Bonham ISD Board Meeting April 18, 2005

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

BUDGET HEARING:

• Proposed Bonham ISD Budget for 2005-2006

TAX RATE HEARING:

• Proposed Tax Rate for 2005-2006

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

(A ) Early Voting for School Board Election Early April 20 - May 3, 2005, at the BISD Administration Building, 1717 North Center Street for Places 6 and 7 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. An election is hereby ordered to be held on Saturday, May 7, 2005, at the Bonham High School cafeteria for the purpose of BIDG Trustee Election Places 6 and 7. Also, a proposition for/against maintenance tax will be voted on the same ballot.

(B) Meeting to canvas votes – May 16, 2005, 6:00 p.m.

(C) Update on the Bailey Inglish Facility – Pastor Morgan Malone

(D) Health Services Update – Kelli Bowen, BISD Director, and

Denise Braddy, Project Manager, Community Health Services

(E) Quarterly Investment Report

(F) School Board Workshop – May 12, 2005, TAMU-Commerce (Tier II 9am-noon, and Workshop noon-8pm)

(G) Facility Plan – Distribution of Facility Plan

(H) Average Daily Attendance Update – 1870.78

(I) One Transfer Student

(J) Resignations: Vicki Ashby, Nita Bankston

THE BOARD APPROVED:

• Minutes of regular board meeting March 21, 2005, and special public meeting concerning tax rate and budget workshop on April 11 , 2005;

• Bonham ISD budget for 2005-2006;

• Amended budget;

• Administration of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey to grades 7-12 by representatives of Community Health Service Agency;

• Three substitutes;

• Tax credits, supplements and delinquent tax collections for March 2005;

• Financial statements and bills payable for March 2005;

• At-will staff for the 2005-2006 school year; and

• 12 month contract for Clint Minnick.

Fannin County Attorney Report April 21, 2005

Richard Glaser, Country Attorney, reports that on the 20th day of April, 2005, the Fannin County Grand Jury for the 336th District Court returned fifteen (15) indictments. An indictment is a formal charge ad not in itself an indication of guilt or innocence.

The following people were indicted for the criminal offense and range of punishment indicated.

• Donald Gene Eaches, of Bonham, age 23, Poss. CS, Meth, Less than 1 gram, 10-28-04, State Jail Felony, 180 Days-2 Years, + $10,000 Fine;

• Erin Nicole Spencer of Leonard, age 23, Poss. CS, Meth, Less than 1 gram, 07-30-04, State Jail Felony, 180 Days-2 Years, + $10,000 Fine;

• Jessie Lee Waits Jr. of Bonham, age 46, Poss. of Marijuana, 4 ounces to 5 pounds, 09-09-04, State Jail Felony, 180 days-2 years, + $10,000;

•Richard Vernard Rackard of Ladonia, age 33, Poss. of Marijuana, 4 Ounces to 5 Pounds, 06-15-04, State Jail Felony, 180 Days-2 Years, + $10,000 Fine, & Poss. of CS, Cocaine, 4-200 Grams, 06-15-04, Second Degree Felony, 2-20 Years, + $10,000; Joe Wayne of Ladonia

• Joe Wayne McCauley of Bonham, age 48, Poss. of CS, Meth, 1-4 Grams, 02-17-05, Third Degree Felony, 2-10 Years, + $10,000 Fine;

• Ronald Anthony Price of Commerce, age 24, Delivery of CS, Meth, 4-200 Grams, 02-17-05, First Degree Felony, Life or 5-99 Years + $10,000 Fine

• Heather Ann Long of Greenville, age 21, Delivery of CS, Meth, 4-200 Grams, 02-17-05, First Degree Felony, Life or 5-99 Years +$10,000 Fine

• Gary Lynn, Jr. Tigue of Irving, age 26, Theft, O/$1,500 and U/$20,000, 08-27-04, State Jail Felony, 180 Days- 2 Years + $10,000 Fine

• David W. Hooper of Bonham, age 17, Theft, O/$1,500 U/$20,000, 10-20-04, Second Degree Felony, 2-20 Years + $10,000

• Michael Keith Bowers of Bonham, age 18, Theft, O/$1,500 U/$20,000, 10-20-04, Second Degree Felony, 2-20 Years + $10,00 Fine

• Kim Marcus Woodard of Ravenna, age 57, Aggravated Assault w/ Deadly Weapon, 03-03-05, Second Degree Felony, 2-20 Years, +$10,000 Fine

• Courtland Dwayne Jones of Bonham, age 29, Aggravated Assault w Deadly Weapon, three counts, 09-22-04, Second Degree Felony, 2-20 Years + $10,00 Fine

Ask The City Planner

As a service to the community, these articles are written to inform the public about important and timely issues in Bonham. I hope this information is helpful to you and that you will pass it along to someone else that can use it.

We have had a lot of activity in this area over the last few years. Currently, two major projects are in the works. One is to develop a 35-acres Powder Creek Park. The other is to form a new Zoning District to attract Tourism and provide an area for entertainment and recreation. For those of you new to Bonham or who are not familiar with Powder Creek, the area in question generally starts in the vicinity of First Street, which is four blocks south of the Courthouse, and extends south across the railroad tracks to just north of South Fifth Street. From west to east, it starts at approximately the intersection of State Hwy 56 and SH 121 and extends east about a mile or so and crosses Center Street or SH 78, which is the same road. It’s called the Powder Creek Area because it follows a creek by the same name.

The area just south of First Street and surrounding the creek is mostly owned or controlled by the Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO), who has plans to develop about 35 acres into a City Park. A grant application currently is being written for submittal to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for funds to assist BEDCO in the development of the Park. Hopefully, by early Fall will we know if BEDCO is approved for the grant. Over the last couple of weeks, BEDCO has published a Park Survey form in the newspaper asking all interested persons to complete the Park Survey and return it to the City or BEDCO, so that we can use the information to write the Grant and to develop the Park. It takes a community to build a Park that everyone can use and wants to use. We want and need your input. Please complete the survey and return it as soon as possible. Copies are available in the paper, at BEDCO, or at Bonham City Hall.

This is an important step towards creating a new Bonham that will have long-lasting implications for the future of Bonham in an area that strongly needs redevelopment. If we can make this happen, we will have an area of the City that in the next few years will add a new economic base to the City and be an area with large scale activity for tourism and local citizens to participate in and enjoy. Again, it takes a community and your support to make it happen. Take pride in your City and help get this going!!!

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on this proposed new District on May 5, 2005, at 5:30 p.m. in Bonham City Hall, 301 E. 5^th Street. The City Commission will hold two public hearings on this proposal, also at Bonham City Hall, on May 9 and on June 13, 2005, at 5:30 p.m., each date. The public is welcome.

2. Can you reemphasize the importance of voting for the new facilities in the Bond Election of May 7, 2005?

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

If you have ever been to any of the locations listed above, you know that all current City facilities are in critical need of replacement or major repair. To correct this situation, it is imperative that we have the funds to make this happen. It’s your City. Do you want to be able to take pride in your City or do you just want to keep things the way they’ve always been? Only you as a voter and citizen can make this a better City. It’s up to you.

The City is conducting a public forum prior to the election on Tuesday, May 3, 2005, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bonham City Armory. Please come to the Forum to learn more about your City facilities.

Early voting starts April 20 and ends May 3^rd at Bonham City Hall, 301 E. 5^th, Bonham, Texas, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday only. The official Election Day is May 7, 2005, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Bonham City Hall, 301 E. 5^th.

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

Vote Yes on Proposition 6!

Bonham voters will have the opportunity to vote, May 7th, on a bond proposal with a number of different propositions. Each proposition has its own merits, but there is one in particular, Proposition 6 that pulls at the heartstrings of animal lovers. Proposition 6 provides up to $150,000 toward the building of a new animal shelter. Although, the majority of residents of Bonham have never stepped foot in the current Bonham animal shelter most people have heard that the present animal shelter is woefully inadequate. Inadequate is actually a very polite word for the small windowless concrete building, which is far too dismal to carry the title of the Bonham Animal Shelter. The current building is a throwback to the days when it was referred to as "The Pound" and the treatment and storage of animals impounded by animal control had different standards than today’s more humane approach.

