Bonham City Commission Passes Propane Ordinance, Raises Speed Limit on Silo Road, and Proclaims April as Fair Housing Month, and other items

By Mike Walthall, Development Services Coordinator and Planning and Zoning Director

The Bonham City Commission met Monday, April 11, 2005, for its monthly scheduled meeting with a 16-item agenda, but moved through it fairly quickly, with four items being second readings and none of the issues being controversial. The Propane Ordinance No. 1127, will provide long-term beneficial and aesthetic value to the city of Bonham. If you currently use or plan to use Propane or other Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas on your property in Bonham, you need to be aware of the provisions of the new Propane Ordinance as they pertain to you. The main provisions are as follows:

SECTION 1. RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS

A. No LP Gas storage tank may be installed within the City of Bonham without obtaining a written permit from the City Fire Marshall prior to installation.

B. It shall be unlawful to use Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas products in any Zoning District within the City of Bonham where natural gas is available, unless the property owner can document that the installation of lines for natural gas will cost at least 35 percent more than the installation of underground LP Gas storage tanks and lines.

C. It shall be unlawful to install aboveground storage tanks, exceeding a capacity of 25 gallons, for Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas Products in any Zoning District within the City of Bonham, except in Commercial Districts where the aboveground storage tanks are located at least 100 feet from any building or home, including accessory buildings.

D. It shall be unlawful to use Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas products for heating purposes in the Fire District, unless the Fire Marshall approves such use by special permit.

E. No Liquefied Petroleum Gas storage tank of any size shall be located, installed, or used inside a residential dwelling for heating or cooking purposes.

F. A permit shall not be required for the installation or maintenance of portable LP Gas containers of less than one hundred twenty-five (125) gallons as long as such containers are used only in connection with a bonafide travel trailer.

SECTION 2. GUIDELINES

A. All underground LP Gas systems must be designed and installed in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 58: Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code, Texas Railroad Commission Rules, and all applicable state, county, and local codes and regulations covering these installations.

B. All underground LP Gas storage tanks must be completed covered except for the housing dome cover.

C. All underground LP Gas storage tanks must be ASME approved.

SECTION 3. EXISTING AND REPLACEMENT REGULATIONS

A. Any existing aboveground LP Gas storage tanks currently in place and being used in any Zoning District within the City of Bonham, as of the approval date of this Ordinance, will be allowed to remain in place; however, any replacement LP Gas storage tank must be placed underground.

SECTION 4. DEFINITIONS

A. Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas Products – Propane, butane, or any other liquefied petroleum gas product used for heating or other utility purpose.

B. Storage Tank or Tank – Any container designed and utilized on site for the use and storage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas products, with a storage capacity of more than twenty-five gallons.

C. NFPA – National Fire Protection Association

D. ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers

E. Bonafide Travel Trailer – A motor home, travel trailer, or trailer of any kind which is capable of being pulled or driven on the streets or highways at all times. Any motor home, travel trailer, or trailer of any kind, which is located in one place and has had the wheels or tires removed, is not a bonafide travel trailer.

SECTION 5. PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT

A. A person who violates any provision of Sections 1, 2, or 3 above has committed a Class C Misdemeanor, and upon conviction, is subject to a fine not to exceed $2,000, per day of violation.

IN OTHER ACTION, THE CITY COMMISSION:

1. Raised the speed limit on Silo road from 30 mph to 40 mph starting at a point 1,537 feet West from the center line of State Highway 121 and continuing west on Silo Road for 2.025 miles.

2. Abandoned a small undeveloped portion of W. Boyd Street and West First Street.

3. Proclaimed April 2005 as Fair Housing Month in Bonham and encouraged all citizens to become aware of and support the Fair Housing Law.

4. Approved 3-year tax abatements for four new homes and 5-year tax abatements for two new homes just completed.

5. Approved the submission of grant application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for Owner Occupied Housing Reconstruction Program for low/moderate income families

6. Approved the submission of a grant application to TDHCA for downpayment and closing cost assistance for low/moderate income families to purchase a home

7. Approved the revised Airport Hanger Lease Agreements, and

8. Approved the submission of an application to the Texas Water Development Board for financial assistance for a zero-interest loan of $1.675 million to improve and update at least 10-top sewer line problems in the City.

The next regular meeting of the Bonham City Commission is scheduled for May 9, 2005, at 5:30 p.m., in Bonham City Hall, 301 E. 5^th Street, Bonham, Texas 75418. The meetings are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend and participate.

Ask the City Planner

Mike Walthall, Development Services Coordinator

As a service to the community, I am restarting my weekly series of Bonham news articles to inform the public of what’s going on in Bonham. I hope you can use this information and will pass it along to a friend or relative.

1. I understand that on May 7, 2005, the registered voters in Bonham will be voting to approve or disapprove the sale Bonds to build a number of new City Facilities. How can I learn more about the issues and the proposed election before May 7?

Prior to the Bond election, the City scheduled two separate public forums to show citizens the architect’s drawings of the proposed City facilities and floor plans. City staff will be available to discuss the issues and needs with you. The first meeting was held on April 17, 2005; however, a second forum will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2005, from 5 to 7 pm at the Bonham City Armory. Please come to the Forum to learn more about your City facilities.

Early voting starts April 20 and ends May 3^rd at Bonham City Hall, 301 E. 5^th, Bonham, Texas, from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday only. The official election day is May 7, 2005, from 7am to 7pm, at Bonham City Hall, 301 E. 5^th.

The new facilities for the Bond election are listed under six separate Propositions on the ballot and include a City Hall, Police Station, Fire Station, Public Works Center (Street, Water, Sewer), Animal Shelter, renovating the Armory/Civic Center, and Street Improvements. You can vote on any combination of the above or on all six Propositions. You must be a resident and qualified elector in Bonham, Texas to vote.

2. If I want to build or buy a home in Bonham, is money available for downpayment and closing costs assistance?

Yes. We have a current grant program available to qualified buyers for $10,000 per family if you are interested in building a new home. You must qualify under the income guidelines of HUD for the $10,000 downpayment and closing costs assistance. Additionally, you must qualify for a loan to buy the house. The $10,000 assistance is a zero interest, no payment program, forgivable loan. Also, we are applying for another grant from the State for families to build a new home or buy a home already built (resale home). It will also provide $10,000 per family. If you are interested, please come by City Hall and complete a short application or survey so your name can get on our list and be included in our grant application. Call me if you have questions.

