By Jennifer Wider, M.d

Society for Women’s Health Research

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and women are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to screening, according to a study in the Feb. 1 issue of the American Journal of Medicine .

The study says women are more likely than men to receive insufficient sigmoidoscopy exams, as being female increases the chance that exam scopes are not inserted deep enough.

Sigmoidoscopy is one of several screening methods for colorectal cancer. It involves the insertion of a sigmoidoscope to examine the rectum and lower portion of the colon. If the scope doesn’t go in far enough, potential cancerous growths might be missed. Advancing age seemed to increase the odds of having deficient screening with sigmoidoscopy for both women and men.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer among women and men in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. More women over the age of 75 will die of colorectal cancer than from breast cancer. Despite these numbers, many women do not consider colorectal cancer a major threat to their health.

"W omen seem better educated and more aware of breast cancer," Andrew Chan, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, said. "Although the attention devoted to breast cancer is appropriate and justified, colon cancer sometimes gets overlooked by both the public and the media."

Women seem to be unaware of how common colon cancer is.

"There is a misconception that it is a disease of men," said Linda Rabeneck, M.D., MPH, professor of medicine and director of gastroenterology division at the University of Toronto in Canada.

A significant number of women and men seem to be embarrassed to even discuss colorectal cancer and to go for screening. However, studies have shown that women are more likely to participate in screening programs. This may serve as an advantage in overcoming the embarrassment factor.

"Although little work has been done on this," Rabeneck said of the embarrassment issue, "women in general, compared with men, are more familiar with, have more experience with cancer screening."

Colorectal cancer has a good prognosis and is highly treatable if detected in the early stages. Screening is vital because pre-cancerous polyps are often found and treated even before they progress into cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends a variety of screening tests to help prevent colorectal cancer. For women and men over the age of 50, an annual fecal occult blood test should be performed at the doctor’s office to look for blood in the stool. Every five years, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is recommended, and every ten years, a colonoscopy should be performed.

" However, if one has a family history of colon cancer, or a personal history of bowel diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, screening may begin earlier," Chan said. "This should be based on a discussion with one’s doctor."

New and less invasive options for colorectal cancer screening are on the horizon.

"Virtual colonscopy is a promising and evolving technology," Rabeneck said. "In my opinion, it is not yet ready for widespread use, outside of research trials. We just do not yet know enough about its accuracy."

© March 18, 2004 Society for Women’s Health Research

Fannin County Family Support Meeting

The Fannin County Family Support meeting will be held Tuesday, April 6, 7:00-8:30 p.m., at the Fannin Mental Health Center 1221 East 6^th Street Bonham

John Hoelzel, Becky Williams, and Pamela Jaimes will present the program on Anger Management. John Hoelzel is a member of the Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma’s Board of Trustees and the current chairman for NAMI-GFC. Hoelzel has served on the Collin County MHMR Board of Trustees and was also on the Board of NAMI Texas.

Becky Williams and Pamela Jaimes are staff members for the Fannin County Family Crisis Center in Bonham. Williams holds a bachelors of Counseling from Texas A & M University, Commerce, and has served as the Director of Counseling at the Crisis Center for seven years. Jaimes has been with the Crisis Center for two years and is the Hispanic Outreach Legal Advocate.

Family Support is sponsored by Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma. Everyone is invited to attend the free meetings. For more information, contact Paula Cawthon, Community Relations Director, at 903-337-4865.

Sam Rayburn Honor Roll

Julia Carpio, Kelvin Cockrill, Payton Crawley, Samantha Davenport, Taylor Dollgener, Carson Gibbs, Amanda Leopky, Heather Mason, Gerardo Medina, Carly Park, Kerlein Rempel, Rhett Self, Garrett Simpson

Will Alexander, Brittany Davenport, Emily Duncan, Sarah Foreman, Jordan Fuller, Alaina Kissinger, Landon Liebel, Sarah Mead, Rani Nichols, Brittany Page, Ariane Taylor, Shelby Vandeventer, Brittany Weissert

Sydney Davis, Samantha Duncan, Lupe Gomez, Niki Self, Alyssa Taylor

Justin Shannon, Keeton Simpson, Brent Smith

Hannah Baugh, Scott Berni, Stephanie Carroll, Drew Davis, Kameron Dollgener, Mariah Fritz

Keri Goodwin, Elizabeth Mills, Casey Tmepler

Jake Baker, Beth Davis, Andrea Eaves, Jacey Jones, Chris Sanders, Nolan Skidmore

Katrina Fritz, Adam Littrel, Lacei Mcguire

Magen Butler

John Curry, Todd Foreman, Katie Skidmore, Kirsty Warburton, Cora Wylie

Lindsay Davis, Jordan Gibson, Matt Mills, Bertha Neufeld, Luke Templer, Jade Warburton

Nikki Cantrell, Sarah Davis, Machaella Dennis, Peter Fast, George Friesen, Hayden Fulmer, Ethan Gibbs, Tory Haywood, Sawyer Hilliard, Robert Jennings, Jocelyn Leftrick, Kelsie Mcbroom, Jordan Outlaw, Anel Pjetrovic, Dylan Potts, Destany Ray, Eva Rempel, Clay Rhudy, Chantel Richardson, Adam Simpson, Kayla Simpson, Shayna Sutton, Hanna White

Mitchell Clement, Kaitlynd Dennis, Tacy Drewek, Brittany Gee, Courtney Goodwin, Aidan Hartnett, Clark Hopkins, Kendele King, Lendele King, Aaron Mussett, Torri Pannell, Soraja Pjetrovic, Kelsi Pralle, Zakkary Rhoads, Patrick Richardson, Daniel Schindler, Tara Stapleton, Dalton Titsworth, Shelbi Titsworth, Kyle Wallace, Ali Wiechman

Danny Fuller, Michael Hankey, Lindsay Maxey, Jake Nichols, Taylor Potts, Vronika Schindler, Cameron Upson, Zachary Waldrop

Colt Brinlee, Jennifer Butler, Trevor Eaves, Timothy Harrison, Cody Humphries, Billy Mize, Andrew Waldrop, David Wall, Derek Wilson