If Proposition 6 doesn’t pass and there are no funds for a new animal shelter, it won’t be just a shame… it will be a lost opportunity to improve a facility that should have been updated 20 years ago. The need is overwhelming for a new and adequate Animal Shelter. Volunteers at Friends of Fannin County Critters urge the residents of Bonham to vote YES on Proposition 6 to provide funds to create a new building that will deserve the title of Animal Shelter.

What will happen if and when Proposition 6 passes and the bond becomes available to the City of Bonham? There are a number of options available to Bonham City Council:
1) Bonham will have funding to build a new Animal Shelter for Bonham Residents.
2) There is a Fannin County Animal Shelter proposal being discussed on a County level and, if it becomes a reality, Bonham will have the funding in place to be able to be a part of the county project.
3) Bonham could build the facility and then have a county contract or intercity agreements help offset costs.

Either way, Bonham needs funding for a new Animal Shelter and it will only cost the residents of Bonham from $1.57 t0 $4.97 per household per year! The proposition will pass or fail by a vote of the majority. If 100 people vote and 51 vote "Yes" then the proposition will pass. Would you like to be the deciding vote? Get out and vote Bonham residents and make it happen!

Vote Yes on Proposition 6! On Thursday, April 28th, there will be a lunch time Vote Yes on Proposition 6 Support Rally on the Bonham town square at 12:15 pm. Two-legged and four-legged supporters on leashes) are invited to attend! Friends of Fannin County Critters

Daughters of the American Revolution

George Blakey Chapter, Bonham, Texas

Daughters of the American Revolution, George Blakey Chapter, Bonham, Texas held its monthly meeting, Saturday April 16, 2005 at 2 p.m. in the meeting room of the Bonham Chamber of Commerce. Mary Jo Barbee, regent, opened the meeting leading the members in the DAR Ritual with Dot Linn, chaplin. Martha Mayrell led the chapter in saying, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, of the United States, The Daughters Pledge to the Flag and The American’s Creed. Barbee read the President General’s Message and the National Defense Report combined. Nancy Bellows, secretary, read the minutes of the previous meeting and they were approved as corrected. Mayrell, treasurer, gave the treasury report. She introduced guests, Tommy and Jewell Dennis of Bonham.

Flo Odom, registrar, introduced guest, Shirley Harman of Windom and stated that Shirley’s papers would be sent to NSDAR this weekend. Flo gave the chapter members Charlene Williams’ new e-mail. Myra Rodgers, parliamentarian, stated that Kassidy Holmes, 6th grade, Austin Buford, 7th grade and Joy Bates, High School all of Honey Grove had been selected for the HIstory awards from our DAR chapter this year. Marissa Lloyd, senior, Honey Grove won the Good Citizenship award. Linn gave report on how the reviewing of veterans for our chapter was going and getting the tapes ready to send to NSDAR. Linn had the program and she introduced Roy (Jack) and Joyce Fisher of Celina, Texas. Jack was a B-17 pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II and the first pilot of the "Mission Belle". He flew 35 missions. He wrote a book, "The Lucky Bastard Club" about his experiences in the service and love letters he wrote to Joyce while he as gone. He explained how this club got its name. Joyce told about their courtship.

They have been married sixty years and have seven daughters. It was a very interested talk. Mary Beavers brought birthday gifts and the winners of gifts were Odom, Linn, Bellows, Barbee, and Rodgers. Mayrell and Ruby Draisey were hostesses and they served ten members and five guests, coconut cake, punch and assorted nuts from a beautiful table decorated with Mayrell’s late father, Robert Lyles service medals and his discharge from service in a frame, a Daffodil bouquet and antiqued china plates which belong to Draisey. Next month meeting will be a luncheon and installation of officers, May 14, at 11:30 a.m. at the country home of Mary Jo Barbee, Honey Grove.

Fort Inglish Produces DVD of the Village

A promotional DVD of Fort Inglish Village will be available to the public upon request May 1. The DVD takes the viewer on a 10 minutes overview of what a visitor will see and experience during a guided tour of the Village as well as pictures of other historical and scenic sites visitors can visit while in Bonham. Bonham is less than an hour drive north of the Metroplex.

There is no charge for the DVD due to a donation by a Fort Inglish Society member. Bill Bennett Video Productions produced the DVD at no charge as well. The DVD is dedicated to the memory of Juanita Spencer who inspired producing it.

Orders may be made with the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce, 110 E. First, Bonham, or call (903) 583-4811. Also write the Fort Inglish Society, Box 395, Bonham or call Mildred Welch (903) 640-2228. Group tour reservations of 6 or more may be made by calling the Sam Rayburn House (903) 583-5558.

The village is open April-September; Tuesday-Saturday, 10-noon and 1-3 p.m. phone number is (903) 583-3943.

Bonham High School Reunion Committee Seeks Lost Students

The Bonham High School Reunion Committee is seeking public help in locating Bonhi grads for whom they do not have valid mailing addresses. This is in preparation for the Bonham High School All-School Reunion scheduled for June 17-19, 2005.

If you know the address or phone number, or can provide any helpful information related to locating these ex-students, please send an e-mail to; pamt@skytex.net with the mailing address/phone number, or call 903-989-5528. The community has done an outstanding job in helping locate hundreds of grads thus far; this is just another way you can help to make the reunion a success.

1980: Jessica Anderson, James Cullon, Philip Dauster, Bobby Davis, Paula Duaster, Judy Glass, Cecil Hall, Mary Lynn Hayes, David Hollins, James Janett, Julie Johnson Price, Bobby Louis, Ruth Martz, May Morris, Allen Mulder, Elaine Murray, Michael Smith, Teresa Stephens, Sidney White, Jimmy Williams, Preston Williams, Coatriana Wilson, Ronnie Wilson, Kelly Robbins Dethloff, Steve Granger, Tina Edwards McKenzie, Uretha Thomas, Frank Box, John Hollins, Leslie Smith

1981: Teresa Adams, Miyamoto Jeff Bradshaw, Wayne Brown, Julie Cheshier, Julie Edwards, Sally Fuller, Trey Lind, Karen Moody, Renee Rayford, Doris Shelton, Kerry Skonczewski, Stephen Taylor, Jeff Nelms,

Bryan Castleberry, Brad Hearte, Becky Whitfield Cowling, Donna Allen Burns, Debra Davis, Loretta Fuller Jimenez, John Thompson, Judy Moss Collander

1982: Shelia Arburthnot Butler, Stephen Armstrong, Brett Baker, Greg Brrow, Chris Castle, Marie Dunlap Timmons, Brad Houghland, Conni Isaacs, Butch Kasper, Rhonda Manley, Karla Newhouse Starnes, Norma Porter, Sherry Robertson, Gary Robinson, Maria Rodriguez, Kenny Roundtree, Dolores Sprinkles, Duane Walker, Kampy Briggs, Carla Brooks, April McDonald Green, Jimmy Lynn Johnson, Mycheale Kuhn, Charles Lowe, Terri McDonald, Rena Watkins McKnight, Zella Thomas Mulder, Dana Johnson Ryan, Christie Tarpley, Kevin Winkler, Lisa Ross Dunlap, Deanna Swindell Hernandez

1983: Tammie Arbothnot, Lana Flippo, Dwayne Gage, Tammy King, Stephanie Lambert McGuire, Robbie McCarty, Denise Phea, Janssen Roundtree, Jo Beth Walker, Beverly Couzens Archer, Robert Davis, Bonnie Graves, Eileen Smith Malone, Serena Patterson, Linda Pender, Kevin Sangster, Steve Stone, Debra Partridge

