Bonham Nursing & Rehab Center

On January 16th, 2004 the residents of Bonham nursing & Rehab Center had their very first cake auction. The activity director, Virgie Kelton, invited the staff to make their favorite cake and enter it in the contest. There were 9 cakes entered.

Judging was done by the resident council members. They sure enjoyed tasting the different entries. The grand prize went to Annice Alcorn with her entry of an Italian Cream Cheese Cake. The auction bidding was a grand surprise to all. Total donation was $292.00. The grand prize cake brought a whopping $100.00. Everyone had fun and enjoyed a piece of cake with their evening meal. The resident’s plan to make this an annual event.

Girl Scout Troop From Bonham Held Cookie Tasting Party

Cadette Girl Scout Troop 251 from Bonham held a Cookie Tasting Party at the Woodmoore Assisted Living Community on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 as an aspect of community service. Residents were treated to the 8 varieties of Girl Scout Cookies. The goal of Girl Scouts is not only to provide service to others, but also to help girls develop skills they can use throughout their lives. The girls had fun along with providing a community service as part of earning the Cookie & Dough Badge. The girls will also learn, as part of the annual cookie sale, goal setting, meeting new people, managing money, and budgeting the money they earn. Watch for cookie booth sales starting the weekend of February 20 through March 6. If you are interested in becoming a Girl Scout you may call the Girl Scouts of Red River Valley @ 903 784-0803.

Gov. Rick Perry Unveils Proposals to Spur Educational Excellence

SAN ANTONIO - Gov. Rick Perry today unveiled the first in a series of proposals to encourage Texas schools to set a new course for educational excellence, including financial incentives to spur schools and students toward the goal of maximum performance.

"I believe now is the time to usher in a new era of educational achievement in Texas that is not based on meeting minimum standards, but focused on maximum performance," Perry said in a speech at the Texas High School Project Summit.

To help schools achieve excellence, Perry proposed a series of results-based performance incentives:

• The High School Advancement Incentive would provide schools $100 more per student for each year they advance in high school, so long as the students pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests. In total, schools would receive an additional $600 for each student they keep in school between grades nine through 12.

The Commended Performance Incentive would reward all schools whose students score at least 90 percent on all TAKS tests taken. The Incentive would provide Texas schools $100 per student achieving Commended Performance and $200 for each at-risk student who scores that high. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) defines Commended Performance as a score of 90 percent or higher on all TAKS tests taken.

• The Distinguished Achievement Incentive would reward Texas high schools at least $1,000 for each graduate who successfully completes the most academically challenging course of study Texas schools offer, the Distinguished Achievement Program. The reward would jump to $2,000 for each at-risk student who graduates under this plan.

"So far the school finance debate has been focused almost solely on tax trade-offs," Perry said. "Today I want to emphasize the most important aspect of this debate, which has gone largely unmentioned - the quality of our schools and the achievement of our students."

Perry said he wants to make it clear that if he calls a special session, "the subject will not be school finance, it will be educational excellence. School finance will be an integral part of a session on educational excellence because how we finance education is the pathway to educational excellence."

The performance incentives, Perry added, will give "students and schools every reason to strive for greater educational excellence."

"The High School Advancement Incentive provides just one more compelling reason for schools to develop the kind of student retention programs that will ensure fewer students fall behind and dropout," Perry said. "Perhaps the most compelling reason is that the average income of a high school dropout is less than $15,000 a year."

The Commended Performance Incentive ensures that while Texas schools continue to focus on the many students struggling to pass the TAKS test, they don’t lose sight of the hundreds of thousands of other students who have the potential to excel on the TAKS and achieve maximum academic performance.

The Distinguished Achievement Incentive is designed to encourage students and schools to set the highest academic goals.

Perry acknowledged that his incentives set ambitious standards and goals, but he noted they also work within programs that Texas schools already have and do not require schools to develop new programs.

"These three proposals will raise the bar of excellence in Texas schools and help to fundamentally shift the focus of our schools from minimum expectations to maximum performance," Perry said. "And even better, my proposals are funded incentives, not unfunded mandates."

Perry noted he is working with legislators in developing proposals and credited Sen. Florence Shapiro and Rep. Kent Grusendorf as the leaders who have championed the move to reward Texas teachers who produce high-achieving students.

The governor also cited successes Texas schools and children have achieved and said the results-based performance incentives would build on the strong academic foundation Texas schools have built over the past decade.

"We are succeeding for three fundamental reasons," Perry said. "First, we have re-emphasized core subjects like reading, math and science. Second, we have developed a strong system of academic accountability, and third, Texas is home to some of the most dedicated, professional educators in America."

Perry also said there should be no doubt about the state’s commitment to education, noting that $7.1 billion in new dollars have been dedicated to Texas public schools since 1999.

"No longer can we allow educational excellence to be the missing variable in the school finance equation," he said. "We must decide on the final destination first, and then plot the journey. Educational excellence is the destination I am seeking, and it is where we must focus the most attention as a state."

