The Bonham Chamber of Commerce has completed their new Web site under the assistance of Great Results Web Design. Penny Pearson assisted Dori Leatherwood, Office Manager of the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber is excited about the launch of the newly re-designed website featuring a new powerful interactive online business directory. The site allows the staff to update the membership directory listings and provide them with specific performance referral reports. The Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce is now able to better serve members and the community well into the 21st Century.

Chamber WebLink’s advanced database technology creates a highly interactive experience for members and promotes the outstanding businesses in our region to the world. It includes many membership retention advantages and non-dues revenue possibilities.

"Bonham Is The Place To Be " is the main focus and theme for the home page. The newly designed Web site will offer information on Bonham and Fannin County to prospective businesses outside of Bonham and North Texas. Also listed will be various information of interest on relocation, tourism in Bonham and Fannin County, demographics, economic development, upcoming events, and links to the Chamber member web sites.

Mary Woodlee

Did you know that currently, over 7000 properties in Fannin County have received agriculture value for tax year 2003? That equates to approximately 406,000 acres receiving Ag. There are 524,924 acres in Fannin County. This means more than 75% of the property in Fannin County is receiving a special valuation and paying taxes on a greatly reduced assessed value. Of those who have applied, less than 300 applications representing less than 1,000 acres, have received notice of denial of agricultural value this year. Fannin County Appraisal District employees are committed to helping you receive Ag on your property if you meet the requirements to be eligible. If you think you should have Ag valuation, please check the following:

1. Did you complete an agriculture form for 2003? (requirement for this year)

2. Are you the owner of record of the property?

3. Is the primary use of the land agriculture use?

4. Are there deed restrictions that limit land use?

5. Is there a history of Ag for five of seven years?

It is not too late to apply for agriculture valuation but there could be a 10% late penalty. Please come into the Appraisal District office and complete this very important application. You may also apply by mail.

HOUSTON - Baylor College of Medicine once again topped a national list for universities and colleges for research expenditures in biological science, according to the National Science Foundation (NSF). Six other Texas institutions made the Top 100 list that included basic and clinical research expenditures.

expenditures in basic and clinical science.

"This report confirms the high level of biomedical science research and development underway at Baylor College of Medicine and other Texas higher education institutions," said Dr. Peter G. Traber, president and CEO of Baylor. "Groundbreaking scientific studies and innovative clinical solutions are to be expected when this work is carried out by some of the nation’s top investigators."

Baylor moved up two spots from last year’s ranking in R&D expenditures in the life sciences category to No. 5, spending more than $381 million in 2001. Baylor spent $206 million for biological sciences and $175 million in the medical sciences. Five Texas institutions also improved their rankings in the biological sciences. Baylor placed above all other Texas schools overall.

Breakdowns for state institutions in the overall life science category and biological sciences are as follows:

Total R&D expenditures in the biological sciences: Baylor College of Medicine (No. 1); The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (No. 9); The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (No.14); The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (No. 43); The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (No. 55); The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (No. 58); Texas A&M University (No. 71); The University of Texas at Austin (No. 77).

Life sciences total R&D expenditures: Baylor College of Medicine

(No. 5); The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (No. 23); The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (No. 27); Texas A&M University (No. 44); The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (No. 57); The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (No. 64); The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (No. 70).

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Moving can be such a challenging experience. The U.S. Postal Service understands this and offers an online solution that can make the experience a little less stressful. The online MoversGuide on usps.com allows customers to file their changes of address directly with the Postal Service electronically and offers move-related informaton, products, and services essential to planning,moving and settling in to the new residence.

"Using the online MoversGuide system is fast, easy, and system security is maintained at every step," said Charles Bravo, Senior Vice President, Intelligent Mail and Address Quality. "We encourage our customers to submit their address changes electronically as it expedites both the address change and mail forwarding process."

Approximately 44 million address changes are processed annually; however, June, July, and August represent the prime moving season. Last year, nearly 30% of all address changes were submitted to the Postal Service during this three-month period.

The Postal Service currently spends in excess $1.9 billion a year processing undeliverable as addressed mail -- this is mail that cannot be delivered due to a variety of issues, including accuracy of address and forwarding information.

Additional services available on the MoversGuide site include creating a customized moving checklist, changing local and long-distance telephone service, and forwarding magazine subscriptions to avoid missing an issue.

To access MoversGuide, log on to www.usps.com and click on "Change Address" located on the red bar at the top of the screen.

The Postal Service launched MoversGuide.com in September 2001.

Of all of the things you should try to remember before you go on vacation, one of the most important is taking care of your mail. It can be as simple as having a neighbor look after it, having your Post Office hold it, or having it forwarded to your vacation spot.

All of your mail will be held until your return and delivery will resume on the day indicated. If you normally get a lot of mail, you might want to stop by the Post Office on your return to pickup your mail, as it may be too much to fit in your mailbox in one delivery.

If you plan an extended vacation, or your destination would allow for mail delivery, you might consider a temporary forward. Temporary forwards cannot exceed 12 months. Many retired people who spend their winters in the south use this method to stay in touch through their mail.

When you submit a temporary forward, again submit it early and make sure the information is legible. Allow about five working days for the Postal Service to add this forward to its computerized forwarding system. First-Class Mail, Priority Mail and Express Mail are forwarded free. Periodicals are forwarded free for 60 days. Parcels may require additional postage. Mailer applied endorsements on individual pieces of mail such as "Address Service Requested" mail, or "Return Service Requested," may make that mail non­forwardable.

So take your vacation free of worry. Wherever you go, your mail can follow. Or it can wait patiently until your return. The choice is yours.

Awards Honor Volunteers, Businesses, Civic and Youth Groups

(Austin, Texas) - This week, Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), one of Texas’ leading grassroots environmental organizations, selected nearly 40 individuals, civic organizations, businesses, youth groups, and government entities to be awarded for their outstanding contributions to enhance their community environment.

The Keep Texas Beautiful awards recognize individuals and organizations for their commitment to litter prevention and cleanup, illegal dumping enforcement, solid waste management, beautification and community improvement.

"These award winners are an inspiration to us all," said Donna Albus, Keep Texas Beautiful President. "We are so appreciative of the pride in their community that they exemplify through their efforts. The ripple effect that crosses the state through their good works is remarkable. We salute this great achievement of being the best of the best."

The annual awards will be presented during the upcoming 36^th Annual KTB Conference in Dallas, July 8 - 11, 2003 at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel.

Keep Texas Beautiful, the nonprofit state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, strives to empower Texans through education to take responsibility for enhancing their community environment. KTB works with volunteers, elected officials, businesses and state and federal agencies to ensure that every Texan has the opportunity to take individual responsibility for making Texas the cleanest, most beautiful state in the nation. For more information on programs and events, call 1-800-CLEAN-TX or visit the website at www.ktb.org.

Nine Texas Cities Receive Governor’s Community Achievement Awards

(Austin, Texas) - Nine Texas communities sharing a common goal will be rewarded for their outstanding grassroots environmental efforts. Clint, Van Alstyne, Childress, Athens, Dickinson, Lake Jackson, Denton, Grand Prairie and Houston will receive the Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA) from Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB). Each of the nine winners will receive a share of a one million dollar landscaping grant provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Ranging in population from 980 in Clint to almost two million in Houston, the nine winning communities were chosen for their achievements in community leadership, litter prevention, public awareness, education, solid waste management, recycling, illegal dumping enforcement, and beautification. Winners also demonstrated strong community partnerships and volunteer efforts in their programs throughout the last year.

"These nine winning communities reflect the true Texas Spirit," said Donna Albus, Keep Texas Beautiful President. "They are an inspiration to us all. We are so appreciative of the pride in their community that they exemplify through their efforts in a multitude of events."

The Governor’s Community Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding communities for 34 consecutive years, with 18 years of funding from the Texas Department of Transportation. Communities with the best grassroots environmental programs in the state apply to compete in nine population categories for a share of landscaping prize money. Every city in Texas may apply for the GCAA regardless of size. The smallest award is $60,000 for population under 1,000; the largest is $265,000 for populations greater than a quarter of a million.