3. If I am a low-income family and need my house completely renovated or replaced, is there assistance for me?

Yes, if we are approved for the State Grant! The City is applying for a Grant from the State this month for families like yours. If you own and live in a house that is considered substandard or badly in need of repair, please come by City Hall and complete a one-page interest application, so you can get on our list of families to be included in our application. If you are approved, the grant could provide you with a new home built on your lot, to replace your current home. The grant program provides a zero interest, no payment, 5-year forgivable loan. We hope to get a grant to assist at least 8 families this year, but we need your information by April 22, 2005, to get on our list. Please come by City Hall to complete the form as soon as possible. Call me if you have questions.

If you have questions about what’s going on in the City, please submit your questions in writing to Mike Walthall, Development Services Coordinator, City of Bonham, 301 E. Fifth, Bonham, Texas 75418. Phone: 903-583-7555. FAX: 903-583-5761.

Fannin County Youth Raising Funds for Red Cross Disaster Trailer

BONHAM, TX (April 8, 2005)--Fannin County youth, in support of the Texoma Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, kicked off Red Cross Month in March with a coin drive to help raise funds to purchase an emergency response trailer to be used in Fannin County. The trailer will be used to help residents in times of disaster such as floods, fires or storms. The trailer will also be used to canteen and/or assist city and county emergency responders. Currently local Red Cross volunteers carry supplies in their cars or have them stored in their homes. In large disaster situations additional supplies are sent from the chapter headquarters in Denison. By placing a fully outfitted disaster response trailer in Fannin County, Red Cross response would be quicker and more efficient. (Fannin County Judge Darrell Hall has agreed to allow the trailer to be parked in a secure location.) Rallying to support this effort, Fannin County youth, through their individual school classes, have proved to be strong supporters of the community. To date three schools have completed their coin drives, collecting over $2,100. These schools and the class collecting the largest amount of contributions are: Finley Oates Elementary ($1,282.45), with Ms. River’s class as largest contributor; L. H. Rather ($430.51), with Ms. Chandler’s class was the top class; Sam Rayburn Elementary ($388.07), with Rhonda Lyle’s class as the largest contributor. The winning classrooms will be rewarded with their own pizza party, compliments of the American Red Cross and Domino’s Pizza.

A Students Accepted Into Greek Organizations

SHERMAN- The following students were recently initiated into Greek organizations at Austin College after completing a six-week pledgeship process. They are listed according to hometown, followed by the high school previously attended, parents’ names, and the organization to which they now belong.

Bonham, Texas- Mica Tucker, Bonham High School, daughter of Rachael and Jarrett Tucker, Delta Phi Nu.

Avoiding Money Order Fraud

(Bonham Post Office)- A new counterfeiting scheme has allowed scam artists to cash in thousands of phony money orders-and Americans are footing the bill. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself.

According to U.S. Postal Inspectors, the scam begins when a victim is contacted by someone through an Internet chat room or online auction site. The con man claims to have financial problems and to need help cashing money orders. The person "in need" often claims to be living in a foreign country (usually Nigeria), but the scam artist can cook up the scheme from any location.

Victims are lured into the scam when they are told they can keep some cash from the money order as payment for cashing it and wiring the difference to the con man. The scammer then mails the victim a counterfeit money order with instructions for the victim to deposit it in his bank account and wire the money back to the fraudster. Victims usually learn the money order is counterfeit only when they attempt to cash it or when their bank account takes the hit for the full amount of the money order after the bank refuses payment on the bogus deposit.

The good news is that legitimate money orders have security features that help distinguish them from the counterfeit notes. For a full list, visit the web site www.usps.com/missingmoneyorders/security.htm.

Knowing the signs of an authentic money order helps, but according to Postal Inspectors, so does using your head. They warn that most lures promising quick and easy money are cast by fraudsters- and if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more information, visit www.usps.com/postalinspectors.

Country Music Hoe-Down

There will be a big country music show this Saturday night, April 23 at 7:30 pm. It will be at the Lake Bonham Hoe-Down "Show Barn", located 1/2 mile from Lake Bonham recreation area, east of the spillway on CR 2610, Bonham, TX. The show will be hosted by Joan Kelton and the Country Hoe-Downers featuring: Randy Keister, Victor Smith, Glen Clark, Michael Williams, Paul Matthews, Mike Stroud, Gary Monroe and the popular and talented Jimmy Rhodes from Celina, TX. Our special guest, and she is always welcome back to our stage, she does a country song, with great justice, all the way from Coalgate, Ok, "Miss Emma Jean". Everyone is invited out for an evening of fun. Admission is free. Donations are accepted and most appreciated. Thanks to all of you who support the shows at the Hoe-Down. We surely appreciate you all. May God Bless you. We hope to see you there.

For more information call 903-583-4731 or 903-583-5710.

On February 22, 2005, my office took legal action against the owners of three work-at-home schemes operating in Texas. The suits came in support of a national effort led by the Federal Trade Commission to crack down on illegal business opportunity and work-at-home schemes. Operation Biz Opp Flop should serve as a warning to con artists we will not tolerate get-rich-quick rip-offs.

Chances are you have encountered an outlandish work-at-home advertisement. These types of advertisements abound on the Internet, on television, and in newspapers. Unfortunately, these offers rarely deliver on their promises. Consumers lose thousands of dollars on work-at-home scams every year.

Most ads fail to mention that you must work many hours without pay. In addition, you usually have to spend your own money for supplies such as newspaper ads, envelopes, paper and stamps. You may also be asked to pay for instructions and tutorial software.

One online company we sued claimed that by purchasing its software and services, consumers would be able to set up websites and sell various products or services at a large profit. The company charged a $500 fee for the Web package, as well as support and mentoring.

After consumers paid the $500 set-up fee, the defendants approached them with an offer of "expert technical assistance" costing an additional $4,000. Consumers who complained to my office said they were led to believe the expert technical assistance was part of the $500 start-up fee.

Another classic work-at-home scheme involves medical billing. The ads offer pre-packaged businesses, known as billing centers. You may also be told that many doctors are turning to electronic billing to save money. Promoters may say that you can make a substantial amount of money processing these claims for doctors. The promoter may even supply you with a list of "eager" clients. No experience is needed.

What you might NOT be told is that you have to market these services to the medical community. The promise of "eager" clients is usually a hollow one. The seller rarely has reliable contacts within the medical community.

Another infamous work-at-home scam is envelope stuffing. This type of deceptive advertisement promises you information on how to make money stuffing envelopes at home. After you pay the promoter a "small fee," you will receive a letter telling you to place the same envelope stuffing ad in newspapers and magazines and on the Internet. You’ll only make money if people respond to your ad. Some promoters are so brazen as to suggest soliciting family members.

