When James McFarland arrived in Fannin County in 1837 with his wife Jane and their eleven children, he settled just north of the North Sulphur River and received 1280 acres from the Republic of Texas as a Class II grant. On that grant, the family buried their first dead as early as 1852. This family cemetery has been recognized by the state of Texas for its historical significance. The designation, reserved for cemeteries that are at least 50 years old and deemed worthy of preservation for their historic associations, means an Affidavit of Designation for Cemetery Purposes has been issued to the McFarland Cemetery and has been recorded in the Fannin County Clerk’s office.

In some rural areas, historic cemeteries are threatened by the absence of fencing, which allows cattle and other grazing animals to topple and disturb headstones. Urban expansion and vandalism often threaten historic cemeteries as well. The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed to address the destruction of historic cemeteries and the illegal removal of cemetery fixtures. Any individual or organization is eligible to submit an application for this designation. For more information, call 512-475-4167 or visit their website at www.thc.state.tx.us .

The formal dedication will take place on Sunday, May 30, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. There will be an indoor meeting at the Oak Ridge Church of Christ church before carpooling to the cemetery. Many McFarland descendants are journeying from as far away as Alaska to participate in the dedication, and the family welcomes any interested participants and relatives that have not already been contacted. If you wish to come, please contact Rhonda Shinpaugh at 903-367-7039, or Mary Helen Haines at 972-964-3363.

Two Fannin County Men Receive 43 Years In Prison Sentences

Two criminal defendants decided to change their pleas to guilty prior to jury selection on Monday, May 3. Judge Jim Lovett of the 6^th District Court of Fannin County sentenced Terrance L. Wilburn to 30 years in prison for aggravated robbery and then sentenced Michael Todd Webb to 13 years for possession of methamphetamine. County Attorney Myles Porter represented the State of Texas and the people of Fannin County in both cases.

Terrance L. Wilburn, age 23, of Ladonia was convicted for his part in the January armed robbery of a ninety-two year old Ladonia man. Wilburn and his 29 year old accomplice entered the victim’s house armed with a handgun and pulled him to the floor. After searching the man’s pockets, one of the robbers went through the house while his partner continued to sit on the victim’s back. Several hundred dollars in cash and jewelry were taken in the robbery. As the robbers left they told the victim to stay on the floor for ten minutes or they would kill him.

The County Attorney thanked Deputy Wayne Walker and the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work and determination in solving this crime. Wilburn’s co-defendant, Raymond Scott, was sentenced to 30 years in prison last month for his part in the robbery.

In a separate case, Michael Todd Webb age 37 of Dodd City was convicted and given 13 years for possession of methamphetamine. In March 2003, agents of the Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on Webb’s home in Dodd City. During the search, officers discovered nine grams of methamphetamine. County Attorney Porter thanked officers Terry Bee and George Robinson for their hard work in preparing the case for trial.

The County Attorney stressed the importance of jury service. "Even though a jury was never actually seated in these cases, the fact that those citizens were sitting in the courtroom willing to serve on a jury, made these defendants change their minds about going to trial. These cases would not have been resolved without people who are willing to serve on our juries," concluded Porter.

Varna Sangster Celebrates 100th

Varna Sangster of Telephone celebrated her 100th birthday with family and frinds at her birthday party at the Telephone Baptist Church on Sat. April 24, 2004.

She was born April 26, 1904 to the late Clark Moore and Barbara Ann Bolt Bell in McNab, Arkansas, Hempstead county.

She is the oldest of 7 children.

Two Brothers: Clyde Bell of Giddings, Texas, and the late Floyd Bell of Temple, Texas.

Four Sisters: Elsie Clowers of Houston, Maudie Craig of San Antonio, the late Hattie Terry of Houston, and the late Ada Mae Williams, of Lott, Texas.

She met Luie (Duke) Sangster at Mayfield school in Telephone in 1919. They married on September 8, 1928 in Belton, Texas. He was the son of the late Harry and Rosie Mae Snead- Sangster in Telephone.

They had five daughters: Mary Lavell Hawkins of Telephone, the late Jewellene Sangster of Malakoff, Imogene West of Denison, Jorene Collinsworth of Ivanhoe, the late Neta Jo Sangster of Telephone.

They also had 15 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 18 great great grandchildren. Two were just born recently. Great-grandson: Nicholas Andrew Collinsworth, born Feb. 16, 2004 to James and Nickie Collinsowrth. Great-Great-Granddaughter: Victoria Paige Beatty, born April 13, 2004 to Rick and Sabrina Stockton-Beatty.

Varna wishes to thank everyone for helping celebrate her special day. Thanks to all for everything if you helped in anyway. Thanks to Jewelletta Hagar for making the cake.

There were a lot of pictures taken. Thanks to Carl and Danny Collinsowrth, Loyd Robertson, Mickey Workman, Jerry, Jake, and Jessie Throneberry for the beautiful music. Thanks for the cards, gifts, phonecalls, visits and money. God bless everyone.

(AUSTIN) – Homeownership is now within reach for thousands of low to moderate income Texans, as the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announced the release of $175 million in funds for below market interest rate mortgage loans. These home loans, available through TDHCA’s Texas First Time Homebuyer Program, carry interest rates as low as 4.99 percent. Participating lending institutions located throughout Texas offer the 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans.

The popular homebuyer program offers low to moderate income individuals and families an opportunity to qualify for mortgage loans with monthly payments that might otherwise be out of their reach at current market interest rates. These typically include households earning between 30 percent and 115 percent of the area median family income.

$75 million in funding has been set aside to provide 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans at a low 4.99 percent interest rate. Loans offering this percent rate are available to qualified homebuyers who do not need down payment and closing cost assistance.

For Texans in need of down payment and closing cost assistance, $100 million in funding will be available to eligible homebuyers for up to 4 percent of the mortgage amount. Mortgage loans that include the down payment and closing cost assistance, in a form of a second lien loan, are available at a 5.50 percent interest rate.

"The extremely low interest rates we are currently offering may represent the best chance for many families to buy a home of their own," said TDHCA Executive Director Edwina Carrington. "There is a reason why homeownership is considered the ‘American Dream.’ Besides offering security and comfort, homeownership is typically one of the best means for low to moderate income households to build financial security. The Department encourages anyone who has ever thought of buying a home to learn more about this terrific program."

Committees Meet During Special Session

For the past few weeks, the legislature has been in a special session with the charge of revamping the school finance system in Texas, as I mentioned in last week’s column. However, school finance is not the only state business being conducted during this time. Many House and Senate committees are taking advantage of having all of their members in Austin and conducting committee hearings to discuss issues relating to their respective interim charges in preparation for the next regular legislative session.

I serve as vice-chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and also sit on the House Committee on State Cultural and Recreational Resources. Both of these committees have met in the last couple of weeks.

On May 4, the House Committee on Transportation met jointly with the Senate Infrastructure Committee to discuss and hear testimony regarding the implementation of House Bill 3588. This bill was passed during the regular legislative session and allowed for new and innovative ways of building transportation systems in a cheaper and quicker fashion in an effort to ease congestion on our roadways. The committees heard testimony from officials with the Texas Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Business Council.