The governor’s speech at the Texas High School Summit is the first of three major education excellence speeches Perry will deliver this week. The other speeches will focus on additional ways to achieve educational excellence in Texas schools, including: help for students with limited English proficiency, a program to ensure more students master Algebra, and a proposal to provide merit-based pay for teachers who excel in the classroom.

Locals Graduate from Massage Therapy School

Congratulations to the graduating class of December 2003 at Body Business School of Massage Therapy. Pictured are 1st row- Lindsi Andoe 2nd row- Erin Richardson and Alice Windham 3rd row- Cheree Howell, Karla McKinney, instructor Cindi Gill and Rebecca Backshies.

One or more of these students reside in your community.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 580-924-2309

Golden Gospel Jubilee

The annual Golden Gospel Jubilee will be back in session this Friday night, Feb. 6 at 7:30 pm. The show will be at the popular Lake Bonham Hoe-Down 1/2 mile from Lake Bonham Recreation area east of the spillway on CR2610, Bonham, Tx. The show will be hosted by Joan Kelton and The Bluegrass Gospeleers. Featuring: Randy Keister, Don Sharp, Glen Clark, Mike Stroud, Mickey Workman, and our singing sound man, Gary Monroe. Drop-in guest are expected along with our scheduled special guest band, the Texoma Travelers from Denison. Featuring Morchessa Taylor.

Morchessa and her group have played several shows at the Hoe-Down, and we are always glad to welcome her back to our gospel show. She has been getting pretty well known out on the Bluegress Circuit. Everyone is invited out for a fun and inspirational evening. Admission is free, donations are accepted and most appreciated. Thanks to all for your continued support. We surly appreciate you all. May God bless you. For information call: 903-583-4731 or 903-583-5710

Health Briefs

In love with love

HOUSTON — Swept away by the romantic spirit of Valentine’s Day? You may be in love, or, in love with falling in love. How can you tell the difference?

"Infatuation is an early, delightful but unstable phase of love based on superficial values, such as looks, style, behavior and how those attributes of the other person makes someone feel about himself or herself," said Dr. James Lomax, associate chair of the department of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston. "As love matures, individuals learn to value their partners’ complexity and want to encourage their interests even when they are quite different from their own."

People caught up in the initial infatuation stage of love experience a flood of often-conflicting feelings, from joy and passion to insecurity and uncertainty. Infatuated individuals often acknowledge only the good qualities in the person they care for and ignore the bad, placing him or her on an unstable and unsustainable pedestal.

"The right amount of idealization is good for a relationship if it is mutual," Lomax said. "But if it is excessive and one-sided, the person who idealizes the other person in a relationship is bound to be traumatically disappointed."

Men’s hesitancy to go to doctor can mean more visits later

HOUSTON — Guys who think they’re too "macho" to seek medical help could end up making more trips to the doctor’s office in the long run.

"A man who waits to see a physician until his problem has become more severe might need medical attention for a longer period of time," said Dr. Jeffrey Steinbauer, associate professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston. Left untreated, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can lead to complications that require hospitalization and/or repeated visits to a physician to monitor the health problem closely. Such chronic problems are usually detected early in men who see their physician for regular checkups or minor illnesses.

"If the patient comes to the doctor routinely, the physician has a chance to recommend standard tests for men in a particular age group, such as a rectal exam for prostate cancer or screening for colon cancer," said Steinbauer. "This also gives the doctor a chance to learn more about the patient’s family history and other health risks."

Bonham SNAP Center Feb.2-6 Menu

Oven Fied Fish, Cream Style Corn, Coleslaw, Buns, Bread Pudding, Milk

Chicken Fried Steak/ Cream Gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Green Beans, Whole Wheat Bread, Chocolate Bread, Milk

Turkey Salad, Potato Soup, Golden Salad, Bread, Cran-apple Crunch, Milk

BBQ Chicken, Pinto Beans, Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cornbread, Spiced Pears, Milk

Meatloaf/ Creole Sauce, Pea Salad, Hot Spiced Beets, Cornbread, Jello w/ Oj & Peaches, Milk

2004 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

The chamber banquet was held at the Family Life Center on Monday, Jan. 26, 2004. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Lanny Joe Burnett. Mr. Burnett shared some of his amusing poetry. Mike Simpson welcomed everyone to the banquet, while Rev. Morgan Malone gave the opening prayer. Scout Troup #260 presented the colors and Kristi Baker sang America the Beautiful.

Guest Speaker, Cody Hart, presented a moving and encouraging speech. He talked of his childhood, rough times, and good times. He was an inspiration to all.

Tillman Bostick presented Agriculturalist of the Year, which was Blanton Haynes. Tandy Hix presented Business of the Year to Reeves Printing Company, and Mike Simpson presented Dugan Curtis with Citizen of the year.

Tandy Hix offered the closing, and Rev. Morgan Malone gave the Benediction.

The Fannin County Special would like to congratulate Blanton Haynes for receiving Agriculturalist of the year, Dugan Curtis for receiving Citizen of the year, and Reeves Printing Company for receiving business of the year.