Assembly work is also a very popular work-at-home scheme. In this case, you may be told that you can make thousands of dollars assembling items for a company that has promised to buy them from you. You must first buy certain types of equipment to produce the goods for the company. The equipment typically costs hundreds of dollars. However, after you perform the work, the business in question will usually refuse to pay you, citing lack of quality.

The ads may vary in how they get your attention, but they are consistent in their quest to relieve you of your money. I urge you to be very cautious when considering a work-at-home opportunity. As always, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Legacy Ridge AutoPlex Helps Drive...Sammy Sadler To The Top!

Legacy Ridge AutoPlex is proud to announce sponsorship of Bonham native and Texas recording star Sammy Sadler. Owner Steve Stephenson and General Manager James "Tex" Baldridge will offer Sadler tour support throughout 2005, a move which should help drive the up-and-coming star straight to the top. This is the 53-year-old company’s first-ever foray into the artist-sponsorship field, and one to which they are fully committed.

"We are proud to be part of a relationship that will sure lead to Sammy’s Success." exclaimed Tex, Manager of Legacy Ridge AutoPlex.

Sadler is happy to have the support. "I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people of Texas behind me," says the soulful-voiced singer. "Legacy Ridge AutoPlex is an outstanding organization, and I’m proud that they believe in me."

Stephenson and Baldridge have good reason to believe in Sadler- his new single, "That Ole Gravel Road," is burning up the Texas Music and Music Row Charts, sitting at the #17 and #51 spots respectively, and the powerhouse entertainer has charmed fans and critics the world over. In 2004 Sammy earned global recognition with the release of his debut CD, Hard on a Heart, and two Top 15 Texas Music chart singles ("I Know A PLace" and "Hard On A Heart") quickly followed. Three international Top 10 hits have allowed him to remain on the Country HotDisc International chart for 10 consecutive months, and he has been featured in over 60 national, international and Texas publications, including Country Weekly; Country Music Today; Billboard and Best of Texas.

Aggies Unite For Distinctive Tradition

"Former Students of Texas A&M University will assemble in Bonham on April 21 for the annual Texas Aggie Muster in honor of all Texas Aggies who have passed away within the last year," announced Muster Chair Thump Witcher.

Various Muster activities, including dinner, ceremony, and speaker, Mr. Van Taylor ‘71 President elect of the Former Student Association, will begin at 6:30 P.M. at Shumardii’s Restaurant in Bonham, Texas. All former and current students, their families, and friends of Texas A&M University are invited to attend, Thump Witcher said.

The Texas Aggie Muster tradition, which spans more than a century, will be observed in more than 350 locations around the world. These Muster gatherings are held in many unique places ranging form battleships and foxholes during World War II to ballrooms, steak houses and in Iraq this year.

Over the years, Aggie Muster has grown to be one of Texas A&M’s most revered traditions. Muster honors the memories of A&M men and women whose deaths prevents them from answering Roll Call at this year’s Muster. The Roll Call is a roster compiled of all former and current students who have died over the past years. As each name is called, a friend or family member will answer "Here!" symbolizing that their memory lives on in the hearts of Aggies everywhere. Muster is more than just ceremony; it is also a way for Aggies to renew, each year, the loyalty and unity which constitute the foundation of their friendship for each other and love and devotion for their school.

For more information regarding the Texas Aggie Muster held in Bonham, Texas, please contact Thump Witcher at (903) 785-0061 (day), (903) 664-2714 (night), or by e-mail at twitcher@estesinc.com. Additional information about Texas Aggie Muster and other Texas A&M Traditions and Programs can be obtained by contacting The Association of Former Students at (979) 845-7514 or by visiting their web site at www.AggieNetwork.com.

Bonham SNAP Center Menu

Spaghetti/meat Sauce, Pea Salad, Tossed Salad, Bread, Bread Pudding, Milk

BBQ Hot Wieners, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Bread, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Milk

Pepper Steak, Black Eyed Peas, Greens, Cornbread, Peaches, Milk

Pinto Beans, Oven Fried Okra, Savory Tomatoes, Cornbread, Spiced Apples, Milk

Chicken Pot Pie, Hot Spiced Beets, Bread, Jello w/ Orange Juice, Milk

Dodd City ISD Honor Roll

1st Grade- Quinton Anzaldua, Zane Dockery, Codie Gilbreath, Jordan McCraw, Bobbie Newman

2nd Grade- Cailee Fry, Kaleb Hammett, Makagan Mitchell, Hannah Monroe, Shelby Moore, Madison Phillips, Keeshia Thompson, Jenna Wallace

3rd Grade- Lane Anderson

4th Grade- Hunter Brent, Rainy Goodin, Briann Hilliard, Jaiden Pelton, Christie Petty, Walker Phillips, Hayley Smith

5th Grade- Landon Darwin, Bo Jones, Kaitlyn Massie, Connor Reed, Jaylen Wallace

6th Grade- Tara Carlisle, Patrick Moore, Sarah Smeltzer, Dillon Stewart

7th Grade- Blaze Blain, Kasey Gatlin, Barbara Kemp, Joseph McGehee

8th Grade- Kaylee Booth, Kaci Cumpston, Sydnee Horton, Callie Maxwell, Samantha McCarty, Will Reed, Hailey Spindle, Ethan Stephens

9th Grade- Kamey Herpeche

11th Grade- James Baxley, Jennifer Burpo, Kim Gibson, Whitney Parker, Bethany Stephens

12th Grade- Jessica Hoffman, Crystal Hough, Chris Jones, Cody Maxwell, Tabatha Ottmo, Justin Weeks

1st Grade- Nicholas Capehart, Lauren Hilliard, Holden Horton, Kyle Horton, Sierra Howell, Kody Johnson, Victoria Kinnaird, Ty Robinson, Colton Spindle

2nd Grade- Ashlee Booth, Susannah Gustine, Riley Hartnett, Jared Huff, Joedavid Huff, Jacqueline McGehee, Tiffany Prock

3rd Grade- Jessica Glatt, James Hellwarth, Mary Hellwarth, Jacob Kemp, Maghann Maggret

4th Grade- Donnie Austin, Joanna Gilbreath, Misty Goodin, Tyler Knight, Jayson MeGehee

5th Grade- Julie Hellwarth, Dakota Kirkpatrick

6th Grade- Katelyn Gray, Morgan Hartnett, Kayla Jones, Kim Lay, Ryan McInnis, Brandon Moore, Nathan Roberts, Seth Stephens

7th Grade- Ethen Bowman, James Brown, Steven Cockrill, David Dunn, Braden Fry, Colton Gilbreath, Brittany Lasater, Josh Skipworth, Kayla Thompson