Samantha Avila, Maddison Foreman, Ashley Fulton, Tyler Hamilton, Brian Haywood, Jessica Jones, Frankie Mead, Kaleigh Titsworth, Michael Trevett, Paige Vandeventer

Willie Berg, Kaycee Butler, Ashley Carnley, John Davis, Gabriel Dominguez, Joel Gibson, Clayton Harrison, Kyrsten Hicks, Jordan Johnson, Chelsie Kavanaugh, Kandice Kissinger, Hunter Maxey, Felecia Mcgehee, Jennifer Neufeld, Kelsey Weissert, Brittney Williams

Lindsey Arthur, Martha Berg, Sarah Berni, Chasen Capehart, John Drewek, Cyndi Hernandez, Laura Hernandez, Abby Jaynes, Donaice Oakley, Haley Page, Mitchell Prater, Suzanna Chrum, Sean Wiechman

Jon Akins, Ashley Arthur, Daniel Brawner, Jordan Floyd, Jed Gibson, Christina Gomez, Jessika Herdy, Sarah Landis, Mollie Lasater, Mick Maidens, Matt Mcwhorter, Nicole Miers, Philip Milam, Ross Naylor, Torrie Reynolds, Ernie Taylor, Kayla Wade, Chris Young

James Dodson, Josh Gann, Ashton Hamilton, Dahenna Hernandez, Mendy Ivey, Quincy Kueckelhan, Jason Miers, Christi Nichols, Maria Rempel, Amanda Stockton, Daniel Trevett

Salina Carmon, Matt Davis, Jennifer Haney, Shane Hartline, Nathan Mcwhorter, Nikita Petrovic, Caroline Reynolds, Shonda Rushing, Bridget Thompson

Natosha Benson, David Dominguez, Lacey Gallagher, Jordan Jones, Courtney Taylor

Austin College Hosts Full Schedule Of Activities In April

Southern Africa Symposium "From Colonialism to Globalization"

Lecture I: "Guided by Voices: A 19th Century Prophecy and its Afterlives"

Lecture II: "Sex, Lies, and Family Values: Negotiating Frontiers in 18th Century South Africa", Sherman Hall, Hoxie Thompson Auditorium 11:00 a.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2210

Asia Week: Origami Demonstration, Wright Campus Center, Lobby, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Free and open to the pbulic. (903) 813-2262

Asia Week Lecture: Fulbright Visiting Professor: Kamal Misra: "Buddhist Architecture in India", Sherman Hall, Hoxie Thompson Auditorium 4:30 p.m., Free and open to the public (903) 813-2262

Student Music Recital, Craig Hall, Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2251

Monday- Exchange Art Exhitib: Photography from University of Dallas, Friday Only, Wright Campus Center, Johnson Gallery 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2251

Mon.- Art Exhibit: "Flesh" -- Digital Prints by Bovey Lee

Fri. Only Ida Green Communication Center, Gallery 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Free and open to the public (903) 813-2251

Friday, 2nd:

Senior Music Recital: Sarah Fisher, Craig Hall, Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903 813-2251

Asia Week: Asian Film, Sherman Hall, Hoxie Thompson Auditorium 7:00 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2262

Asian Dance and Martial Arts Performance, College Green, 2:00- 4:00 p.m., (Sid Richardson Center in case of rain), Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2262

Community Series: Jack Glatzer, violin, International Violin Soloist, Wynne Chapel, 7:30 p.m., Ticketed event. (903) 813-2251

Senior Music Recital: Erika Johnson, Craig Hall, Recital Hall 3:00 p.m.

Senior Music Recital: Kara Janasek, Craig Hall, Recital Hall, 3:00 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2251

Lecture: Tibetan Buddhist Monks, Wright Campus Center, Room 231, 4:30 p..m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2262

Model Sedar/ Passover Meal, Mabee Hall, Wright Campus Center, 5:00 p.m., For information, call (903) 813-2210

Theatrical Performance: Fred Curchack: "Gauguin’s Shadow", Ida Green Communication Center, Arena Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2281

Maudy Thursday Service, Wynne Chapel, Small Chapel, 11:00 a.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2210

Lecture: David Ehrenpreis: "Joseph Wright of Derby’s Dead Soldier: The Nation as Nuclear Family", Assistant professor of art history, James Madison University, Sherman Hall, Hoxie Thompson Auditorium, 4:30 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2210

Music Recital: Fenia Chang, visiting performaer, Assistant professor of piano, Texas A&M- Commerce, Wynne Chapel, 7:30 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2251

Admission One-Day Preview (Junior Focus) 9:00 a.m.0 4:00 p.m., Open to prospective high wchool students and their parents, Advance registration required. $15 per student/parent, (903) 813-3000 or 800- KANGAROO

Humanities Colloquium: Tuesday Afternoon with James Knowlton, associate professor of German, Ida Green Communication Center, Room 112, 4:30 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2210

Thursday 15th

Theatrical Performance-- Ann Timmons: Off the Wall: The World Through Gilman’s Eyes (Charlotte Perkins Gilman), Ida Green Theatre, Ida Green Communication Center, 11:00 a.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2210

Student Music Recital, Wynne Chapel, 7:30 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903 813-2251

Aussie Dance Team Show (also see 18), Ida Green Communication Center, Ida Green Theatre, $2 admission at the door. (903)813-2295

Sat.- Sun. ‘Roo Camp: Office of Admission Event, Open to new admitted students for Fall 2005 and their parents, Advance registration required. $35 per student. (903) 813-3000 or 800-KANGAROO

Assie Dance Team Spring Show (also see 16-17), Ida Green Communication Center, Ida Green Theatre, 2:30 p.m., $2 admission at the door. (903) 813-2295

Chapter Music and Jazz Concert, Wynne Chapel, 7:30 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2251

AIDS Quilt Display, Wright Campus Center, Living Room, 4-6 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2414

Fri.-Sun. Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Conference: "Environment and the Humanities", Free and open to the public. (903 813-2210

Chamber Music and Jazz Concert, Wynne Chapel 7:30 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2251

Concert: Wayne Crannell, associate professor of music, Wynne Chapel 3:00 p.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2251

Thursday 29th: Honors Convocation, Wynne Chapel, 11:00 a.m., Free and open to the public. (903) 813-2210

Recital: Austin College Chorale and Wakefield School Choir, Wynne Chapel, Free and open to the public (903) 813-2251

Theatre: Easter Standard, Ida Green Communication Center, Beardsley Arena Theatre, 7:30 p.m., Ticketed Event $5 at the door. (903) 813-2281

Austin College, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), is an independent, liberal arts college of 1,300 students located 60 miles north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Chartered in November 1849, it is the oldest college in Texas under original charter and name as recognized by the State Historical Survey Committee.