1984: Cara Baker, Robert Barnes, Rhonda Barnett, Marshall W. Box, Russell Glenn Cole, Charles Montgomery, Darryl Moore, Barbara Parsons, Carolyn Sue Phillips, Christy D. Pinkston, James Robison, Jon Douglas Smith, William Stevenson, Gina Corene Stewart Partridge, Lance Stone, William Paul Stuckey, Marla Tyson, John M. Biggs, Mary L. Briggs, Roxie Burton, Vonnie Mayberry, Ronald McDonald, Randy Nelson, Terri Sable, James Kenny Weissert, Laura Deal Lumadue, Cindy Watkins Gordon, Malcolm McGuire, Stephen Castle, Marian Elizabeth Robbins Ingoldsby

Bonham High School Reunion Committee Seeks Lost Students

1985: Laura Sue Alley, Bobby Bankston, Brenda Bentle, Sonny Carter, Stephanie Crowley Brenda Davis, Dianna Dawson, Loretta Dawson, John Etheridge, Ronnie Feagan, Tammy Ann Franklin Barnes, Marvin Graves, Marjoyrie Henson, Tanya Holcomb, Carl Kaylor, Frankie Lawhon, Angela Mason, Stephanie Nelson, Stephen Peebles, Tony Phillips, Danielle Post, Bridget Simer Kaylor, Jenny Stewart, Vicky Woodard Millhollon, Billy Worley,

Earnest Wright, Nancy Reeder Sewell

1986: Jerry Branch, Karen L. Brewer, Gina Chiles Cline, Charles Coe, Michelle Curry, Robert Dallman, Billy Flanery, Anthony Golden, Robert Holmes, Reba Kavanaugh Nicks, Lisa Kroush, Michael McClure, Marsha McCoin, Tracy Montgomery, Patti Pannell, Michael Partridge, Cynthia Phillips Willingham, Ronnie Pool, Mary Raper, Rickey Thomas, Tonia Trammell, Andrea Williams, Edward Womack, Jeremy Wright, Randy Blake, Kathy Weeks Curtis, Dorian Davis, Lea Ann Rater Dudley, Mary Gonzales, Sean Gorman, Tamara Brigance Luchsinger, Charlotte Leach Mayberry, Tonya Mayberry, Billy Patterson, Michael Perry, Thomas Reeves, Reta Stanley Sanders, David Stanley, Howard Taylor, Mary L. Carpenter Riggs, David Renfro, Leisa D. Emeyabbi Andrews, Pat Jones

1987: Roy Beam, Elesha Clark, Mary Colman, Robin Comegys, Jacqueline Davis, Michael Freelen, Robyn Fuller, Jimmie Holt, Leslie Hopkins, Robert Johnson, Renee Kelton Witcher, Melissa Knight, Charles Love, Amos Magliocco, Greg Miller, Buster Nelson, Clint Price, Kristina Pruett, Samantha Rau, Samantha Redd, Laurie Ross, Kevin Rush, Michelle Sherer, Vince Sluder, Cindy Warren, Dee Dee Watson, Mike Wilkerson, Patricia Wright, Donald York, Teresa Shelly Devuyst, David Fairchild, Cliff Fugett, Elaina Hindsley, Stephanie Manlee Hobbs, Michael Jennings, Joe Powell, Charles Jones

1988: Michelle Brown, Kim Bruce Baker, Sandy Caraway, T. C. Dallman, Jason Edwards, Billy Etheridge, Fernando Garcia, David Gaskill Michelle Grounds, Amy Hardy, Christy Harmon, Kelwin Harris, J. R. Keller, Brent Kluger, Tessa Mason, Larry Partridge, Barbara Prasil, Joe Reunard, Leah Stanley, Christina Thompson, Loretta Wright, Christina Cupp, Jeffrey King, Dino Papilli

1989: Guy Bailey, Jerry Baker, Joey Clark, Tabitha Daniel Thompson, Kristi Drake, T. Easley, Jason Edwards, William Etheridge, Anthony Fuller, Angela Gray, Chad Hamilton, Ann Hooper, Molly Lyle, Michael Moody, Karen Mulder, Kim Passwaters, Steve Pinkston, Roland Preston, Barbara Richards, Jeffrey Rodeffer, Angela Smart, Guy Story, Kevin Tadlock, Cindy Victory, Amy Wilbanks, Clifford Wilson, Steven Young, Andrew Campbell, Paula Fox, Patrick Johnson, Staci Sullivan, Kevin Traylor, David VanHooser, James Shipman, Brandus Reeves, Debra Johnson, Stacie Ford

WASHINGTON - Maintaining the structure and funding for the 2002 farm bill, reopening the Canadian border to beef imports to the United States; comprehensive energy legislation and a national animal identification system were some of the issues addressed by Texas farmers and ranchers during their visit to Capitol Hill, April 5th - 6th.

"We want to make sure that members of Congress do not reopen the farm bill and make farm program budgets cuts. The funding levels to agriculture producers must be maintained. We believe this is a contract between farmers and the government that should be honored," said David Hembree, President, of the Fannin County Farm Bureau.

More than 130 farmers and ranchers, representing the Texas Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization, were in Washington visiting with their U.S. representatives and senators about the issues that impact their agricultural operations.

" I truly appreciate the time visiting one-on-one with my representative. He gave our group his undivided attention to learn more about what’s critical to the farm and ranch families of Texas," Hembree said.

Farm Bureau state and local leaders discussed other issues with members of Congress. These included support for Central American Free Trade Agreement and establishing a fair tax.

"We are tired of excess taxation. We want a tax system that is fair and not a burden on farmers and ranchers," said the Fannin County Farm Bureau leader.

Farm Bureau leaders qualified for the organization’s National Affairs Awards Trip by working with their U.S. representatives and senators on a regular basis, and participating in national affairs events.

Bonham High School Honor Roll 5th Six Weeks

9th Grade- Kimberly Blain, Virginia Flores, Jessica Garza, Melinda Mason, Coty Schneider, Kaytlin Towler, Larry Wheeler,

10th Grade- Karla Aranday, Rozlyn Austin, Lora Dyson, Breanna Goodwin, Morgan Hopson, Jeffri Malone, Heather Walker, Sarah Wood

11th Grade- Jordan Bewley, Akasha Eaton, Andrew Grounds, RaeLynn McFarlin, Jessica Walker, Rachael Washington

12th Grade- Jordan Eaton, Nathan Gibbs, Derek Goodwin, Skylar Hunnicutt, Alicia Jacobs, Erika Partridge, Kelsey Penna, Lonna Redus, April Stephens

9th grade- Sonny Barber, Jessica Blain, Sara Briggs, Michelle Bursell, Heather Cleaver, Melaina Collins, Ashley Duncan, Jessica Duvall, Russell Essary, Myles Galyon, Joe Garza, Ethan Gentry, Morgan Godbey, Alejandro Hernandez, Johnathan Jones, Nikolas Martinez, Alexandria McKenzie, Kiefer Mitchell, Ryan Nichols, Aliesha Owens, Charles Parsons, Ethan Porter, Meagan Rodriguez, Michelle Simpson, Britnie Sutherland, Jarrett Tucker, Nicholas Weissert, Derek Williamson

10th Grade- Dana Althof, Annie Baker, Melinda Barnett, Zachary Barton, Jacob Brawner, Christina Brown, Erin Buck, Deunjaye Burton, Ashley Butler, Matthew Casperite, Kristen Catalane, Kersten CLeaver, Caleb Coonrod, Rachael Eskue, Ashley Flanery, Keitha Gorden, Tiffany Gunn, Aaron Hamilton, Jessica Harley, Sandra Hernandez, Jeffrey Hill, Heather Hunt, Jamez Johnson, Sarah Landis, Molly Lippert, Adam Littrell, Oscar Loredo, Laura Martinez, Madelynn Milburn, Melvin Patterson, Luke Rattan, Tyler Rattan, Andrew Reich, Cody Shipp, Robert Speights, Christopher Stockton, Sabrina Strunk, Amber Taylor, Carolyn Van Story, Ciara Vinson, Neyo Wylie, Ashley Youngman

