provide any information on the location of the following former Bonham High School students, please contact Pam Thompson (903-989-5528) or send an email to pamt@fanninelectric.com. Please include the year.

Class of 1987: Amy Ashlock Sadler, Roy Beam, Elesha Clark, John Coleman, Mary Colman, Robin Comegys, Jacqueline Davis, Michael Freelen, Robyn Fuller, Feldon Hale, Jimmie Holt, Lesli Hopkins, Robert Johnson, Renee Kelton Witcher, Melissa Knight, Charles Love, Amos Magliocco, Greg Miller, Buster Nelson, Tammie Parker Curry, Kevin Peterson, Clint Price, Kristina Pruett, Samantha Rau, Samantha Redd, Camelia Ross Goffrey, Laurie Ross, Sonja Roundtree, Kevin Rush, Deana Shackelford, Michelle Sherer, Vince Sluder, Christopher Smithart, Denise VanKirk, Cindy Warren, Dee Dee Watson, Mike Wilkerson, Patricia Wright, Donald York

Troop 52 Backpacks the Ouachita Trail

On January 7th, taking 11 Boy Scouts, ranging in age from 11 to 15, Troop 52 backpacked 16.5 miles of the 233-mile Ouachita Trail, from Hwy 71 to Queen Wilhelmina State Park, in Arkansas, for the first outing of 2005. The weather was cold, temperatures dropped to below 27 degrees overnight, visibility was very poor due to low clouds, the wind was unceasing and strong, the terrain was steep, rocky and tough, and the boys had the time of their lives. The crew of backpackers performed as well as any crew we have ever had. They worked together to get camp setup and food cooked, encouraged each other during the tougher climbs, and rejoiced together when they accomplished their goals.

The best thing about trip such as these is the amount of growth that occurs in the boys. Through he challenges, young men build confidence and become more self-reliant. Programs such as the Boy Scouts of America, train boys to become good citizens, men of character, and teach the importance of physical fitness. Outdoor activities are structured to aid in the development of each of these aims.

This was the seventh backpacking trip in the past year that Scouts from Troop 52 have participated in, including a 70+ mile trek at Philmont Scout Ranch this past summer. The youth leadership of the Troop have scheduled an aggressive calendar for 2005 which includes backpacking, canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, swimming, trips to the gulf coast, Hurricane Harbor and a Rangers’ game. The Patrol Leaders’ Council has made a strong statement, "Hang on, this is going to be a fun and challenging year".

Boy Scouts completing the backpacking trip were Trey Wheeler, Nick Hamby, Dylan Allen, Nolen Hughes, Christopher Glatt, Colby Bockman, Christ Orr, Chris Smith, Nathan Orr, John Reeder, and Nate Nichols. Accompanying the Scouts were David Wheeler, Frank Orr, and Jeff Hamby. Boy Scouts camping at Queen Wilhelmina State Park were Blake Frazier, Tanner Long, and Ryan Dickerson. Accompanying the campers were Lloyd Long and Charles Dickerson.

For information regarding Troop 52, please contact Scoutmaster David Wheeler at 903-640-1869, or visit our web site: www.troop52.com

American Cancer Society Offers Services to Cancer Patients

Austin, TX-January 18, 2005--In the fight against cancer, the American Cancer Society places great importance on cancer patient services—hoping to ease cancer’s impact on people’s lives. The fact that people are surviving cancer today more than ever before—over 60 percent live at least five years—reinforces the need to help people get back into life’s mainstream.

"Your American Cancer Society provides the latest information about cancer and guidance to local community resources," says Linda Schickedanz, RN, MSN, CNS, Chair of the Patient Services Committee of the Texas Division. "Programs, services and materials to cancer patients and their families are available at no direct cost through public contributions."

The American Cancer Society helps people with cancer and their families in every Texas community through a toll free number that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By calling 1-800-ACS-2345, a cancer information specialist can offer assistance.

Resources can also be found on the American Cancer Society’s web site at www.cancer.org. With a click of the mouse, patients and caregivers can log onto the Cancer Survivors Network and seek support. The site offers discussion groups, personal stories, communication with others via email, and resources such as suggested books, articles, and web sites.

The Society offers limited tangible services such as medical equipment, comfort pillows, and other gift items. Temporary housing is available in some cities for cancer patients who must travel for treatment. Volunteer drivers transport patients through the Road to Recovery program.