The Governor’s Business Council discussed some key findings from its report "Texas’ Roadways - Texas’ Future" which takes a look at the next 25 years of roadway supply, demand, cost and benefits. The full report can be viewed at www.texasgbc.org. Here are some interesting findings from the report:

• Texas’ population will increase from 20.8 million in 2000 to 29.6 million in 2025. Ninety percent of the growth, or almost 8 million more people, will live in Texas’ metropolitan areas, where 15 million people lived in the year 2000.

• Traffic congestion is getting worse. From 1990 to 2000, Texas’ population grew 23 percent, the number of vehicles increased 23 percent, the number of workers grew by 23 percent, vehicle miles traveled increased by 41 percent, and TxDOT spending increased by 45 percent. The number of lane-miles increased by only 3 percent, causing congestion to rise by 126 percent.

• From 1990 to 2000, traffic congestion has cost Texas 2.6 billion hours of delay (costing $40 billion) and 4.5 billion gallons of wasted fuel (costing $5.6 billion), bringing the total cost of delay to $45.6 billion. During this same period TxDOT spent only $37.4 billion on maintenance and new construction. While the number of workers during the 1990s increased by 19 percent, the number of workers commuting by more than 45 minutes grew by more than 50 percent.

• In Texas, using the 2000 census data, public transit represented a 1.8% market share of all commuters, down from 2.1% in 1990. More people walk to work (1.9%) than use public transit. Public transit users in the U.S. only represent 4.5% of commuters, and total riders are less today than 100 years ago after adding 200 million people to the population in the same time period.

Fraternal Visit Of The Worthy Grand Matron

Mrs. Doris Jean Hester Grand Chapter of Texas, O.E.S.

Bonham Chapter #852, Order of the Eastern Star, is hosting a Fraternal Visit of the Worthy Grand Matron of Texas, Mrs. Doris Jean Hester, on Thursday, May 20, 2004 at the Family Life Center, 200 W. 8^th St. in Bonham, Texas.

A catered Barbeque meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7:30 pm. All members of the O.E.S. are invited to attend this exciting meeting.

Mrs. Hester was born in Telephone, Texas to William R. "Bill" and Eva Luevisy Perkins. Doris is the middle child of seven children, three sisters and three brothers. She attended elementary schools in Telephone and High Prarie. She attended her freshman year in Bonham High School and graduated from Beeville High School in 1950.

Doris married Johnny Hester in 1953 and they have three children, John David, Patricia Diane and John Lee Jr. and seven grandchildren. They make their home in Beeville, Texas.

Thanks, Hope & Help

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Grayson Fannin & Cooke counties (NAMI GFC) expresses our deep gratitude for the $6,219 Public Presentation Equipment Grant issued in February 2004 by the Clara Smith and W. Aubrey Smith Charitable Foundation, under the administration of the Denison branch of the Bank of America.

We have purchased our presentation equipment and have already made two public education presentations to reduce stigma, replace myths with facts about mental illness, and illustrate the hope and recovery that is possible today via medicine and treatment that works. So far we have supplied resource references and contact information during our presentations to the Bonham Lions and the Bonham Golden K. Kiwanis clubs.

Future presentations are planned as follows: Bonham Rotary Wed. May 12th at noon at the Family Life Center; Sherman Social Services Wed. May 19th at noon at the NE Salvation Army; Denison Kiwanis Tuesday May 25th at 11:45 at Arlene’s Catfish on Spur 503. The public is welcome and invited to these 20 minute presentations to become better educated and prepared since 1 in 5 persons have their family impacted by mental illness during their lifetime. You are also welcome at our support meetings 3rd Thursday at 6 PM at the Sherman Wilson N Jones NE campus, just east of SAMs on Gallagher. In Bonham we meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 7 PM at 7th & Main Baptist Church.

Many famous people have made great strides, contributions, and encouragement to others in spite of afflictions with mental illnesses (brain chemistry imbalances). Some of our best known creative and courageous humans, who enriched our lives, were unable to let us know the obstacles of mental illnesses, which they overcame, because of stigma. They include: Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Edgar Allen Poe, Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemmingway, Paul Whitman, Ezra Pound, Tennessee Williams, and Beethoven. More recently a little light of understanding, education, and human compassion has empowered a few modern day courageous and creative persons who suffer from mental illnesses to come out of the closet to encourage others with their disclosures: Patty Duke, Earl Campbell, Lionel Aldridge, Charlie Pride, and Mike Wallace. Such people are NOT second class citizens to be discriminated against or stigmatized any longer. But stigma blocks many people from seeking and getting the help they need. Come help us help them! For questions or help please call NAMI GFC President John Hoelzel at 903-664-2471.

Ector Worker Retires

Longtime Ector ISD cafeteria worker Hazel Stroud will retire at the end of this school year, completing 22 years of faithful service to the children of the school district. A reception will be held in her honor on Wednesday, May 26^th from 2:00-4:00 in the school cafetorium. All of her family and friends are cordially invited to attend. The faculty, administration, and student body would like to wish Hazel a happy retirement and a sincere thank you for a job well done.

The Daughters Of The American Revolution, George Blakey Chapter, Bonham, Texas, Meeting, Saturday, May 8, 2004

The Daughters of the American Revolution, George Blakey Chapter, Bonham, Texas, met Saturday, May 8, 2004, at 11;30 a.m. in the lovely country home of our regent, Mary Jo Barbee at Honey Grove. Her home was built in 1870 by the Galbraith family and has always been occupied by a family member. Mary Jo served a delicious Lasagna luncheon to ten members and six guests. Rhonda Holmes attended with her daughters, Heather and Kassidy. Kassidy who is a 5th grade student at Ector Elementary was awarded a certificate, pin and check for being the winner of the History essay. Shelia Kinard attended with her daughter, Mandy, a senior in Honey Grove High School. She was presented with certificate, pin and check for being high school history winner. Both girls read their essays. Eric Forrester, a 7th grader in Honey Grove school was also a winner but was unable to attend . Marissa Loyd read Eric’s essay.

After the luncheon a short meeting was held. Martha Mayrell gave a brief talk on the Regional meeting she and Dot Linn attended April 26, 2004 in Sulphur Springs, Texas. There will be a workshop in Mineola, Texas this summer and the State conference will be held in Dallas.. We will get details later. Nancy Bellows gave a brief review of the table the chapter had at the recent Fannin County Resource Fair. Those helping with this project were Mary Jo Barbee, Judy O’Shields, Flo Odom, Martha Mayrell, Kay Partain and Nancy Bellows. Ruby Draisey, Mary Beavers and Bellows brought birthday gifts. Those winning were Linn, Barbee and Odom. Our next meeting will be Sept. 11, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the Bonham chamber of commerce meeting room. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the chapter can contact Flo Odom, registrar, 903-623-4031.

Bois D’Arc Municipal Utility District

My sincere apologies for the misunderstanding of the Voting Rules and Regulations of our District. I will to the best of my knowledge answer your question as to, why. It’s not as simple as "I have a meter, I can vote". Any landowner in the District, who lives in the district and is a registered voter in the District, may vote. They are not required to purchase water or have a meter with the District. The Texas Election Code establishes most of the procedures for electing district directors and any other Election that may be held by the District. The rules and laws of a District are difficult to understand and even decipher for those that have been in the water business for years. I have been an employee with this District for 12 years plus and still have much to learn. As a District, as stated in The Water Code, Title 4, Subchapter A., Section 49. 001. (1) "District means any district or authority created by authority of either Section 52 (b) (1) and (2), Article III, or Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, regardless of how district or port Authority created under general or special law or any conservation and reclamation district created pursuant to Chapter 62, Acts of the 52"^d Legislature, 1951 (Article 8280-141, Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes).