11th Grade- Kari Bonham, Kassi Bowen, Ala Bray, Caitlin Butler, Sarah Daniel, Samantha Deal, Irvin Dunn, Lauren Fox, Joshua Gammons, Dylon Garcia, Zachary Green, Kacie Heistand, Danielle Hilger, Bridgette Hubbard, Emmalee Hurst, Jenna Lappin, Daniel Lipford, Lisett Marsh, Seth Marsh, Maria Martinez, Jaime Mulder, Kathryn Nix, Jennifer Orr, Emily Sanderson, Suzanne Speed, Benjamin Swindell, Jani Taylor, Stacia Tucker, Aaron Wallace, Chelsea Young

12th Grade- Danielle Abbott, Mason Adams, Katie Alexander, Michael Althof, James Binion, Jamye Brown, Christopher Casperite, Kandace Catalane, Jessika Compton, Kathryn Crutcher, Shaterra Elliot, Carina Euteneuer, Tara Fitzwater, James Gantt, Devin Grigg, Wade Hayes, Eric Hicks, Braxton Hines, Lyndsay Holly, Colby Jones, Mykhail Jones, Lauren Kretlow, Megan Long, Ashley Means, Sarah Medley, Jesse Moore, Raymond Morton, James Nickles, Sheyla Palacios, Hemanshubhai Petal, Tasia Peek, Faith Peeler, Sanja Petkovska, Heidi St. Clair, Jennifer Steward, Paul Talley, Jessica Vermillion, Timothy Walker, Ashley Webber, Jamie Wedgewood, Robert Whitson, Kristen Wilson

TXU Electric Delivery’s Tips Help Keep Youngsters Safe Outdoors

(BONHAM) (April 18)- Now that spring is here and children are more active outdoors, TXU Electric Delivery suggests some ways to stay safe around outdoor electrical equipment.

"TXU Electric Delivery is recognized as a best-in-class utility when it comes to safety," said Troy Sellers, Bonham area Community Relations Manager. "We can’t think of a better way to put our expertise to work than to help protect children at play. Although we’re reminding kids and parents to watch out for our equipment this spring, these tips apply year-round."

• If it flies, keep it away from power lines. Kites, model airplanes, balloons, and other airborne toys should be kept away from overhead lines. Never try to retrieve anything that has lodged in electric lines or nearby trees.

• Warning signs mean business. Teach children to stay away from anything marked with signs saying "Danger", "High Voltage", or "Keep Out".

• Never play near electrical equipment. Pad-mount transformers, areas around substations, utility poles or other equipment are off-limits to children. Missing padlocks on transformer cabinets or substation fences should be reported immediately. Call the number on your retail electric bill or 911.

• Line down? Don’t touch. Children who see a line dangling from a pole or lying on the ground should leave the area and report it to an adult, who should call 911 or the number on their electric bill.

• Visit "Knowledge College." It features life-saving safety tips for kids. Go to www.txuelectricdelivery.com and click on the link.

Bonham SNAP Center Menu

BBQ Beef, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Buns, Apple Cobbler, Milk

Country Fried Steak/Gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Green Beans, Bread, Rice Pudding, Milk

Chicken Noodle Casserole, Pea Salad, Sunny Mixed Vegetables, Bread, Chocolate Cake, Milk

Vegetable Beef Soup, Oven Fried Okra, Cornbread, Jello w/Orange Juice, Milk

Hot Dogs, Tater Tots, Sauerkraut Salad, Buns, Peaches & Pineapple, Milk

Top Of Texas Builders Association

Officials of Atmos Energy presented the program and were hosts for the dinner meeting for April of the Top of Texas Builders Assn. at Shumardii’s Tuesday evening. Shown with the group’s president, Jay Stephens and Mayor Carl McEacher of Bonham, they are (standing from left) Mark Henderson of Paris, DeWight Grider of Greenville Mayor McEachern of Bonham, and Jay Stephens of Honey Grove. And they are seated from left, Charles Castleberry of Greenville, Pat Ledbetter of Sherman, and Terry Tombaugh of Sherman.

Terry Tombaugh of Sherman introduced the New Construction Guide for Builders and Home owners for the new ATOMS Energy, which was formerly TXU-Gas at the April dinner meeting of Top of Texas Builders Assn. Members and guests from the surrounding counties of Grayson, Fannin, Hunt, Lamar, Hopkins, and Delta were invited to attend this seminar and introduction to ATMOS Energy, a "pure gas company". Mr. Tombaugh explained that they are strictly a natural gas supplier and distributor and they do not have oil wells, nor do they sell electricity.

"We put the pipe in the ground and run gas through it, taking care of cities, homeowners and commercial business needs."

The audience got a preview look at the new risers and meters for the future. They have features in which the gas company can work on the gas line repairing it in a city and still leave the home owner or commercial business equipped with gas service---no disruption while ATMOS makes repairs or installs new services.

He displayed new gas meters and risers for homes and commercial buildings. He said that their objectives are to keep the rates low, and to offer services including supervisors in all counties to supply information to contractors, businesses and home owners concerning new services and products.

He continued, explaining commercial service would be installed two feet inside the property. Meters for homes and for mobile homes will be on property lines or just inside property lines.

Members and guests were presented New Construction Service Guides complete with phone, fax and e-mail numbers for all the areas. These will be available with a New Meter Specification Manual for new construction (also online).

He outlined customer piping requirements, flexible piping and gas safety. He covered Land Development and Builder Services. He related that Atmos Energy is installing pre-fabricated meter loops at residential and some new commercial locations. This equipment change will affect how the contractor installs gas piping as it connects to Atmos Energy’s equipment. Mr. Tombaugh began his career in the gas business with Lone Star Gas Company, in consumer Products Division in Greenville. He later moved to the metroplex, and then in 1993 for Lone Star Gas Company, he became a Business Development manager in McKinney. He worked with builders, developers, engineering gas projects and installation of gas lines for four cities. He also stayed with the company through the change to TXU, and as to date he is Manager of Public Affairs for Atmos Energy supporting northeast Texas area.

ATMOS officials taking part in the program also included Charles Castleberry of Greenville, Mark Henderson of Paris, Rick Hall of Aubrey, DeWight Grider of Greenville, and Patrick Ledbetter of Sherman.

The energy company hosted the meal for the evening. Jay Stephens, president, opened the meeting and Mayor Carl McEachern gave the invocation and the pledge to the flag.

Entertainment following dinner was a musical program by singer and guitarist, Rick Massey of Bonham.

Door prizes were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Jay Sims, Carl McEachern, and Judy Phillips of JUDY’s Garden Shed. The centerpiece donated by Judy’s Florist was won by Mrs. Joe Ward who sent it to the office of the new County Attorney at the Courthouse with Mrs. Sue Jones.

Winners of the door prizes in addition to Mrs. Ward, included Stephania Castle, Linda Goss of Honey Grove, R.W. High, Kenneth King, Lenda High, Carroll Mulder, Mark Henderson, Bill Jones, Susan Henderson, Janet Lafoy, Sue Jones, Mike Walthall, Betty Sanderson, and Leona Bowling.

Special guests and new members introduced included Janet LaFoy and Dale LaFoy of Sherman, of the State National Mortgage Services, now serving North Texas, the Tri Lakes Area and Southern Oklahoma.

Top of Texas Association meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Shumardii’s in Bonham. They have two meetings for May and June until the summer recess in July and August, resuming again in September.

Creative Arts Center’s April Artist of the Month at Bonham State Bank:

Johanna Hartjen

The Creative Arts Center is open Monday through Friday from 1-6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visit them on the web at: www.creativeartscenter.us. You can email your inquiries regarding exhibits, educational offerings or special events to: creativeartscenter@netexas.net, or phone the gallery at 903-640-2196.

An exhibiting artist of Bonham’s Creative Arts Center, Johanna Hartjen is an eclectic painter that thinks drawing, painting, and designing are the result of a constant transformation and the confrontation of trends from her own imagination that finally emerge and translate into strokes and colors.

She explores a wide range of formats, thematic and media. Between them she includes Acrylics, Pastels, Watercolors, Oils, and Natural Dyes. She likes to learn how the materials act in different situations. Hartjen has adopted as her personal philosophy Architect Richard Meier’s message: "Think about what you are doing and when you are done, make it look as if an architect had made it happen".