Austin College is included in Loren Pope’s Colleges That Change Lives, ranked among the "Best 251 Colleges" in the 2004 Princeton Review, and profiled in the 2004 edition of Kaplan’s Insiders Guide to the 328 Most Interesting Colleges.

The Red River Theatre Company Performs April 20- May 2

Three of the five nuns in the musical, Nunsense, which will be performed by the Red River Theatre Company on April 20 - May 2 at the V.A. auditorium have been "adopted".

Cleayton and Janice Mills have adopted Sister Mary Amnesia, and Louis and Huetta Bickel have adopted Sister Mary Regina, the Reverend Mother of the Order of the Little Sisters of Hoboken. A third nun has been adopted by Republican candidate for Fannin County Attorney, Richard E. Glaser.

The benefit package for sponsorship includes admission to Grand Dress Rehearsal, six tickets to the final performance, photo opportunities with their adopted nun, and a collector’s doll dressed in full nun attire.

RRTC announced an Adopt-A-Nun program last week to gain five $150 sponsors for the upcoming musical comedy. The five nuns are required to be costumed in full nuns’ clothing with accessories including tap shoes and various other enhancements for their musical numbers. RRTC President Pat Ward is negotiating with a theatrical costumer in NYC for the costumes.

Several vintage collector nun dolls will be available for a drawing to be held at the final performance for a $5 donation to RRTC to help defray the $900 royalty fees required to produce Nunsense under special arrangements with Samuel French, Inc. of New York.

Nunsense will be directed by James Nathan Igo assisted by RRTC Director Julie Eubank. Arrangements are underway for members of the Bonham High School Jazz Ensemble to provide the instrumental accompaniment for the performances.

Rehearsals are being held several times a week from 4PM - 6PM at the RRTC box office at 204 East 5th Street in Bonham where advance sale tickets to the play will be available.

Advance sale tickets are now available by credit card from a link to TicketLeap from the RRTC website, www.redrivertheatre.com. Patrons may purchase advance tickets by check or cash at the Bonham Chamber of Commerce, at the RRTC box office, or by mail addressed to Red River Theatre Company, P.O. Box 343, Bonham, TX 75418.

For further information on the Adopt-A-Nun program, to participate in the doll drawing, or to have tickets delivered to your office or home, call 903-664-2233 or 903-583-4415

Golden Gospel Jubilee

The Golden Gospel Jubilee will be back at The Lake Bonham Hoe-Down this Friday, April 2 at 7:30 pm. The Hoe-Down is located 1/2 mile from Lake Bonham recreation area east of the spillway on CR2610. Doors will be open at 6:30 pm. The Gospel Jubilee is an annual show featuring the best of Bluegrass, Country, and Ole time gospel music. It will be hosted by Joan Kelton and the "Bluegrass Gospeleers", featuring: Randy Keister, Don Sharp, Glen Clark, Mike Stroud, Jack Marshall, Gary Monroe, and Bluegrass Radio Personality, Bill Ogden from Commerce, TX. Drop in guest singers are expected, plus our scheduled special guest groups will be the "Stevens Boys" from Atoka, OK. The group features Guy Stevens and his sons, Billy and Melvin, along with their Bass Picker, Estelle Fant. Estelle is well known in the Blue grass circuit and these young men are making a name for themselves now. They have played at the Hoe-Down before, and we are glad to welcome them back.

Everyone is invited and welcome to an evening of fun and inspiration. Admission is free. Donations are accepted and most appreciated. Thanks to all for your support. May God bless you.

For more information call: 903-583-4131 or 903-583-5710

Bonham ISD Board Of Trustee

Members Present: Charles Butler, Allen Sanderson, Charlotte Kearney, Mike Sisk, Clark Smith, Doyce Taylor, Nolan Ashmore, and Linda Gist.

RECOGNITIONS:

• L.H. Rather Junior High School Staff

• BHS Girls Basketball Team and Coach Shannon Massey

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

• Six Weeks Assessment

• Early Voting for School Board Election April 28, - May 11, 2004 at the BISD Administration Building, 1717 North Center Street for Places 3, 4, 5 between the Hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. An election is hereby order to be held on Saturday, May 15, 2004, at Bonham High School gym entrance for the purpose of BISD Trustee Election Places 3, 4, 5.

•Information concerning Band Trip to Branson, Missouri, May 6-8, 2004

• Average Daily Attendance Update- 1864.06

• Transfer Student- 1

• Resignation- Kimberly Hall, Linda Kinkade, Kelly Ridge, Michael Ridge

THE BOARD APPROVED

• Substitutes- 6

• Tax credits, supplements and delinquent tax collection for February 2004;

• Financial statements and bills payable for February 2004

• Fannin County Head Start grant proposal for 2004-2005

• Fannin County head Start supplemental grant proposal for 2004-2005;

• Bonham ISD school calendar for 2004-2005;

• Certifying textbook adoptions for 2004-2005 school year;

• Interlocal Agreement Between the Bonham ISD and Fannin County, Texas;

• Purchasing a Blue Bird Bus Company special needs bus with funding from the 2004-2005 budget;

• Administrator/ Teacher Contracts for 2004-2005

• Project facilities Timeline;

• Wage rates for trade/ craft classifications

Silver-Haired Candidates Ready

The Tenth Texas Silver-Haired Legislature will meet in September, but the senior citizens advocacy group is already forming its list of representatives with statewide elections set for May 28.