This District was created and established under Article XVl, Section 59, of the Texas Constitution, a conservation and reclamation district. A copy of our Creation Act from The Secretary of State, along with the outcome of the District Creation Vote is available at the District office.

It is my understanding that when the request was made for the creation of this water district that the areas north of Windom, Allens Chapel and Allens Point were the communities requesting the need for water. Before creation of the district the interested parties gathered a petition from landowners to decide the actual boundaries of the District. The landowners that showed an interest, and placed with the District, a Deposit for a meter, before creation, determined where the original water lines would be laid. This is how the boundaries were drawn in the locations they are now, to encircle those individuals and proposed customers that had interest before creation.

We as a District or the Board of Directors cannot change the boundaries without a request for annexation from a landowner(s).

As stated in:

Water Code, Title 4, Section 49.301 (a) In addition to any other provision provided by law, the owner or owners of land whether or not contiguous to the district or otherwise may file with the board a petition requesting that there be included in the district the land described in the petition by metes and bounds or by lot and block number if there is a recorded plat of the area to be included in the district on certain conditions, including the voter authorization of bonds to serve the area to be annexed.

This is a detailed process. I have copies of this Section of The Water Code for anyone to review. If any landowner(s) is interested, please be sure to read the laws carefully, and at such time any landowner(s) wish to file a petition with the District, the board will be glad to hear and consider the petition, under the petitions conditions. If the board approves the annexation into the district, any landowner(s) would then become part of the District and have all rights as a District landowner(s). Including but not limited to the right to Vote.

We can however request to amend our Certificate of Convince of Necessity with the TCEQ (Texas Commission of Environmental Quality). This would still not change the Boundaries of the District only the certificated area served.

As stated in:

Water Code, Chapter 49, Title 4, Section 49.215. A District shall not be required to hold a certificate of convenience and necessity as a precondition for providing retail water or sewer service to any customer or service area, not withstanding the fact that such customer or service area may be located either within or outside the boundaries of the district or has previously received water or sewer service from an entity required by law to hold a certificate of convenience and necessity as a precondition for such service. This subsection does not authorize a District to provide services within an area for which a retail public utility holds a certificate of convenience and necessity or within the boundaries of another district without that district’s consent, unless our district has a valid certificate of convenience and necessity to provide services to that area.

A water district is a political subdivision endowed with the functions, powers, authority, rights and duties that will permit it to accomplish the purposes for which it was created. A District’s statutory purposes may include water supply, wastewater treatment, storm water control, irrigation, navigation, fire fighting, and development of parks and recreational facilities. Municipal utility districts are given additional powers in solid waste management. The board of directors manages and controls these district affairs including financial management, employment, and purchasing. The board establishes policies, in the interest of the district’s residents and customers, to aid in this process. Since a district is a political subdivision, most of the responsibility for defining objectives, setting policy and providing management oversight is under local governmental control. These broad responsibilities are in the hands of the board of directors and cannot be delegated to employees, contractors and consultants. As I noted above District Laws are very challenging and in depth for anyone who does, or does not study them on a regular basis. Your questions and concerns are some that have been asked by others in the past. I only hope that I have helped clarify them. i will be glad to assist anyone who may still have questions or concerns. Please feel free to stop by the office or call. Office hours are from 8:00 - 4:00, Monday - Friday, phone # is 903-378-7361.

Michelle Reed

Early Voting Clerk Office Manager

Bois D’Arc Municipal Utiltiy District

Children And Mental Illness

By Paula Cawthon

Children and adolescents can suffer from mental illnesses and emotional disturbances the same as adults. The Hogg Foundation reports that over 655,000 Texas children, from birth through age 17, can be identified as having or at risk of having an emotional disturbance. Over 200,000 of them have serious emotional disturbance, and over 112,000 of those are estimated to need mental health mental retardation services. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMH), a program of Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma, serves youngsters with mental health problems in Grayson, Cooke, and Fannin counties.

"We are currently serving 113 youth in three counties. These children have all kinds of diagnosis such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, bi-polar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorder, impulse disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. One of the biggest problems they face is low self-esteem. We work with them in different ways to help increase their sense of self-worth. We have recently purchased some educational materials with donated funds that help them improve their self-esteem," states Tanya Brown-Davis, Program Manager.

"Many of the children we serve have behavioral problems that cause them to be put in special education classes at school, and some of them have been removed from school by the school. A history of physical and sexual abuse and neglect is common. Child Protective Services have been or are presently involved with many of the children. Some have broken the law and are in the First Offenders program. Social pressure, divorce, death of a loved one, and lack of discipline are also factors affecting the children," she continues.

"Skills training is an important aspect of the services offered that teaches a new way to handle a situation or a new way to analyze the situation, emotions, and thoughts. Our clients score 49 or below on the Global Assessment of Functioning test. That means they are functionally impaired. In skills training, we work on functioning skills, anger management, improving self esteem, and cognitive behavior. We work one on one with the child and the parent. Group activities are also used. Art therapy is one of the activities the children love. We work with the parent(s) individually, and we have held group parent meetings. Parents need assistance and education about their child and supports that are available in the community," Brown -Davis adds.

"Kids like to have fun while they learn. This summer we would like to sponsor some special group activities. We want to get the youngster excited and boost their willingness to learn new skills. We have noticed that more appointments are missed during the summer than any other time. We feel these activities will encourage participation by giving a fun activity like bowling, miniature golfing, picnics, skits, games, roller skating, etc. as a reward while they learn new skills. At the end of the summer, an awards ceremony will be held to acknowledge their participation. Mentoring and positive role modeling will also be a goal for the group activities. The budget is tight due to the 78^th Legislative budget cuts, so donated funds are needed to conduct these activities. So far, our plans include some fund-raising activities done by the youngsters, but that will not be enough," states Amy Wynn, CAMH Service Coordinator.

Paula Cawthon, MHMRST Community Relations Director, says, "Anyone wishing to donate to these activities may send a tax-deductible contribution made payable to Volunteer Services Council, and mail to 5001 Airport Drive, Denison 75020 or call 903-337-4865 for more information. Please help provide activities for these children that most children take for granted"

CAMH provides services to children and adolescents ages 17 and under with severe emotional, behavioral or mental disorders. Core services are:

• Assessment and Referral Services

• Service Coordination

• Crisis Services

• Medication Services

• Family Support Services

• Individual and Family Therapy

• Advocacy

For more information on CAMH, call 903-337-4820 in Grayson, 903-337-4751 in Fannin, and 903-337-4768 in Cooke.

Taking Flu Vaccine Advisable Even For Asthmatics Using Inhaled Steroids

HOUSTON--(May 11, 2004)--The influenza vaccine protected asthma patients who use inhaled steroids against type A flu, although its protection against type B flu was significantly reduced in patients taking high doses of inhaled steroids, said a researcher from Baylor College of Medicine in a recent publication.