"Knowing that there is absolutely nothing as economically beneficial to a community as to be clean and pretty, they will receive their just rewards many times over," said Albus. "There is no way to put a dollar figure on that return. The ripple effect that crosses the state through their good works is remarkable. We salute this great achievement of being the best of the best."

The Governor’s Community Achievement Awards will be formally presented to the winners during the 36th Annual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference in Dallas July 8-11 at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel.

Keep Texas Beautiful, the nonprofit state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, strives to empower Texans through education to take responsibility for enhancing their community’s environment. KTB works with volunteers, elected officials, businesses and state and federal agencies to ensure that every Texan has the opportunity to take individual responsibility for making Texas the cleanest, most beautiful state in the nation. For more information on the GCAA and other KTB programs and events, call 1-800-CLEAN-TX or visit the website at www.ktb.org.

Hamburgers, Mexicali corn, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, buns, plum cobbler, milk

Meatloaf, whipped potatoes, English peas, bread,

scalloped apples, milk

Bbq chicken, pinto beans, broccoli, cornbread, pudding, milk

Roast beef/gravy, whipped potatoes, green beans, bread, peaches, milk

Lima beans & ham, squash casserole, tomatoes, cornbread, rice pudding, milk

The KOOL Lunch Program, sponsored and operated by the Family Life Center, began its fifth year on June 2nd and will continue through August 1^st. The Family !Life Center is a project of the Fannin Community Foundation, Inc.

All of the lunches are being prepared at the IW Evans Intermediate School cafeteria Monday through Friday. During the first week of the program, almost 1,800 lunches were served.

Several area churches have volunteered to cover the weeks of the program. The volunteering churches include: Trinity Baptist Church, First Christian Church, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, First United Methodist Church of Leonard, Northside Church of Christ, First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Boyd Baptist Church and the First United Methodist Church of Bonham.

Each church provides enough volunteers to prepare and distribute the lunches at the designated sites. The Family Life Center, Stephenson Park and the IW Evans School are all distribution sites for this summer. However, lunches are also being distributed in the Leonard and Trenton communities. For the second year, the First United Methodist Church of Leonard has taken charge in making sure the lunches are distributed in their community each day. Several Leonard churches and civic organizations are also helping ensure the success of the program in Leonard.

And for the first year, the Trenton community has become involved. Former Trenton Elementary School principal, JoAnne Duncan, is coordinating the program for her community. The First Baptist Church, First Methodist Church and the Garden Club are providing the volunteers that pick up and deliver the lunches to Trenton each day. Rita Stahl, elementary school custodian, is dispensing the lunches at the school cafeteria.

The KOOL Lunch Program is for children in head start through the sixth grade that are on the free and reduced lunch program during the school year. The goal of the program is to guarantee that these children do not go hungry during the summer.

Several local businesses help with food items including the Red River Valley Food Bank, Brookshire’s, Wal-Mart, and Lehde’s Meat Market.

The KOOL Lunch Program is looking forward to another successful summer: however, continual monetary and food donations will ensure its success! If you would like to volunteer or donate to the KOOL Lunch Program, please call the Family Life Center (200 W. 8th Street) at 903-583-1918. Any and all help is greatly appreciated!

Last month, Congress passed and the president signed a $350 billion jobs and economic growth package to put Americans back to work and stimulate our economy.

The legislation provides tax relief to hard working people and has several provisions to help individuals and businesses during these challenging economic times. It accelerates the 2001 marginal rate cuts, lowers the taxation of dividends and capital gains and helps small businesses by increasing expensing and depreciation levels.

Texans directly benefit from the bill because $1.3 billion in aid is allocated specifically for our state. This assistance, part of $20 billion in overall aid for states, comes at a time when the State legislature is grappling with a paralyzing budget crisis. I worked closely with my colleagues in Congress to ensure Texas received its fair share. The funding will provide approximately $570 million for Medicaid and an estimated $710 million for essential government services and unfunded mandates, which I’m hopeful will help alleviate problems in our state.

The relief will enable millions of Texans to reap benefits from rate reductions, the child tax credit increase and lower taxes on capital gains and dividends. Texans with children will gain from an increase in the child tax credit (from $600 to $1,000) beginning this summer when the IRS starts issuing advance payment checks of $400 for each child under the age of 17.

Additionally, one of the most egregious provisions of our tax code, the marriage penalty, is addressed by this legislation. I have often said that penalizing coupls for saying ‘I do’ is fundamentally unfair, and this bill takes steps to erase that inequity and help 2.4 million Texas couples. I originally introduced legislation to alleviate the marriage penalty and am pleased it is part and parcel of this important relief package.

Another element of the bill I helped to author reduced the double taxation of dividends. Dividend income is first taxed at the corporate level and then taxed again when paid out to shareholders. Layering tax upon tax burdens hard working Americans, and especially seniors who may rely on dividend earnings to supplement their fixed incomes. The legislation takes a first step at eliminating this burdensome tax by reducing taxes on dividends paid to individuals and on capital gains from the sale of stocks and other assets to a maximum 15 percent. Despite claims that dividend income is only enjoyed by a few, more than two million Texans - one third of all filers - claimed dividend income in 2001. This bill will put more money back in their pockets.

At a time when too many Americans are unemployed, this jobs and growth package provides a much-needed shot in the arm, especially for small businesses, which create two-thirds of the new jobs in the United States. By increasing expensing and depreciation levels, small business men and women will have more cash in their coffers to expand and hire more employees. Overall unemployment rates are expected to drop by 737,000 in 2004 and 416,000 in 2005, meaning more Americans will be back on the payroll, taking care of their families and contributing to our economy and communities.

While more remains to be done and our economy is still struggling, the 2003 tax relief takes important strides to get us on the road to solid economic recovery.

"We are very happy to announce that END, a deadly foreign viral disease that affects only birds and poultry, has been wiped out in El Paso County. This disease does not affect human health or the safety of food, but it can devastate bird and poultry operations," said Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas state veterinarian and head of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency,

"Thanks to the cooperation of bird owners and the dedicated work of staff from the TAHC New Mexico Livestock Board, other state agencies, and USDA, this disease did not spread ^,beyond one backyard flock of birds," he said. "To be certain. however, the teams tested more than 800 flocks within the five-county area and distributed disease prevention information to dozens of feed stores, producers, flea markets, pet stores and other retail and wholesale outlets where birds and bird-related products are sold."

"With the exception of a very small area in Socorro in El Paso County, all movement restrictions in the five-county area have been lifted, and bird and poultry businesses and movement may re­turn to normal. As soon as the USDA lifted its federal quarantines, the New Mexico Livestock Board and the TAHC lifted state-level restrictions. Feed stores may sell chickens, pet stores can market canarico and other birds and poultry can be moved into or out or the counties," said Dr. Hillman.

He explained that Texas must maintain a small, specified quarantined area for six months to re­gain international trading status for poultry and poultry products. This area encompasses the premises where END infection was detected, along with a small buffer zone. It is bounded by To­kay Avenue on the north, Fredonia Street on the east, Vineyard Road on the south, and Muscat Street on the west. Birds may be moved from this specific area only under a permit issued by USDA or TAHC personnel.

"We have been particularly fortunate that END did not become widespread in Texas or New Mex­ico," commented Dr. Hillman. "In southern California, an END outbreak has been battled since October 2002, and it has spread among backyard poultry and to 22 commercial poultry opera­tions. More than 3.5 million birds have been euphonized to stop the spread of the disease. Finally, it appears that eradication efforts are going well. However, because END is a foreign ani­mal disease, trade restrictions can be harsh, and it will be some time before California fully recovers international markets for poultry and poultry products."

"The key to eradicating disease is detecting it as quickly as possible, before it has an opportu­nity to spread. Although END has been eradicated in El Paso County, the virus could poten­tially be reintroduced. The disease is highly contagious, and if sick birds are transported into the area, another outbreak could begin. Also, the virus, can be carried from one site to another on trucks or supplies, so it’s important to disinfect equipment brought onto your property," he said.