Gov. Rick Perry Proposes Incentives for Student Achievement and Teacher Excellence

Excellence Incentives

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today unveiled the second in a series of proposals to encourage Texas schools to set a new course for educational excellence, including financial incentives to spur schools, students, and teachers toward the goal of maximum performance.

"The results-based performance incentives I am proposing are available to every public school, in every community, that serves every level of student," Perry told the Texas Association of School Administrators Mid-Winter Conference. "My plan does not involve a bunch of new programs, or new bureaucratic hoops, but rather builds upon existing programs and existing curriculum to ensure maximum achievement in Texas schools."

In addition to the High School Advancement, Commended Performance, and Distinguished Achievement Initiatives announced yesterday, Perry proposed an additional series of results-based performance incentives:

• The Algebra Incentive will increase the number of students who master algebra. School campuses would receive $100 per student passing the Algebra I end-of-course exam. An additional $100 ($200 total) will be awarded for each at-risk student meeting this level of achievement.

• The LEP Student Success Incentive will encourage schools to develop ways to promote academic success with LEP (Limited English Proficiency) students to achieve academic success and close the achievement gap. School campuses will receive $100 per LEP student passing the TAKS test and an additional $100 ($200 total) for each student who receives commended performance on all sections of the TAKS.

• The Teacher Excellence Incentive will reward teachers for achieving a high level of excellence in the classroom and increase the number of effective teachers working in qualifying schools. A $200 million fund will be established to reward teaching excellence by providing up to $2,500 in matching funds per qualifying teacher in conjunction with a school district-initiated teaching excellence program. Additionally, effective teachers could receive an additional $5,000 state stipend if they are assigned or choose to teach in a qualifying, struggling school.

Perry said he wants to make it clear that if he calls a special session, "the subject will not be school finance, it will be educational excellence. School finance will be an integral part of a session on educational excellence because how we finance education is the course to that destination."

The performance incentives, Perry added, will give "students, schools and teachers every reason to strive for greater educational excellence."

"The Algebra Incentive will provide additional resources that can be used to improve student performance while encouraging as many students as possible to take the optional Algebra One exam," Perry said.

"Algebra is a critical gateway course that a student must master before succeeding in other math courses and in college," he added.

Perry also proposed the LEP (Limited English Proficiency) Student Success Incentive that starts with the goal of helping more LEP students pass the TAKS test and closing the achievement gap between LEP students and their non-LEP peers. "There are hundreds of thousands of children who arrive at our public schools unprepared to succeed because they start behind and must overcome language barriers," Perry said.

The commended performance, distinguished achievement, algebra, and LEP incentives will help schools devote more time and resources to ensuring students realize their full academic potential. The teacher excellence focuses on the classroom teacher.

"I believe that it is good public policy to reward proven teachers that embody excellence in the classroom with financial incentives," said Perry. "We should not be afraid to single out our top educational professionals for additional pay out of fear of bucking the status quo."

Perry proposed the Teacher Excellence Incentive to reward teachers who achieve excellence in the classroom based on meeting specific performance measures. Local districts would have to match the state’s financial commitment. Additionally, the incentive program will reward proven, experienced teachers who elect to teach in underperforming schools that serve large numbers of disadvantaged students.

"Too often our newest and most inexperienced teachers start out in the most difficult learning environments," Perry said. "We want the best, brightest and most experienced teachers to go where they can make the greatest difference, reaffirming our commitment to a most basic truth: The future of every child matters."

Perry noted he is working with legislators in developing proposals and credited Sen. Florence Shapiro and Rep. Kent Grusendorf as the leaders who have championed the move to reward Texas teachers who produce high-achieving students.

Perry acknowledged that these new incentives, coupled with those introduced yesterday, set ambitious standards and goals, but he noted they also work within programs that Texas schools already have and do not require schools to develop new programs.

"My incentive proposals will raise the bar of excellence in Texas schools and help to fundamentally shift the focus of our schools from minimum expectations to maximum performance," Perry said. "And even better, my proposals are funded incentives, not unfunded mandates."

Perry also reminded Texans of the states commitment to education, noting that $7.1 billion in new dollars have been dedicated to Texas public schools since 1999 - an increase of $1,900 per student.

"I believe any organization that approaches a challenge stating why it can’t accomplish something will surely achieve that end," added Perry. "I believe the mindset must be ‘we can, and we will.’ "

The governor’s speech at the Texas Association of School Administrator Mid-Winter Conference is the second of three major education excellence speeches Perry will deliver this week. Yesterday in a speech to the Texas High School Project, Perry outlined additional proposals to help schools achieve excellence:

• The High School Advancement Incentive will provide schools $100 more per student for each year they advance in high school, so long as the students pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests. In total, schools would receive an additional $600 for each student they keep in school between grades nine through 12.

• The Commended Performance Incentive will reward all schools whose students score at least 90 percent on all TAKS tests taken. The Incentive would provide Texas schools $100 per student achieving Commended Performance and $200 for each at-risk student who scores that high. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) defines Commended Performance as a score of 90 percent or higher on all TAKS tests taken.

• The Distinguished Achievement Incentive will reward Texas high schools at least $1,000 for each graduate who successfully completes the most academically challenging course of study Texas schools offer, the Distinguished Achievement Program. The reward would jump to $2,000 for each at-risk student who graduates under this plan.