"The findings of this study should reassure physicians and patients that influenza vaccine does provide protection against influenza in most asthma patients taking inhaled steroids," said Dr. Nicola Hanania, BCM assistant professor of medicine and director of the Asthma Clinical Research Center . "We certainly don’t want asthmatics to avoid taking their influenza vaccine because of these study results."

"It works for influenza type A, the most common type that circulates in Houston and the United States," he said.

There are occasional outbreaks of influenza type B, and in the event this happens, people who use inhaled steroids to control their asthma may need to receive other medications in addition to the vaccine, he said.

Hanania was the lead researcher among the six centers belonging to the American Lung Association-Asthma Clinical Research Centers Network that participated in this study. The study looked at 294 asthma patients who were randomly assigned to receive either the flu vaccine or a placebo (an inactive medication). Seventy-five percent of patients who received the vaccine were on steroids while 70 percent of those received placebo were on steroids.

The immune response of patients on steroids at all doses who received the vaccine was higher than that seen in patients on steroids who received placebo, said Hanania. However, patients on high doses of inhaled steroids had a lower immune response to type B influenza. A previously published study performed by this Network confirmed the safety of influenza vaccine in children and adults with asthma.

The report appeared in the April 2004 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Bonham SNAP Center Menu

Oven Fried Fish, Macaroni & Tomatoes, Pea Salad, Sunny Mixed Vegetables, Bread, Plums, Milk

Country Fried Steak/Gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Savory Tomatoes, Bread, Bread Pudding/ Lemon Suace, Milk

Wieners, Pinto Beans, Sauerkraut Salad, Cornbread, Apple Crisp, Milk

Baked Ham, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Marinated Green Beans, Rolls, Lime Jello/ Pinapple/ Whip Topping, Milk

Baked Spaghetti, Hot Spiced Beets, Tossed Salad/ Dressing, Garlic Bread, Pears, Milk

Best Of Bluegrass

The Best of Bluegrass music will be back at the Lake Bonham Hoe-Down this Saturday night, May 22 at 7:30 pm. The Hoe-Down is located 1/2 mile from Lake Bonham recreation area east of the spillway on CR2610, Bonham. Doors will be open at 6:30 pm. The show will be hosted by Joan Kelton and and her talented "Shades of Bluegrass" featuring George Kirby on fiddle, Randy Keister dobro guitar, Michael Williams on the five string banjo, Glen Clark on the mandoline, James RIce the lead flat top guitar and Fred Ulich on doghouse Bass. Our honorary special guest, and always back by popular demand, will be the Earls Brothers from Hensley, Arkansas. featuring Darnie and Wayne Earls with their "Fox Creek Grass". The Earls Brothers are always a special addition here at the Hoe-Down. They are a special annual attraction that all you Bluegrass Music fans will not want to miss. They do us the honors to play our stage once a year, so you all won’t want to miss this show.

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

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

VA Nurses Honored During National Nurses Week

DALLAS - VA North Texas Health Care System honored its nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, "VA Nurses - Making a Difference in Veterans Lives." VANTHCS recognized the dedication and accomplishments of its 900 nursing personnel at facilities in Dallas, Bonham and Fort Worth who work at all professional levels and in a variety of specialties.

Sharon Jordan, RN, Marian Schlutz, RN, Charlotte King, LVN, and Gladys Taylor, nursing assistant were honored during the "Excellence in Nursing Awards" ceremonies. Ms. Jordan of Lancaster is a staff nurse educator/assistant nurse manager in the surgical and thoracic intensive care units. She promotes an environment of competency and skill in this highly complex patient care setting. She helps organize educational events, teaches CPR classes for staff, mentors nursing students from Texas Women’s University, and is active in her church’s nursing ministry. Ms. Schlutz of Carrollton is a staff nurse in the thoracic intensive care unit. She is facilitator for the unit’s shared governance nursing education committee, and her expertise in the aspects of cardiology and heart disease are well known. As a member of the speaker’s bureau for the American Heart Association, she presents monthly lectures on "Women and the Risk for Heart Disease" and was recently recognized as "Volunteer of the Year". Ms. King of Lancaster is a staff LVN in the spinal cord injury unit. She has been instrumental in improving patient care through her participation on the nursing/pharmacy performance improvement team by identifying a more effective medication delivery system. She also developed a learning tool that encourages patients to participate in and direct their own care. Ms. Taylor of Fort Worth is a nursing assistant in the cardiology department and works closely with the staff in the cardiac rehabilitation and congestive heart clinics. She implemented measures to decrease patient backlogs that resulted in timelier follow-ups for patient care and routinely goes over and above to ensure patient care needs are met. Sharon Simrin, nurse practitioner in mental health, was named to the Great 100 Nurses and will be recognized May 27^th in a celebration held at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Virginia Warren, RN, in pulmonary medicine was nominated last year but activated to military service. She will also be recognized at this year’s Great 100 ceremony.

"Our nurses make a difference in veterans’ lives every day," said Alan G. Harper, VANTHCS director. "Making a difference means demonstrating concern and compassion and encouraging our patients to participate in their health care rather than just receive services. It is answering questions - explaining technology, physiology and wellness. It is coordinating and facilitating care when patients are least capable of coping."

The VA health care system is the largest integrated health care system in the country and VA nurses are leaders in their profession. They serve as administrators, educators and research investigators, as well as providers of direct care. Thousands of the professional nurses in the United States have received clinical training from VA, through affiliations VA has with 461 nursing schools.

Harper added, "These outstanding members of our health care team demonstrate the skill and compassion that make VA health care second to none. They are leaders in our goal of providing quality health care to true heroes, our nation’s veterans."

Pecan Place Celebrates Older Americans Month Theme

"Aging Well, Living Well" By Hosting Health Fair

May 14, 2004 – Bonham, TX- This year, the U.S. Administration on Aging’s theme for Older Americans Month in May is: "Aging Well, Living Well." This theme has been selected to celebrate and recognize older Americans who are living longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Older persons are not only adding years to their lives, they are also improving the quality of their lives.

This theme gives Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF), one of the nations largest non-profit providers of housing for older adults, the opportunity to highlight issues that directly relate to aging well and living well through hosting ongoing clinics, health fairs and other activities at their living communities across the U.S. "We are happy to say that because we exist, older adults can live longer, productive lives because their housing and service needs are met through the implementation of the RHF mission," said Rev. Dr. Laverne Joseph, RHF President & CEO.

RHF’s Pecan Place will be hosting a health fair on May 28, 2004 at 10 a.m. Residents and the community are encouraged to attend. (Free blood pressure screenings will also take place.)

An older person’s health status most often determines his or her ability to live a productive later life. Studies reveal that staying physically active, eating right, and getting regular health screenings can help prevent or delay many diseases and disease-related disabilities.

In addition to achieving a healthier lifestyle, older persons must also take steps to prepare for later life. These steps include understanding housing and long-term care options; gaining financial literacy and knowledge of retirement pension and benefits; and seeking opportunities for community participation and social engagement, including access to employment, volunteer, educational and leisure activities.

When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy’s meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month."

Thanks to President Jimmy Carter’s 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizens Month, is now called "Older Americans Month," and has become a tradition.

Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.