"Check your flocks frequently for signs of disease, such as gasping, coughing, diarrhea or par­alysis," said Dr. Hillman. "If birds are sick, or if there is unusual death loss, call your veteri­narian or animal health officials, so that samples may be collected for testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. There is no charge for the testing."

Dr. Hillman referred bird owners in Texas to the TAHC’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-550-8242 or to the USDA’s Veterinary Services office in Texas at 512-916-5552. In New Mexico, bird owners may call the New Mexico Livestock Board at 505-841-6161 or the USDA’s ‘Veterinary Services office in New Mexico at 505-761-3160.

"When you watch out for your own birds, you’re protecting the entire poultry and pet bird industry," said Dr. Hillman. "Think of this as a ‘neighborhood watch’ program for poultry disease."

The Bonham Barracudas Swim Team competed in their second meet of the season Saturday, June, 7, 2003. The meet was held at the Commerce Parks and Recreation Pool. The Barracudas competed against teams from McKinney, Paris, Denison, Balch Springs, Sherman and Commerce.

Team members have been working hard to improve their race times. All their practices have paid off, because most swimmers improved their race times from last week. Individual team members competed in races which included the free style, back stroke, breast stroke, butterfly and individual medley (a combination of all four strokes in one race). First place ribbons were awarded to Whitney Landers, Lora Dyson, Ian Atkinson, Cody Bonham, Paul Esquibel, Cassidy Hall, Madeline Wells, Nathan Landers, and Kaitlynn Keller. Bonham team members receiving second place ribbons were Whitney Landers, Heather Williams, Amber Williams, Taylor Kirkpatrick, Danl Hilger, Ian Atkinson, John Wells, Paul Esquibel, Alyssa Herrington, Taylor Gantt, Jessica Blain, Cassidy Hall, Rikki Reedy, Nathan Landers, Elizabeth Bursell, Melinda Mason, and Lora Dyson. Third place ribbons were awarded to Madeline Wells, Trevor Osborne, Morgan Hartwell, Cody Bonham, Jessica Blain, Jackson Keller, Stephanie Quirk, Amber Williams, Ian Atkinson, P. J. Quirk, John Wells, Briann Hilliard, Gabrielle Lessley, Taylor Kirkpatrick, Rikki Reedy, Madeline Wells, Cassidy Hall, Taylor Gantt, Robert Wells, Jessica Blain, Kameron Dollgener, Austin Smartt, Nathan Landers, Whitney Landers, and Kaitlynn Keller. Swimmers Dalton Smith, Briann Hilliard, P. J. Quirk, Jackson Keller, Rikki Reedy, Lexi Langford, Taylor Kirkpatrick, Kameron Dollgener, Stephanie Quirk, Melinda Mason, Gabby Lessley, Robert Wells, Abby Smartt, Madeline Wells, Trevor Osborne, Elizabeth Bursell, Heather Williams, Sabrina Strunk and Kaitlynn Keller all received fourth place ribbons. The Barracudas also had nine relays compete on Saturday.

Team members are looking forward to next Saturday’s swim meet, which will be held in McKinney at The McKinney High School Natatorium.

The Sangster - Snead Family reunion was Sun. June 8, 2003 at the Family Life Center in Bonham, Texas. There were 64 present. They were: Jim Bob, Lavell Hawkins, Varna Sangster, Kenneth, Daphna Warren, Kerry Stockton, Sabrina Simpson of Telephone, John, Mary Eskue of Bells, Freda, Alexis Osborne of Bonham, Hailey Cox of Savoy, Debby, Vance, Beth, Bryce Lawing, Karen, Katlin Wallace all of Alvarado, twins, Terry and Tracey Matthews of Burleson, Texas, Jerry Stovall, Jewelletta Hagar of Weatherford, Imogene West, Matilda Flippo of Sherman, Elbert, Jorene Collinsworth of Ivanhoe, Frances Collinsworth of Monkstown, Danny, Barbara, Christian Collinsworth of Ravenna, David Perryman of Telephone, twins, Alma Harrison of Telephone, Velma Rice of Colbert, Oklahoma, Judy Harrison of Bonham, Jim and Gloria Densmore of Duncanville, Martin Stailey of McKinney, James, Barbara Petty, Richard, Ryan Kellum of Princeton, Bette Sangster of Bonham, David, Sheila Kirch of Wylie, Alene, Vohn Smith of Porum, Oklahoma, Glen, Floyd Sangster of Monkstown, Jean Sangster, Jeanette Thompson of Whitewright, Winfred, Janice Dunn of McAlester, Oklahoma, Kenneth Sangster of Carrollton, Billy Wayne and Nelda Sangster of Ivanhoe, Eddie, Diana, Lacy Alaniz of Wylie, Roland, Jeanne Sangster Potts of Washington, Jerry, Jake, Jessie, Susie Throneberry of Telephone.

Everyone enjoyed lots of good food, showing pictures, picture taking, and gospel music played and sung by Danny and Barbara Collinsworth, Jerry, Jake, Jessie Throneberry. We lost 3 family members in the past 3 months. Ray Smith, Dencil Easley, Lavoy Sangster. They will be greatly missed. The oldest one there was Varna Sangster, 99, of Telephone. The youngest one was Christian Collinsworth, 3 year old son of Danny and Barbara Collinsworth of Ravenna. The one fartherest away was Roland and Jeanne Sangster-Potts from Washington. The next reunion will be at the Telephone Community Center the second Sunday in June 2004.

Medicare now considers mastectomies "day surgery", so hopefully, this legislation will help this situation.

There’s a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It’s about eliminating the "drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home hours after surgery against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.

Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.

Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below and help women with breast cancer get the care they need and deserve! There is no cost or monetary pledge involved. You need not give more than your name and zip code number.

The following are the highlights of services provided by the BONHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT for the month of May 2003. Complete statistical data are available upon request.

• The Department answered a total of 340 calls in the 31-day reporting period. This is 10.96 calls per day. We responded to 278 requests for Emergency Medical Services and 62 Fire & Rescue calls.

• The Department conducted 30 Pre-fire Plan/Business Inspections during the month. We referred 19 of these to the Fire Marshal’s Office for follow-up corrective measures.

• We completed testing 32 fire hydrants in the City and 16 were referred to the water utilities department for repairs.

• The Department conducted 4 Fire Prevention / Public Safety Education Programs and/or Tours of the station during May.

• The Fire Department, in cooperation with the Public Works Department and the BPD recovered five of the lost lake buoy’s, refurbished them and placed them back in the lake for safety. The fire department’s rescue 2, (Boat) was used in the operation. Thanks to Firefighters Scott Moss and Scott Ridling for their hard work.

• There were 17 internal training sessions conducted during the month resulting in 656 man-hours of training for our paid personnel and 159 Volunteer training man-hours.

• Paramedic Class is in full swing and is requiring two to three days a week for class and another day for study group.

• "Fire" response time reporting results are: We averaged 8.59 minutes response time overall and 3.88 minutes inside the City of Bonham.

• The Department met for an EMS QA/Ql workshop with Dr. Adams, Judge Derrell Hall, and Leonard City Administrator Butch Henderson. The workshop was a success and areas for improvement were noted. Plans for a workshop with the County Commissioners and Cities participating are in the works to clarify transport destinations. Thanks to Paramedic Shane Reed and EMT Scot Fox for their dedicated service.

• We participated in the Boy Scouts program on Saturday May 10th at Voluntary Purchasing Group. We provided the Fire and Life Safety Clowns BLAZE, MATCHBOX, DERBIS, and BOOSTER, Sparky, a Fire Engine, and an Ambulance for the Program. We had contact with 250 scouts and 26 adults.

• Bonham Fire Chief Mike Baker has been sworn in as a "Special Deputy" with the Texas Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal’s Office. He was one of eight Fire Chief’s statewide to be sworn in to investigate Firefighter Line of Duty Death’s in Texas. This is a new program. authorized by Section

417.0075 and Section 417.009 of the Texas Government Code.