8th Grade- Brandon Blevins, Rebekah Gustine, Dalton Herndon, Cassidi Rogers, Megan Thompson

9th Grade- Lorran Anderson, Chelsea Bell, Cecily Darwin, Tyler Dophied, Lisa Fisher, Stacy Graves, Holly Hill, Dalton McCarty, Jaylyn McCarty, Jordan Parker, Michael Smeltzer, Colin Taylor

10th Grade- Amanda Davis, Jeramie Horton, Leslie Jones, Angel Milner, Shayna Monroe, Richard Osborne, Justin Spindle, Jeffrey Sullivan

11th Grade- Nathan Blankenship, Mindy Horton, Lena Johnson, Dee Pickering

12th Grade- Lori Brown, Tim Lavergne, Tiffany Lawhon, Casey Rogers, Amanda Spindle, Heather White

Dodd City Wins 2nd at District

By Dodd City Golf Media, Photos by Karry Bullard

He was back again! For the third time in a row, Nathan Blankenship, Dodd City Junior won the District Golf Tournament. (Shown below right with his first place award). The Dodd City Team placed 2nd and looks forward to Regionals April 25 & 26. Senior Justin Weeks was also the 3rd Place Medalist. The team is coached by Milton Page.

April Textile Gallery Exhibit at CAC Gallery

In April, guests to the gallery at the Creative Arts Center in Bonham, Texas will get a Texas-style treat when they enter the Textile Gallery’s latest exhibit, "Texas Tablecloths"! All pieces are on loan from the personal collection of Kay Sisk, of Bonham.

The nostalgic display of table linens featuring the state of Texas is made up of vintage pieces from the 30’s and 40’s, with a few more recent pieces dating through the 50’s as well. All are important pieces in such a collection and tell quite a tale of Texas pride.

The exhibit will be on display through April, so please drop by for viewing. The Creative Arts Center is open Monday-Friday from 1-6pm and Saturday from 11am - 2pm. You can reach the gallery at 903-640-2196, or by email (creativeartscenter@netexas.net).

Cornerstone Baptist Church Moves

Cornerstone Baptist Church has outgrown its present facility in Trenton, and is moving services to the Trenton High School gymnasium. The move will be celebrated with special services at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, April 24.

"We want to invite everyone to join what God is doing," Pastor Chris Cowen said. "Since the church was founded by some of our members in February, we’ve quickly grown, and we enjoyed fellowship with over 100 people on Easter Sunday. God is clearly doing something with this congregation and we are grateful for the provision of this new meeting location at Trenton High School."

Cornerstone Baptist Church members named Cowen to pastor the congregation on Sunday, April 10. Cowen and his wife, Shara, live in Randolph and have served in the ministry for 28 years. They have also served as short-term foreign missionaries, and one or both have served in Mexico, Russia, Africa, and Azerbaijan. They have two married daughters and three grandchildren.

The church holds Sunday services at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m., and just began a 12 week study of Henry Blackaby’s "Experiencing God: How to Know the Will of God." Wednesday Bible Study is at 7 p.m. Child care is always provided through the Children’s Ministry. For more information about Cornerstone, call 903-640-LIFE. The Trenton High School gymnasium is located at 500 S. Ballentine.

Fannin Federal Credit Union Scholarships

FANNIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION offers scholarships each year to graduating high school seniors who are members of the Credit Union. The applications are available at the Credit Union office in Building Six of the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center. Applications must be in the office by close of business on Friday, April 29^th 2005.

The primary requirement for the scholarship is that the student is eligible for membership in Fannin Federal Credit Union and has an account there during his/her high school senior year. Offered to graduating high school seniors only, all 2005 seniors in Fannin Federal Credit Union’s field of membership are urged to contact the Credit Union as soon as possible to establish eligibility for the scholarship opportunity.

If you are a student in Fannin County, or if you live, work or worship in Fannin County Texas, you are eligible to open an account at Fannin Federal Credit Union. All graduating seniors in Fannin County are encouraged to contact the Credit Union office about establishing membership and taking advantage of the many opportunities that credit union membership offers.

Information may be obtained by calling 903-583-8131. The office is located in Building Six at the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center and is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. And on Fridays from 7:30 am till 5:30 pm.

Fannin County Retired Teachers Association Meeting

Fannin County Retired Teacher’s Association met on April 5. President Jo Jones introduced Bill Jones, Executive Director of the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Jones spoke about business and economic development in Bonham and the Fannin County area. He mentioned several attractions and activities to bring visitors to the area, and distributed publications which will be used by the Chamber to publicize assets of the community.

Tom Thornton spoke about the TRTA Lobby Day which will be held in Austin on April 13. He encouraged members to write to legislators Larry Phillips and Dr. Bob Duell with their concerns regarding teacher retirement system annuities and health care. He also mentioned that members should contact the director of TRS Care regarding health and prescription insurance concerns.

The next meeting of the Fannin County Retired Teachers will be the banquet on May 3 at 6:00 p.m. at the Northside Church of Christ Activity Center.

Following the reading of minutes and treasurer’s report, the meeting was adjourned. Refreshments were served by Joy Conley and her committee which included June Flowers, Jennie Shockley, James Shockley, Lanelle Southerland and Richard Campbell.

Thank You

We would like to thank everyone for all of their thoughts and prayers for our son Jakob concerning his recent heart surgery. Because of the many prayers said on his behalf, Jakob’s surgery was a great success and he is making a speedy recovery. May God bless you all for the love and support you have shown our family. If you would like to keep up-to-date on Jakob’s progress, please visit his website at howsjakob.com. Love always, Jeff and Jonna Spiller

Children’s Center Honors Amber Simpson

Amber Simpson of Dodd City was recently named Volunteer of the Quarter at the Fannin County Children’s Center (CASA & Children’s Advocacy Center).

When asked why she volunteers, Simpson replied, "It’s an incredible blessing to work with kids in need and also to work with the others here at the Children’s Center."

Last September Simpson completed thirty hours of initial training to become a court appointed special advocate (CASA). In that role, she has been appointed by the court to serve as Guardian ad Litem for abused children involved in two separate cases in the court system. She makes regular contact with the children, relatives, caregivers, CPS caseworkers, attorneys and others involved in the cases in order to gather information for the court and to speak up for the children’s best interest.

When asked what she would say to others who are considering volunteering, she said, "Don’t be afraid to give your best; you will be surrounded by others who will help you."

Currently, Simpson juggles volunteering with working at Texas Instruments in Dallas and raising horses. Previous pursuits for her have included ministry work and being a foster parent. About two years ago she moved from the Plano area to Dodd City and has quickly adapted to the change in environment.