The TSHL consists of 116 members selected from 28 regions in the state. They meet in Austin in September of even-numbered years and present the convening Texas legislature with resolutions the following January.

Proponents of the group say 70 percent of the issues raised by the TSHL have gone before the legislature including the 2-1-1 universal access number to health and human services and the telemarketing no call bill.

Four incumbents, Hazel Wright of Sherman, Imelda Rauschuber of Gainesville, Lela Foreman of Telephone, and John "Jay" Tarwater of Bonham, will run uncontested for the Grayson County, Cooke County, Fannin County, and At-Large positions, respectively.

Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Wright was employed by the General Telephone Company. She is an active member of the Communication Workers of America and received an appreciation award for 31 years of service with the CWA in 1989. She has actively served in a number of organizations including American Business Womens Association, League of Women Voters, AARP, Texoma Regional Advisory Council on Aging, Crisis Center, the MHMR W.H.O. Project (a child abuse awareness program). She has served five terms in the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature and currently serves as a Texas Representative to the National Silver-Haired Congress. During the 8th TSHL session, Mrs. Wright served as Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee and as a member of the Legislative Action Committee. During the 9th TSHL session, she served as Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee and as a member of the Legislative Action Committee. Mrs. Wright is a member of the TSHL Executive Board and was elected to the Silver Haired Congress where she serves as Chairman of the Civil/Criminal Justice Committee. She and her husband Harold received the highest AARP volunteer recognition in 2003 for the state of Texas

Mr. Tarwater is a medaled World War II Navy Pilot and offers ongoing community service through his volunteer commitments to the Kiwanis, VFW, American Legion, Christian Church, and the Texoma Regional Advisory Council on Aging. During his retirement, he continued to work part-time for the Bonham Daily Favorite and briefly for the Bonham Journal newspaper as a consultant.. He has served as President of the Advertising League, President of the Dallas Religious Public Relations, and served as the circulation manager for the Greensheet Publication prior to his retirement. He was an associate professor of the Journalism Dept. of Northwood Institute. He is a member and elder of the Christian Church.

He has served three terms in the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature. During the 8th TSHL he was elected Vice-Chairman of the Retirement and Aging Committee and served as Chairman of the TSHL Directory Publication. During the last session he served as Chairman of the TSHL

Directory Publication.

Ms. Rauschuber was born in Gainesville and worked as a registered nurse for 21 years. She served seven years as the Utilization Review Director of Decatur Community Hospital. She is an active member of the St. Johns Catholic Church in Valley View, Texas. Imelda currently volunteers as a Nursing Home Ombudsman for the Pecan Creek Rehabilitation Center in Gainesville. Imelda has completed two terms on the TSHL and served on the Health and Human Services Committee and as a member of the Elections and Credentials committee during the 2000 TSHL Session and the Health and Human Services Committee in 2002 as well as serving as Secretary of the Elections and Credentials Committee.

Ms. Foreman, a two term TSHL member, was previously employed by the Sam Rayburn ISD as a teacher. She received her BS and Masters in Education from ETSU in Commerce in the early 70’s. She also achieved her certification to teach gifted and talented students in 1991 from ETSU. Her professional affiliations include Texas Retired Teachers Association and the Beta Psi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International serving as coordinator for Area 17. She is a charter member of the Bertha Voyer Memorial Library, Sam Rayburn P.T.O., and officer in the Gum Springs Cemetery Association. She is an active member and assistant pianist for the Telephone Baptist Church and represents Fannin County on the Texoma Regional Advisory Council on Aging. During her first term in the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, Ms. Foreman was elected secretary of the Insurance committee and served as a member of the Finance Committee and in 2002 she served as Secretary of the Education Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee.

The Area Agency on Aging of Texoma/TSHL Steering Committee has been authorized by the TSHL Elections and Credentials Committee to cancel the TSHL election scheduled for May 25, 2004 due to the unopposed status of each candidate. Deadline for candidacy filing was February 29, 2004. Therefore these candidates have been certified as unopposed and elected to represent the Texoma region in the Tenth TSHL Session scheduled in September. Citizens are encouraged to submit concerns and issues regarding service needs of older citizens and family caregivers to the Area Agency on Aging by April 15 for consideration as resolutions to the TSHL body.

For more information, please contact the Area Agency on Aging of Texoma at 1-800-677-8264. Issues can be emailed in care of the TSHL to shollingsworth@texoma.cog.tx.us.

USDA Rural Development Tackles Rural Issues

Temple, Texas, March 19, 2004-Bryan Daniel, State Director for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development recently returned to Texas from Washington, D.C., where he participated in a series of high level rural economic and community development meetings with key White House, Congressional, and USDA officials. The meetings focused on ways to support rural job creation, homeownership, business development, and public utility and community infrastructure needs in rural Texas.

Daniel said "USDA Rural Development will concentrate on providing staff resources and financial assistance in key areas to continue economic growth, job creation and provide support for rural families in Texas." To accomplish this, USDA Rural Development will: 1) utilize USDA Rural Development funds and partnership financing to increase the level of rural homeownership; 2) promote, through business and industry loan guarantees, value-added agricultural grants, and other programs, expansion of local business ventures and job creation; and 3) expand community access to information technology for business development and advanced health and educational services by building technology infrastructure.

USDA Rural Development seeks to support local efforts by providing financing to create housing, business development, and essential community facilities. In FY 2003, more than $280 million were invested into rural Texas.

"USDA Rural Development programs deliver the tools needed to help develop vibrant, sustainable communities for you and your children. We have helped to provide improved water service for more than 61,000 rural households, better healthcare facilities and public safety equipment provided to more than 46 different communities; more than 1,400 jobs were created and saved; alternate energy sources were created, and affordable housing brought to more than 1,800 rural families in Texas in 2003", said Daniel.

Daniel urges communities to take advantage of USDA Rural Development programs. "If you feel one of our programs can help you or your community, I urge you to contact one of our offices. Our staff is ready to help you," said Daniel.