RHF was formed in California in 1961 by three United Church of Christ visionaries. Their mission was to provide dignified, affordable housing for the elderly. Today, RHF is one of the nation’s largest non-profit providers and managers of housing and services for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. RHF is now home to more than 15,000 people in 148 housing communities in 24 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. While these communities are comprised of mostly apartments, RHF also provides housing with assisted living units and skilled nursing beds. For more information, please go to their website at www.rhf.org

Sam Rayburn UIL Competition Results

Current Events David Weatherby 3rd Place 1st Team- Jordan Jones, John Curry, David Weatherby, Matt Mills Coach: Mrs. Keeton

Computer Applications  Amy Pender 4th Place Coach Mrs. Maxey

Lincoln Douglas Debate Ashton Hamilton 1st  James Dodson 2nd Jayden Floyd 3rd Coach Mrs. Keeton

Cross X Debate Luke Templer & Lacey Gallagher -1st Donnie Thompson & Jordan Gibson -4th Coach Mrs. Keeton

Math Luke Templer 3rd Place  Coach Mrs. Sutherland

One – Act Play Advancing Play to Area:  Caroline Reynolds– Best Actress Todd Foreman– All Star Cast Jayden Floyd– All Star Cast Dahenna Hernandez – Honorable Mention Coach Mrs. Tobias

Journalism Feature Writing Dahenna Hernandez 3rd Coach: Mrs. Riemer & Mrs. Monk

News Writing Katrina Fritz 1st Mollie Lasater 4th Coach: Mrs. Riemer & Mrs. Monk

Headline Writing Luke Templer 1^st Jordan Jones 2^nd

Editorial Writing Luke Templer 1st Kayla Wade 3rd Ashley Butler 5th Coach: Mrs. Riemer & Mrs. Monk

Speech 1st Persuasive Speaking  Lacey Gallagher 2nd Jayden Floyd 4th Ashley Butler 5th Coach: Mrs. Keeton

Poetry  Lacey Gallagher 5th Katrina Fritz 6th Coach: Mrs. Keeton

Prose Interpretation Ashley Butler 6th Place Coach: Mrs. Keeton

Informative Speaking Jordan Jones 1st Jordan Floyd 2nd Place James Dodson 3rd Place Coach: Mrs. Keeton

Science Luke Templer 2nd & High Team Biology 2nd Place Team Donnie Thompson, Bertha Neufeld, Luke Templer Jordan Gibson Coach: Mr. Galeho

Computer Science 1st Place Team Lindsay Davis 1st Donnie Thompson 2nd Jordan Gibson 3rd Luke Templer 4th Coach Mrs. Keeton

Sam Rayburn High School Computer Science Team State Champions

The Choice Moore Unit Participates In National Correctional Officers Memorial Service

A Correctional Peace Officer’s Memorial Service to honor and recognize Correctional Officers that have fallen in the line of duty throughout the United States during the 2003 calendar year, was held on May 7, 2004, at the Choice Moore Unit of The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Similar memorial services were conducted at all 114 TDCJ facilities throughout the State of Texas. These services mirrored the memorial held at the Sesquicentennial Plaza in Huntsville, Texas. Additionally to further honor these fallen officers the flags on all Texas State buildings were flown at half-staff.

The reverent Memorial Service was held in the Unit’s Visitation area. The Choice Moore Unit’s Honor Guard (Sergeant Ruddy Collins and Officers Jackie Cook, Eddy Cummins, Eddy Walley, Cynthia Whitten, and Timothy Wilson) posted the colors. Mr. Melvin St. Clair, the Unit’s Project RIO coordinator, opened the service and set the proper tone. Ms. Kay Sheeley, the Unit’s Assistant Warden welcomed the approximately 40 attendees and made these introductory remarks. "...This very special occasion is our fifth annual TDCJ Memorial Service. We are here to honor the memory of TDCJ officers and all officers across the Nation who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and well being of others. A ceremony such as this, is a most fitting tribute to those brave souls who have died in the line of duty. ...I am honored to share in this occasion with each of you and I am hopeful that this day will serve as an inspiration to us all."

Correctional Officers Ruby Pollard and Paula Ervin, Unit Staff Support Officer (USSO) Members, lit memorial candles for each fallen officer as Major Joseph Moore read the roll call. Then USSO members read a short acknowledgment for each of the fallen Officers. Captain Rene Fernandez spoke of Officer Terry Hagerty of the Choice Moore Unit. Officer Hagerty passed away September 23, 2003. Though his death was not in the line of duty, he is remembered with love and respect. A solemn and moving rendition of taps was played by Mr. Steven Murden of Wise Funeral Home. The Unit Chaplain Jerry Newton and Correctional Officer Connie Stroud then performed a touching duet of "God on the Mountain." Mr. Dan Essary recognized the fallen officers in a Special Tribute. The audience responded to Mr. Essary’s litany of remembrances by repeating "We Remember You" after each stanza.

Warden Kenneth W. Karl, Jr., the Unit’s Senior Warden, closed the ceremonial occasion by giving thanks to all the attendees and participants. He extended special thanks to local civic leaders Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Moore, City Councilman John Barnett, and Captain James Johnson of the Bonham Fire Department for their support and participation. Additional recognition was extended to the USSO members for their ongoing daily support of the Choice Moore Unit employees. He also spoke to the Hagerty family, in attendance, for their loss and Officer Hagerty’s dedication and positive image. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Choice Moore Honor Guard retired the colors.

We remember each of these Correctional Officers who gave their lives during the performance of their duties. This Service was to pay deserved respect to them, their families, and all Correctional Officers throughout the State and Nation.

Free Legal Seminar

The Grayson County Young Lawyers Association and the Area Agency on Aging of Texoma are sponsoring a free seminar entitled "To Will or Not to Will". The seminar will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2004 from 9:00 AM until 12:00 noon in the Eisenhower room at the Texoma Council of Governments, 1117 Gallagher, Sherman.

Because of the large percentage of citizens over the age of 60 in the Texoma area, financial planners and estate planners have come to this area for years, attempting to sell living trusts, annuities, and other investment vehicles. Many of these use "scare tactics" in their sales pitch. They recount horror stories about the cost of probating a will or claim to have a magic way to protect your assets and still be eligible for Medicaid.

While it is important to plan ahead, the elaborate and costly plans proposed by these salesmen are not appropriate for most people. A living trust can be an excellent financial planning tool in some situations. However, most of us can accomplish our goals with a good will and other advanced planning documents. The difference in cost between a living trust and a simple will is significant.

Todd Estes, a Sherman attorney and member of the Grayson County Young Lawyers Association, will discuss the importance of having a will and other advanced planning documents, the pros and cons of living trusts, and the truth about probate in Texas. Mr. Estes specializes in probate, guardianship and corporate law, so he is uniquely qualified to discuss these issues.

For persons over the age of 60 or disabled, Elder Rights Coordinators with the Area Agency on Aging of Texoma will be on hand to take confidential applications for a simple will to be prepared by a local attorney working with the Pro-Bono/Reduced Rate Legal Program.

Seniors or disabled persons in Fannin, Cooke, and Grayson counties are encouraged to attend, although the seminar is open to everyone. Please contact Helen Cowan at 903-813-3574 if you plan to attend. Seating is limited so be sure to call ahead to make a reservation, although walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.

Thanks! From The V.F.D. In Ravenna

The RAVENNA V.F.D. would like to THANK each and everyone who made our fundraiser a success. We cannot name each person as there is so many. There was the ones who cooked and donated items of food, the servers and clean up people and there was so many that came and ate with and gave us donations.