Space exploration is more than a science fiction tale -it is our destiny. Americans have expanded frontiers since the first settlers arrived, so it is entirely fitting that the U.S. lead the exploration of space. That spirit challenges today’s scientists and researchers to search for cures for cancer,AIDS and diabetes; develop lighter, stronger and more resilient materials; and create new technologies to transform our military, our economy and our healthcare industry.

As a Houston reporter in 1969, I had the privilege of covering Neil Armstrong’s extraordinary first steps on the moon. Growing up with the Johnson Space Center in my back yard and the first generation to plant a flag on the moon, the mysteries of space have always held a deep fascination for me. I have been awed by the tremendous discoveries our space program has produced, from insulin pumps to hurricane monitoring systems. When the Columbia disintegrated in the skies above North Texas last year, I heard the sonic boom as I was walking in my neighborhood and ached for the loss of those astronauts. But beyond my personal connections, I have come to understand that an ambitious agenda for NASA will help secure America’s leadership in the 21’ century, and ensure we continuously push the envelope to discover that which remains unknown. No one exemplifies that spirit more than Texans.

The president’s plan is threefold. First, the shuttle will return to flight and America will complete its work on the International Space Station by 2010, fulfilling a commitment to our 15 partner countries. Second, we will begin developing a new manned exploration vehicle to explore beyond our orbit to other worlds - the first of its kind since the Apollo Command Module. Finally, the United States will return to the moon as early as 2015, and use it as a stepping-stone for more elaborate missions into space. To achieve this goal, the president is asking for a $1 billion increase over NASA’s current $86 billion five-year budget, and the reprogramming of $11 billion already allocated. Funding this vision is a priority, but we must not shortchange or under-fund existing programs within NASA. While the costs may seem staggering, the price of inaction is even higher. Consider that investment in NASA has led to the development of CAT scans, MRIs, kidney dialysis machines and fetal heart monitors, it’s a small price to pay for the lives - present and future - saved through these advances.

A renewed vision for our space program will also ensure the continuation of basic research, one of NASA’s fundamental tenets. NASA fulfills one of the most critical roles of the federal government. Private industry neither has the financial wherewithal nor the capability to conduct basic research on a mass scale. Industry specializes in ap­plied research-the art of crafting real-world products from pure research, and keeping the production jobs in America. Everyday applications like satellite television and cellular technology are tangible results of the Agency’s activities, but are merely by products of a much greater endeavor. Without their core research, we’d be decades behind in every field.

The mission to Mars will also inspire the next gen­eration of scientists. Those young boys and girls who sat wide-eyed as man first stepped on the moon, grew up to become the scientists, engineers and mathematicians of the digital revolution. Today’s youth are more apt to name athletes or actors, rather than astronauts, as their role mod­els. We need to resurrect the explorer’s spirit that has lain dormant for too many years.

One year ago, the Columbia disaster renewed ques­tions about the mission of our space program. It also exposed critical flaws within NASA and validated the nagging suspicion the Agency was floundering without clear direction. The Administration’s new proposal will help revitalize the Agency with the vision and mission it has lacked for too long. The initiatives offer tremendous potential to further research in energy, geology, and health sciences, keeping us at the forefront of space exploration and maintaining our economic viability and defense prow­ess. And it will keep the dream of reaching new frontiers alive. Going to space is mankind’s destiny and leading that effort is America.

3rd Six Weeks

The student body, faculty, and administration are proud to recognize our "Best Citizens for the Third Six Weeks" They are Alex Anders (12^th grade) and Angelica Thompson (7^th grade). Both students are great students that consistently set a good example for their peers. Congratulations to you both on a job well done.

I.W. EVANS FIFTIES BASH-2004

I.W. Evans P.T.Q. will sponsor the third Annual Fifties Bash on Friday, February 13, 2004 from 6:30-9:00 at the Bonham Family Life Center, located on Star Street. This event is designed to be a fun filled night bringing family back into the school. An adult must accompany a child. No student(s) will be allowed in without an adult.

Admission is $3.00 for adults, students, and siblings. Children ages 3 and under are admitted free. Your admission ticket also buys you a hot dog, chips and drink. Additional concessions may be purchased throughout the event. Come eat dinner with us and have a great night with family and friends!

Get ready for fun and family! Costume is optional for both adults and children, but encouraged. Happy faces and laughter is required! We want everyone to have a great time! Some of our planned activities for the evening include an Elvis impersonating contest, a "50’s Girl" singing contest (may sing or lip sync), limbo, jitterbug, hula-hoop, hand jive, and a few surprises! (Will Elvis be in the building?!!) There will also a photographer available. What a great opportunity for a family photo!

Please mark your calendars for FEBRUARY 13^TH! If you have any questions, please call Samantha Lumpkins - 903-640-0406 or Gail Fiasco 903-583- 9141.

