They are everywhere - in the air, on your clothes, walls, carpet - waiting for the right convergence of moisture and food. Where water from a leak in a roof, a seeping pipe or some other source meets sheetrock, wood, carpets or some other tasty morsel, they grow and spread. Then these lowly mold spores become a headache - or, for some, a more serious health threat.

"Mold is a fungus, and it has a useful function in nature because it breaks down organic material," said Claren Kotrla, chief of the bureau of environmental health at the Texas Department of Health (TDH). "Unfortunately, the destructive properties that make it so useful outdoors can become a health hazard when molds are active inside a home or building."

He said one of the reasons mold has become a problem recently is because

modern homes and buildings are designed to be energy efficient. "As a result of greater insulation in buildings, we no longer have the natural ventilation and air circulation that tend to keep mold growth in check," Kotrla said. However, good construction techniques that prevent water intrusion can reduce the potential for mold exposure.

Because mold spores and the building materials they feed on are ever present, the best way to prevent mold growth is to control moisture.

"A good maintenance program - inspecting for potential water leaks following a heavy rain, high winds or any construction that penetrates the roof - goes a long way to prevent mold problems," Kotrla said. TDH recommends that maintenance supervisors at schools, other public buildings and businesses include mold prevention strategies in a comprehensive maintenance plan.

Homeowners also should check periodically for possible water leaks. In addition, Kotrla offered some steps for controlling mold in and around the home:

* Clean bathrooms often with bleach and keep surfaces dry.

* Repair water leaks promptly and properly.

* Ensure that the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in

the kitchen and bathrooms.

* Do not carpet bathrooms, basements, kitchens or other areas prone to collect moisture.

Homeowners can deal with minor mold problems by wiping down the affected area with bleach and removing and replacing moldy materials. Kotrla advises those who need to remove larger amounts of mold to close off the affected area, turn off air conditioning, wear gloves and eye protection and then

wash their clothes promptly. If there is extensive damage due to flooding or an undiscovered leak, professional help may be required.

People with asthma, immunocompromised people, the very young and the elderly should avoid exposure to mold and should not be present when mold is removed from a building, Kotrla said.

Individual reactions to mold exposure vary widely from watery eyes to severe respiratory distress and often depend on such factors as amount and type of molds present, length and frequency of exposure and the health of the individuals at the time of exposure. Many people who are sensitive to mold have flu-like symptoms - headache, congestion, sneezing, coughing and throat irritation.

TDH’s indoor air quality program has additional guidelines for preventing mold in schools and other public buildings and information for consumers on preventing mold in the home, cleaning up or removing mold, possible health effects and a list of businesses that specialize in mold remediation. These materials are available online at <http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/beh/iaq/> or by calling (800) 293-0753.

On Friday May 16, the Texas Senate passed House Bill 4, the omnibus lawsuit reform bill. Making sure my constituents have access to quality, affordable health care is one of my highest legislative priorities. I am confident this legislation will have positive benefits for those that I represent, as well as all the people of Texas.

The bill will now be sent back to the House of Representatives. It is likely that a conference committee of House and Senate members will review the differences between the House and Senate versions, and will then present a final bill for approval by both chambers.

The following is an excerpt from a story on the tort reform legislation taken from the "Texas Senate News." The full article can be viewed at www.senate.state.tx.us.

Legislation aimed at ending what some Senators call lawsuit abuse received the approval of the Senate today. Mount Pleasant Senator Bill Ratliff said the Senate Committee Substitute to House Bill (CSHB) 4 strikes a fair balance by providing for adequate regress for those plaintiffs with truly egregious damages and placing caps on non-economic damage awards. Ratliff, chair of the committee that heard the bill, hopes that it will drive down or stabilize insurance rates.