Contact the USDA Rural Development State Office at (254) 742-9710 or your local USDA Rural Development Office generally listed in the blue pages of phone directories. Visit: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/tx.

USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to USDA, Director, OCR, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.

HOUSTON-- (March 22, 2004)--Got a broken teacup, an art project, or a leaky blood vessel? "Super glue" it.

Surgeons at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston are studying whether a liquid sealant, similar to common household "super glue," forms a tight seal around blood vessels used in vascular graft surgery.

"When you sew blood vessels together for a graft, they sometimes leak," said Dr. Alan Lumsden, chief of the vascular surgery section of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery and principal investigator for the clinical trial. "In this trial, we will seal that leak, or basically "super glue" it together."

Doctors currently use the glue to close skin wounds instead of using sutures, and are now studying it for vascular grafts. The sealant, manufactured by Closure Medical Corporation, is designed to provide a strong physical seal that remains in place longer than the graft takes to heal naturally. Over time, the seal will break down into smaller absorbable fragments.

Lumsden is the principal investigator of the international clinical trial, which will enroll up to 150 patients at 14 institutions in the United States and Europe. Surgeries will be performed at The Methodist Hospital and the Michael

E. DeBakey Houston VA Medical Center. Candidates for the study are patients who are having femoral-popliteal bypass or AV access shunt surgery; two procedures that improve blood flow. Ideal candidates for the surgery are those who will be receiving artificial grafts, which bleed more, leading to surgical complications.

Other methods currently available to seal leaky blood vessels use biological agents to clot the blood. Since the vascular sealant is

synthetic, it carries no risk of viral contamination or rejection that may occur with biological agents.

"The idea is that we can use this glue to join two blood vessels which allows blood to flow from one to the other--something we currently cannot do." Lumsden said.

Patients in the trial will either receive the procedure using the glue, or sutures alone. Researchers will then compare the procedures to measure blood loss and the time the procedure takes to complete.

"Because we cannot create a tight, leak-proof seal between blood vessels, vascular surgeons are unable to perform laparascopic vascular surgery, a minimally invasive form of surgery," Lumsden said. "The glue opens up all types of possibilities in terms of vascular graft surgery."

Deuell Forms Citizen Advisory Panel On Public School Finance

AUSTIN -- On Monday, State Sen. Bob Deuell (R-Greenville) announced his Citizen Advisory Panel on Public School Finance has been formed, and will now be moving forward to examine various school finance issues. The panel will be charged with collecting public input on the issue and providing Sen. Deuell and his staff with feedback and opinions on specific proposals.

Earlier this month, Sen. Deuell announced he would be forming the panel to assist in getting public input on school finance proposals. Deuell said response to his request to serve has been overwhelming. "I think it is a testament to the importance of this issue that so many people have contacted my office to volunteer for this panel," Deuell said. "My office has received hundreds of responses from my constituents and I look forward to these community leaders helping me gauge public sentiment on the various finance proposals."

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, the presiding officer of the Texas Senate, praised Sen. Deuell for his efforts in forming the panel.

"As we continue working to address the important issue of school finance reform, I want to commend Senator Deuell for his leadership in forming this panel and seeking public input from his constituents," Dewhurst said. "I look forward to working with Senator Deuell to pass a permanent and comprehensive plan to improve public education in Texas."

Deuell said he has already contacted the panel with one basic question - "Should the Governor call the Legislature into special session to deal with public school finance issues?"

"I asked the panel if we should go into special session, and the response has been an almost unanimous yes," Deuell said. "I believe the public sentiment is that we need to address this situation now, and I am confident the legislature will come to a consensus on a plan that will be beneficial for all Texans."

Sen. Deuell’s office has also provided members of the panel with the recently issued report of the Joint Select Committee on Public School Finance. The report contains several specific proposals that Sen. Deuell will be addressing with the panel in the coming weeks.

Sen. Deuell’s office is now making preparations for the first meeting of the Advisory Panel, which should take place in the near future depending on the timing of a special session.

Kiwanis Meeting

Dr. Gary Sisson portrayed Patrick Henry at the Bonham Kiwanis Club Meeting on March 23, 2004. Dr. Sisson gave the speech made by Patrick Henry to the Virginia House of Burgess on March 23, 1775 one year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.. Join the Kiwanis on Tuesday, 12 noon at the First Christian Church.

Hometown Military News

March 23, 2004(FHTNC)--Marine Corps Sgt. Darrell W. Roberts, a 1999 graduate of Trenton High School, Trenton, Texas, recently returned from a routine, scheduled deployment on board the USS Peleliu, home ported in San Diego, while assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.

During the deployment, Roberts’ unit conducted humanitarian assistance, security and stabilization missions in Iraq. They also patrolled international waters in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa to deter the transport of terrorist personnel and equipment.

Roberts’ unit is an expeditionary intervention force with the ability to rapidly organize for combat operations in virtually any environment. MEUs are composed of more than 2,000 personnel and are divided into an infantry battalion, aircraft squadron, support group and command element. With this combination, Roberts’ unit supplies and sustains itself for either quick mission accomplishment or clearing the way for follow-on forces.

CPS Awards BETHEL

On 3/18/04, the Child Protective Services Board was proud to honor Mike Bethel for his six years of excellent and dedicated service as a Board member and as Board Treasurer. Standing on the left are Board Members (l-r): Matthew Simpson, Robert Holmes (newly appt’d Board Treasurer), and Janice Mills; on the right is CPS Supervisor, Susy Meehan. Mr. Bethel’s daily involvement and constant support will be missed by CPS. Mr. Bethel and his wife, Beverly, are owners and Directors of Footsteps and Fingerprints Daycare in Bonham.