"We really appreciate all of the work Amber does for her kids and cases," said Sandy Barber, Executive Director of the Children’s Center. "She’s such a giving and energetic person and a true blessing to us."

Troop 52’s Court of Honor

On Monday evening, April 4th, the Scouts of Troop 52 were recognized for their many achievements at our quarterly Court of Honor. Collectively, there were awarded 36 merit badges, seven rank advancements, 10 5-Miler awards and 13 Polar Bear awards, along with several other special recognition awards.

The merit badges awarded represented a considerable amount of hard work displayed by the Scouts. Most were earned, in large part, through their attendance at Merit Badge University in January and February, but several were the direct fruits of initiative.

Nate Nichols and Nathan Orr advanced to the rank of Second Class Scout; Tanner Long and Nolen Hughes advanced to the rank of First Class Scout; Colby Bockman advanced to the rank of Star Scout; Jacob Wheeler advanced to the rank of Life Scout; and Trey Wheeler advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout with Bronze-Silver Palm (4th Plam).

The 50-Miler award was presented to Jacob Wheeler, Nick Hamby, Trey Wheeler, Dylan Allen, Blake Frazier, Chris Smith, Todd LaRue, Nate Nichols, Nolen Hughes, and David Wheeler after completing the 62-mile Buffalo River trip.

Due to the number of times Troop 52 camps in below freezing weather, we only award the first instance with the Polar Bear award. There were several opportunities this winter to earn the award, including Ouachita Trail backpacking trip, Buffalo River trip, White Rock Mountain backpacking trip. 13 Scouts were recognized at the Court of Honor for receiving their first award.

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

Sam Rayburn Cheerleaders For 2005-2006

Senior- Mendy Ivey; Juniors- Ashley Amlin, Kassie Fuller, Jayden Floyd, Katrina Mills and Nichole Miears; Sophomores- Chelsea Havens and Andrea Evans

House Passes Budget

This past week, the House of Representatives debated and passed the state budget for fiscal years 2006-2007. After 17 hours of debate on the House floor, the bill was approved by 105-41 vote. The bill must now go to conference committee to reconcile differences between the version passed by the House and the version passed by the Senate.

In addition to the budget, House also passed many other bills this week. House Bill 1170 would allow a student who withdraws from a public college or university in order to perform active duty with the US armed forces or Texas National Guard to be automatically readmitted to their previous public college or university within 1 year of release from active duty. HCR 36 would give legislative authorization to a Vietnam War monument for the Capitol grounds, subject to state law and rules of the State Preservation Board. The monument would be paid for with private funds, as are all state monuments placed on the Capitol Grounds. There is currently no Vietnam War monument at the State Capitol. HB 1076 would allow the Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife to waive the fee for a hunting or fishing license for residents who are actively serving in the military.

HB 752 would raise the punishment for stealing identifying information to a state jail felony. HB 982 would require a sign warning restaurant or bar employees about the penalty for the fraudulent use or possession of identifying information to be posted in an area where employees frequently congregate. This bill would try to reduce the incidence of identity theft by restaurant or bar employees by educating them about the penalties associated with identity theft.

HB 801 would require the Department of Family and Protective Services to coordinate with local law enforcement and the Commission on State Emergency Communications to more effectively train department personnel who receive reports of abuse and neglect. This would help caseworkers identify serious and life-threatening situations which require immediate action. HB 1367 would allow evidence of prior bad acts against any child to be admitted into evidence in a criminal case involving the sexual assault of a child. This law brings Texas statutes up to date with federal legislation.

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 or by emailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.

Speak Up Texas! Program a Great Success

During the last two years, more than 1,000 Texans with speech-related disabilities have learned to use the telephone more successfully through a groundbreaking training program provided by the "Speak Up Texas!" project.

Through this program, Texans with speech-related disabilities are taught how to use "Speech to Speech Relay," which provides a specially-trained operator, called a communication assistant, to re-voice as necessary for the individual with a speech-related disability during a phone call. Speak Up Texas! is sponsored by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and provided by Technology and Inclusion, a non-profit organization under contract with the PUC.

Daniel Ramirez is just one of the amazing success stories. With the assistance of Speak Up Texans!, Daniel has overcome the discomfort of speaking on the telephone. Before he learned to use Speech to Speech Relay, many businesses Daniel called would hag up on him, thinking he was making a prank phone call. Daniel feels much more comfortable now when he calls his friends and family members who don’t understand him easily. He loves having the freedom to share his thoughts and experiences over the telephone with his friends and family.

"I like using Speech to Speech to call my friends and family," says Daniel. "I also ordered a large pizza with pepperoni and black olives, breadsticks, and a Coke, without having to ask someone else to do it for me!"

"Speak Up Texas! is a great opportunity to improve communications to and from people with speech disabilities," said PUC Commissioner Julie Parsley. "Whether a call is to schedule a doctor’s appointment or to chat with a friend, it’s a big step toward independence."

Through this project, individuals can overcome the fear of not being understood while using the phone and learn how to communicate more effectively. "Speak Up Texas!" works with individuals on communication skills, correction strategies and overcoming and discomfort of using a communication assistant. The project also assists individuals who require special communication equipment in how to use that equipment when talking on the phone. In addition, the projects reaches out to professionals who serve people with speech-related disabilities.

Consumers can learn more by calling toll free 1-8-speak-up-tx (1-877-325-8789), by e-mailing speakuptexas@taicenter.com or by visiting www.speakuptexas.com.

The Bonham Renegades traveled to Sachse, Texas for their second tournament this season, which proved to be a test of endurance for these young men. And although the Renegades passed the test they were faced, according to coaches and fans, their tournament play ended early on Sunday.

Tournament play started on Saturday with an 11:40 am game against the Dallas Panthers-Blue. The Renegades were faced with their first test of endurance, battling it out against the Panthers in a full-timed, six-inning game. Proving to themselves, and their fans, that they wanted the first win, the Renegades never gave up, and pushed on towards a 8-6 victory.

After a two hour lunch break and relaxation time, the Renegades were up against the Texas Express. Once again, the Renegades showed sportsmanship, and an endurance to win. After a full-timed game, the Bonham Renegades walked away from this game with a 10-3 win. Saturdays games were over, and Sunday left to test the Renegades even further.

Going into play on Sunday, the Renegades were #3, which placed them in bracket to play the first game, 8:00 am. Despite the morning dew, the cool temperatures, and 5:45 am leave-out drive, the Renegades as a entire team, got to the fields at 7:00 am ready and anxious to play baseball. The young men of the team, and the coaches were all high-spirited and pumping each other up, during warm-up.