The State Affairs Committee held eleven hearings and heard more than 61 hours of testimony on CSHB 4 before passing its version to the full Senate. The final bill addresses class action lawsuits, settlement offers, trial venues, products liability, seat belts, medical malpractice, volunteer immunity and liability, and liability relation to asbestos claims.
CSHB 4 would provide a liability limit on individual defendant awards at $250,000, $500,000 for each hospital or other health care institution, and an overall cap of $750,000 per claimant. In addition, the bill would make changes in the qualifications required of experts for reports and bring the access to patient records section in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
The tort reform bill would also provide for a 15-year limit to the time a lawsuit may be filed for product liability and relieve non-manufacturing sellers from responsibility from harm, unless they took specific actions.
Limits would be placed on liability for school employees, fire fighters, Texas Department of Transportation employees, and non-profit hospitals that provide certain levels of charity care under CSHB 4.
Additionally, the legislation would permit the fact that a person was not wearing a seat belt to be admissible in court.
The bill passed by a 28-3 vote of the Senate.

To contact Sen. Deuell about the legislative process, contact the Capitol Office at (512) 463-0102 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.

Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m. Administration Office on May 19, 2003 Presiding Officer: Charles Butler

Charles Butler, Charlotte Kearney, Randy Bowen (Nolan Ashmore took Randy Bowen’s place after Oath of Office), Mike Sisk, Clark Smith, and Linda Gist.

Member Absent: Doyce Taylor

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Charles Butler and a quorum was present.

Given by Justice of the Peace, Joe Dale.

· Nolan Ashmore

· Allen R. Sanderson

· President – Charles Butler

· Vice-President – Allen R. Sanderson

· March of Dimes Bonham ISD Chairman – Karen McCommas

· L. H. Rather Junior High School Scheduling – Karol Romans

· Procedures for Paying Stipends

· Average Daily Attendance Update 1840.62 April

Betty Renfrow

· Fannin County Head Start supplemental grant proposal

· Amended budget

· Five substitutes

· Tax credits, supplements and delinquent tax collection for April 2003

· Financial statements and bills payable April 2003

· Larry McFarlin as health teacher at BHS/defensive coordinator for football/assistant track and assistant powerlifting coach at BHS

· Reassignment of Bret Willis to BHS as teacher/coach

As the recent military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have illustrated, the Cold War concept guiding the overseas basing for the U.S. military is obsolete. Yet the number, structure, and scope of our overseas bases are still largely aligned for the threat of Soviet aggression.

The process of when, how and why we base troops abroad is in need of a thorough examination to assure that our basing structure is adequate for the new security environment. As Chairman of the Senate Military Construction Subcommittee, I have proposed legislation to assess every overseas installation.

During the Cold War, our primary military mission was to defend our nation and our allies from the symmetric Soviet threat of aggression, and "boots on the ground" in Europe and Asia allowed us to do just that. But even though the Cold War has been over for a decade, our nation still has 112,000 troops in Europe, 37,000 in Korea and 45,000 in Japan, largely in installations designed, devised, and intended for the threats of an earlier era. Training constraints are evident in many of these bases.

The threats we face today, however, are largely asymmetric, such as terrorists groups or rogue states gaining weapons of mass destruction. Events of the past decade, especially since 9/11, have taught us that we need not only to maintain a military presence abroad, but also to be in a position to support contingencies where we have no permanent bases, such as in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Africa, and throughout the Middle East.

In the final analysis we may need more troops based overseas, not fewer, but clearly the needs are different than they once were, and it is critical that the United States move beyond the Cold War basing concepts.

This is not simply a matter of security - although that is sufficient concern - but also of assuring that taxpayer dollars are well and wisely spent. The Defense Department has requested $174 million for Korea and $284 million for Germany for new military construction next year, a large bill for a model in transition.

In South Korea, our soldiers often serve on the same patches of ground U.S. troops occupied when the Korean War ended in 1953. In Grafenwoehr, Germany, our troops train on tank and artillery ranges used by the Bavarian Army more than a century ago. The Army has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into the complex in the past decade, even though the best training area consists of only 18,000 acres of land, a postage stamp compared to the 400,000 acres of maneuver area and ranges available at the National Training Center in California, or the more than one million acres at Fort Bliss’ McGregor Range on the Texas-New Mexico border.