• Members of the Department will be traveling to Galveston to attend the Statewide Memorial Service for their fallen brother Bonham Firefighter/EMT-1 James Edward Taylor on June 8th. The ceremony will honor the 7 Texas Firefighters lost in the Line of Duty in the past year.

• The Department participated in the American Cancer Society, Cancer walk June 6 & 7 at the Veterans Center. Firefighter/Paramedic David Hale lead the department team this year. Lieutenant Alan Reaves and his wife Amy were the Co-Chairpersons of the event. Thanks to all department members who participated in this worthy cause.

Please contact the Fire Chief @ 903.583.3731 if you have any questions or comments.

By State Senator Bob Deuell

The Area Agency on Aging of Texoma, the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General of Texas are sponsoring a seminar entitled "How to protect yourself and your money from scam artists" to be held on Thursday, 6/19/03, from 9:00 AM --11:00 AM at TCOG, 1117 Gallagher, Sherman.

Nancy Gresham, Public Information Specialist, Elder Law & Public Health Division of the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, will be here to discuss the latest scams circulating in Texas. Bob Douglas, Grayson County Sheriff’s deputy, will provide the local perspective. Both will provide techniques to protect yourself.

Seniors are targeted by scam artists for several reasons. One reason is that many seniors have a nest egg that they have saved for retirement. Another is that seniors are at home much of the time and sometimes lonely. However, the most common reason is that people of this generation were raised during much different times when business could be done with a handshake and nobody locked their doors. Seniors may be more vulnerable to these scams because of their tendency to trust and their reluctance to be rude.

It is always difficult and embarrassing to realize that you have been the victim of a scam, but it can be worse for seniors. Most seniors are on a fixed income and unable to return to work to recover any financial losses from a scam. The financial impact can be quite severe.

It can happen to anyone, but there are ways to protect yourself. Knowledge is the key. This seminar will teach you the steps to take to protect yourself from becoming a victim and the resources available for assistance from the experts.

Anyone in Fannin, Grayson or Cooke Counties is welcome to attend. Please contact Helen Cowan at 903-813-3574 to reserve a place. Seating is limited so call early.

HOUSTON -- (June 9, 2003)-Dr. Richard A. Lewis of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston has been awarded The Jewish Guild for the Blind’s first annual Alfred W. Bressler Prize in Vision Science.

The Jewish Guild, a national group comprised of distinguished vision professionals, selected Lewis based on his leadership, research and service that resulted in groundbreaking theories in vision disorder studies. The not-for-profit health care agency has served the blind, visually impaired and multi-disabled persons since 1914.

Lewis, a professor of Ophthalmology, Medicine, Pediatrics and Molecular and Human Genetics, specializes in retinal diseases and ocular genetics at Baylor. Some of his achievements include mapping and identifying some of the first genes for inherited eye disorders, facilitating clinical availability of direct molecular testing and delineating a pathway important to age-related macular degeneration.

Lewis graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed his residency at the University of Michigan Hospital after receiving a bachelor of arts degree in biology from Harvard College.

The Jewish Guild will present Lewis with the award at a ceremony in New York in the fall of 2003.

HOUSTON - What does surprise look like? Or fear? Or pleasure? Or trust?

Using specially-designed imaging technology, researchers at The Brown Foundation Human Neuroimaging Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine are capturing snapshots of the thoughts and emotions that define us as humans.

"Much is known about how the systems of the human body work, but understanding how the human brain reacts in social situations is still an inexact science," said Dr. Read Montague, director of the Human Neuroimaging Laboratory and a professor of neuroscience at Baylor.

The laboratory, which opened in March, is equipped with two, high-field FMRI scanners, valued at $2 million each, and high-speed computer systems. Access to the laboratory is available to researchers from a variety of fields including neuroscience, neurology, psychiatry, psychology and economics. The laboratory also has two offices dedicated to visiting scientists, open areas for discussion, conference rooms and facilities for hyperscanning.

"We believe the unique resources of the Human Neuroimaging lab will attract some of the world’s top researchers who want to investigate the relationship between the brain and social behavior," Montague said.

Researchers use the FMRI scanners to record dynamic changes in blood flow to the brain and which occur when the brain responds to stimuli. Areas in the brain with the most activity show up as bright spots. Researchers superimpose the final scans on a 3-D image of the brain.

Using FMRI technology, Montague and colleagues at Emory University in Atlanta, discovered that the brain encodes surprise as pleasure. He measured changes in brain activity in people who received sequences of fruit juice and water squirts in the mouth. Contrary to expectations, the brain responded most strongly to the unpredictable sequence of juice squirts. The research provided insight into neural systems involved in addictive diseases and decision-making disorders in humans.

Child behavior researchers are also using FMRI to study how the brains of mothers respond to pictures of their crying children. The results may advance understanding of child neglect.

A process called "hyperscanning" takes FMRI technology a step further to record how the brain responds to social interaction experiments. In hyperscanning, research participants in the laboratory undergo a decision-making experiment, like playing a game over the Internet, while having their brains scanned. Montague has used the technology to develop theories on how humans value the events in their world.

"Research involving brain responses during social interactions has a broad impact on society, ranging from influencing current social policy to the treatment of mental illness," Montague said.

Heat-related deaths and record-breaking high temperatures in Texas began earlier than usual this year, alerting health officials that the summer of 2003 could rival the heat waves and droughts in the 1990s.

In 1998, temperatures soared to record highs for nearly three months in most of the state and were linked to the deaths of 98 people. Since 1995, at least 427 deaths caused by hot weather have occurred in the state.

Recent tragedies, including the deaths of a 2-year-old child left unattended inside a hot van outside a suburban Dallas day-care center, a homeless man found in an El Paso arroyo, three people found in a sweltering railroad hopper car in Baytown and at least 18 smuggled immigrants enclosed in a tractor­trailer near Victoria, are reminders that heat can kill.

"Heat - specifically hot weather combined with high humidity is more deadly than people realize," said David Zane, an epidemiologist at Texas Department of Health (TDH).

While anyone can suffer the deadly effects of heat, Zane said people most at risk of death or illness in extremely hot weather are the elderly, the very young, the sick and those without access to air conditioning. "A prolonged heat wave increases the danger," he said. "Victims become steadily weakened as the skin’s natural cooling system - perspiration works overtime."

When your body is unable to cool itself through perspiration and if fluids are not amply replaced, you can die.

Profuse sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse and headaches are symptoms of heat exhaustion, an early stage of heat illness. People with these symptoms, which are related to dehydration and the accompanying rise

in internal body temperature, should seek shade or air conditioning and drink plenty of water.

If efforts to cool a person with heat exhaustion fail, heat stroke - a medical emergency that can lead to disability or death can follow. Symptoms of heat stroke are extremely high body temperature, red or dry skin, failure to perspire, rapid pulse, confusion and unconsciousness. Immediate medical help is critical for victims of heat stroke.

Most heat-related illnesses can be prevented by following some simple guidelines.

Judge Duncan practiced law for 15 years in Decatur and Denton before being elected to the Court of Criminal Appeals. In addition to his law practice, Judge Duncan was an adjunct professor of English at the University of North Texas in Denton and St. Edwards University in Austin.

TCDLA Immediate Past President Mark Daniel, Fort Worth, noted, "There is no more deserving candidate than Rusty. As a lawyer and judge he committed himself to defending to the constitution." Scappy Holmes of Longview, Chairman of the TCDLA Hall of Fame Committee, said, "Induction in to the TCDLA Hall of Fame is reserved for those lawyers who dedicated their lives to defending and preserving the constitutional rights of the citizen accused than Rusty."

Judge Duncan was killed in a tragic car accident in 1990. The Hall of Fame induction was attended by Judge Duncan’s family and awards were presented to his daughter Christi Perkins of Decatur, and brother Skip Duncan, of Austin.