Ector High School Employee of the Week for January 25-30 is Sherry Walsh. Mrs. Walsh has been employed with Ector ISD for six years. She is currently our special education teacher-aide. She assists teachers in the classroom and works one-on-one with the students along with many other duties. Her hobbies are reading and gardening. She has been married to her wonderful husband Danny for 26 years. She has two great daughters Amber and Amanda and three wonderful grandchildren, Korey, Hayden and Kaylee. Mrs. Walsh states that the best thing about working for the Ector ISD is that she loves to help the children and see the excitement when they learn. Mrs. Walsh, thank you for all that you do you are truly appreciated. Congratulations and thank you for helping to make Ector continue to be the best.

Ector High School Employee of the Week for February 2-6 is Bill Buck

Mr. Buck is currently our Junior High Coach and Secondary School Teacher. Mr. Buck has been with Ector ISD for six years. He teaches Texas History, US History, World History and coaches Jr. High and High School Girls. Coach Buck’s favorite activities include watching ballgames, fishing, jogging, and aggravating other people. He has been married to his wonderful wife Shera for nineteen months. He has four great children, Adam, Jake, Aaron and daughter Madelyn. Coach Buck states that the thing he likes best about his job is that, "It is never the same from day to day and I have a lot of fun". Coach Buck, thank you for all you do and for keeping it fun. Congratulations and thank you for being a special part of Ector ISD.

Baylor College of Medicine

HOUSTON--(Jan. 29, 2004)--Indulge in that piece of chocolate -- it may even be good for you.

"Chocolate has gotten a bad rap from a nutrition and health standpoint, but it’s actually not a bad thing," said Joan Carter, an instructor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "It’s pleasing to the palate and it contains antioxidants that may contribute to better health."

A plant-based food, chocolate contains minerals and polyphenols, the antioxidants thought to play a role in preventing heart disease.

"There is a world beyond the nutrients found in recommended daily allowances," said Carter, a registered dietitian at the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, a joint program of BCM and Texas Children’s Hospital. "One chocolate bar contains about the same amount of antioxidants as a glass of red wine."

But like the red wine, serving size plays a key role.

A one-ounce piece of dark chocolate contains 135 calories, which is nearly 100 calories less than a 20-ounce cola. But chocolate bars have not been immune to the super-sizing. Many of today’s candy bars contain three or more ‘servings’ – and three or more times the calories.

"View chocolate as a treat that you eat by the ounce, not the bag," she said. "Enjoy it, don’t gobble it up."

Some of the common misconceptions about chocolate are that it is high in harmful fat, contributes to tooth decay, is high in caffeine, and causes acne.

"The good news is that the fat in chocolate is neutral in terms of heart disease and its rich in health-preserving antioxidants," she said.

And, although chocolate does contain caffeine, the amount is relatively small. An eight-ounce glass of chocolate milk contains about 5 milligrams of caffeine. The same amount of regular brewed coffee contains 184.

Studies have shown that it has no relation to acne.

"Crackers and granola bars are worse for tooth decay because they stick to teeth where chocolate clears from the mouth fairly quickly," she said.

But the best thing about chocolate is the enjoyment it brings.

"Food should be one of the pleasures of life, and many people get a great deal of pleasure out of eating chocolate," Carter said. "A little bit of chocolate a day is not a bad thing."

Pam Sweet-Richardson

Excited to serve the citizens of Fannin County Ms. Sweet-Richardson states "I am very blessed to keep providing a high standard of service for the good folks in our county.

I will continue to offer friendly, efficient, professional service in my office; all with the assistance of my fine staff. Tina Mckenzie (chief deputy), Judy Baker, Susie Posey (deputies), also, I welcome Terry Bingham who has just joined our team.

I appreciate all the great support and your votes in the last election for the two year unexpired term I won. I ask for your votes again in the upcoming primary, where I’ll receive an additional four year term. This will allow me to keep my experience of 15 years at work for you!!

Vote for experience you can count on!!!!

My open door policy still remains and I will give you assistance on all I can.

Thanks

Pamela Sweet-Richardson

Fannin Co. Tax Assessor/Collector

Need Help Paying For Your Pets Spay/Neuter?

The Friends of Fannin County Critters, FFCC, has received a small Spay/Neuter grant which will allow them to help some Fannin County residents to be better able to afford Spay/Neuter procedures for their pets.

You can get your application for the Spay/Neuter Program by either mailing a stamped, self-addressed envelope to FFCC, 200 Winkler, Bonham, Texas 75418, picking up an application during the open hours of FFCC Critter Corner, 10-2pm on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday or downloading the application on the web at www.ffccritters.org. The deadline for returning the application will be 3/15/04 and applicants will be notified if they are selected by 3/30/04.

Stephanie Wood commented "Helping provide low-cost Spay/Neuter for pet owners who need financial assistance with preventing litters is important to FFCC and the community. We hope that this is only the first of many grants that we are able to acquire that will benefit Fannin County."

TMC announces Child Birth/Sibling Class schedules

In addition to the prepared childbirth classes, a Big Brother/Big Sister class will be offered on March 24th. Siblings will learn what to expect when Mom goes to the hospital and comes home with a new baby. The Big Brother/Big Sister class also includes a tour of the Smith Women and Children’s Center and refreshments. This class is held in the Smith Women and Children’s Center’s classroom on TMC’s third floor.