She has participated in Collective Shows at the Cultural House of the Army and Air Force in Mexico City, at 2nd Floor Gallery in Denison, TX, at the East Gallery in Denton, TX, and at McKinney Avenue Contemporary in Dallas, TX. Hartjen has won several awards at the Sherman Art Show in Sherman, TX, at the Madill Show in Madill, OK, at the Creative Arts Center in Bonham, TX, and at the Visual Arts Society of Texas in Denton, TX.

Please visit the lobby of Bonham State Bank and view Johanna Hartjen’s "Carnaval". Hartjen says that human forms are a difficult subject for her. Usually her main subjects are buildings because their souls are easier to project. It is a more complex matter with a person. "Carnaval" attempts to be a powerful painting. The intensity of this painting lies on the duality of feelings. She used bright colors to represent joy and the figure’s eyes have a veil of sadness. These give you the feeling of a remote time and the future that may come. Bonham State Bank’s commitment to the arts in Fannin County has always been consistent and generous, providing both financial support and exposure for area artists. Please visit the bank each month to see a new fine art piece on exhibit, submitted by the Creative Arts Center on behalf of it’s many talented artists. Your visit to the gallery, located at 200 W. Fifth Street will be most welcome and you will see the work of many of our juried artists on exhibit throughout the year.

Glaser Family Charitable Foundation Awards $35,000 In Scholarship Grants To Area Students

Ector, TX – The Board of Trustees of the Glaser Family Charitable Foundation has awarded a total of $35,000 in scholarship grants for the Fall 2005 semester. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation’s scholarship program has granted a total of $179,000 to area students.

The foundation is located in Ector, and seeks to promote and financially support charitable organizations through grants and donations, with a special focus on educational opportunities, children’s health issues, and Christian ministries.

Activities of the foundation include semi-annual scholarship grants to students pursuing higher education, with at least 80% of the scholarships designated for Fannin County residents. The foundation also bestows charitable grants to various organizations not only within Fannin and Grayson counties but also nationwide.

More information about the Glaser Family Charitable Foundation can be found on their website at www.gfcf.org

The following area students are scholarship recipients for Fall 2005:

Bells - Brittnie Adams, Michael Breeden, Preston Burkhalter, Jessica Jeffrey, Jordan Jeffrey, Mary Shearer

Blue Ridge – John McCarley

Bonham - Kelly Anderson, Isaac Barnett, Jayme Brown, Megan Brown, Devon Bundy, Timothy Copeland, Tara Fitzwater, Jennifer Gantt, Nathan Gibbs, Derek Goodwin, Wade Hayes, Eric Hicks, Lyndsay Holly, Crystal Hough, Skylar Hunnicutt, Alicia Jacobs, Lindsey Keene, Whitney Landers, Aleha Michaud, Faith Peeler, Lonna Redus, Mollie Smith, Jennifer Steward, Paul Talley, Alexander Todd, Casey Warren

Brookston – Megan Stroud

Decatur – Caitlin Brum- ett

Dodd City – Jaime Kennedy, Cody Maxwell, Justin Weeks

Ector – Vicki Bellows, Derek Bohannon, Justin Rhudy, Karen Shannon, April Stephens, Sonja Stephens, Amanda Vest

Honey Grove – Kristen Bryant, Brandon Clark, Chad Foster, Marissa Lloyd, Caitlan Lochridge, Krista Owen, Rafael Ramirez, Anna Ramsey, Stephanie Taylor, Katie Wilson

Ivanhoe – Jacqueline Cockrill, Kevin Foreman, Tammy Hutchings, Joseph Ivey, Donna Nichols, Caroline Reynolds, Katie Skidmore

Leonard – Jacob Arnold, Megan Boggs, Garrett Boyer, Hollie Driscoll, Amy Jones, Kelsey Penna, Elizabeth Robinson

Muleshoe – Taylor Johnson

Paris – Stefanie Smith

Pecan Gap – Timothy Houston, Justin Sutton

Prior Lake, MN – Erik Valdmanis

Ravenna – Dillon Caylor, Morgan Rattan, Heidi St. Clair

Richmond, KY – Jason Hale, Kimberly Moynahan

Savoy – John Anderson, Matthew Cox, Steven Crawford, Megan Malone, Brooklynn McGehee, Miranda Moore

Sherman – Austin Hawkins, Joanne Kremer, Scott Murray

Telephone – Lindsay Beitel, Kelda Goerte, Krista Goerte, Jordan Jones, Karen Kelton, Nathan McWhorter, Bertha Neufield, Dustin Parr, Stephen Rivers

Tom Bean – Brittney Reynolds

Trenton – Ashley Anderson, Ashley Wilbanks

Whitewright – Joanna Baugh, April Drennan, Ashley Kidwell, Barry Stanford, Ericka Vickers, Stephanie Nelson

Windom – Megan Stogner

Wolfe City – Katie Chaney

Patented Invention Increases Chances of Tornado Survival

The sound of approaching tornadoes has been likened to that of an oncoming freight train. But only by those lucky enough to survive them.

And while many communities continue to improve their tornado warning systems, meteorologists and civil defense personnel continue to be confounded in their efforts to get the word out about tornado sightings so that no lives are lost to these deadliest of storms.

Dale Watson, a mid-Westerner himself, wanted to give people a way of protecting themselves. According to engineers at the Wind Science Research Center at Texas Tech University, Watson has done just that.

At first glance, the Damar Tornado Safe Bed looks no different from an ordinary bed. Beneath the dust ruffle and the pillow shams, however, is a shelter anchored to a concrete slab with sixteen wedge bolts rated at 13,800 pounds each. The all-steel enclosure is designed to replace the box spring and frame portion of your bed. When a storm threatens you and your family, simply raise the lid, step inside, lie down, lock the lid, and wait out the storm.

We were pretty thrilled with the engineering report when it came back, says Watson, who owns the Austin-based storm shelter firm. It showed that our shelter is strong enough to withstand a 15-pound two-by-four flying at 200 miles per hour.

Damar Safe Beds, which have been featured at Home and Garden shows throughout the Tornado Alley area, are available in full, queen and king sizes. More information is available on their website, http://www.damartornadosafebed.com/.

Ector Fifth Grades Have 100% Pass Rate on TAKS

The staff and administration of Ector Elementary School would like to congratulate our fifth grade class for having a 100% pass rate on the TAKS math exam. This particular grade is required by state guidelines to pass this test along with their TAKS reading exam before they can be promoted to the sixth grade. Due to the tremendous work of the students, teachers, and parents all members of this class were able to pass both test on the first round of testing. Congratulations class.

Ector Student Wins at State Beta

The staff and administration of Ector Independent School District would like to congratulate fifth grader Kassie Shaw for her third place finish in the special talent division at the Texas State Junior Beta Convention. Kassie sang Martina McBride’s God’s Will for the crowd of several hundred. Congratulations Kassie Shaw.

State Promotes Safety For Access To State Highways

AUSTIN – TxDOT officials want to make sure city and county governments are familiar with their access management program, which can help increase safety for access to state highways.

More than four decades of research conducted throughout the United States have shown that access management improves roadway safety. These safety benefits are attributable to improved access design, fewer traffic conflict locations, and higher driver response time to potential conflicts.

In 2003, the Texas Legislature passed legislation giving local governments the option to control access management issues by allowing them to make decisions about the placement of access locations along state highways.

TxDOT can assist municipalities interested in developing access management guidelines or plans for the state highway system within their jurisdiction, or adopt the TxDOT guidelines.

"Good access management helps protect the public investment in transportation by preserving roadway efficiency and enhancing traffic safety, which reduces the need for expensive improvements," said Kevin Harris, TxDOT Sherman area engineer. "Access management can even help to reduce traffic accidents, personal injury, and property damage."