The Fannin County Extension Office recently received notice of this years Texas Master Gardener training class schedule. The training will be held this fall, with classes beginning on Wednesday, August 20 and continuing every Wednesday through October 22. Classes will be held at the Hunt County Fairgrounds, Creative Arts Building, in Greenville. Classes will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. each week. Fannin, Hunt, Hopkins, Lamar, Rockwall, and Kaufman counties hold a cluster training for the Master Gardeners with Hunt County hosting.

The application to become a Master Gardener can be obtained at the Fannin County Extension office, located at 210 South Main Street in Bonham. The application must be completed and submitted to the Fannin County Extension Office by July 1. The cost for the training is $85.00, which includes the cost of a Master Gardener Handbook, supplies, handouts, etc.

Upon completion of the training, trainees are required to complete 50 volunteer community service hours in their county within one year to be able to be certified as Master Gardeners. Time as volunteers, working through the Cooperative Extension office and Agriculture Agent, Rick Maxwell, as advisor, provides horticulture information to the community.

To help understand more of what a Master Gardener is, the following information describes and answers questions about, who are the Master Gardeners and is the Master Gardener program for you.

Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and to help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people.

What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, persons who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through their cooperative Extension office to provide horticultural-related information to their communities.

• Is the Master Gardener Program for Me?

To help you decide if you should apply to be a Master Gardener, ask yourself these questions;

• Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?

• Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?

• Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community? • Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?

If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardeners program could be for you. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener and to better acquaint you with the program, we ask you to attend the August Fannin County Master Gardener meeting held on the first Monday at the County Extension office, South Annex, 210 S. Main Street, Bonham, at 12:00 noon.

If you would like to attend the training or have more questions about the Master Gardener program, please come by the County Extension office or call at 903-583-7453.

Many thanks to the following for making our 1st Annual City of Bonham Employee Picnic a HUGE success. We could not have done it without your generous donations.

Barco Municipal Products, Ben’s Paper Supply, Bonham City Limits, Boy Scout Troop 260 , Clark Sanderon, Brookshires, Coast to Coast/Home/Auto, David and Contessa Essary, Floyd Enterprises, Granny Lou’s Bed & Breakfast, Kountry Kraftmall, Lehde’s Meat & Produce, McCraw Oil Co., Northeast Texas Distributors, Pat’s Pump Service, Red River Tire Center, INC., Rental Service Corp., Ron Moore, S & E Western Wear, Sonic Drive-in, Texas Meter & Sewer Co., Texoma Limestone, Tom Turner/Fannin County Special, United Rentals, Wal-mart Supercenter, Waste Management.

By JACQUELINE WHITE

Twenty-two years ago, Mental Health Mental Retardation (MHMR) Executive Director, Carl Kelly, and employee Linda Horton drove down the highway on their way to look at a summer camp for adult clients. "There is this money available to work with babies and very young children," said Kelly, "and I’d like to go after it. If we get it, I’d like you to run the program."

"Babies? I don’t know anything about babies," said Linda who was working in adult education. Well, she was about to find out about babies. They wrote the grant, got the money, and thus began Early Childhood Intervention Texoma (ECI). Over the last 22 years this special program has helped numerous children, from birth to three years of age, who live in Cooke, Grayson, Fannin, Lamar, Delta and Hopkins counties. The children all have disabilities, developmental delays, or a diagnosed medical condition likely to result in a developmental delay. The services have been provided at no cost to the family, regardless of income, though this will be changed in the fall due to the state budget shortfall. ECI is hosted locally by Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma and the program is an affiliate of the Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood Intervention.

Linda has been the program manager since 1981. "I went back to school and picked up some classes thinking that it was going to make me a whole lot smarter," she laughed. "College was helpful, but I learned a lot more working with the children’s parents and families. They challenged us and gave us lots of information. The families just had an instinct about what their children needed, and they provided a ‘hands on’ training that helped me with my classes."

A popular program, that has always had good community support, Linda feels that "ECI is one of the best kept secrets in the area. Even with all the media coverage, we end up with families that know absolutely nothing about us," she added. "That is strange, considering how much time as we spend in the public eye. We speak to many service organizations, and once they see the effectiveness of early intervention, and the difference we can make in a child’s life on down the road, they promote ECI.

"Over the years we’ve come full circle," said Linda. "When I first started working with the ECI program it was strictly home-based. We used what I would refer to as generalist teachers, people who had a bachelor or master’s degree in fields like sociology, psychology, social work, whatever, because we couldn’t get therapists. Back in 1981 therapists were used in public schools and private agencies, but generally they didn’t think about working with children that young. We were a pioneer field in this area. The schools started putting more emphasis on early learning, so we were able to get therapists and get them out in the field. I have trouble getting therapists now, but it’s because of the demand for their services. In the early days of the program, it was because they didn’t exist. We were lucky to get them once a month. When we had therapists we’d get as much information from them as we could, and then it was the ECI staff carrying on and working with the family. It was, as it is now, a partnership with us learning from one another. I have always believed that the parents know the most about their children. They are the authority on their child. They don’t always understand what they know, and that’s where we use the education that we have. We take the information they give us, try to cipher it together, and make a plan for the child. But the families still have that input. They are the best teachers as they are a constant in the child’s life. They are with them 24/7.

In the early days we did all of our work with the children in their home. Then a group of people started experimenting with social interaction in small groups. All of the children were then placed in a group regardless of their problem. After awhile-new studies came out that said the children do better in their natural environment in the home. We went back to working in the homes with the children. I think that sometimes people believe we have a magic wand. I don’t care how good the therapist is, how educated - whatever. There is still no magical fix. It has to be that repetition over and over again to be able to achieve that goal.

There are times it would be nice for children to have some socialization. One of the things we get from the parents is that at this age, kids do have a lot of exposure to typical peers. Typical peers being children without disabilities. What they want is to see and meet children with disabilities. Our role is to introduce them. We don’t tell their story. While the children play, parents can visit, and if they want to exchange information, and get together again, they can.

With 251 children enrolled in the program as of May 1, 2003, a typical day is "never what I’ve got planned," said Linda. "I can have a list of things I plan to do, walk in the door, the first thing I may have to do is answer questions from the staff on policy, or there may have been a crisis in a family’s life that we serve. Sometimes families call and they want to talk to the ‘person in charge.’ I also deal with a lot of paperwork. I read through our notes to make sure what we’re billing is an allowable cost and pick up on any patterns so we can retrain if we have to. I spend a lot of time checking our billing. It’s certainly not our goal to do anything illegal. I do a lot of work out in the community with other agencies. There are a lot of needs and money is shorter. We all work together to make sure we’re not duplicating services. We also work to find out what’s out there and available.

Examples of ECI transitions, are the Head Start program, Public School Pre-school Program for children with Disabilities (PPCD) and other community services. "In my perfect world when they leave us, they would have families that would so understand child development that they would be able to pick up and go on. That’s my perfect world," remarked Linda. "But families have unique challenges. Sometimes I run into parents of older adults that I worked with when I first came here, and we’ll talk about the ECI program, and they’ll say ‘I wish we’d had that when my child was younger! There might have been a difference.’ Of course hindsight is 20/20; and we don’t know that for sure," she added.

"The program is challenging," said Linda, "but it reaffirms my belief in the role of families. You get a family involved, and you see that little click. They realize that they are the most important people in their baby’s life. You know that not only have you made an impact on that child, but on the whole family. You see the difference in the way they do things and how they interact. It’s like you’ve made a little bit of difference in the world, because of that one family.

"There are days when things pile up on me and I could just chuck it. God always knows what we need. I’ll get a call, or I’ll run into a former family who’ll come up, and they’ll thank me, and I’m ready to go again."

Several highlights of Linda’s career include running into her former adult clients and having them remember her and express their love and affection towards her. They remember all of the fun she used to have with them at the old summer camp, doing a talent show and playing baseball. Another highlight was attending an ECI State Conference in Austin when George W. Bush was Governor of Texas. Linda had a broken foot and was hobbling up the steps of the capitol building.