Further complicating matters, the Defense Department is preparing for another round of domestic base closures in 2005. As we scrutinize stateside military installations, we must take a look at our worldwide structure as well.

The legislation I introduced with my colleague Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), which has already been approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee, will create a congressional commission to take an objective and thorough look at our overseas basing structure.

The commission will consider a host of criteria to determine whether our bases are prepared to meet our needs in the 21st Century. It will be comprised of national security and foreign affairs experts who will provide a comprehensive analysis of our worldwide base and force structure to the 2005 domestic Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission.

Such a review is timely. Some in the Pentagon have suggested the 2005 BRAC could result in the closure of nearly one out of every four domestic bases. But, if after a careful review, we reduce our overseas presence, we will need stateside bases to station returning troops. It is senseless to close bases on U.S. soil only to later realize that we made a costly, irrevocable mistake - a painful lesson we learned in the last round of closures.

Our national security strategy is shifting to take on the new threats facing our nation. The position of U.S. troops around the globe must reflect that thinking.

As bills complete the legislative process of being passed both in the House and the Senate, they go to the governor’s desk for final approval. The governor can choose to sign a bill, veto a bill or allow a bill to become law without his signature. Bills have already begun to reach the governor’s desk and he has signed more than sixty of them already.

One bill recently signed, HB 1370 by Rep. Vilma Luna, addresses the critical issue of water availability and potential sources of consumable water for the future. The bill requires the Texas Water Development Board to study the development of cost-effective seawater desalination and to pursue federal funding for desalination projects in Texas. Supporters of the bill note that the State Water Plan indicates that Texas’ total demand for water will increase by 18 percent over the next 50 years, while available supplies will fall by 19 percent. An efficient method of desalination of seawater would ensure a drought-proof and virtually endless water supply.

Another bill recently signed, SB 339 by Sen. Jane Nelson, will allow doctors and health care providers more flexibility in obtaining short-term liability coverage from the insurer of last resort. This will allow providers and facilities to remain covered while they look for less expensive or more appropriate liability insurance in the private market.

Finally, another bill, HB 1236, by Rep. Chuck Hopson, will require additional information about convicted criminals being sent from county jails to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Currently, inmates have a pen packet, which informs TDCJ about the inmate, including the nature of his offense, a victim’s impact statement, and several other relevant documents. HB 1236 will require counties to include in the pen packet any detainers or orders placed on an inmate by agencies of the federal government or warrants filed by other counties and states. A detainer is a request for notification prior to the release of an inmate, and is commonly filed by agencies such as the INS. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that any federal, state, or county agency that has filed against an inmate is notified of his or her release. By providing notification to the agency prior to the release date, the agency can then take the appropriate action at the time an inmate is paroled.

For any of you who were wondering, I was in Austin this past week.

I encourage you to contact me during these last few weeks of the legislative session. You can reach me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910.

This $1.8 million project will consist of lengthening culverts and widening the paved surface to 30 feet. The contractor started setting constructions signs on Thursday, May 15, 2003, with roadway work beginning on Monday, May 19, 2003. A.K. Gillis & Sons, Inc. has been granted 273 working days to completed this project.

The traveling public is requested to give special attention to all traffic control devices, flaggers, pilot cars, and to reduce speed accordingly. One lane closures may be in place occasionally during daytime operations only. Also, drivers should be aware that pavement and shoulder drop-offs may occur as a result of the contractor's operations.

Fannin County Attorney Myles Porter provides the following tips for merchants and individuals who accept checks. It is vital that you are thorough when accepting a check. If your establishment has set a policy for all customers, then no one should have any reason to feel they are being treated unfairly. It is a good idea to have a checklist where a cashier can see it easily. The checklist should include the following: IS THE CHECK DATED TODAY? Checks must be dated the same day they are given. Post-dated checks cannot be prosecuted.