Granting location permit authority to municipalities does not preclude the need for engineering driveway locations. Any impacts to drainage or hydraulics on the state highway system resulting from access connections must be coordinated with TxDOT prior to any local access location approval. Issuance of access permits by a municipality must address driveway geometrics, utility location/relocation, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), environmental requirements, wetland considerations if appropriate, and all other applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

In areas where local access management guidelines or plans are not in place, municipalities should contact TxDOT, prior to the approval of new developments, with respect to the state highway access that will be provided. This will enable TxDOT to identify any problems with the proposed access and to suggest alternatives. Early state and local coordination will also help reduce unnecessary delays in the access permitting process.

Dodd City ISD Needs Your Help

By Dodd City ISD

This past weekend, we had a booth set up at Wal-Mart and sold bake goods, candles, pies, and were receiving donations. At the end of the day we raised over $180.00, so please help us to reach our goal!

Dodd City ISD has set up a March of Dimes Team this year and is selling wristbands for $3.00. All the money and donations that we raise will go to March of Dimes. The wristbands are blue & pink tie-dye and say "Saving Babies". If you would like to purchase one, please call Timothy La Vergne, Dodd City ISD Team Captain at 903-583-1891 or 903-583-7585. If you rather donate to our team that is fine, all donations are appreciated. So, please help us meet our goal of $650.00.

The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. We carry out this mission through research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies’ lives. March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates work together to give all babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health.

Committee Work Continues

One of the nice things about serving on committees and attending committee meetings in the Texas House of Representatives is that you get the opportunity to delve a little deeper into issues that are brought up for debate in the committees. During committee hearings, members of the public have the opportunity to provide input through testifying before the committee. This provides insight from many different perspectives on issues.

Recently, the House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism, of which I am a member, heard a bill dealing with the contentious issue of computer-assisted remote hunting. Technology currently exists to allow a person to actually hunt animals by computer. Using an internet site the person could control the movement of a gun mounting at a remote location where there is actual game, such as deer or exotic wildlife. With the click of the mouse, the person can fire the gun. House Bill 391 would ban computer-assisted remote hunting if the animal being hunted is located in Texas.

The committee heard from numerous witnesses for and against the bill. Those for the bill included hunters who believe that the practice is unethical and takes the sport out of hunting. Other supporters included animal rights advocates who believe the practice is cruel to animals.

This past week, the House Committee on Law Enforcement heard House Bill 164 by Rep. Leo Berman, of which I am a joint author. As I have mentioned in previous "Capitol Watch" columns, this bill aims to reduce the proliferation of methamphetamines by restricting the sale of certain medications containing pseudoephedrine and increasing penalties for meth-related crimes. The bill is similar to a law that was passed last year in Oklahoma that has reportedly been successful in reducing the manufacturing of methamphetamines.

The Oklahoma law restricts the sale of pseudoephedrine in tablet form. The restrictions include, among others, requiring a purchaser of pseudoephedrine to present photo identification and limiting the amount of pseudoephedrine that may be purchased. The Oklahoma law was named after three state troopers who were killed in the line of duty by persons involved in illegal methamphetamine production. The wife of one of the slain troopers traveled to Austin last week and gave compelling testimony before the committee.

Another bill of interest heard in the committee this past week was House Bill 3006, by Rep. Harvey Hilderbran, which address concerns raised by an alleged polygamist sect that left other states to settle in west Texas last year. Currently, minors 14 years of age or older can legally be married with their parents’ consent. HB 3006 would require a minor to be at least 16 years of age if they are to be married, would also outlaw stepparents from marrying stepchildren.

I am interested in your comments on legislation that will be debated in the Texas House of Representatives. You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by emailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.

A Guide to the Budget Process in Texas

(Austin) -Recently, the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate appointed conference committee members for Senate Bill 1, which is the biennial budget for the state of Texas. The conferees will meet to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, and will present a conference committee report to be voted on by the full House and Senate.

This article outlines a basic framework of the budget process in Texas, and how the legislature goes about forming a biennial budget during legislative session and the interim. This article is taken from a Senate Research Organization publication, "Budget 101, A Guide to the Budget Process in Texas," which can be viewed at www.senate.state.tx.us. You may also contact my office if you would like to receive a hard copy.

Overview of the Budget Process

Texas’ two-year budget takes roughly twice that amount of time to prepare, produce, and administer. Agencies develop their appropriations requests in the first year, the legislature approves the General Appropriations Act in the second year, and the budget is implemented over the next two years.

The first step in preparing the budget is the development of a statewide vision for the future of Texas government. The governor, in cooperation with the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), is responsible for preparing that vision statement for Texas. This statement provides a framework for the development of strategic plans and sets forth a mission for state government, core principles to guide decision-making, and goals and benchmarks for various state agency services and programs. "Texas State government must be limited, efficient, and completely accountable. It should foster opportunity and economic prosperity, focus on critical priorities, and support the creation of strong family environments for our children. The stewards of the public trust must be men and women who administer state government in a fair, just, and responsible manner. To honor the public trust, state officials must seek new and innovative ways to meet government priorities in a fiscally responsible manner."

The next step is the development of a strategic plan by each state agency. A strategic plan is a long-term plan that sets forth where an agency is and where the agency plans to go. Strategic plans include a mission statement and identify the goals of the agency, the population served by the agency, and a description of the means by which the agency plans to achieve its goals. The Governor’s Office of Budget, Planning, and Policy (GOBPP) and the LBB staff issue instructions for developing strategic plans in the spring preceding a legislative session. Included with the instructions is a copy of the governor’s Planning for Progress, which is meant to provide a framework for the development of strategic plans by each agency. After developing a strategic plan, the agency submits its plan to the GOBPP and the LBB for approval.

In the spring preceding the legislative session, the LBB sends out Legislative Appropriation Request (LAR) instructions. These instructions are used by agencies to develop their budget requests. Included in each agency’s LAR are the performance measures on which budgeting is based. During the summer months, the LBB and GOBPP hold hearings with each agency concerning the agency’s strategic plan and LAR. During the course of these hearings, the items to be included in the agency’s strategic plan and the performance measures to be contained in the LAR are determined. LARs must be submitted by the end of the summer and copies must be provided to the LBB, GOBPP, the State Auditor’s Office (SAO), the Office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts (comptroller), and several other offices.2 These LARs form the basis for the appropriations bill prepared by the LBB.

During the fall prior to the legislative session, LBB staff prepares the general appropriations bill draft. This proposed appropriations bill contains performance measures, the maximum number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions allowed, specific enumerated instructions and contingencies on some expenditures (called riders), the amount of funding recommended by the LBB, and the method of financing each agency’s appropriation. The amount of funding that the LBB staff sets forth for each agency in the appropriations bill and the amount of funding requested by the agency do not always match. To help compare the amount recommended by the LBB and the amount requested by the agency, the LBB produces a document entitled Legislative Budget Estimates. That document sets forth all the information contained in the appropriations bill except riders, and includes amounts expended by the agency in past years and the amount requested by the agency for the coming biennium.

Next, the appropriations bill is filed in both houses of the legislature. This allows each house to work on the bill simultaneously. As a matter of equanimity, the final bill sent to the governor, traditionally, is a senate bill one session and a house bill the next. The comptroller is required to provide the legislature a biennial revenue estimate (BRE) at the beginning of each regular session. Because the legislature is constitutionally prohibited from appropriating more revenue than will be collected, the BRE is used by the legislature to ensure that appropriations bill not exceed the anticipated revenue. During the first part of the session, the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Appropriations independently receive testimony from state agencies, including institutions of higher education, on the budget. Each committee makes changes to the budget document. This process is referred to as "markup." After the bill passes out of committee, it will come to a vote in each chamber. The bill is then referred to a conference committee, composed of members of both houses, to resolve differences between the senate and house versions of the bill.

Like the designation of the final bill, the senate and the house of representatives traditionally alternate each session in chairing the conference committee. After the conference committee has agreed on a version of the appropriations bill, the bill is sent back to both houses for a vote on final passage. If both houses pass the appropriations bill, it is sent to the comptroller for certification. The Texas Constitution requires the comptroller to certify whether there will be sufficient revenue to cover the appropriations made by the legislature. After the appropriations bill is certified by the comptroller, it goes to the governor for signing. The Texas Constitution, Section 14, Article IV, gives the governor line item veto authority. If the legislature is still in session when that authority is exercised, it may override the governor’s veto(es) by a two-thirds majority vote in each house.