We are grateful to all of you. If you have bowls or pans at the Fire Station we will be happy to go open the doors so you may pick the items, as being a volunteer department, we do not man the station. You may call Jim and Rita at 903-583-5381 or Percy Adams at 903-583-4504. Thanks again for all you do for us.

Edmond Native Graduates From World’s Largest Seminary

FORT WORTH, Texas — Edmond native Jeff Young earned a Master of Arts degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 7, 2004.

Young graduated from Edmond High School in 1987 and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1992. He is the son of Richard and Amy Young of Edmond, Okla. Young is currently the pastor of Corinth Baptist Church in Ravenna, Texas.

Three hundred four graduates earned degrees during Southwestern’s 207th commencement ceremony at Fort Worth’s Travis Avenue Baptist Church. The spring graduating class included students from 25 states and 13 foreign countries. They earned 9 diploma degrees, 272 master’s degrees and 23 doctorates.

Students from 48 states, Washington D.C. and 47 countries are currently enrolled at Southwestern. More than 65,000 students have enrolled at the world’s largest seminary since it was founded in 1908. More than 38,000 have earned degrees.

Property Owners Appraisal Letters Mailed for Tax Year 2004

State law requires county appraisal districts to notify property owners about changes in their property’s value. On Friday, May 14, Fannin County Appraisal District mailed approximately 27,000 property owners letters showing their 2004 proposed appraised value.

Chief appraiser of the Appraisal District, reminds property owners that the letter of appraised value is not a tax bill. "Please do not pay -- this is not a tax bill." The importance of this letter and the key information that it contains should be understood by all taxpayers. "A property owner has the right to appeal to the Fannin County Appraisal Review Board on any disagreement with the property’s value, exemptions, ownership and other areas.

The appraisal review board, more commonly called the "ARB," is an independent panel of citizens responsible for hearing and settling protests from property owners who disagree with some action by the appraisal district. The notice includes instructions on how and when to file a protest and a protest form.

What should a property owner carefully review? Look at the proposed value for 2004. The letter states the land’s value and any improvement value for the property for the current year." An improvement is a building, structure, fence or any other type of fixture to the land.

The appraisal letter also includes current year information on exemptions granted on the property. It provides last year’s value, too.

Homeowners that qualify for property tax homestead exemptions have a limitation on their homes’ appraised value, beginning with the second year that they qualify their home for homestead exemptions. The appraisal district may not increase their home value by more than 10 percent for each year since the last reappraisal year. A homeowner’s letter states both the appraised market value for the home and the limited home value.

Letters to property owners also will include "estimated" taxes. These "estimated" taxes are based on the new taxable value and last year’s tax rates. Cities, schools and county officials will set final 2004 tax rates in August and September. Final tax amounts may vary from these "estimated" amounts. The Legislature is in session now regarding school funding and property tax rates.

Please check the legal description and mailing address to be sure that there are no mistakes. If the letter has an old address, please let the appraisal district know. The post office forwards mail to a new address for a short time, and tax bills do not go out until October.

A property owner is responsible for informing the appraisal district of the correct mailing address. A property owner is liable for additional penalties and interest on a tax bill that is not paid on time. This is very important to the taxpayer.

Property owners are encouraged to contact the appraisal district with any questions. Please give your property ID number, your name and a brief description of your issue when you call. The person taking your information will send this information to the appropriate person in our office who will contact you to resolve your issues. It is our desire to resolve or settle any issues you have.

If you did not get a letter and want 2004 information about your property, please call the appraisal district. The deadline for protesting to the ARB is June 14 for this year."

FUGITIVE ALERT

Fannin County Attorney Myles Porter and the law enforcement agencies of Fannin County ask for the public’s help in finding Ronald Lynn Hodges. Hodges, age 43 of Ladonia, is a black male, 5’8, 150 lbs, he failed to appear for trial on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

If you have information regarding the whereabouts of this fugitive, contact the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office at 903-583-2143.

For more information regarding fugitives in Fannin County, visit  www.fannincountyattorney.com

WIC Raises Coverage for Clients Following Jump in Milk Prices

The Texas Department of Health (TDH) has announced that because of recent jumps in wholesale and retail milk prices, it has increased the amount of money allocated on vouchers issued to WIC nutrition program clients for milk and cheese. But vouchers issued before the May 12th change may not cover the increased prices when presented at supermarket checkouts.

TDH raised the maximum amount WIC will pay for a gallon of milk from $4 to $4.50 and the maximum amount for a pound of cheese from $4 to $4.50.

"We had a choice of cutting back on quantities of milk and cheese for the clients or increasing the amount we would pay for those products," said Mike Montgomery, chief of TDH’s nutrition services bureau. "For now, we’re choosing to try to pay."

WIC clients are issued vouchers used to pay for milk, cheese, infant formula, cereal, juice, eggs, peanut butter, beans, tuna and carrots at participating grocers. Grocers then bill the WIC program the shelf price of the item or the voucher amount, whichever is lower.

The new coverage changes were made to a TDH-controlled database on May 12.. The database is periodically downloaded by local WIC clinics, which produce and issue the paper vouchers to clients. Vouchers usually are issued to clients for a 90-day period.

Because vouchers already issued cannot be reissued, Montgomery said WIC clients have vouchers that may not cover the shelf prices of milk or cheese. In such cases some grocers will waive the difference, or the client has the option of shopping at another store where prices may be lower.

WIC clinics are being directed to download the revised database, and vouchers issued by the clinics after the download will reflect the new maximum amounts.

Montgomery said TDH is asking the United States Department of Agriculture for money to cover the estimated $12 million it will cost to cover the increased expenses between now and the end of the WIC fiscal year Sept. 30. USDA is the federal agency that administers the WIC program. Congress awarded additional funding to the USDA to help state WIC programs deal with increased expenses from food price increases and growing caseloads.

The $657-million-a-year Texas WIC program serves some 866,000 low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children a month through more than 600 local WIC clinics. About 2,500 stores, supermarkets and other WIC vendors participate.

Postal Workers Gather 3000 Pounds of Food

Postal carriers from Bonham collected more than mail on their routes on Saturday, May 8th. They also collected over 3,000 pounds of food which was donated to Bonham Community Ministries, Inc., Fannin County’s largest food bank.

"The postal carriers have organized this collection in our behalf for the past several years," stated BCM president Vicki Hutchins. "We always look forward to this generous donation to help stock our shelves for our busy summer months. The carriers willingness to add to their workload, and the willingness of the people of the Bonham area to be so generous in their giving, benefits people from all over Fannin County."

The Cultural Hall of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was used to sort and re-box the food. Over a dozen volunteers from that organization, as well as members from other Bonham churches including First Assembly of God, First Christian Church, and Holy Trinity Episcopal helped in the effort.

"We again are grateful for the support we receive from area churches and the community," said Hutchins.

HALL SPONSORS RESOLUTION HONORING WWII VETERANS AND WWII MEMORIAL

WASHINGTON, DC ... The House of Representatives has approved a resolution cosponsored by Rep. Ralph Hall (R-Tx/4th) recognizing the veterans who served during World War II and celebrating completion of the National World War II Memorial. Hall is one of twelve Members of Congress who is a veteran of World War II.