"I had a cast with a walking boot and I hobbled up the stairs. As our group approached the top of the stairs Governor Bush came out the door with some aides, he looked at me and said, ‘Wait a second, let me help you.’ Even though he was in a hurry, he stopped and held the door open for me. After he became President, I thought I can tell my grandkids that the President of the United States once held the door open for me," she laughed.

A native Texan, Linda was raised in Grayson County and graduated from Van Alstyne schools and Dallas Baptist University. She has also completed some master’s level courses at Texas Women’s University and the University of North Texas. Linda serves on many local committees and boards and is married to a Baptist minister. She and her husband, J.D., live in Blue Ridge. They have two grown sons and three grandchildren who they love to spend time with.

"If I ever get to the point where I can retire," said Linda, "I think I want to become a professional volunteer. I’d like to work with the geriatric population as there are so many older people out there who are just starved for attention."

If anyone is interested in learning more about Early Childhood Intervention Services, or having a program for your service organization, call 903-463-5691.

Texas Cooperative Extension - Fannin County and the Fannin County Beef and Forage Committee sponsored a Spring Pasture Field day held on April 23^rd which included tour stops near Dodd City, Windom, and Lannius. This years field day concentrated on ryegrass varieties, methods of planting, seeding rates, cattle and horse grazing studies along with electric fencing and rotational grazing. Dr. David Kee, Extension Agronomist was on hand to answer questions on grazing systems, soil fertility and weed control. Roger Skipper, Flag Springs Ranch Manager and Fannin County Beef Committee, member also presented information and results on the various demonstration trials at all the tour stops. The results and conclusions of all the winter pasture demonstrations in Fannin County this year can be obtained in the 2003 Fannin County Result Demonstration Handbook which is available at the Fannin County Extension Office.

The Fannin County Extension Office would like to thank Dr. Kee and Roger Skipper for their assistance with this years field day and to all the cooperators involved in these studies which included Bonham Building Supply for the electric fencing materials, Helena Chemical Company for the fertilizer for the plots, Honey Grove Grain and Peanut for supplying seed for the demonstrations, and to the Fannin County Soil and Water Conservation Board for the use of the Brillion seeder.

The Fannin County Beef and Forage Committee and Fannin County Crops Committee plan to have more forage result demonstration studies in place again next year to help provide Fannin County cattle and forage producers with information that will help them in their operations.

Texas Cooperative Extension-Fannin County and the Fannin County Extension Horse Committee hosted an Equine Field Day on May 17^th at the fairgrounds pavilion to provide resource services and instructional education to area horse owners. Services provided included farrier service by Brian Bench of Sulphur Springs, freeze branding service by Lee Conway of Bonham, equine dentistry by Leslie Whightman of Telephone, equine chiropractics by Gail Gregg of Sulphur Springs, and equine vaccinations by Dr. Norris of Sulphur Springs. The field day also included guest speakers Dr. David Kee, Extension Agronomist, who presented information on forages and hay, Dr. Norris, area veterinarian from Sulphur Springs, discussed necessary vaccinations, de worming schedules, and equine dentistry, and Glen Spradling, area farrier from Lone Oak discussed horse shoeing and corrective shoeing situations. Other equine businesses and organizations were also present at the field day which included 3-L Farm and Ranch Supply, Paris Wholesale Tack, and Horseman’s Association of Texoma (HAT). Refreshments were also provided at the field day by the Novotny family of 4-Corners 4­H Club.

Overall the Equine Field day was very successful in providing helpful information and resources to area horse owners. Several attendees stated they would like to see the field day become an annual event here in Fannin County.

Fannin County Extension would like to thank all the speakers and service providers for their help in the field day along with the area businesses that contributed their time and services. A special thanks to the Fannin County Extension Horse Committee for their efforts to make the field day possible. Extension Horse Committee members include, Barbara Spindle of Windom, Patti Goerte of Telephone, Gail Moore of Honey Grove, Beverly Berni of Lamasco, Roger Skipper of Windom, Steve Deckard of Windom, and Lee Meier of Leonard.

My value is just "wrong"! What can I do?

The Appraisal District staff is dedicated to helping you with your tax issues. If you believe that your value is too high, or just "wrong", please come by our office and discuss your property with one of our appraisers. We want to help resolve your issues. Please bring pictures and documented information with you to justify adjustments made to your property value. There may be issues concerning your property that are not readily visible or available to appraisers during on-site visits. Something may have occurred since the last physical appraisal of your property. Supply this information, not only at protest time, but throughout the year. If you have bought or sold property in the last two years, provide a copy of the closing statement or complete one of our sales request information forms. The actual sales data is compiled with other properties like yours to establish actual market value. Value schedules are prepared in direct relationship with the actual market data. You can have a major part in establishing true market value in Fannin County by contributing your sales information.

What if I talk to an appraiser, but I am still not satisfied with the outcome of that visit; What can I do then? Please do complete a protest form and identify what you wish to protest. You will be scheduled to appear before the Appraisal Review Board. The deadline to file this protest is June 20, 2003. The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) members are citizens of Fannin County and are NOT employees of the Appraisal District or the State. It is not legal for taxpayers or the appraisal district to discuss any issues concerning any property prior to the hearing. The Board will listen to you and review your supportive documents at your scheduled hearing. You may have an agent represent you or you may speak for yourself. ARB members will also hear the testimony of the Appraisal District during the hearing. The ARB will then make a determination. The Appraisal District will carry out the Order of the ARB as directed. If you are not satisfied with the order of the ARB, you still have legal avenues available to you through the Court system. This process is established by the State Property Tax Code. There are many checks and balances in place to protect you, the taxpayer and the taxing entities. The Appraisal District honors and supports this system with integrity and commitment to all citizens and officials of Fannin County, as well as the State of Texas.

AUSTIN, Texas - In response to increased demands for research and availability by the state’s elected leaders, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s president, Brooke Leslie Rollins, announced today the organization is moving its operations and offices to Austin.

"The Foundation has maintained an Austin office for several years, but this move will ensure policy makers and opinion leaders have greater access to our research and experts on a timely basis," said Rollins. "It will also help us reduce operational expenses so we can dedicate even more of our resources to providing the intellectual ammunition for a better Texas."

Rollins noted that the move to Austin from San Antonio will be complete at the end of June.

The Foundation’s new physical mailing address is: 411 Brazos St., Ste. 99

Austin, TX 78701

Last month, the Foundation unveiled its new website, www.TexasPolicy.com.

Founded in 1989, the Foundation is Texas’ only free-market research think tank examining issues facing state and local government. A non-profit, non-partisan research institute, the Foundation is guided by the core principles of limited government, free enterprise, private property rights, and individual liberty and responsibility.

The proud family of PFC Jim Skinner would like to announce the graduation of their soldier. The PFC is from Bonham, TX, he recently completed his basic training and AIT training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO on May 23, 2003 were he is serving in the United States Army. The private was then welcomed home with a party by his family and friends. PFC Jim Skinner had lunch with his niece, Katie Brook Skinner at Stevenson Head Start. They both wore their camouflage clothes. He is the son of David and Susan Skinner of Bonham, TX. PFC Jim Skinner was a ‘98 Bonham High Graduate; he went to SOSU for 2 yrs. studying Criminal Justice. The PFC is now at Ft. Lewis, Washington State receiving more training in his field of study which is Combat Engineering. He has made us all proud!!!

California-based company to reimburse state and federal governments

AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today announced that the State has reached a settlement with a pharmaceutical company that deliberately falsified price reports to the Texas Medicaid program for its products. Under terms of the agreement, Dey, Inc. will pay a total of $18,500,000, with more than $9 million going to the State. The remaining portion of the settlement will go to the federal government, which jointly funds the Texas Medicaid program and has reached its own settlement with the company.