After the appropriations bill is certified by the comptroller and signed by the governor, it is implemented over the next two years. The appropriations bill takes effect on September 1 of each odd-numbered year. Although the budget does not appear in Texas’ statutes or codes, it is law and agencies are bound by it. The LBB and SAO are responsible for monitoring agency compliance with the budget. The governor and the LBB are empowered with budget execution authority, which is the authority to shift funds between agency programs, or even between agencies, if the need arises when the legislature is not in session.

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

Hometown Military News

April 15, 2005(FHTNC)--Navy Seaman Recruit Tiffany E. Castine, daughter of Kristina K. and stepdaughter of Duke M. Spencer of Leonard, Texas, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Castine completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ‘’Navy’’ flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

Castine is a 2003 graduate of Roosevelt High School of Johnstown, Colo.

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is April 17-23. The theme is "Volunteers Make a Difference Everyday." A group of thirty young people and adults made this slogan ring true recently. They gave their efforts to beautify the front grounds of Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma’s newly renovated facility. The group is from the Sherman Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Their work will be counted as an in-kind donation to help MHMRST receive $60,000 in matching grant funds from the Smith Foundation and another local foundation. The deadline for the matching grant money is April 30. The group cleaned flower-beds and planted flowers and bushes donated by Home Depot.

Members of the church have volunteered for MHMRST for several years. The church received the Frank M. Adams, a state-wide award given by the Texas Council of Community MHMR Centers in 2001. Two church members, Leilani Holloway and Rose Ponder, have been MHMRST volunteers for around 20 years.

Tony Maddox, MHMRST Executive Director, states, "Volunteers are a vital part of our program. In the 2003-2004 fiscal year, our center benefited from volunteers donating almost 5,000 volunteer hours. Volunteers serve in many capacities in the Center. Some serve on boards or advisory committees, while others do clerical work, have one on one contact with a client, participate in fund-raising activities, teach the WE HELP OURSELVES (WHO) program in the schools, or volunteer for a one-time project. Every volunteer is needed regardless of the number of hours or the job. Many volunteers helped us this year to reach our fund-raising goal for the renovation project. We applaud their giving spirits. We count ourselves fortunate to work with you. As we look to the future and the problems we face, we need their continued support and dedication."

Ector P.I.P.

All Ector kids placed in individual events. (L-R) Nathan Johnson, Alex Stephens, Hunter Heathcock, Tanner Heathcock, Drake Cravens, Montana Johnson, Arianne Rushing, and not pictured was Ethan Norwood.

Heard-Craig Children’s Summer Art Camp

McKinney – The Heard-Craig Center for the Arts will host children’s summer art camps during the weeks of June 13 – 17 and July 11 – 15 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. The camps are a delightful summer adventure for children ages 6 – 11 and will provide a fun introduction to the elements and principles of art. Painting, sculpture, drawing, mosaics and printmaking are just a few of the activities that will be explored.

Instructors Carol Rupp and Lou Nell Spurrier are certified teachers. Ms. Rupp has a Masters degree in Art from the University of Illinois and was a district art coordinator in Illinois. She has taught in the McKinney I. S. D., at Grayson Jr. College, and at Collin County Community College. Ms. Rupp currently provides private instruction at her gallery, Old Towne Too, in Plano.

Ms. Spurrier studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and received a Masters degree from Texas A & M – Commerce. She has taught in public schools in Carlsbad, N.M., Las Vegas, N.V., Dallas and McKinney.

The goal of the Heard-Craig Summer Art Camp is to provide a fun, learning experience with the premise that "everyone is an artist." The young artists will tour the historic Heard-Craig House where they will view the Heard family’s art collection and works of art painted by family members. The children will share their work with the public during their very own art exhibit on the last day of the camps. The camps will be held in Heard-Craig Hall at 306 N. Church in McKinney. The cost is $75 per session with a discount for additional children in a family. For more information or to make a reservation call 972/569-6909 or email info@heardcraig.org.

Northeast Medical Center Cafeteria Menu

April 25 - April 29 11:45 - 1:00 pm

Monday- Chicken Salad Croissants Or Ham & Cheese Croissants, Chips, Tomato, Cucumber, & Onion Salad, Swedish Pineapple Cake, Salad Bar

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

Wednesday- Lunch & Learn 10:30 - 11:45, Pork Roast, Brussels Sprouts, Butter Beans, Hominy, Cornbread, Coconut Pie

Thursday- Hamburgers, Onion Rings, Baked Beans, Corn Fritters, Chocolate Pie, Salad Bar

Friday- Chicken Strips, Mashed Potatoes/gravy, Green Beans, California Blend Veggies, Dinner Roll, Apple-Cranberry Pie, Salad Bar

Daisy Girl Scout Troop 14

The Daisy Girl Scout Troop 14, of Ivanhoe, planted a pecan tree at Sam Rayburn Ball field on April 8, 2005. The troop was earning a petal for "Making a Difference". Pictured are Mr. Jeff Irvin, principal of Sam Rayburn Elementary, Katie Skinner, Kandi Deal, Jaci Fulton, and Chloe Bean. The tree was donated by West Pecan Farm of Telephone. The troop would like to say Thank You to everyone involved.

Congratulations Competition Teams!!

The Dance Studio of Paris is proud to announce the results of the Studio’s Competition Teams’ first 2004-2005 competition . The Teams traveled to Arlington to the StageOne National Dance Championships Regional Competition event held April 1^st thru April 3rd at Texas Hall on the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) campus.

The Studio sponsors three competition teams. Team membership is as follows…..

Bonham Expressionettes (5-9 years old) - Makayla Wallace, Rachel Conway, Alex Lappin, Madison Sacco, Alexis Anderson

Bonham Expressions, Too! (9-12 years old)- Candace Rich and Sadie Woodruff

Bonham Expressions (13 years and up)- Kelli Pettie, Staci Pettie, Jordan Feagley

Please help the Studio in congratulating these dancers for their achievements! Following are the awards each dance routine received at each competition:

StageOne National Dance Championships- Real Good Time, Bonham Expressionettes, 2nd place; Do The Math, Bonham & Paris Expressions, Too!, 2nd place.

Solos and Specialty Dance Routines- Mambo #5, Alexis Anderson, Hi Score 1st Place; The Girl Can Rock, Candace Rich, Hi Score 2nd place; Every Little Step, Bucky Pettie, Candace Rich, Alexis Anderson, Alexis Lappin, Makayla Wallace, 2nd place

In additional to the general score awards, the competition gives an additional award to the ten highest scores in the age groups of 8 years old and under, 9-12 year olds, 13-14 year olds, and 15 years old and over. These awards are called the Over-all Awards. Several of the Studio’s routines placed in the Over-alls. They are as follows...

Mambo #5, 8 yrs & under- solos, 1st place over-all; The Girl Can Rock, 9-12 yrs. old - solo, 2nd place over-all.

The Teams will be traveling to Ft. Worth next for the ShowStopper National Dance Championships Regional Competition event held on April 29th thru May 2nd at the Will Rogers Coliseum. Please join the Studio in wishing them all the best of luck!!

Troop 52 Attends Central District Camp-O-Ree

On April 15^th, 16 members of Troop 52 attended the annual Central District Camp-O-Ree, hosted by Troop 156 of Leonard. The Camp-O-Ree is an opportunity for troops around the district to camp together, compete in Scout skill competitions, and generally have fun.

This year was no exception. Thanks to the outstanding coordination by Troop 156 and Scoutmaster Doug Stringer, this year’s Camp-O-Ree was one of the most memorable in several years. The beautiful camping area at Camp Stringer was the perfect back drop to the event.