As before each and every game, the Renegades began with their ritual "We’re Ready Huddle", and a group spirit talk with coaches. The energy coming off the field was a sure sign of determination. As play began, the Renegades were down by five, and ready to face the test, the team as a whole battled back, never one time laying their heads down in discouragement. Their endurance was high, fans were on their feet, coaches were sweating in the cool temperatures, and the dugout was shaking with team support. The Renegades battled back to within one of the Cage Dawgz. As time was called for the game, the Renegades had a last chance to have victory, but came up short, losing 7-8.

As a whole, the Renegades showed determination and a team support, like no other. The coaches and the family and friend supporters that were in attendance were proud of the young men for never giving up. For me personally, it gave a wonderful feeling inside to remember that these boys were 12 and under...playing baseball...and loving it enough, to never give up.

The Bonham Renegades roster includes: Austin Ashlock, Dalton Cagle, Daine Dunlap, Lane Fox, Hunter Herriage, John Nelms, Justin Nelms, Clay Parsons, Shelby Williams, Ryan Woodruff and bat boy, Tanner Herriage. Our committed coaches again this season are: Kelly Nelms, Saul Dunlap Jr., Bubba Herriage and team-spirit leader, Tyson Henson, who all have hopes for a continued great season of baseball.

The Bonham Renegades Select Baseball team is a non-profit organization, only established to ensure that all of our dreams continue to become reality, and that we don’t give up on these talented young men. The pouring out of love so far this season, has only made this team stronger; it has reaffirmed that the establishment of the Bonham Renegades was the right move to make for all involved; each player keeps gaining additional knowledge and wisdom of the game, and the entire team is energized to keep playing this wonderful pastime, we all love so much...baseball.

The Bonham Renegades and family and friends will be traveling to Dell City, Oklahoma the weekend of April 15^th. As always you can browse our website, at www.bonhamrenegades.com for further information, and look at our team scrapbook. We thank all our supporters for believing in what the Bonham Renegades are 0doing, and what we as a team stand for.

Surviving Identity Theft: Free Seminar From CCCS in McKinney

McKinney—Think it can’t happen to you? Think again. Learn the methods thieves use to gain access to your personal information; it isn’t just computer users that are at risk. Find out how thieves use it, what steps you can take to prevent it, and what to do if it has already happened. There is help "out there" and non-profit CCCS will explain what you need to do to protect yourself now and in the future from this grievous crime.

You don’t have to spend months or years and thousands of dollars to clean up the mess made of your good name. Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of North Central Texas, whose headquarters is located in McKinney, is offering a free one and-one-half hour seminar to anyone who is nervous about having your personal information fraudulently stolen and used. If you have already been a victim, you will discover what you can do to restore your good name.

The seminar is being offered on two dates in May at CCCS, 901 N. McDonald Street (Hwy 5) Suite 600 in McKinney. Saturday, May 14, 2005 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and again on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending this seminar call or email CCCS at 972-542-0257 ext.322 or email bpeterson@cccsnct.org. The seminar is subject to cancellation or postponement, depending upon registrations. You must contact CCCS to register, seating is limited.

CCCS is a member of the nation’s largest and longest-serving national non-profit credit counseling organization, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, Inc. (NFCC). Our collective mission is to provide services to consumers to help them achieve financial wellness through financial management counseling, financial education and when appropriate debt reduction services through debt management plans. Be informed; Know the Difference assurance provides through CCCS and the NFCC. As a condition of membership, CCCS is required to maintain high quality services through standards set by The Council on Accreditation (COA) and the NFCC, along with Credit Counseling Consumer Protection Standards. To read more about these guidelines visit www.nfcc.org or you may call toll-free 1-866-600-CCCS (2227) for pre-recorded information. For direct access to CCCS locally, call 1-800-856-0257 for a confidential appointment with a certified credit counselor. Visit us online at www.cccsnct.org.

Kiwanis Donates to Bonham’s Family Life Center

Carol Ellis, (left) Executive Director of the Family Life Center, shown here receiving a donation from Mary-K Wilson, President of the Bonham Kiwanis Club.

The Bonham Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday at noon at Shumardii’s. You are invited to join us for some great food and fellowship.

Display Brings Awareness To Child Abuse In Fannin County

Misty Pryor, Sandy Barber, Sarah Blackburn, Joyce McGehee, Sandy Hood and Michelle Griffith of the Fannin County Children’s Center stand in the courthouse lobby in front of a special display of 79 shoes, symbolizing the number of children who were confirmed victims of child abuse in their own home in Fannin County last year.

Children’s sized shoes dangle by their laces, underneath a sign that says "Don’t Walk Away. Report Child Abuse." The display of 79 children’s shoes in the lobby of the Fannin County Courthouse is a powerful one, drawing attention to Child Abuse Awareness month and the number of children who were confirmed victims of child abuse in Fannin County last year.

"This number does not include the children who were abused by a relative, friend, or neighbor who did not live in the same home as the child," said Sandy Barber of the Fannin County Children’s Center. "Those cases are investigated by law enforcement only, and are not included in the statistics reported on the website of the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services."

Shoes on the display include knitted baby booties, toddler sized shoes with popular cartoon characters, tennis shoes dirty from play, slippers shaped like animals and even a pair of red sequined shoes reminiscent of the shoes worn by Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.

"Dorothy always wanted to go home, just like most all of the children who end up in foster care," said Barber. "No matter how much abuse they endured at home, many children are very forgiving of their parents and want to go home."

"The baby booties remind me of the infants who come into the state’s custody for having drugs in their system at birth," continued Barber.

The display will remain in the first floor lobby of the Fannin County Courthouse in Bonham through the rest of April. For more information, contact the Fannin County Children’s Center at (903) 583-4339 or visit www.fanninccc.org.

Northeast Medical Center

Cafeteria Menu April 18 - April 22

11:45 - 1:00 PM

Monday- Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes/gravy, Winter Mix Veggies, Corn, Dinner Roll, Banana Pudding, Salad Bar

Tuesday- Chicken Spaghetti, Green Peas, Carrots, Dinner Roll, Coconut Pie, Salad Bar

Wednesday- Roast Beef/gravy, Scalloped Potatoes, Squash, California Veggies, Dinner Roll, Chocolate Pie, Salad Bar

Thursday- Country Style Pork Ribs, Ranch Style Beans, Potato Salad, Fried Okra, Cornbread, Pecan Pie, Salad Bar

Friday- Fried Catfish, Steak Fires, Cole Slaw, Hush Puppies, Brownies, Salad Bar

AUSTIN — "Fostering Secure and Diverse Communities" is the theme as the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) promotes National Fair Housing Month in April by heightening awareness that housing laws are enforced to ensure equal opportunities for citizens in the market for housing.