Dey, a subsidiary of German pharmaceutical giant Merck KGaA, manufactures and markets inhalant products that are generally prescribed for persons suffering from respiratory illnesses. Under Texas law, drug manufacturers are required to report the prices at which they sell their products to wholesalers and distributors. The Texas Medicaid program then uses this pricing information as a basis for calculating provider cost and reimburses Medicaid providers accordingly. The attorney general’s Civil Medicaid Fraud Section found that Dey deliberately falsified its pricing reports for the benefit of its customers, which directly led to overpayments by the Texas Medicaid program.

"Texas citizens will not tolerate this kind of behavior by those who wish to do business in the State," Attorney General Abbott said. "Our evidence against Dey was overwhelming, and we were more than prepared to go to court if necessary. I’m satisfied with the agreement because the State is going to get back every cent it overpaid as a result of unethical practices made at the expense of Texas taxpayers. In fact, under the settlement, the State will recover more than two times its damages, as well as all costs and attorneys’ fees."

The State’s case is based on information provided by industry insider Ven-a-Care of the Florida Keys, Inc., which initiated the action as a Relator under the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act. Ven-a-Care has also assisted the State and the federal government in obtaining previous settlements with Bayer Corp. and TAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

In addition to the monies recovered from Dey for its past violations, the Texas Medicaid program will save millions of dollars in the future as a result of evidence the attorney general’s office uncovered in its investigation. The attorney general’s lawsuit against two other drug manufacturers - Warrick Pharmaceuticals and Roxane Laboratories - is still pending before Travis County District Judge Suzanne Covington. The case is set for trial in August.

Fannin County Attorney Myles Porter announces the resolution of the following criminal cases that were heard in the 6th and 336th District Court of Fannin County for May, 2003

Michael Todd Webb, age 36, of Dodd City, TX entered his plea of not guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, less than 1 gram of methamphetaine. A jury was selected and the jury found him guilty, and accessed his punishment at 2 years in a State Jail facility and he must pay a $10,000.00 fine.

John Peter Trunzler, age 37, of Hendrix, OK entered his plea of guilty to Forgery of a Check, by Passing. The Court accepted his plea and sentenced him to serve 180 days in State Jail Facility.

Wesley Dreymala, age 45, of Hitchcock, TX entered his plea of guilty to Driving While Intoxicated 3rd. The Court accepted his plea and sentenced him to serve 3 years in the penitentiary.

Jalene Christopher, age 42, of Denison, TX entered her plea of guilty to Attempt to Manufacture a Controlled Substance Methamphetamine. The Court accepted her plea and sentenced her to serve 7 years in the penitentiary.

Cassie Sutton, age 22, of Ivanhoe, TX entered her plea of guilty to Unauthorized use of a Vehicle. The Court accepted her plea and sentenced her to serve 180 days in a State Jail Facility. She must also pay a fine, court costs and restitution of $2,997.98.

Tina Kay Ramsey, age 33, Cumby, TX entered her plea of guilty to Delivery of a Controlled Substance-methamphetamine. The Court accepted her plea and placed her on 5 years felony probation. She must pay a $200.00 fine, court costs and $140.00 to DPS crime lab. She must also complete a Substance Abuse Questionnaire to determine treatment while on probation.

Todd Jeffrey Harris, age 24, of Paris, TX was sentenced to 2 years in the penitentiary for failing to comply with the conditions of his probation. Harris had previously been placed on probation for Possession of a Controlled Substance, methamphetamine.

Christina Dooley, age 22, of Randolph, TX was sentenced to 180 days in a State Jail Facility for failing to comply with the conditions of her probation. Dooley had previously been placed on probation for Tampering with a witness.

Larry Don Manry, Jr., age 27, of Bonham, TX entered his plea of guilty to Delivery of a Controlled Substance. The Court accepted his plea and placed him on 2 years felony probation. He must also pay a $1,000.00 fine and court costs.

Stephanie Ann Pruitt, age 37, of Ladonia, TX entered her plea of guilty to Burglary of a Habitation. The Court accepted her plea and sentenced her to serve 5 years in the penitentiary.

Ronnie Redmon, age 47, of Randolph, TX entered his plea of guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance. The court accepted his plea and sentenced him to 2 years in the penitentiary; however, the Court agreed to probate the sentence for 2 years. He must pay a $100.00 fine and court costs.

Desiray Butler, age 25, of Trenton, TX entered her plea of guilty to Forgery of a Check, by Making, Passing & Possession. The Court accepted her plea and placed her on 2 years felony probation, and she must pay a $500.00 fine, court costs, and restitution.

Luwanda Billy, age 23, of Leonard, TX entered her plea of guilty to Burglary of a Habitation. The Court accepted her plea and placed her on 5 years felony probation. She must pay a $100.00 fine, court costs and restitution is to be determined.

Roberto Orona Garza, age 41, of Bonham, TX was sentenced to 2 years in the penitentiary for failing to comply with the conditions of his probation. Garza had previously been placed on probation for Driving While Intoxicated 3rd.

Tanya Demings, age 30, of Denison, TX was sentenced to 2 years in the penitentiary for failing to comply with the conditions of her probation. Demings had previously been placed on probation for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Weldom Patrick Gentry, age 37, of Roxton, TX entered his plea of guilty to Driving While Intoxicated 3rd. The Court accepted his plea and sentenced him to serve 5 years in the penitentiary.

Shawn Kevin Hall, age 41, of Bonham, TX was sentenced to serve 5 years in the penitentiary for failing to comply with the conditions of his probation. Hall had previously been placed on probation for Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Carla Condy, age 49, of Bonham, TX entered her plea of guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance by Fraud. The Court accepted her plea and accessed her punishment at 2 years in State Jail; however, the Court agreed to probate the sentence for 5 years. She must pay a $500.00 fine and court costs. She must complete a Substance Abuse Questionnaire to determine drug & alcohol treatment.

AUSTIN - Attorney General Greg Abbott unveiled his new Parenting and Paternity Awareness program (p.a.p.a.) by meeting June 12 with teenaged parents from San Angelo, who described the realities of teen pregnancy and the responsibilities of teen parenthood. p.a.p.a. is an educational program for middle and high school students that promotes responsible parenting, and teaches required skills for building strong, stable families. The 10-session curriculum includes video interviews with San Angelo teen parents who relate personal experiences about the challenges they face.

"By making p.a.p.a. available in classrooms, young people across Texas will learn about the legal, financial and emotional consequences of parenting," said Attorney General Abbott. "We all benefit when teenagers have the information they need to make informed decisions about their future."

The p.a.p.a. curriculum is designed for students in grades 6-12. p.a.p.a. can be used as a prevention and preparation tool for non-parenting students. The curriculum is also appropriate for students with children who will learn about the stages of child development and age-appropriate behaviors. Other topics include the legal and financial obligations of parenthood, such as the duty of parents without custody to pay child support, even if the pregnancy was unplanned or the parent is still attending school.

The p.a.p.a. curriculum’s 10 interactive sessions engage students in a variety of learning experiences centered around their ideas and expectations of parenthood. Materials include a teacher’s guidebook, student workbook, and instructive video that accompanies each session. p.a.p.a. is easily adaptable to Head Start and other community-based programs that serve young parents outside the school setting.

Contact the Attorney General’s Child Support Division at 512-460-6124 to obtain additional information about p.a.p.a., or to schedule training that is required to delivery the curriculum.

Federal, state and local authorities tracking dispersement of a shipment of Gambian rats imported from Africa in early April by a Texas pet distributor have accounted for most of the rats.

Some of the Gambian rats ended up with an Illinois pet dealer believed to have sold prairie dogs linked to a cluster of monkeypox illnesses in the Midwest.

Health officials suspect that one or more of the imported Gambian rats infected the prairie dogs sold by the Illinois dealer.

Texas Department of Health officials said that of the 50 Gambian rats imported in the early April shipment, 10 died en route to the Texas distributor or shortly after arrival, one died later at the distributor’s, five were shipped to a pet store within Texas, nine remain alive at the distributor’s, and from 18 to 25 of the rats were sent to an Iowa distributor with 18 of those sent from Iowa to the Illinois dealer.

Of the five sold to the pet store in Texas, one was sold to an individual. Authorities said the animal and the owner are fine. The other four died.