Volunteers who have experienced cancer visit patients and their families to support them in adjusting to their diagnosis. The Reach to Recovery program is for breast cancer patients, and the Man to Man visitation program is a program created for prostate cancer patients. Support groups are held in hospitals, churches, and other facilities that help cancer patients and their families. These include: I Can Cope, Coping with Breast Cancer, Dialogue, and Look Good…Feel Better. The American Cancer Society also offers a bereavement support group in some communities called Life After Loss.

If you or a member of your family is in need of these services, or if you want to volunteer or need more information, please call your local American Cancer Society office or 1-800-ACS-2345.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

Texas to Spread Flu Prevention Messages Through Outreach Tour

New Survey: Nearly half of people polled don’t wash their hands adequately to reduce the spread of flu and cold germs

Forty-seven percent of Americans don’t wash their hands long enough to reduce the spread of cold and flu germs, according to a new poll released today.

The study, conducted by Harris Research, was released by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) as it kicked off a six-city tour to educate Texans about how to protect themselves from flu and cold viruses.

"Hand washing is one of the most important ways to stop the spread of flu. Many people aren’t cleaning their hands properly, which means they may think they’re protecting themselves when they’re not," said Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Commissioner of State Health Services. "The tour will help promote better hand washing and encourage people to cover their coughs and sneezes."

Health officials say people should use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand cleaner, and wash their hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds to effectively disinfect against germs, bacteria and viruses. In a national telephone poll, fifty-five percent said they wash their hands for at least 15-20 seconds each time, meaning nearly half are washing their hands inadequately.

Hand washing is just one prevention method Texans will learn about during a public education tour. DSHS rolled out its newest flu prevention weapon Wednesday called the "Flu Fighter" — a 36’ Airstream RV. The RV is wrapped with colorful, easy-to-remember flu prevention messages in Spanish and English. The tour will target Texans where they live, work and play with three simple messages: clean hands, cover coughs and contain germs.

"We want people to realize how a few easy health practices can keep them healthy," added Sanchez. "At each stop along the tour, we’ll offer fun activities with serious messages to educate Texans about flu prevention."

After a stop at Travis Heights Elementary, the "Flu Fighter" tour will visit shopping malls, health fairs and large retail outlets in Abilene, Beaumont, Laredo, San Antonio, Tyler and Longview. At each stop, people will play games and win prizes as they learn about flu prevention. A local public health representative will be on hand to answer questions.

The DSHS flu campaign also includes :10 and :15 television public service announcements in English and Spanish that will be distributed statewide. The TV spots emphasize personal responsibility when it comes to stopping the spread of the flu. Other campaign elements include radio announcements and informational fliers in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Historically December, January and February are the peak months for flu in Texas. Health officials also say it’s not too late to get a flu shot. Texas has recently expanded the list of priority groups for the flu vaccine, allowing more individuals to receive the vaccine. Once administered, it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to offer maximum protection.

For more information about flu prevention, visit www.texasflu.org.

USDA-NRCS Seeks Comments on Environmental Quality Incentives Program

The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking comments from Texas landowners and organizations on its flagship conservation costshare program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Dr. Larry D. Butler, State Conservationist for NRCS in Texas, is launching a comment period to allow public input on EQIP through March 15, 2005.

"NRCS periodically reviews and updates the EQIP priorities, with input from the public, to ensure the program continues to address the most important resource needs as well as any emerging resource issues," says Dr. Butler. The program originated in the 1996 Farm Bill and was re-authorized in 2002. "Updating the national priorities will help us prepare for the 2006 program year and for the next Farm Bill reauthorization in 2007."

Public listening sessions will be held in each State in coordination with the State Technical Committee. NRCS is looking for a wide array of public and stakeholder input from these sessions. Feedback from agricultural organizations, environmental groups, commodity organizations, agencies, individuals and others is encouraged.

A listening session will be held on March 1, 2005, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Austin Airport Hotel, Del Valle Room, in Austin. In addition to State listening sessions, the Federal Register and the NRCS national website, www.nrcs.usda.gov, can be used to submit written comments. The culmination of the State listening sessions will be a national public listening session scheduled for the spring of 2005.

"These listening sessions are not exclusive to EQIP," adds Dr. Butler. "We also invite comments on our other programs, such as the Farm and Ranchlands Protection Program, Grassland Reserve Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, and Conservation Technical Assistance Program." NRCS will be providing updates on all Farm Bill program activities in Texas as a part of the listening session.

All comments received will be recorded and forwarded for national review and consideration in developing the 2006 EQIP and beyond.