For more information on these classes, call the TMC Labor and Delivery Department at (903) 416-4555.

Gov. Rick Perry Proposes Incentives and Accountability Measures for Texas Schools

Proposals Would Reward Schools Showing Improvement and Promote Cost Effectiveness

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today unveiled the third in a series of proposals to encourage Texas schools to set a new course for educational excellence, including financial incentives to reward schools that demonstrate student progress and measures that promote cost effectiveness.

"Education is the foundation for a future of unlimited opportunity and prosperity," Perry said in a speech to the Texas Public Policy Foundation. "Educated Texans are empowered to pursue the jobs they desire, and the quality of life of their choosing."

Perry said he wants to make it clear that if he calls a special session, "the subject will not be school finance, it will be educational excellence. Until this week, the school finance debate has been focused almost solely on tax trade-offs. But I believe the most important aspect of this debate is the quality of our schools, and the achievement of our students."

In addition to the High School Advancement, Commended Performance, Distinguished Achievement, Algebra, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and Teacher Excellence Initiatives announced earlier this week, Perry proposed an additional results-based performance incentive and a new accountability measure:

The Student Progress Incentive will reward school districts demonstrating the highest level of improvement in meeting the objectives of the Educational Excellence proposals. Perry proposed appropriating $100 million to the Successful Schools Fund to provide the financial rewards. Under the proposal, criteria will be developed by the Texas Education Commissioner and rewards will be awarded by the commissioner.

The Truth in Spending initiative will measure educational results in relation to district financial decisions to ensure that tax dollars are being efficiently spent and students are receiving a quality education. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will implement an improved financial accountability system to rate school districts based on fiscally responsible management practices. Some factors that should be considered are:

· properly defined and appropriate administrative costs

· high percentages of funding going directly to the classroom

· tax burden compared to other similarly situated districts

· appropriate levels of protection against fraudulent activity

· strong correlation between school district expenditures and student performance

· effective personnel management practices

"I believe if taxpayers are going to foot the bill, they are entitled to look at every item on the receipt," Perry said. "School spending ought to be transparent, and simple to understand. Taxpayers deserve to know what percentage of their dollars makes it into the classroom, and what exactly is classified as a classroom expenditure. Administrative costs should be listed line-by-line."

The performance and accountability measures, Perry added, will give "students, schools and teachers every reason to strive for greater educational excellence and taxpayers the assurance to know that their money is being spent wisely."

Perry acknowledged that these new incentives and accountability measures, coupled with those introduced earlier in the week, set ambitious standards and goals, but he noted they also work within programs that Texas schools already have and do not require schools to develop new programs.

"My incentive proposals will raise the bar of excellence in Texas schools and help to fundamentally shift the focus of our schools from minimum expectations to maximum performance," Perry said. "And even better, my proposals are funded incentives, not unfunded mandates."

Perry also reminded Texans of the states’ commitment to education, noting that $7.1 billion in new dollars have been dedicated to Texas public schools since 1999 - an increase of $1,900 per student.

"I believe any organization that approaches a challenge stating why it can’t accomplish something will surely achieve that end," added Perry. "I believe the mindset must be `we can, and we will. "

The governor’s speech to the Texas Public Policy Foundation is the third of three major education excellence speeches Perry has delivered this week. Earlier in the week Perry outlined additional proposals to help schools achieve excellence:

· The High School Advancement Incentive will provide schools $100 more per student for each year they advance in high school, so long as the students pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests. In total, schools would receive an additional $600 for each student they keep in school between grades nine through 12.

· The Commended Performance Incentive will reward all schools whose students score at least 90 percent on all TAKS tests taken. The Incentive would provide Texas schools $100 per student achieving Commended Performance and $200 for each at-risk student who scores that high. The TEA defines Commended Performance as a score of 90 percent or higher on all TAKS tests taken.

· The Distinguished Achievement Incentive will reward Texas high schools at least $1,000 for each graduate who successfully completes the most academically challenging course of study Texas schools offer, the Distinguished Achievement Program. The reward would jump to $2,000 for each at-risk student who graduates under this plan.

· The Algebra Incentive will increase the number of students who master algebra. School campuses would receive $100 per student passing the Algebra I end-of-course exam. An additional $100 ($200 total) will be awarded for each at-risk student meeting this level of achievement.

· The LEP Student Success Incentive will encourage schools to develop ways to promote academic success with LEP students to achieve academic success and close the achievement gap. School campuses will receive $100 per LEP student passing the TAKS test and an additional $100 ($200 total) for each student who receives commended performance on all sections of the TAKS.

· The Teacher Excellence Incentive will reward teachers for achieving a high level of excellence in the classroom and increase the number of effective teachers working in qualifying schools. A $200 million fund will be established to reward teaching excellence by providing up to $2,500 in matching funds per qualifying teacher in conjunction with a school district-initiated teaching excellence program. Additionally, effective teachers could receive an additional $5,000 state stipend if they are assigned or choose to teach in a qualifying, struggling school.