Chicken & Dumplings, Corn, Spanish Cabbage, Bread, Sweet Potato Pudding, Milk

Spaghetti/ Meat Sauce, Carrots, Green Beans, Toast, Plum Cobbler, Milk

Roast Beef/ Gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Beets/ Orange, Bread, Cran Apple Crunch, Milk

Turkey Noodle Casserole, English Peas, Sunny Mixed Vegetables, Bread, Pudding, Milk

Pinto Beans & Ham, Oven Fried Okra, Carrot Raisin Salad, Cornbread, Peaches/ Jello/ Orange Juice, Milk

National Senior Circle Day Northeast Chapter Senior Circle

Senior Circle Chapters from all over the country celebrated the second annual National Senior Circle Day on March 24, 2004. The Northeast Chapter in Bonham was no exception.

Senior Circle members enjoyed a free breakfast provided by Northeast Medical Center and Senior Circle. After breakfast, a drawing was held for door prizes. Congratulations to June Flowers, who won a Senior Circle blanket, and Janice Sadler who won a candle.

What better way to spend a rainy morning, than playing games? So, many members stayed after breakfast to play dominos and Skip-Bo. Prizes and Wal-Mart gift certificates were given to Darlene Hancock, Lucille Gard and Nancy Bellows for winning the domino games. June Burgess and Nelda Redman were the big winners at the Skip-Bo table. They also received prizes and Wal-Mart gift certificates.

Senior Circle is sponsored by Northeast Medical Center and is part of a national non-profit organization devoted exclusively to offering enjoyable, healthful and meaningful activities to those who are 50 or older. With over 18,000 members nationwide, the Senior Circle is pleased to be able to offer numerous activities such as exercise classes, games, social events, nation wide discounts at Choice Hotels and Wal-Mart mail order pharmacy and even local merchant discounts. For more information about The Senior Circle, please feel free to call the Senior Circle office at (903) 640-7341.

Allison Keller

Senior Circle Advisor Northeast Medical Center 504 Lipscomb Ave. Bonham, Tx 75418 903-640-7341

Reciting Pledge in Schools Is A Constitutional Recognition of Religion, Abbott Says

AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today called on the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold as constitutional the practice of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools. The Court heard oral arguments today in the case, Elk Grove Unified School District v. Michael A. Newdow. Attorney General Abbott filed an amicus curiae ("friend of the court") brief with the Supreme Court in the case, on behalf of all 50 states.

"From the time of her founding, our nation has recognized her religious heritage in historical documents, speeches and even her architecture," Attorney General Abbott said. "The phrase ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance is one such acknowledgment, and I urge the Supreme Court to protect its continued presence in our public schools."

In the brief, Attorney General Abbott noted that virtually every reference to the Pledge of Allegiance by the Court has agreed the Pledge is entirely consistent with the First Amendment. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, for example, said in 1985’s Wallace v. Jaffree that the reference to God in the Pledge of Allegiance "servels] as an acknowledgment of religion with ‘the legitimate secular purposes of solemnizing public occasions, land] expressing confidence in the future.’ "

Attorney General Abbott added, "The Supreme Court has consistently acknowledged a key distinction between government-sponsored religious ceremony or display, and simple historical and patriotic recognition of religion by government institutions. We urge the Court to continue that tradition."

The case, which originated in California, was initiated by a man who contends that having public schoolchildren recite the Pledge of Allegiance violates the U.S. Constitution because the Pledge contains the words "under God." The Court’s decision in the case will directly impact the laws of at least 43 states, including a Texas statute that requires school districts to have students recite the Pledge of Allegiance once during each school day. The law was passed to help fulfill the Texas Education Code’s mandate that students be taught to be "thoughtful, active citizens who understand the importance of patriotism." The law also contains an opt-out provision for parents opposed to their children reciting the Pledge in class.

After an early form first appeared in a youth publication in 1892, the Pledge of Allegiance grew in notoriety and changed form until Congress officially adopted it in 1942. Congress added the phrase "under God" in 1954. A decision in the case is expected by the end of June.

The Children’s Chorus of Greater North Texas will give a free concert at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sherman at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday April 3^rd. The choir will present a portion of their American Music Program including several spirituals and 3 folk songs from Set One adapted by Aaron Copeland.

Boys and girls with unchanged voices who are completing grades 3 through 7 are encouraged to attend with their parents. At the end of the concert, the younger members of the audience will be invited to join the choir for two final selections. Everyone is invited to stay for refreshments at the end of the concert.

Founded in August 2003, the Children’s Chorus of Greater North Texas’ mission is to give the Grayson County area children the experience of musical artistry and excellence, in a group that reflects the diversity of greater north Texas. Qualifications are a good voice, a good sense of pitch, and a commitment to regular attendance at rehearsals and performances.

Children who are now in grades 3 – 7 are encouraged to audition for next year’s chorus. Tuition assistance is available based on need. Auditions will be held on Sunday afternoons April 18, April 25 and May 16. For more information or to schedule an audition appointment, contact Susan Matthews at 903-893-0607.

Thanks For Being A Part Of Our Life

My wife and I would like to take this opportunity to try to thank everyone for helping us through my sickness and hospital stay. We have been overwhelmed by all the help and support that we have received during this time.

First, we would like to thank God. If it wasn’t for Him, we probably would’ve had a funeral instead of a dance, bake sale, or auction. Also, He has blessed us with all of you and your support. We would also like to thank our family for staying with us and for visiting throughout my stay. A big thanks to all the wonderful nurses and doctors at Wilson N. Jones hospital for their dedication, caring, and hard work. Next, a special thank you to Bro. Adam Martin, Bro. James Hensery, and all the other pastors who came to my bedside and prayed to help me through these surgeries. I also want to extend thanks to all of the churches and all the individuals who were praying for my recovery.

Second, we would like to thank Shane and Shana Wallace, Scott and Leann Hartwell, Bonham VFW, Ace High band, Vintage Fade, and everyone who attended the benefit dance. Thank you for your help in making the dance a success!

Next, we want to thank GE Zenith and all the friends we have out there for heading up the bake sale. Thank you for your hard work, support, and your time.

We want to give thanks to Merle Kelton, Lyndell Purdy, and Fannin Bank for starting up a benefit fund account in my name. Thanks to those that have thoughtfully given a donation to this fund as well.