The resolution pays tribute to the 16 million veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, the 400,000 American servicemen and servicewomen who died in that conflict, and the Americans who supported the war effort on the home front. It celebrates construction of the national memorial, which will give visitors "a new appreciation for the accomplishments of America’s World War II generation, which united in the quest to free the world from tyranny."

"I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution that pays tribute to the World War II generation and that recognizes the importance of constructing the National World War II Memorial," Hall said. "We have lost too many veterans already - but we are grateful that many will live to see this memorial take a prominent place among our monuments in the Nation’s Capital."

In 1993 Congress authorized the American Battle Monuments Commission, an independent Federal agency, to design and construct the memorial. The Rainbow Pool site on the National Mall was dedicated on November 11, 1995. Construction began in September 2001, and President Bush will formally dedicate the memorial on May 29.

The memorial required eight years of planning, six years of public deliberation and four years of fund raising. Contributions came from hundreds of thousands of individual Americans as well as corporations, foundations, veterans groups, fraternal and professional organizations, States, communities and schools.

"The World War II memorial will be a source of inspiration for current and future generations," Hall said. "It will be a somber remembrance of the sacrifices of so many that helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today."

Texas Observes Transportation Week May 16-22

AUSTIN -- The Texas Legislature has designated May 16-22 as Texas Transportation Week to coincide with National Transportation Week and honor accomplishments in transportation.

Transportation enhancements and projects add 47,000 jobs to the state economy for every $1 billion in transportation dollars spent, according tv the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Here’s a statistical snapshot of transportation in Texas:

Highways: TxDOT maintains more than 79,000 miles of roads carrying vehicle traffic more than 442 million miles a day. State maintained roads include interstate highways (3,233 miles), U.S. highways (12,109 miles), state highways (16,183 miles), farm-to-market roads (40,990 miles), and park roads (336 miles). Maintenance: Contracts for roadway maintenance total 1,873, with approximately $389 million dedicated to keeping Texas roads in good condition.

Construction: Contracts for roadway construction in Texas total 1,211 projects, with almost $8.7 billion committed to their completion.

Bridges: Texas, with more than 32,000 on the state system, has more bridges than any other state. This year more than $128 million has been budgeted to build 87 bridges.

Aviation: Texas has 300 general aviation airports to support aviation needs of almost 49,000 private pilots. Airports also support business development and commercial interests such as travel, manufacturing and agricultural in and through, the state,

Vehicles: More than 18.6 million vehicles are registered in Texas with more than $2.5 billion collected yearly for titles and taxes on vehicle sales.

Railroads: Texas had 13.2 percent fewer fatalities at highway-rail crossings in 2003.

Travel: The TxDOT Travel Division served 3.2 million visitors to travel information center customers. The division also fulfilled more than 545,000 travel information requests by mail.

Budget: TxDOT’s annual budget for planning, building, maintaining, and managing the transportation system is $5.3 billion.

Employees: It takes, 14,814 TxDOT employees to make the transportation system work.

Ask the City Planner

As a service to the community, the Bonham City Planner will be writing a series of articles to answer questions from citizens to better inform the public of what’s going on in the City. This is the fourth in a series.

1. Now that Highway 82 has been opened between Sherman and Bonham, completing the 82 corridor across North Texas, are there any plans by the City of Bonham or BEDCO to attract new businesses to the section of the corridor that passes through the City?

As your letter points out, with the completion of Hwy 82, businesses will surely come with or without the City or BEDCO conducting additional marketing; however, if the City desires to create planned economic growth, it is important that the City, the Chamber, and the Economic Development Corporation take an active partnership role in attracting businesses to the area.

For the last few years, the City of Bonham and BEDCO’s business marketing has centered around the downtown area. They have taken an active role in redeveloping the Central Business District, an area we call the Heritage District, which takes in the courthouse, the downtown area, and extends west to the monthly trade days market area, the Sam Rayburn Library, and Fort Inglish. BEDCO, using bond money and sales tax revenues, has done an excellent job of revitalizing this area of the City.

A few projects are still in the works in the Heritage District and they should be completed over the next year or two. Our efforts have been to attract new businesses to the Central Business District, and we are still in that mode, i.e., a new downtown parking lot was just completed, a new Chamber building is under construction on Main Street, a huge, new downtown city park with ponds, hiking trails, and other amenities is being developed, the rehab of additional sidewalks will be completed shortly, a new train may be coming to downtown, a number of properties in the City center are being cleared and cleaned, and a planned mini-urban redevelopment plan located down from the square is in the works.

Also, we have begun construction on a new EXPO center on Hwy 56, just west of Hwy 121. When completed, this multi-use pavilion can be utilized for fairs, shows, concerts, festivals, and many activities. There is plenty of parking and lots of open space for all types of festivities. The EXPO center project is the first phase in the plan for a future multipurpose complex on 176 acres of land to be developed.

Now to answer your question specifically, there has been notable activity along the 82 corridor recently. A small office/retail center is under construction at the corner of Hwy 82 and 78. We have a request to rezone a large portion of property from a Residential District to a General Business District on both sides of Hwy 82 from Hwy 78 going east for approximately ½ mile. This request will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission on June 10^th at a public hearing. In anticipation of growth, the City has plans to annex additional property east of the City limits along Hwy 82 on the south side, extending approximately to the entrance of the new Legacy Ridge Country Club.

I suspect that over the next few years this will be a hot area of town, but it will be a different attraction. The downtown area will grow and survive with more tourism. The north corridor probably will be geared more to the local citizenry and to highway traffic. As you indicated in your letter, the key to growth is to attract the products that shoppers want; however, I think we can grow in more than one area of Bonham. We have a beautiful downtown and with the plans and studies in place, it will be a tremendous tourist attraction when completed. The 82 corridor will attract business as well. Our hope is that we can all work together to help Bonham grow, at least economically, in all areas.

If you have questions about what’s going on in the City, please submit your questions in writing to t Mike Walthall, Development Services Coordinator, Bonham Planning Department, 301 E. Fifth, Bonham, Texas 75418.

Cell Phones for Soldiers: CCCS Volunteers Drop Off Sites

Danny Wolf, President of CCCS (Consumer Credit Counseling Service® of North Central Texas, Inc.), heard about two youngsters in Norwell, Massachusetts spearheading a grassroots program to put pre-paid cell phones and pre-paid phone cards into the hands of our service men and women in Iraq and elsewhere. He got so excited he immediately designated all ten CCCS offices in North Central Texas as official "drop-off" centers for concerned and caring citizens to bring in cell phones, working or not, so that CCCS can send them to Cell Phones for Soldiers to be distributed to our troops.

Cell Phones for Soldiers was created by two teenagers, 13 year old Brittany Bergquist and her brother, 12 year old Robbie Bergquist. After reading a story about a soldier who ran up a huge phone bill calling home, the two decided to help out any way they can. Their goal is to try and help our soldiers serving in Iraq and elsewhere pay for calls home. They plan to provide as many soldiers as possible with pre-paid cell phones and calling cards. The South Shore Savings Bank in Norwell, Massachusetts set up an account and donated the first $500. Brittany and Robbie plan to hold yard sales and other fundraisers to raise money. Every dollar donated will go to support this effort. Their parents, Bob and Gail Bergquist are contacting cell phone companies to help out. They are also contacting representatives of the military to put a plan in place to distribute the cell phones and calling cards. They expect distribution to begin before the end of summer. Current donations have topped $58,000 in cash, not including calling cards and cell phones.