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each spring marks the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act passed in 1968. The landmark legislation helps foster diverse communities, so people of every race or ethnicity share a common goal in building a strong future for families.

TWC’s Civil Rights Division, which also imposes workplace discrimination regulations, enforces laws to ensure that Texas residents are given equal access to housing. Through the Texas Fair Housing Act, citizens are protected from bias regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability or familial status (families with children under 18 or who are expecting a newborn or who are in the legal process of gaining custody of a child).

Complaints filed by prospective renters or home buyers can range from being denied the chance to rent or purchase housing to being told housing is unavailable when it is, indeed, on the market. Being shown apartments or homes only in certain neighborhoods or being refused information about mortgage loans are other types of housing discrimination.

Landlords and mortgage brokers can be fined or restricted from participating in federal or state programs for failure to provide safe or suitable housing for the poor despite profiting financially from taxpayer-funded subsidies. The penalty cap is $50,000 for the first violation and $100,000 for a second or subsequent violation, noted Robert Gomez, director of the TWC Civil Rights Division. Administrative fines can run up to $50,000, depending on whether or not it is a first offense, Gomez said. In some serious cases, a filing official may levy a Class A misdemeanor against an offender.

Five Texas cities, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, Garland and Austin, have laws where investigations are conducted locally. Jurisdiction, Gomez said, usually is waived back to HUD for complaints filed against respondents who receive federal funds.

People who believe they have been a victim of housing discrimination are encouraged to call toll free at 1-888-452-4778 or visit the TWC Civil Rights Division Office at 6330 Highway 290 East, Suite 250, in Austin. Complaints also can be mailed to TWC Civil Rights Division, P.O. Box 13006, Austin, Texas 78711-3006.

Beginner Knitting Led by Textile Artist Tish Ogden

NOTE NEW START DATE!

Tuesdays, 5-6pm

May 10^th , 17^th , 24^th & 31^st

Join Bonham textile artist Tish Ogden as she offers instruction knitting for beginners! Make a SWEATER in this informative, hands-on instructional. You will be knitting like a pro and have a beautiful sweater to show for it! Tish is extremely talented and looks forward to teaching all of you this time-honored art form.

Students to bring two size 7 or 8 knitting needles (2), one skein Worsted Weight Yarn, Wool or Acrylic, in the color of their choice.

To register, come by Monday-Friday from 1 – 6pm, or Saturday 11am-2pm.

We are located at 200 W. 5^th Street in Bonham.

Four Corners 4-H Club Quarterly Trash Off

On Saturday, April 9, the Four Corners 4-H Club performed their quarterly Trash Off. The club has adopted 2 miles of Highway 273 between Highway 78 and Lake Bonham. For over a year, the club has met on a Saturday morning every 3 months to pick up trash on this stretch of highway. The Four Corners 4-H Club would like to thank the citizens of Fannin County for helping keep our roadsides cleaner by not littering.

Four Corners 4-H April Club Meeting

The Four Corners 4-H Club held their monthly club meeting on Tuesday, April 5, at 3:00 p.m. After the business meeting, the club welcomed Mr. Bradfield, of Bradfield’s Bee Service. Mr. Bradfield gave an informative presentation to the club. The next club meeting will be May 3, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Fannin County Extension Office. After the meeting, officer elections for the 2005-2006 4-H year will be held. For more information about Four Corners 4-H, contact Matthew Henderson at 903/583-2325 or Cherie Rivera at 903/583-0446.

VA North Texas Health Care System Partners With Housing Crisis Center To Offer Housing and Services for Homeless Veterans

DALLAS- VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Dallas VA Medical Center (VAMC) will offer permanent housing to 50 homeless veterans and their families at Sunrise Village Apartments, located at 4836 Sunnyvale, Dallas, through a collaborative effort with the Housing Crisis Center (HCC) beginning June 2005.

Having recently received notice of funding from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for this three-year project, HCC will maintain overall fiscal and operations management of the program, Permanent Housing Partnership. This includes assuring that the spouses and children who are not eligible for veterans’ benefits are receiving the support they need. Dallas VAMC’s Comprehensive Homeless Center will help provide permanent housing, wtih additional supportive services.

"Sunrise Village Apartments are located about one mile from Dallas VAMC, and fifty of the 148 units will be leased for homeless veterans," said Greta Mankins, director ofthe Comprehensive Homeless Center at VANTHCS.

Mankins states that many homeless veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), psychiatric and substance abuse problems, health-related issues, problems with law enforcement, and inablility to maintain employment. It is estimated that one-third of America’s homeless are veterans. Until 1989, homeless veterans in the Dallas/Fort Worth area had few places to seek assistance. Fortunately, VANTHCS and community agencies responded to the problem, and there is now an array of treatment and rehabilitation programs to address the unique needs of homeless veterans.

"Through our Comprehensive Homeless Center, VANTHCS will provide supportive services that address the issue faced by chronically homeless veterans and their families, and create a much higher potential for successful transition to independent living," said Mankins. "In addition, Parkland Hospital has committed a Mobile Health van that will provide on-site medical services to the family members as well as other residents of the apartment complex."

Mankins adds that the Permanent Housing Partnership is compatible with the City of Dallas’ Ten Year Plan to end chronic homelessness and was ranked first in priority in the 2004 Metropolitan Dallas Continuum of Care application for the City of Dallas’ HUD super NOVA program.

"We are very pleased to partner with VANTHCS and have the opportunity to provide housing for an additional needy and vulnerable population," said Yvonne Butler, HCC executive director. "We are grateful that HUD recognizes the crises that many homeless veterans face, and has been willing to step up to the plate with this award."

VANTHCS is comprised of Dallas VA Medical Center, Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham, Texas, and Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic. Servicing approximately 500,000 veterans in 40 counties, VANTHCS has an operating budget of $470 million. At this time, approximately 500 veterans are enrolled in the Comprehensive Homeless Center programs.

Garden Fun

We walked outside thirty minutes after lunch to meet with the Junior Master Gardeners, Richard and Mary Danner, and Mr. Kyle. This was the highlight of our week. We were very excited to get to plant flowers in the flowerbeds at school. First, Mrs. Danner gave us instructions of how to be good workers. Then we began pulling weeds from the beds. This took a while and we were getting hot. Soon we were able to pick the flowers we wanted to plant. The girls chose purple pansies and the boys chose yellow. We staggered the flowers around in the beds to decide which way they would look best. As we prepared for planting them, we took the flowers from the small pots and loosened the roots. Mr. and Mrs. Danner taught us how this would help the plants to grow. When we were finished planting the flowers, they looked beautiful. I even thought the boys’ flowers were lovely, too. Planting flowers was a lot of fun and spending time with the Jr. Master Gardeners was great, too. They gave us a bottle of water and snacks to cool us off from our hard work. The best part of the afternoon was getting out of school work for two hours! We want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Danner and Mr. Kyle for spending time with us each week. They’re the Best!!