EQIP’s national priorities, which NRCS uses to guide which producers will be selected for program funding, are:

1. Water Quality: Reductions of nonpoint source pollution, such as nutrients, sediment, pesticides, or excess salinity in impaired watersheds consistent with TMDLs where available, as well as the reduction of groundwater contamination and the conservation of ground and surface water resources;

2. Air Quality: Reduction of emissions, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds, and ozone precursors and depleters that contribute to air quality impairment violations of National Ambient Air Quality Standards;

3. Soil Erosion: Reduction in soil erosion and sedimentation from unacceptable levels on agricultural land; and

4. Wildlife Habitat: Promotion of at-risk species habitat conservation.

The following questions will be used to guide comments on the EQIP national priority portion of the session:

1) What emerging natural resource issues are not addressed by the current national EQIP priorities? Identify the nature of the concern and its extent or significance within Texas.

2) What modifications, if any, are needed to the four existing National priorities? Do these existing priorities continue to reflect the critical national resource needs and concerns?

A compilation of inputs from the States will be presented at the National Listening Session tentatively scheduled for this spring. Further details on the National Listening Session will be forthcoming.

Comments can be faxed to 254-742-9819, emailed to norman.bade@tx.usda.gov or sent by U.S. mail to Norman P. Bade, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, USDA-NRCS, 101 South Main, Temple, Texas 76501.

40 Days Of Purpose Campaign

When First Baptist Church in Savoy, Texas, launches its "40 Days of Purpose Campaign" January 30th, it will join a worldwide network of thousands of churches.

Inspired by remarkable stories of spiritual renewal and growth, an estimated 13,000 churches from 60 denominations have experienced the purpose-driven phenomena inspired by a California pastor’s best-selling book.

Says Byron Brown, senior pastor of First Baptist, Savoy, "This is expected to be one of the most exciting endeavors in our church history! Many folks are telling me how much the book has meant to them personally. The Lord has used this tool to get us closer to Him- which is the whole point anyway! It is never too late to join God in what He is dong!"

At the center of the campaign is the fastest-selling hard cover nonfiction book in history. The Purpose Driven Life has sold more than 16 million copies since the book’s release in 2002.

The book’s author, Rick Warren, is senior pastor of one of America’s largest churches, Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. Following its 40 days of Purpose Campaign two years ago, Saddleback Church baptized 671 new believers, added almost 1,200 new members, and increased average attendance by 2,000.

Two years ago the first 1,500 churches to hold a 40 Days of Purpose Campaign reported their worship attendance increased an average 22 percent.

During the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign at First Baptist Savoy, the truths about God’s five purposes for people- worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism- will be communicated repcatedly in six ways:

1. An all-church Kick-Off & Connection service on January 30th, 2005 at 10 am.

2. A weekly message by the pastor.

3. A personal or family daily devotional reading.

4. A weekly Scripture memory verse that everyone memorizes.

5. A weekly Sunday school lesson.

6. A daily e-mail of encouragement.

"People will hear about God’s purposes for their lives in many different formats," Byron Brown, senior pastor’s aid. "This will allow for the truths to sink deeper into hearts, which is essential for any permanent life change.

"It is no secret that people everywhere are looking for meaning in life. This is not about a ‘man-made’ answer, but about the answer from the One who made man."

Jesus said it best: "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it."

Red River Theatre

Driving Miss Daisy

Red River Theatre has assembled a cast of dazzling talent to perform its upcoming production of Alfred Uhry’s unforgettable dramatic comedy, Driving Miss Daisy. The play opens on Friday, Feb. 25th for 6 performances the last weekend in February and the first weekend in March on its performing arts stage at the old Windom school.

Co-starring are Lisa Avila as the aging and imposing widow, Daisy Werthan, Regg Wilsford as Daisy’s industrious socialite son, Boolie, and George Hunter as Daisy’s chauffeur, Hoke Colburn under the direction of Pat Ward and Donna West.

Avila, a familiar personality in the performing arts in Fannin County, is an experienced actress, writer and vocalist and has appeared in several RRTC productions over the past 3 years. Regg Wilsford who played Daniel Spirit Wolf in RRTC’s world premier of Hopalong Cassidy Meets the Ghost Riders last Fall, exhibits his incredible versatility as an actor in the pivotal role of Daisy’s high society businessman son. Wilsford is a sales associate at Bonham Chrysler. George Hunter, a native of Phoenix, AZ, an engaging new talent in his first stage appearance, is the inventive gentleman-chauffeur, Hoke Colburn.