"It’s a great opportunity to help our troops," said Wolf, "Our soldiers are 12,000 miles away and need to talk to family and friends. It’s usually a two-hour trip to a landline phone and then stand in line for a long time. I wanted us to help all those soldiers that are over there fighting for our freedom." He added, "It’s the least we can do."

Wolf has set up drop-off centers in CCCS offices in McKinney, Plano, Sherman, Denison, Paris, Greenville, Texarkana, Mt. Pleasant and Denton. Go online to www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com and click on drop off for addresses of the offices.

CCCS is a member of the nation’s largest and longest-serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, Inc. 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. As a condition of membership, CCCS is required to maintain high quality services through standards set by The Council on Accreditation and the NFCC, along with Credit Counseling Consumer Protection Standards. To read more about these guidelines visit www.nfcc.org or you may call 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 www.cccsnct.org.

Mean Gene Hamburger Eating Contest

On Tuesday, May 11th, the Bonham High School Football Players and Coaches met at Kwik Check 10, across from the high school, for an eating competition.

Each team had 4 contestants. There were 6 teams total. Each team-mate had to finish 2 Mean Gene hamburgers. The team was timed on eating 8 hamburgers total.

The teams consisted of: Freshmen- Captain Jeffrey Leftrick, Zach Keene, Chase Lawrence and Andre Murria.

Sophomores-Captain Ben Swindell, Josh Gammons, Nick Frazier, and David Groseclose

Juniors- Captain Mason Adams, Chris Capserite, Nathan Gibbs, and Kiel Stidham

Seniors- Captain Robert McCormack, Pat Hagar, Chris Thompson and Will Moss

Coaches- Justin Bankston, Denny Applewhite, Shane Fletcher, and Randall Dills,

Competing in the first heat were the Freshmen, the Juniors, and the Coaches. The Coaches won the heat with speed and ability.

In the second heat, the Seniors came out on top over the Sophomores, and the Cheerleaders.

In the end it was the Coaches, and the Seniors. The coaches won the trophy, and the respect of the other ‘burger eaters!

Fannin County Commissioners Court Meeting

By: Sarah Meek

The Fannin County Commissioners Court met on Monday, May 10 for the purpose of a regular meeting.

The court has decided to schedule a county auction around the first of August. Dewayne Strickland will meet with Whitlock and discuss a convenient date for the auction.

Radio tower repairs and the construction of a new building to house the radio equipment were approved for construction. Tim Weiler with the Dodd City Volunteer Fire Department received permission to donate $10,000 to the construction and repair of the tower. The tower repairs will cost $4,961.51, $10,000 will cover what the TEKS grant will not.

Open bids were received for the co-op building tower lease. Andy Dickerson with Choice Wireless with a bid of $400mo. and a 10% increase in each year after, was approved.

The Interlocal Agreement with Sam Rayburn ISD, Honey Grove ISD, Fannindale ISD, Ladonia and Honey Grove was approved by the court.

The court also approved:

• The Justice of the Peace Courts contract with NetPlea for collection of delinquent fines, fees and costs.

• Medical leave for employee at the Sheriff’s office.

• Changes to Fannin County Personnel Manual

•Gober MUD Water Project contract

• Tom Keeton’s plat for Cahan Ranch Estates Phase I to be located at Hwy 82 and CR 1265

In February, the City of Bonham requested a water and soil sample study to be conducted at Lake Bonham in key areas of concern. The findings as presented by HBC/Terracon of Dallas, Texas confirmed "human fecal matter" was detected in the campsite (RV) area known as Hidden Cove, when the study was conducted on March 12, 2004.

Hidden Cove residents showed up at last week’s Bonham City Commission meeting with their attorney, John Roach, Jr. as they essentially are trying to keep their homes. They contend that the city took their money for the leases and issued their permits and that pollution is due in part to the concession stand area and public restrooms and showers.

The City Commission tabled a resolution ratifying notices to terminate certain campsite leases at the lake.

"We simply wanted everyone concerned to have access to the HBC/Terracon study and be fully informed," Mayor Carl McEachern explained. "That was the only reason we tabled it. The city will be advised by our attorney before we proceed with any decision."

Last November campsite residents in Hidden Cove were made aware that leases could be terminated due to a study by the State of Texas which showed pollution in the same general areas. A contingent of residents, including Charlie Hughes who has leased lots for the past 30 or so years, expressed concerns that their homes would be taken away by terminating the leases.

Some residents in Hidden Cove say they "own" the "leased" lots. When one lady was asked at the November meeting "who did you buy your lot from?" She answered, "Charlie Hughes". Commissioners made it clear that no one owns lots at the lake but that they are all leased.

At the direction of City of Bonham personnel, seven of the surface soil samples were collected in the Hidden Cove area as there was suspected unauthorized discharge, based on field evidence. Two additional surface soil samples were collected from an occupied area of the lake and one from an unoccupied area.

Twelve surface water samples were collected from the lake area. Three surface water samples were collected from water in the drainage ditch in the campsite area and three more near the shore area of Hidden Cove. The remaining six samples were collected in other parts of the lake.

Quoting from the report, "The soil samples collected from the RV campsite area exhibited concentrations of phosphate, ammonia and fecal/total coliform at elevated levels...The soil sample collected from the septic leach field adjacent to the VFW Post also exhibited a high concentration of chloride."

The report also stated, "In conjunction with the high total coliform counts, several samples also exhibited high ammonia and phosphate concentrations. This indicates that some direct discharge of sanitary wastes to the ground may be taking place in the RV campsite area...there is strong evidence that sewage and sanitary wastes have been directly discharged to the soil in these areas."

Regarding surface water samples the report stated, "...surface water in the permanent residence areas is not being impaired by illicit discharges from direct dumping or unauthorized disposal. However, surface water samples collected in certain areas near the RV campsites exhibit characteristics, which could indicate that some illicit discharges are occurring on a consistent basis."

City Commissioner John Burnett stated regarding the campsite lots, "They are small lots designed for weekend campers. They’re not big enough for septic systems and people are living there on a permanent basis. When I have two reports saying those campsites are responsible for the pollution, I don’t feel like I have any choice but to stop that pollution."

Mayor McEachern further stated the Commission’s immediate concern was the campsite area, but said anyone living at the lake or in the city limits in general must be up to standard when we’re talking about septic systems and waste. "It’s a major concern," he said.

At last week’s meeting Mayor McEachern said, "I think people will see the enormous responsibility we have with the drinking water and that’s what we’re concerned about."

The entire matter may be on the June meeting agenda of the Bonham City Commission.

John Hoelzel, President of NAMI GFC (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Grayson, Fannin, Cooke Counties), along with Lois Robinson, Treasurer, gave an informative program on clinical depression, bi-polar disorders and schizophrenia to the local Rotary Club. Their main emphasis was that these problems are like other medical diseases such as diabetes - there is medication, help and support that can get the problem under control. This local group meets in Bonham on a regular basis. It is comprised of people who live with menal illness, and people who are working to make the world a better place for persons with mental illnesses - as well as for their families, friends, employers, and neighbors. For more information, you may call John Hoelzel at 903-664-2471.

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