The Scouts enjoyed competitions in dessert cooking, orienteering course, fire building, knot tying, campsite inspections, and the obstacle course, this year’s marquee event. The obstacle course was a patrol competition which tested Scouts by having them traverse a monkey bridge over water, wiggle through a ‘spider web’ tunnel, run the tires, then sprint to the finish which was atop a near vertical climb using a rope. Not only was it fun for the boys to participate in, it was equally as fun watching.

Additional activities included swimming, football, Frisbee, tug-of-war in the mud, and a three-fire campfire, which lit up the night. After dark, games of Commando, War, etc. kept the Scouts occupied late into the evening. The Sunday church service was poignant and moving, and was a perfect end to an outstanding weekend.

The Jaguar and Cobra patrols of Troop 52 walked away with five combined awards. The Jaguar Patrol won first place in fire building, second place in the orienteering course, and second place in knot tying. The Cobra Patrol won first place in the orienteering course and had the Scout with the fastest time through the obstacle course, Tanner Long, who completed the course in 1 minute, 8 seconds.

Boy Scouts participating in the Camp-O-Ree were Jacob Wheeler, Trey Wheeler, Blake Frazier, Christopher Glatt, Nolen Hughes, Tanner Long, John Reeder, Ryan Dickerson, Russell Ryman, Christopher Groseclose, Jimmy Baker, Colby Bockman, and Randy Hill. Accompanying the Scouts were David Wheeler, Charles Dickerson, and Lloyd Long.

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

2nd Annual Fannin County AWANA Grand Prix

The 2nd Annual Fannin County AWANA Grand Prix was held April 2 at the Sam Rayburn High School Gym. 97 cars were entered from Ector, Boyd, Lamasco, Fannin Bible, and Telephone Baptist Churches.

Cubbies- Rachael Gentry, 1st place; Tanner Hammett, 2nd place; Coleman McCraw 3rd place

Spark- Colton Spindle, 1st place, Caleb Brent 2nd place, Kenzie Mosley, 3rd place

T&T- Cody Kennedy, 1st place; Brittany Teel, 2nd place; Indigo Peters, 3rd place

Varsity- Ethan Hicks, 1st place; Kole Caplinger, 2nd palce; Ashley Fulton, 3rd place

Leaders- Gary Hicks, 1st place; Kristina Nelson, 2nd place; Cyrus Haas, 3rd place

Cubbies- Lauren Nichols, 1st place; Tanner Hammett, 2nd place; Carson Clark, 3rd place

Sparks- Caleb Brent, 1st place; Josiah Gibson, 2nd place; Carson Kincade, 3rd place

T&T- Kelvin Cockrill, 1st place; Oliver Peters, 2nd place; Heather Mason, 3rd Place

Varsity- Brian Haywood, 1st place; Andrea Eaves, 2nd place; Ethan Hicks, 3rd place

Leaders- Sandy Taylor, 1st place; Gary Hicks, 2nd place, Lissa Holly, 3rd place

Thank you Kenny Weissert of Legacy Ridge and Cody Clemons for judging our race cars.

Sam Rayburn UIL Academic Contest

Sam Rayburn had 35 students that competed for UIL Academic Contest at Grayson on March 23rd. They received the District Championship Plaque with 58 medals: 32 Gold, 16 Silver, and 10 Bronze; 20 Ribbons: 9-4th, 3-5th, and 8-6th; and 8 Plaques: Calculator, Computer Science, Cross X, Current Events, Journalism, Social Studies, Science and Speech.

The results are as follows:

Sam Rayburn- 545.00 points; Fruitvale- 240.50; Cumby- 211.00; Trenton- 167.00; Campbell- 80.50; Celeste- 64.00; Bland- 46.00; Melissa- 30.00; Wolfe City- 30.00

Sam Rayburn will be taking 21 Students to SFA to compete in the competitions April 22nd & 23rd. Those students are marked in bold.

Accounting- Shane Hartline, 6th place; 2nd place team: Shane Hartline, Todd Foreman, Mollie Lasater, & Josh Gann; Coach- Mrs. Maxey

Calculator- Katie Skidmore- 1st place; AJ Littrell, 2nd place; Mollie Lasater, 5th place; 1st place team- Katie Skidmore, AJ Littrell, Mollie Lasater, & Ashley Arthur; Coach- Mrs. Sutherland

Current Events- Josh Gann, 1st place; John Curry, 2nd place; James Dodson, 3rd place; Todd Foreman, 6th place; 1st place team- Josh Gann, John Curry, James Dodson, & Todd Foreman; Coach- Mrs. Keeton

Comp. Applications- Nicole Miers, 5th place; Cara Thompson, 6th place; Coach- Mrs. Maxey

Cross X Debate- Jon Akins & Jordan Floyd, 1st place; Daniel Trevett & Katrina Fritz, 2nd place, Ashton Hamilton & Kacie Rice, 3rd place; Coach- Mrs. Eberle

Lincoln Douglas Debate- James Dodson, 1st place: Jayden Floyd, 4th place; Coach- Mrs. Keeton

Math- James Dodson, 6th place; Coach- Mrs. Sutherland

Number Sense- Nolan Skidmore, 6th place; Keith McCain, 6th place; Coach- Mrs. Sutherland

Science- John Curry, 6th place; 1st place team-John Curry, Chablee Alves, AJ Littrell, & Jed Gibson; Coach- Mrs. Eberle

Social Studies- John Curry, 3rd place; Todd Foreman, 4th place; 1st place team- John Curry, Todd Foreman, James Dodson, & Josh Gann; Coach- Mrs Keeton

Spelling- Amanda Lee, Sarah Berni, Andrea Eaves, & Ashley Arthur, 2nd place team; Coach- Mrs. Davis

Ready Writing- Nicole Miears, 3rd place: Lacie McGuire, 4th place; Coach- Mrs. Maness

Editorial Writing- Daniel Trevett, 1st place; Jacey Jones, 2nd place, Kayla Wade, 4th place; Coach- Mrs. Monk

Feature Writing- Kayla Wade, 1st place; Andrea Eaves, 2nd place; Dahenna Hernandez, 5th place; Coach- Mrs. Monk

Headline Writing- Daniel Trevett, 1st place; Andrea Eaves, 3rd place; Dahenna Hernandez, 4th place; Coach- Mrs. Monk

News Writing- Laci McGuire, 1st place; Katrina Fritz, 4th place; Coach- Mrs. Monk

Informative Speaking- Daniel Trevett, 1st place; Jayden Floyd, 2nd place; Coaches- Mrs. Eberle & Mrs. Keeton

Persuasive Speaking- Jon Akins, 4th place; Coaches- Mrs. Eberle & Mrs. Keeton

Poetry- Jayden Floyd, 1st place, Adam Nicely, 2nd place; Jordan Floyd, 4th place, Coach- Mrs. Keeton

Prose Interpretation- Katrina Frtiz, 2nd place; Ashton Hamilton, 3rd place; Coach- Mrs. Keeton

One Act Play- Alternate- Cara Thompson, Best Actress; John Sparkman, All Star; Adam Nicely, Honorable Mention; Katrina Fritz, Honorable Mention; Coach- Mrs. Weaver

Bonham Public Library has begun their Annual Book Sale and Barbara McCutcheon reported to the Bonham Rotary Club that the library has raised approximately $2,500 in over one week. She also has received a donation of $3,000 from a lady to purchase books.

Preserving photos of old businesses in Bonham is another library project that McCutcheon is involved. She is striving to get as many photographs of old businesses in Bonham that she can. If you have an old photo of any business in Bonham, or maybe a photo of a relative standing in front of an old business in Bonham, please call her at the Bonham Public Library. They will make a copy and you can keep your original.

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

It’s A Boy

Cliff Lappin and Alicia Edwards of Bonham would like to announce the arrival of their son. Weston Wayne Lappin was born February 21, 2005 at 4:58 pm at Wilson N. Jones Hospital of Sherman. Weston weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz. and was 21 inches long. Proud Grandparents are Steve and Sherry Edwards of Bonham, Raymond and Valerie Lappin of Bonham and Charles and Michelle Carter of Bonham.