Driving Miss Daisy was first produced Off-Broadway by Playwrights Horizons in New York City, in 1987, and subsequently appeared on the big screen starring Jessica Tandy as Miss Daisy and Morgan Freeman as Hoke.

The production staff includes Jessica Stroud, Stage Manager, Kristina Money as Costume and Make-Up Mistress, John and Donna Henard as Set Design and Decor, Bruce DeGarmo as artistist designer, and Zane Smith as Sound and Music Coordinator.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM. The Windom Seniors Club offers pre-show Sunday lunch prior to the 2:30PM Sunday matinees. Advance sale tickets are available by credit card at http://www.ticketleap.com, at/ by check or cash at several locations in the community, or by mail to P.O. Box 343, Bonham, TX 75418 for $8 Adults, $5 Seniors and Students. Tickets at the door are $10 and $7. No group discounts or telephone reservations are available for this production. Royalties for this RRTC production are sponsored, in part, by Bonham State Bank.

Red River Theatre Company welcomes community participation in its productions. Anyone interested in becoming involved with Driving Miss Daisy as production staff assistants may call Pat Ward at 903-664-2233.

Woodmoore Assisted Living Welcomes Beverly Berni, RN

The Woodmoore Assisted Living is very pleased to welcome Beverly Berni, RN, as a new addition to our staff. Beverly has been a nurse for 20 years and has background in E.R., as well as school nursing. She has been married to her husband, Jack Berni, for 23 years. Jack just celebrated his 25th year at the Bonham Fire Department. They are both active contributors to our community. She also has two children, Sarah & Scott.

She is a tremendous asset to the Woodmoore and we look forward to her expertise taking us to the highest level of care for our Residents.

Fannin County Artist Katherine Klugar

To Be Included in the Greater Denton Arts Council’s National Exhibition Materials Hard & Soft

Michael Monroe, former curator-in-charge of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, Washington, D.C., has selected a ceramic sculpture by Fannin County artist Katherine Kluger to be included in the Greater Denton (Texas) Arts Council’s National Exhibition Materials Hard & Soft. Located in the Center for Visual Arts, 400 E. Hickory Street, Denton, Texas, the exhibition opens January 29^th and continues through March 20^th . This exhibition provides north Texans with a wonderful opportunity to experience contemporary art on a national scale and in a convenient location. For more information, please call the Visual Arts Center at 940-382-2787.

The figurative ceramic sculptures created by Ms. Kluger have been gaining national recognition and have been included in exhibitions at the Cambridge (Massachusetts) National Open Exhibition, the Holter Museum of Art, Helena, Montana, and the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, San Angelo, Texas.

The artist creates fine art sculpture, functional pottery, and teaches classes in drawing, painting, and pottery in her Valley Creek Studio located just north of Leonard, Texas.

Ector ISD Receives T.E.A. Gold Performance Acknowledgements

Last month the Texas Education Agency awarded Ector Independent School District with a total of four "Gold Performance Acknowledgements." This award recognizes districts and campuses that have performed exceedingly well in areas beyond those used to determine state accountability ratings. Ector Elementary School received three acknowledgements in math, reading, and science, while Ector High School received one acknowledgement for its high student attendance rate. With only 40% of all state school districts and 31% of campuses receiving more than one acknowledgement, EISD is extremely proud of its students and faculty. Their efforts and dedication are what make the district so successful.

First Presbyterian Church

Join us at the First Presbyterian Church, 818 North Main Street in Bonham. Sallie Watson will be hosting "Brown Bag Thursdays" in the Fellowship Hall from noon until 1:00 p.m. Bring a "brown bag" lunch and come and hear about the scripture passages for the following Sunday. We will be studying Micah 6:1-8 and Matthew 5:1-12 this week on Thursday, January 27.

You don’t have to commit to every Thursday for the rest of your life. Everyone is welcome, for whatever Thursdays are convenient. You can come once a week, once a month or once a year if you like. The point is to enjoy lunch and some good Bible study and discussion as part of your week—so we hope to see you there.

Bonham Baseball - Softball

Board Election- Sunday, January 30, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. @ Bailey Inglish. Everyone welcome to attend. Come help support the boys and girls of our community.