- Written by a Dodd City 3rd Grade Student

Ribbon Cutting

Bonham, TX – 4/8/05 – Miss Jeanie’s Family Hair Care recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of their new salon located at 102 John F. Kennedy Drive. Chamber Chairman Tillman Bostick was on hand to welcome Jeanie Robertson and her staff to the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce.

Miss Jeanie’s Family Hair Care is a high-energy environment that employs experienced staff and combines quality and expertise to cater specifically to the needs of their clients. You can contact Miss Jeanie’s Family Hair Care by calling 903-640-3262.

Coyboy Ain’t Dead Yet

The winner of the prestigious Will Rogers Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Advancement of Contemporary Western Skills in poetry, storytelling and humor will be onstage at the Red River Theatre in Windom for two performances only, Friday, April 22nd and Saturday, April 23rd at 7:30PM.

R.J. Vandygriff’s one-act musical comedy, The Cowboy Ain’t Dead Yet, features the life and times of ‘Joe Texas’ as he rides fences, making his living with a rope from the back of his faithful horse. The narrative comedy, interspersed with poetry and song, wrings tears as well as knee-slapping laughter from its audiences. Joe Texas, a wind burnt, tough, sinewy, lean, poor and very ordinary cowboy says, "The cowboy ain’t dead yet. You just can’t see us from the road."

The story is historically correct. As trails dried up and barbed wire stretched across the west, cowboys had to change with the times. Vandygriff takes his audiences onto the plains with him, under the stars, and gathers them around the campfire for cowboy stories and unforgettable humor.

Vandygriff, a native of Roxton, TX, is a popular television actor, a professional rodeo cowboy, and recording artist. On more than 100 episodes of "Walker, Texas Ranger", he portrayed a Ranger, with gun in hand, a guitar or a banjo nearby, and a harmonica in his jeans pocket. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in History from East Texas State University and produces videos about the history of the old west and the role of the cowboy for schools, homeschoolers, history clubs and scout troops. Not just an ordinary cowboy, Vandygriff also enjoys stunt driving with motorcycles and cars.

The Cowboy Ain’t Dead Yet has played to sell-out audiences across North America and Europe. Tickets to the Red River Theatre production in Windom are $10 per person and are available only at the door. The doors open at 7:00pm for the 7:30 performance each evening.

Breakfast with Grandparents

By Lisa Avila

When Eileen Leek of Blue Ridge bought ten raffle tickets late last year, she never dreamed she’d end up with another horse in her barn. Leek, who owns and shows horses, bought the tickets during a fund-raiser for the Telephone Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD). A sleek chestnut yearling had been donated to the department by Telephone resident and horse breeder Buddy Ball.

Verified News is a yearling filly registered with the American Paint Horse Association. Now wandering her new pastures in Blue Ridge, the filly helped raise nearly $1000 for the TVFD.

Leek is an instructor for Hannah’s Horseshoes of Hope, a riding therapy facility located in Dodd City. She said last week the filly’s training is progressing and she plans to show her in sporthorse halter classes this season.

Two representatives from the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Amy Mills and Linda Baker, presented the program at the Bonham Rotary Club last week. Mills, who is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, spoke on I.L.S. (Independent Living Services), C.R.S. (Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services), and mainly V.R. (Vocational Rehabilitation). VR’s goal is to help people (16 years old and older) with disabilities to find and keep jobs. VR has an extensive program for those who qualify. If you or someone you know feel that these services are applicable to your needs, please call them toll free at 1-800-538-8075.

Also attending last week’s meeting was Frances Pelley from the Sherman Rotary Club.

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

The alpaca is native to South America and is a member of the camelid family. The camelid family includes the camel, the llama, the alpaca, the vicuna and the guanaco. Alpacas and their cousins, the llama, have been domesticated for some 6,000 years.

Alpacas are I/2 to 1/3 the size of a llama and they produce a fine cashmere-like fleece, once reserved for Inca royalty. Indeed, it was during the Incan culture that the domestication of the alpaca was truly refined. It was also the Incas who developed the two specific fleece types, i.e. the Huacaya and the Suri, which is much more rare. During the ensuing Spanish rule, the numbers and quality of the alpaca herds declined dramatically. Still, together with the llama, which was used to carry cargo, they provided the food, fuel, clothing and transportation for a civilization that thrived in the otherwise hostile environment of some areas of South America.

Today there are approximately 3 I/2 million alpacas in South America, which contribute to a viable multi-million dollar commercial textile industry. The first importation of alpacas to the U.S. occurred in 1984, when the first alpacas arrived from Chile. Since then, they have also been imported from Peru and Bolivia. Currently, importation is no longer allowed, and the total number of of registered alpacas in the U.S. is approximately 62,000 huacuayas and 11,000 Suri's. It is clear that alpacas will remain a "rare" commodity for a very long time. In turn, this means that the animals will hold a high value for years to come.

Fiber Mill Connection: We partner with Royal Fiber Spinnery, Ruidoso, NM , which is the result of several Alpaca growers concerns and demands that North American fiber be processed in North America. One concern was that there wasn't a economical place to get fiber processed. Additionally, cleanliness of fiber was of great concern. After exhaustive research into the processing of fiber several growers came together to

form a company whose business plan would solve those concerns.

Together with the Alpaca grower stockholders Royal Fiber Spinnery teamed to build the most modern, forward thinking fiber processing company in North America. The processing pool concept is a developing vision of Alpaca processing in North America and as such should be watched carefully by all in the industry.

Royal Fiber Spinnery is almost three years old and already the largest processor of Alpaca fiber in the United States.

Saturday's Event: We want to offer an opportunity to those in our community, to not only see these incredible animals, both Suri and Huacuaya, but also to understand the reason for raising them. Yarns and finished product made from their fiber will be here to see and touch, as well as printed information for those interested in becoming part of the industry. Event will be held from 1 - 5 pm, Sat. Apr 23rd, with free hot dogs and soft drinks. In the event of rain bring umbrellas as event will not be cancelled due our alpaca's scheduled shearing the following weekend.

We hope to see you here! Brian and Sharlene Parks

Directions to event: 82 to 1743 (Windom Rd), then North on 1743 app. 2 mi to 2950. West on 2950 app 3/4 mi. Then just follow 'Alpaca' signs to the animals.