Furthermore, we were amazed by the barbeque, cake sale, and auction that was held on March 20. There are many, many people that came together to make this possible. We would like to thank David and Trisha Oliver and kids, Terry and Marsha Dobson and Garrett, Charles and Dana Parsons, Tommy and Tina Velis of Sam’s Barbeque, Leroy and Sandy Watson, Ann Higgins, Wyndell McClure, Neal Kelton, Greg Sadler, Breann Latona, Sam Velis, Sr., Don and Barbara Oliver, auctioneers: Happy Wallace and Doug Taylor, and many others. Also, a big thanks to those who cooked and baked for the cake and pie sale. We would love to thank all of the sponsors and all the people who came out and made this possible and made it a big success.

In closing, I would like to say that I learned a big lesson from all of this. When I was really down, my friends and family came by and called from everywhere and I believe that all of your prayers pulled me through these surgeries. You’ll never know how much that means to me.

Thanks again and God bless. - Keith and Penny Johnson

Beach Frotn Tans, Leon Haggard, Wade Robinson, John Parker, First Flight, Ferris Concrete, Trenton Propane, Young Chevrolet, Breann Latona, Dr. Mark Smith, Jennifer, Hygienist, Bonham City Limits, Smith More Williams, Wayne Burns, Sam’s BBQ, Charles Parsons, McCraw Oil, AG Power, McKinney TX, Helena Chemical, Mitchell & Bourland, Terrell, TX, Fannin Bank, Hickory BBQ, Craig Danner, Big "D" Roofing Co. Inc., Progressive Martial Arts, Loyd Haggard, Ray Miller Sand & Gravel, Pat’s Pump Service, Loan Star Pawn, Bob and Katie Maass, Judy Purdy, Past & Present Furniture, Radio Shack, Peacocks Antiques, Lane’s Flowers & Etc., World Finance Co. Bonham State Bank, Antiques on the square, Raymond Lackey, S&E Western Wear, Brenda Magness, Wal-Mart, Whitlock Pawn, Bonham Concrete, Jackie Mullinex, Bonham Quick Lube, Jim Crittenden, Brookshire’s, Terry Dobson, David Oliver, Marsha P. Phea, Orschlen, Tom Thumb, Kroger, Roger Sadler, Jerry Magness, Mills Dozer, Jackie Allmon, Larry Jester, J & J Cut Rate, Cheyenne Trading Co., Kim Hope, Rusty Andrews, Estas Chemical Co., Packad Knife, Potato Creations, Tex’s Detail Shop, Eagle Screen Printing, Serta Mattress Co., Dealer #3 Antiques On The Square, Rawl’s Furniture Co., Floors Etc., KFYN-KFYZ, Jimmy Page

Congratulations to the raffle winners:

Lacy Herpeche- winner of the gun

Will Janacek- winner of the knife

Into Baghdad

Kay Bailey Hutchinson

One year ago this March, American troops rolled into Baghdad and in a matter of days, wiped out a brutal regime that had governed Iraq with an iron fist for decades. Many Americans will recall the "shock and awe" campaign waged by the U.S. military that lit the skies of Baghdad in a brilliant display of the strength and precision of our Armed Forces. This one-year anniversary is a fitting time to appreciate the hope that exists in the hearts of the Iraqi people.

The gravest threat to the United States today is the potential cooperation between terrorist groups and rogue states developing or possessing weapons of mass destruction. Saddam Hussein was a threat to America and the world. He had a track record of unleashing terror. In 1988 he spewed forth a witches’ brew of nerve agents, mustard gas, and conventional weapons to kill 5,000 innocent Iraqi civilians- mostly women and children- in the town of Halabja. His wrath also frequently turned on his neighbors. In 1980 he invaded Iran leaving an estimated one million dead. A decade later his invasion of Kuwait killed at least 1,000.

This ticking time bomb defied the international community for 12 years and through 17 United Nations Security Council resolutions. Words alone would not stop this monster.

To date we have not found the stockpiles of weapons we anticipated, but we have found the capability to produce chemical and biological agents, including the scientists, technology and labs. Rathar than let this threat fester and grow, the United States of America acted. Operation Iraqi Freedom removed a vicious enemy, and our nation- and the world- is more secure. Thanks to the skill and sacrifice of the U.S. military and our coalition partners, the threat has been eliminated and the Iraqi people are free and on a path of self-governance.

This March, members of the Iraqi Governing Council signed the Transitional Administrative Law for Iraq, an interim constitution for the country. The document sets in place a framework for the future and provides essential freedoms and civil rights for all Iraqis. It states in part,

"All Iraqis are equal in their rights without regard to gender, sect, opinion, belief, nationality, religion, or origin, and they are equal before the law. Discrimination against an Iraqi citizen on the basis of his gender, nationality, religion, or origin is prohibited. Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the security of his person."

The inclusion of women’s rights in the document is particularly significant, as Iraqi women have for generations been oppressed and denied basic rights. Ambassador Paul Bremer recently recalled the story of one Iraqi woman, Rajaa Khuzai, a 57- year-old mother of seven and one of three women on the Iraq Governing Council. In 1991, when Saddam Hussein sent Republican Guards to put down a rebellion in her town of Diwaniya, Rajaa was the only doctor left in her hospital. An obstetrician, she remembers performing more than 20 cesarean section births working alone by candlelight. With Iraqi leaving behind its past under Saddam Hussein, women like Rajaa Khuzai will never again be left in the dark.

The next months and years are critical for Iraq’s development. As we work to remove ourselves from the governance process and hand the reins over to the Iraqi people, we do so knowing the task at hand is great. Three decades of rule under a regime of murderers and torturers will not easily forgotten or undone. The fledgling democracy has many challenges to overcome and the road ahead is not easy... but for the first time in many years, the future of Iraq is no longer one of terror- it is one of promise. And a working democracy in the Middle East will begin to have effects on the whole region.

Winter Sports Clinic Helps Disabled Veterans

Dallas, TX- VA North Texas Health Care System will sponsor 14 north Texas veterans to ski the great Rocky Mountains at the 18th National Disabled Winter Sports Clinic at Snowmass Village at Aspen, Colo., April 4 to April 9.