Ector Junior High Girls Game Report

Ector vs. Fannindel at Ector Jan. 10, 2005

Ector: 34 Fannindel: 7

Kristina Williams- 2; Caitlyn Jones- 2; Morgan Mayo- 4; Molly Clement- 2; Heather Johnson- 2; Brittany Leatherwood- 20; Shelby Proctor- 2

Ector vs. Bonham Ector Jr. High Tournament Jan. 8, 2005

Ector: 23 Bonham: 35

Ashley Campbell- 2; Morgan Mayo- 6; Heather Johnson- 3; Brittany Leatherwood- 10; Ciatlyn Jones- 2

Ector vs. Dodd City Ector Jr. High Tournament Jan. 8, 2005

Ector: 12 Dodd City: 14

Kristina Williams- 2; Jordan Glaser- 2; Morgan Mayo- 2; Heather Johnson- 2; Brittany Leatherwood- 4

Ector vs. Fannindel at Ector Jan. 10, 2005

Ector: 36 Fannindel: 22

Mason Cox- 7; B.R. Richards- 8; B.J. Kennedy- 8; Brandon Witte- 9; Jonathan Witte- 2; Zakree Thompson- 3

Ector vs. Bonham Ector Jr. High Tournament Jan. 8, 2005

Ector: 24 Bonham: 20

Mason Cox- 5; B.R. Richards- 6; Brandon Witte- 5; Jonathan Witte- 2; Zakree Thompson- 4; Douglas Boney- 2

Ector vs. Whitewright Ector JH Tournament Jan. 8, 2005

Ector: 21 Whitewright: 32

Mason Cox- 2; B.R. Richards- 2; Brandon Witte- 7; Jonathan Witte- 4; Zakree Thompson- 4; Douglas Boney- 2

Bonham SNAP Center Lunch Menu

Hamburgers, Potato Salad, Lettuce, Pickles, Onions, Buns, Apple Crunch, Milk

Manager’s Choice Goulash, Oven Fried Okra, Cornbread, Jello W/ Orange Juice, Milk

Wieners, Lima Beans, Creole Squash, Cornbread, Bread Pudding/ Lemon Sauce, Milk

Oven Fried Chicken, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Hot Spiced Beets, Bread, Pineapple, Milk

Ground Beef Noodle Casserole, Pea Salad, Bread, Cake Milk

Northeast Medical Center Lunch Menu

Jan. 24 - Jan. 28

11:45 - 1:00 pm

Monday- Fried Catfish, Hush Puppies, Steak Fries, Cole Slaw, Brownies, Salad Bar

Tuesday- BBQ Chicken, Potato Salad, Pinto Beans, Fried Okra, Cornbread, Apple- Cranberry Pie, Salad Bar

Wednesday- Taco Salads, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, Peach Cobbler, Salad Bar

Thursday- Fried Pork Chop, Cabbage, Capri Veggies, Scalloped Potatoes, Cornbread, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Salad Bar

Friday- Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes/ Gravy, Green Beans, Carrots, Dinner Roll, Banana Pudding, Salad Bar

For the last 4 years, Neita and Lloyd Cooper have generously chosen Bonham Community Ministries, Fannin County’s largest food bank, to be the recipient of food products which they arranged to get donated by Campbell Foods. This past year was no exception. In November, in pouring down rain, a large trailer backed up to the dock door at the Ministries and volunteers from the Constantine Masonic Lodge in Bonham helped unload the 6,000 pound donation.

"We are very grateful to the Coopers for their continued support of the Ministries," stated president Vicki Hutchins. "We also appreciate the willingness of the men from the Constantine Masonic Lodge is seeing that the food got unloaded. Many, many families will benefit from each of their generous contributions!" (this article reprint is a retraction from an earlier publication which was incorrect. We want to apologize for prior errors...Fannin County Community Ministries)

Last Wednesday members of the Bonham Rotary Club watched a power point presentation from Sandy Barber, Executive Director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and CAC (Children’s Advocacy Center). Barber presented last year’s statistics on both CASA and CAC and also told of the changes in the county government that will effect their work. She is looking forward to working with Fannin County’s District Judge Lauri Blake, County Sheriff Kenneth Moore, and District and County Attorney Richard Glaser. Also, CPS (Child Protective Service) has made changes in the Fannin County office by downsizing which may effect CASA and CAC.

James (Tex) Baldridge with Legacy Ridge Autoplex brought a guest to the meeting, Jimmy Herpeche, who is the Used Car Manager and Ford Manager at Legacy Ridge Autoplex in Bonham.

The Bonham Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 12 Noon at the Family Life Center.