IS THE SIGNATURE LEGIBLE? Do not accept checks previously signed. Have them signed in your presence and compare the signature on the check with the signature on the driver’s license or other picture I.D.

IS THE ADDRESS COMPLETE? Require a permanent street address, not a P.O. Box number unless you know the writer. Is the check address the same as the I.D. address?

DO WRITTEN AMOUNTS AND NUMBERS CORRESPOND? Watch for altered check amounts on computer produced checks.

DOES THE SIGNATURE MATCH THE NAME ON THE ACCOUNT? Banks will not honor checks with discrepancies. Print the name of the person signing the check on business account if the signature is not legible.

CAN YOU CONFIRM IDENTITY OF THE PERSON SIGNING THE CHECK? Every kind of I.D. can be forged. The most reliable are the ones with physical descriptions, photos, etc. Comparing the photograph on the I.D. with the check writer will alert the merchant to stolen and/or forged checks. Do not rely on preprinted I.D. numbers. Presentation of a forged driver’s license and/or forged check is a felony. All forgeries will be returned to the merchant and should be reported to the Police or Sheriff’s department.

HAVE YOU RECORDED THE I.D. NUMBERS? Record on the check the type of I.D., I.D. number, date of birth, and the clerk’s initials who takes the check. The preferred I.D. is a driver’s license/state I.D. record both the number and issuing state. If the check writer does not have a driver’s license or State I.D., get his/her date of birth, sex and race.

BE CAREFUL OF LOW-NUMBERED PERSONAL CHECKS. Beware of temporary checks without a printed name and address. Check the finish on the black magnetic computer numbers on the bottom. Magnetic ink is very dull-never shiny and the number should be solid black. Look for at least one perforated edge. All checks except government or computer-produced will be perforated.

If you would like to receive a Hot Check Merchant Packet, which includes a card containing a checklist for accepting checks, please call 903-583-7448 or come by the Fannin County Attorney’s Office on the third floor of the courthouse.

David Keene, Soil and Conservation District official, left, with Telephone Volunteer Fire Department President Cleayton Mills, Jr. and Carroll Jones, Vice-President of the Northeast Texas Resource and Conservation (NTRC)District Area, from Paris. Jones is shown presenting TVFD a check for $1500 on behalf of the NTRC.

It’s graduation time again, and once more "Project Graduation" is being held by the Bonham High School Senior Parents and the community in an effort to provide a safe and enjoyable party where BHS seniors can celebrate after their graduation on May 30. The party will be held beginning at midnight at the Clarence White Memorial Family Life Center on East Eighth Street in Bonham. This is the tenth year that the Life Center has opened its doors to this worthwhile event. Door prizes will be given and a breakfast will be served to those who attend the entire time.

In order to make this celebration a success, help in the form of donations from the community is being sought. Already, several church Sunday School classes, businesses, and individuals have donated money and door prizes, but more help is needed. Anyone who would like to help provide door prizes (gifts or money) or money or food items for the breakfast, please call (903) 583-8680 or 583-7123. Donations can also be taken to Quick Lube Center. Also, BHS senior parents who would like to chaperone and/or cook breakfast, please call also. Encouraging your child to attend would also be appreciated.

Bailey Volunteer Fire Department recently obtained $6,086 in cost-sharing aid toward the purchase of 15 sets of structure personal protective equipment and also $1,575 toward the purchase of 15 sets of wildland personal protective equipment.

The funding aid came from the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, a $15 million annual state cost-sharing program (also known as the HB 2604 program) that is funded by contributions from the Texas insurance industry, and the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program, a federally funded fire protection program. Cost-sharing aid toward the purchase of trucks and slip-on pump units also is available through both programs, which are administered by the Texas Forest Service, the state forest resource and rural firefighting agency.