This rehabilitation program known as "Miracles on a Mountainside" is open to all U.S. military veterans with spinal cord injury or disease, certain neurological conditions, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments or other disabilities, who receive care at any Department of Veterans Affairs facility, and over 350 are expected to participate nationally. This year, for the first time, veterans from the current combat operation in Iraq will attend. Veterans from operations in Afghanistan, who have participated in earlier Winter Clinics, will also participate.

VA and the Disabled American Veterans sponsor the clinic that teaches disabled veterans adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing as well as a variety of other adaptive activities and sports, such as rock climbing, scuba diving, hand cycling, horseback riding, snowmobiling and sled hockey. The U.S. Secret Service will also teach self-defense.

Among the north Texas veterans who will participate, Tricia Sapp of Rockwall said, "To me the Winter Sports Clinic is more than just teaching you skiing; it is about improving yourself." Linda Kearbey of Seagoville thinks the Winter Sports Clinic is as healing a therapy as you will ever find, and Jerry Hull of Milford shares, "I am looking forward to fellowship with other disabled veterans. I hope to learn more coping skills and to help myself and perhaps help someone else."

Powers And Duties Of The Lieutenant Governor

A few weeks ago, I outlined the powers and duties of the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, who is the presiding office in the House. This week I would like to discuss a position that is similar in many ways, but also has some major differences: the Lieutenant Governor. The Lieutenant Governor is the presiding officer of the Senate; but unlike the House Speaker, who is elected by his peers in the House of Representatives, the Lieutenant Governor is elected by a statewide popular vote.

The Lieutenant Governor is also unique in that he is part of both the Executive and Legislative branches. As in most states, the Lieutenant Governor in Texas assumes the powers and duties of the Governor when the Governor is unable to serve or is absent from the state. But in Texas, the Lieutenant Governor is elected separately from the Governor, and each can be members of different political parties.

As in the House of Representatives, the Senate’s rules allow the Lieutenant Governor to decide all parliamentary questions and use his discretion in following Senate procedural rules. He can set up standing and special committees and appoint committee chairpersons and individual members.

The Lieutenant Governor is required to sign all bills and resolutions passed by the Senate. The Constitution also names him to the five-member Legislative Redistricting Board which apportions the state into senatorial and representative districts in the event the Legislature is unable to do so. The Legislative Redistricting Board was used a few years ago and drew the maps under which our current state House and Senate districts are divided.

The Lieutenant Governor is a member of several Legislative branch boards and committees: the Legislative Budget Board, the Legislative Council, the Legislative Audit Committee and the Legislative Education Board. He is designated as Chair of the Legislative Budget Board and Legislative Council, which have considerable sway over state programs, the budget and policy.

Our current Lieutenant Governor is David Dewhurst. Prior to his election as Lieutenant Governor, he served as Texas Land Commissioner. A native Texan, veteran, successful businessman and rancher, Dewhurst was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to chair the Governor’s Task Force on Homeland Security in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Spring Brings Home Repair Scams

Fannin County Attorney Myles Porter is warning the community to be on the look out for home repair scam artists. According to the County Attorney, the most common home repair scams in our area involve roofing, paving or painting. Scam artists usually go door-to-door soliciting homeowners with tales of a "great deal" on home repair. In a typical scam, the phony contractor claims that he has left-over material from another job and he can repair your home at a huge savings. The scam artist will then request payment upfront, never to return.

Here are some tips to avoid becoming the victim of a scam. Be cautious of door-to-door solicitations, especially when the contractor wants to begin work immediately. Beware of contractors who pressure you for an immediate decision or ask you to pay for the entire job upfront. Always ask for a contract specifying the work to be done and the price. If your home needs repairs, your best bet is to call more than one contractor in our area and check their references. Our local Chambers of Commerce are a good place to start.

If you believe that a scam is underway, call your local police department. Get the suspect’s license plate number and write down a good description of the person you talked to. Porter says his best advice is to remember the old adage, "If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is."

Children’s Center Honors Jo Willess

Jo Willess of Celeste was recently named Volunteer of the Quarter at the Fannin County Children’s Center (CASA & Children’s Advocacy Center).

"It does my heart good," said Willess when asked why she became a CASA volunteer about a year and a half ago. "I can see a change in my child with each visit I make," she continued. "I can tell that I am making a difference, and that makes me feel good."

"Jo is a very dedicated and caring volunteer. She has a big heart and it shows in the work she has done for her CASA kids," said Sandy Barber of the Children’s Center.

Willess 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 several different abused children involved in the court system. She has made numerous visits and phone calls to her children, the family members, therapists, foster parents and others who are involved in the child’s life. She keeps in close contact with the child’s CPS caseworker, attorney and CASA staff and prepares written reports for the court which include the information gathered and recommendations. Willess also attends meetings and court hearings in order to speak up for the children’s best interest.

The mission of the Fannin County Children’s Center is to protect and enhance the quality of life for the abused, neglected and needy children of Fannin County. The Center accomplishes this through the operation of several programs. CASA utilizes trained volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused children involved in the court system. The Children’s Advocacy Center facilitates a collaborative effort between public and private agencies involved in the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse in order to bring offenders to justice and promote peace and healing for the victims. The Rainbow Rooms, in collaboration with Child Protective Services, are emergency resource rooms stocked with community donations of new clothing, shoes and other items for the abused children served by both agencies. The Center also conducts an annual school supply drive for all needy children of the county and a Christmas toy and clothes drive for children served by CASA and/or the Children’s Advocacy Center. For more information, call (903) 583-4339 or visit www.fanninccc.org

Fannin County Multi-Purpose Complex

The Multi-Purpose Facility Board of Directors thanks the Buster Cole State Jail for their help and support. All the work they’ve done clearing brush in the creeks and fence rows at the new Multi-Purpose Facility is great!

The site for this facility is located just west of Bonham on Hwy. 56 on 176 beautiful acres. Take a drive through the area and see for yourself the vision for the future of Fannin County.