The county commissioners court serves as the governing body in each of Texas" 254 counties. This administrative body was established by the Texas Constitution of 1876 and is comprised of a county judge and four commissioners, The major duties of the commissioners court involve overseeing the budgetary and policy-making functions of county government. In addition, in many counties, commissioners have extensive responsibilities related to the building and maintenance of county roads.

Each county in Texas is divided into four commissioners precincts with one commissioner being directly elected by the voters of each precinct to a four-year term. Commissioners are elected on staggered terms with two precincts voting for the office of commissioner in each general election. Precincts two and four of every county elect commissioners the same year the Texas gubernatorial election takes place, while precincts one and three elect their commissioners in presidential election years. To be eligible to run for a county commissioner seat, an individual must be a qualified voter, a resident of that precinct, and have never been convicted of a felony,

As the commissioners court meets to fulfill its budgetary and administrative responsibilities, each commissioner, along with the county judge, participates in all the decisions and work of the court. Passing a county budget is a major undertaking for the commissioners court. During the budget process, commissioners approve the employment level of the county and consider the level of funding necessary for the other county offices to carry out their duties and responsibilities.

In addition to approving the county budget, commissioners courts have other financial responsibilities. The commissioners court sets the county’s property tax rate and has the authority to grant tax abatements for economic development and authorize contracts in the name of the county.

Beyond their budget duties, commissioners have the responsibility of providing oversight of the county’s infrastructure. They are responsible for overseeing the construction, maintenance and improvement of county roads and bridges, establishing long-range thoroughfare, open space, and land use plans and acquiring property for rights-of-way or other uses determined to be in the public’s best interest. Commissioners serve as the road and bridge administrator in their precinct except in places where a county unit road system has been adopted by local election, Other responsibilities include reviewing and approving subdivision platting and wastewater treatment for rural areas. Some commissioners also are responsible for providing rural ambulance services and, subsidizing rural fire protection.

Additional personnel and operating responsibilities fall under the job duties of a county commissioner. Some of these duties include financial and law enforcement/jail needs planning, establishing commissioner and justice of the peace precinct boundaries, and setting employment and benefit policies for the county. Commissioners court may also call, conduct and certify elections, including bond elections, and appoint non-elected department heads and standing committees. Finally, as a member of the commissioners court, a county commissioner may be called upon to fill vacancies in elective and appointive positions in the county and supervise and control the county courthouse, county buildings and other county facilities.

In order to stay up to date on the latest changes in state law affecting the operation of counties and to acquire improved management techniques and skills related to Infrastructure maintenance, commissioners are required to earn 16 classroom hours of continuing education annually related to the performance of their duties. Continuing education credits must be certified by an accredited public institution of higher education, and commissioners may carry over up to eight hours of continuing education credit into the next year.

County commissioners have a broad range of duties. From their positions on the county’s policy-making, body to their responsibility for maintaining county roads and bridges, county commissioners are very visible representatives in county government.

By Rick Avery and Stacy Hoefling, V.G. Young Institute of County Government.

WASHINGTON, DC ... The House of Representatives January 28^th agreed to Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX) being named to the Energy and Commerce Committee and to the Science Committee following his switch to the Republican party. Hall also retained his seniority on those committees.

Majority Leader Tom DeLay introduced the resolution naming Hall to the committees and stating that Hall would rank after Energy and Commerce Chairman Billy Tauzin and after Science Chairman Sherwood Boehlert.

Hall had resigned his seat as a Democrat on those committees following his filing on January 2 as a Republican candidate in the March 9 primary in Texas. Speaker Dennis Hastert and members of the Steering Committee met today to fill vacant slots on the Energy and Commerce, Science and International Relations Committees.

"Mr. Hall has been an outstanding Member of these committees and will continue to serve his constituents and Congress well in his new capacity," stated Speaker Dennis Hastert in announcing the appointment.

"I’m pleased to be back on these great committees and to retain my seniority," Hall said. "When I decided to switch parties, I didn’t extract any promises from anyone, but when I reported my switch to the Speaker and asked that my seniority be honored, he responded that it would be. Today he and all those with whom he works in leadership kept their word."

"I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Tauzin, Chairman Boehlert, and other members on the important issues that come before these committees," Hall said. Subcommittee assignments will be determined later.

FANNIN COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE GEARS UP

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life has become an annual celebration for many communities across the U.S. Part fundraiser, and part life-affirming cheerleading rally, Fannin County’s event is no different when it comes to the camaraderie of the compassionate volunteers and the cancer survivors they celebrate.

The annual event raises money to research cures and treatment for many forms of cancer. Local businesses, families and other groups form teams, raise pledge money, and take turns walking relay fashion during the occasion, which lasts far into the wee hours of the next morning. The teams that enter erect campsites at the relay site, and the event truly takes on a celebratory spirit.

Planning for the 2004 Relay is now underway, and the Fannin County Chapter is now encouraging teams to sign up, kicking off the event with a come and go reception Feb. 24, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Elizabeth May Room at the American Bank of Texas in Bonham.