Officials said it is not unusual for deaths to occur in wild animals brought into captivity and that the deaths cannot be assumed to have been caused by monkeypox.

TDH officials are hopeful that testing of the live Gambian rats remaining at the distributor’s and of a dead Gambian rat from the pet store that had been kept frozen may offer additional clues in the ongoing multi-state investigation.

Texas officials also said that while the prairie dogs sold by the dealer in Illinois are believed to have come from a Texas distributor, it is not the same dealer who supplied the Gambian rats. They said it does not appear that the prairie dogs and Gambian rats were ever in the same facility in Texas. The prairie dogs were shipped directly to the Illinois dealer.

Authorities stressed that the investigation is continuing, including the tracking of other animals imported with the Gambian rats.

Earlier today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration issued a joint order prohibiting the import of rodents from Africa and banning the distribution, sale and transport of prairie dogs and six species of African rodents within the United States.

This month’s Creative Arts Center Artist of the Month, sponsored by Bonham State Bank, is Sal G.. Her pencil drawing titled "The Gate" can be seen in the bank’s lobby area. The drawing is about nostalgia. Anyone who has spent time on a farm or ranch recalls a gate such as the one depicted and they can usually remember applying the full body-eight to force it closed. The drawing elicits strong memories of good days.

Sal G., or Sallie Gregory has spent her entire life enthusiastically drawing and painting. While most of her working years were spent in various commercial art fields, she has continually pursued the fine arts while at home. And though, for most of her younger years she enjoyed oils above all other media, she eventually began to work exclusively in pencils. Many of the works in her current portfolio are the result of those years when representations of detailed realism were her goal. Also during those years she occasionally dabbled in acrylics and pen and ink. The result of her interest in these three media generated a few of her more unusual work, which were done in combinations of the three.

Presently Sallie has rediscovered oils and is devoting her time exclusively to applying them to canvas. And, a natural offshoot of working in this medium is her revived interest in portraiture.

Sallie has won numerous awards for her art. Among these, she is particularly proud to have been a three-time finalist in the L. Ron Hubbard Future Illustrators International competition.

For a little over a year, Sallie has lived in the pleasant little town of Honey Grove, Texas, where she is enjoying the friendly people and charming architecture.

Living on a Ranch north of Bonham, Texas, with her horses grazing close by is inspiration to Kay Carrel. Horse showing was an all-consuming activity in her life not so long ago. Painting horses with watercolors evolved more recently.

While spending some time in Tucson, Arizona, Kay joined with some friends to take lessons with Deanna Thibault, an artist from Tucson. That was the beginning of a new interest - watercolor painting. More lessons in the summer on location in the mountains in Creede, Colorado, with Stephen Quiller has reinforced the interest and the desire to paint.

The inspiration for "Next Generation" came from a painting outing near Patagonia, Arizona. Painting the beautiful trees in a canyon called for more than just trees - horses were added and the painting then evolved.

Kay Carrel’s painting is now on display at Bonham State Bank in Bonham, Texas as part of the "Artist of the Month" exhibit.

AUSTIN, Texas -- On June 19, people all over Texas celebrate the day enslaved Texans received their freedom. Emancipation from slavery came in 1863, but African Americans in Texas were not made aware of the proclamation of freedom until June 19, 1865, after the end of the Civil War.

This celebration of freedom is known around the state and nation as Juneteenth. In honor of this holiday, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) offers a free brochure outlining the contributions of African Americans in Texas. Plan a trip this Juneteenth using this colorful booklet as a guide. It showcases statewide cultural attractions and is an educational resource on the state’s African American legacies.

"Years of research and documentation for state historical markers and National Register of Historic Places nominations allowed the THC to create a guide that identifies the significance of African American participation in the state’s heritage," said Larry Oaks, THC executive director.

To obtain this free guide, call 512/463-5853, email thc@thc.state.tx.us, or write to the THC at P. O. Box 12276, Austin, TX 78711-2276.

The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas.

www.thc.state.tx.us

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Great Race 2003 announced June 12 that Chevrolet has returned as the official vehicle of the country’s oldest, longest running and richest vintage event for the current year. The automaker known for its Corvette brand is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the sports car and has been involved with The Great Race at various levels since 1993.

"We are thrilled to be back with the Great Race," said Nate Love, Chevrolet Marketing Manager, South Central Region. "The Great Race celebrates the automotive industry and Chevrolet is proud of its history in the industry. Our namesake and founder, Louis Chevrolet, was a designer and a racer, so it’s fitting that we play a role in this terrific event that celebrates cars and racing."

Sherman will be hosting a Pit Stop for the racers on Thursday, June 26 in Downtown and the public is invited to come enjoy the festivities surrounding this event. Support for The Great Race has been provided locally by Ramey Chevrolet-Cadillac. "Chevrolet has been a long time supporter of The Great Race and Ramey is proud to assist in continuing this 20-year tradition," said Darrel Ramey. Chevrolet models to be used by Great Race staff include Impalas, Tahoes, Trailblazers, Suburbans, and Silverado trucks. Corvette will pace the Great Racers into each of the lunch and overnight stop venues. Chevrolet’s dependability will certainly be in the forefront as Great Race scoring personnel, photographers, checkpoint crews and technical support will all drive Chevrolet’s spirited and functional cars, as well as its strong, rugged trucks.

The Great Race is a moving history of the automobile, and what a history it is. The automotive industry has a colorful past—and Chevrolet has been part of that history for more than 90 years. A part of the American landscape, Chevrolet is one of America’s most trusted and enduring brands.

The Great Race is family friendly and always free to spectators. With a huge patriotic tradition – a red, white and blue theme was adopted by The Great Race more than 20 years ago. The Great Race is America’s longest running and richest vintage event, boasting a purse of $250,000. Great Racers compete in distances of more than four thousand cross-county miles annually, navigating courses with vehicles of at least 45-years of age. The annual vintage rally is based on time-speed-distance and a lot of American ingenuity.

This year’s event begins on Saturday, June 21^st in Livonia, Michigan traveling through 15 states, including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, the Carolina’s, Georgia and Florida. The last leg of this fierce competition will run at the Pepsi 400 pre-race parade lap prior to the

NASCAR Winston Cup Series race on Saturday, July 5^th. Taking the Great Racers and Chevrolet across America and finishing at the "World Center of Racing" is a huge highlight for the 21^st running of The Great Race.

Joe Gibbs, NFL Hall of Fame coach and NASCAR Busch and Winston Cup Chevrolet team owner, commented on Chevy’s role in The Great Race, "Chevrolet and Interstate Batteries are strong supporters of The Great American Race. When you have two great companies like that behind you success is in your future. I am sure this is going to be another great year for this event."

Rally Partners Inc. is headquartered in San Marcos, Texas. For information on The Great Race 2003, call 800-989-7223 or go to www.greatrace.com.

Dr. Ellis earned her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She performed an internship at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington,

Kentucky and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado. In addition, she fulfilled residency requirements in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Ellis is also Board Certified in Internal Medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the Texas Medical Association and the

Grayson County Medical Society. Dr. Ellis joined the TMC staff of physicians in 1999.

TMC’s Reba McEntire Center for Rehabilitation is located at 1200 Reba McEntire Lane. For more information on the services provided at the Center, call (903) 416-1000.

Constantine #13 Masonic Lodge presented two Scholarships and a Teacher of the year award on Wednesday Night, June 4, 2003 at the Lodge Hall in Bonham, Texas.

Mr. Randy Carter, Past Master of the Lodge, presented the awards.

The scholarship awards went to Miss Amber Nicole White, a graduate student of Dodd City High School and Mr. Timothy Patton Copeland, a graduate of Bonham High School. The students also were presented the Marabeau B. Lamar Medal of Excellence.

Mrs. Gail Orndorff was selected by the Lodge as the Outstanding Teacher of the Year and was presented the Marabeau B. Lamar Medal of Excellence. Mrs. Orndorff taught in the Bonham School System and is retiring this year.