Fire organizations also may be able to obtain free trucks and other firefighting apparatus such as pumps, tanks and portable generators through the Texas Forest Service via the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) program. Under the FEPP program, equipment acquired through the military is transferred to qualifying fire departments at no cost.

Volunteer fire departments also can obtain several other kinds of aid from the state rural firefighting and forest resource agency. Through the Fire Safe program, departments can obtain firefighter clothing, hand tools and water handling accessories at discount prices. A self insurance, vehicle liability insurance pool administered by the Texas Forest Service offers liability coverage for $200 per vehicle per year, ambulances excluded. Passage of legislation minimizing liability to industrial companies that donate used firefighting equipment through the Helping Hands program for volunteer fire department use has made additional free equipment available. Regional fire coordinators located throughout the state train volunteer firefighters in wildland firefighting techniques and assist fire departments with obtaining equipment and cost­sharing aid.

Detailed information on volunteer fire department aid programs is available from the Texas Forest Service regional coordinators and from the agency’s rural fire defense section at P. O. Box 310, Lufkin, TX 75902-0310, phone 936-639-8130. Information on the HB 2604 program is also available from the program coordination office in College Station at 979-458-6505.

(Austin) - The Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) May 22, 2003 acknowledged the important contributions Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals make to local healthcare delivery systems throughout the state, particularly in rural and frontier communities. Recognition by the agency, which holds the federal designation as the State Office of Rural Health, comes as healthcare professionals celebrate Texas EMS Week, May 18-24, and Trauma Awareness Month throughout the month of May.

"Emergency medical service is a vital public service in Texas, particularly in rural and frontier areas of the state. Emergency response teams across the state provide critical lifesaving prehospital care to sick and injured Texans," explained Al Lewis, AAS, LP, Program Specialist for ORCA’s Rural Health Unit. "It’s hard work. Most emergency medical providers in rural and frontier Texas are volunteers. The work is not easy and often requires most responders work at least one full time job to get by."

According to the Texas Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency management, trauma is a major cause of death and disability every year in Texas. Volunteer and paid emergency medical services teams, in concert with a developed network of trauma care facilities across Texas, provide lifesaving care in Texas 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Prehospital emergency medical personnel play an important role in the delivery of emergency healthcare services in rural areas," noted Mike Easley, director of ORCA’s Rural Health Unit. "Rural Texans are fortunate to have these highly qualified professionals providing quality, immediate care in their communities, and we join rural communities across the state in thanking our emergency services providers for their dedication to serving rural Texans."

ORCA recognizes EMS Week as an opportunity to rededicate itself to helping rural EMS providers address their needs and concerns. "ORCA recognizes the difficulties rural providers face everyday, such as tight resources, challenges to accessing training opportunities, and aging equipment," said Robt. J. "Sam" Tessen, MS, ORCA’s Executive Director. "Rural Texans benefit daily from the knowledge and skills of these highly trained individuals. We commend and congratulate Texas EMS personnel for outstanding, dedicated prehospital emergency medical care to rural Texans across the state. ORCA will continue to support rural EMS providers to the best of our ability."

According to the Texas Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Management, there are approximately 11,000 EMS personnel, including Emergency Care Attendants (ECA), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), EMT-Intermediates, and Certified and Licensed Paramedics practicing in rural areas throughout the state. Every day, these professionals stand ready to save the lives of Texans living in the 213,297 square miles of our state’s rural landscape.

ORCA’s door is always open for your comments and suggestions regarding the agency, and any rural issues of concern. Contact ORCA at P.O. Box 12877,

Austin, Texas 78711. Phone: 512-936-6701 Toll free: 800-544-2042 Fax:512-936-6776

Email: orca@orca.state.tx.us On the web: www.orca.state.tx.us

ORCA was created by the 77th Legislature to facilitate and focus the State’s health, economic development, and community development programs targeting rural communities in Texas. ORCA’s programs and services support health care delivery in rural Texas, and address rural community planning activities, and housing and public facility needs such as sewer, water system, road, drainage improvements, and disaster relief funds. ORCA also administers programs designed to improve the leadership capacity of rural community leaders. ORCA is the door to Texas government for rural citizens.