The first 25 teams to register that day will receive a gift from Relay Gear, a company that sells items for Relay for Life participants. Registration is $10 per team. Door prizes will also be given out, and refreshments will be served.

"We really want to encourage everyone who is interested to come," chairwoman Debbie Vest said.

This year’s relay, which will take place at the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center, will be June 4 and 5. Last year’s event brought in an estimated 700 or more people between the hours of 7 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday and raised more than $50,000 -- the goal of the Fannin County Chapter. In statewide rankings, the American Cancer Society put Fannin County at seventh place overall in the state in per capita fundraising, and ranked the county in 70th place in the nation. This year’s goal is 50 teams, and the county chapter hopes to raise $65,000, Vest said.

Money raised from the nationwide event helps the American Cancer Society fund research, advocacy, education and services for those fighting cancer. According to the ACS, the society has invested $2.5 billion in cancer research since 1946, and has played a role in nearly all the scientific milestones in cancer research, including bone marrow transplants and drugs such as Gleevac and Tamoxifen. The ACS answered more than 1.3 million calls during 2003 and answered nearly 33,000 e-mails from its website, www.cancer.org. By 2015, the ACS aims to prevent almost five million additional deaths from cancer and avoid six million new cancer diagnoses.

Harris named as Sherman Area Engineer

The Grayson County Family Support meeting

Tuesday, February 10, 7:00-8:30 p.m., at Mental Health Community Support Services, 106-B Sunset Blvd. (Westwood Shopping Center), Sherman.

The speaker will be Brent O’Bannon presenting "How to Ace Your Anger." O’Bannon is a graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology/Communications and a Master’s of Behavioral Sciences in counseling psychology. O’Bannon is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas and completed training at University of North Texas and became an approved LPC supervisor in 1999. He co- created Brief Therapy Associates, LLP that has several satellite offices in Texas. O’Bannon specializes in addictions, trauma resolution, spirituality, counselor supervision, and relationship issues. He also provides administration and instruction for the Texas Drug Offender Education Program.

Family Support is sponsored by Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma. Family members, consumers, and interested community members are invited. There is no charge to attend. For more information call Paula Cawthon at 903-337-4865.

GLASER FAMILY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

On February 2, 2004 the Glaser Family Charitable Foundation will begin accepting scholarship applications for the Fall 2004 semester. The Glaser Family Charitable Foundation strives to fulfill the goals of its founders in strengthening educational and cultural opportunities, promoting and protecting children’s health, and supporting Christian ministries.

Scholarship applications and more information are available through the foundation’s website www.gfcf.org. Students can also call (903) 961-3201, or write requesting an application to: Glaser Family Charitable Foundation, PO Box 415, Ector, TX 75439.

The deadline for returning a Fall 2004 scholarship application is March 15, 2003.

GRAND JURY REPORT FOR JANUARY

Clint Dwayne Williams, age 21 of Honey Grove, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency with a Child.

John Ray Bateman, age 57, of Honey Grove, Indecency with a Child By Sexual Contact.

Tamsei Dean Foster, of Leonard, Forgery of a Check, By Making and Passing.

Raymond Earl Barnett, age 40 of Gober, Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency with a Child.

Johnny Ray Grady Jr., age 18 of Bonham, Retaliation.

Miguel Ibarra Hernandez, age 19 of Ivanhoe, Sexual Assault of a Child, Indecency with a Child, Aggravated Kidnapping.

James Elwyn Sykes, age 18 of Trenton, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency with a Child.

David Wallace Tomlinson, age 59, of Bonham, Sexual Assault of a Child, Indecency With a Child.

Lester Baxter Starnes, age 76 of Randolph, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency with a Child.

Graig Alan Monroe, age 18 of Sherman, Burglary of a Building

Robert Wesley Felts, age 43 of Bonham, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency With a Child.

Billey Floyde Oliver Jr. age 30 of Mansfield, Burglary of a Building.

David Vernon Patterson, age 39 of Bonham, Sexual Assault.

Amy Helen Wilson, age 24 of Denison, Interference with Child Custody.

Gary Donald Lowery, age 17 of Irving, Burglary of a Building.

Paul Kinser, age 33 of Blue Ridge, Theft over $1500, under $20,000.

Kent Lee Howell, age 39 of Weatherford, Retaliation.

Trey Wheeler, 8th Grade student at L. H. Rather Junior High School, has been nominated by Susan Baccus of L. H. Rather Junior High to be a student ambassador in the 2004 People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. This seven-day program was presented to the Bonham Rotary Club at their meeting last Wednesday by Wheeler who explained the program as having three major periods of national crisis to be explored: The Civil War and Reconstruction; World War I; The Great Depression and World War II; The Korean War, The Vietnam War and the American Civil Rights Movement.

Wheeler has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, as a 4th grader he was able to work and raise money to attend the NASA space camp in Alabama and many other accomplishments. His ultimate goal is to be an astronaut.

The Rotary Club donated $300 for his trip to Washington, D.C. If you would like to help Trey with his expenses, give him a call at 903-640-1869. He is also available to give a presentation on this trip and his accomplishments.

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