AUSTIN - An investigator and an attorney with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Internet Bureau received awards in Washington, D.C., May 21, 2003 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The two were honored for their critical work bringing two Navarro County offenders to justice in a child exploitation case from 2001.

Investigator David Torsiello and Maya Guerra-Gamble, an assistant attorney general, received the awards from U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who preceded Abbott as Texas Attorney General.

Attorney General Abbott lauded the work of the two honorees and the bureau. "The work of these Internet crimefighters is just one example of many in which sexual predators have been jailed for crimes against children. The Internet Bureau has a proven track record as an exemplary tool for law enforcement in combating offenses against children, and I am proud it is part of this agency’s mission."

The awards to Torsiello and Guerra-Gamble were part of the Eighth Annual National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Awards ceremony honoring law enforcement officers who have played a role in investigations involving the exploitation of children.

Torsiello came to the Internet Bureau after serving as a vice investigator with the Fort Worth Police Department. Guerra-Gamble was formerly with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The two spent months electronically tracking the source of child pornography being posted to a Yahoo site. The investigation eventually led to two suspects, Raymond M. Ames and Timothy A. Clanton, who lived in a Corsicana residence.

In July 2002, a search warrant was executed and officers found two boys, ages 7 and 10, and an adult with cerebral palsy living with the men. Ames and Clanton claimed to be babysitting the younger boys. A more extensive search turned up video and computer evidence depicting the two young boys engaged in forced sexual conduct with the grown men.

A grand jury in Navarro County indicted the men on 65 counts ranging from aggravated sexual assault of a child to promotion and possession of child pornography. Ames’ case is set for jury trial on August 18, 2003. Clanton is still awaiting trial.

Being a savvy shopper in a grocery store takes some practice. With rows and rows of food selections, how can you be sure that you’re making the healthiest decisions for you and your family? Registered dietician, Kelly Loughlin is hosting "Become a Savvy Shopper" as part of the TMC Diabetes

Life Center Forum series. This event will be held at the Denison Wal-Mart location on Tuesday, May 27th at 6:00 pm. Loughlin will give you tips on how to successfully navigate through a grocery store while choosing foods that help you meet your health conscious goals. Update your diet with foods you may not have chosen in the past while learning about new products to make your cooking healthier.

The TMC Diabetes Community Forum is designed to help deal with diabetes-related issues and to give support to diabetics from others dealing with the same concerns. The Forum is a free presentation of the TMC Diabetes LifeCenter and meetings are open to the public. Space for this event is limited and reservations are required.

For more information, call the TMC Diabetes LifeCenter at (903) 416-4112.

May 21, 2003-This is why DPS destroyed the records: We are prohibited under the Code of Federal Regulations (28 CFR part 23) from keeping intelligence information that is not related to criminal conduct or activity. We can maintain intelligence information only if there is a reasonable suspicion that the individual is involved in criminal activity and the information is relevant to that criminal activity. Any kind of intelligence information that we can maintain or disseminate must not be used in violation of the privacy and constitutional rights of individuals. This was not a criminal matter, so we could not legally maintain that information. Any violation of these regulations is subject to a fine not to exceed $10,000.

AUSTIN -- On Tuesday, May 21, legislation aimed at giving health officials quarantine authority in the event of a bio-terrorist attack was signed in the Texas House of Representative and Texas Senate.

House Bill 627 was authored by State Rep. Elvira Reyna (R-Mesquite) and sponsored in the Texas Senate by Sen. Bob Deuell (R-Greenville).

Rep. Reyna said recent world events make this kind of legislation necessary.

"Since 9/11, the world forces us to consider possibilities that have never before occurred to us," Reyna said. "One of those considerations, is the use of deadly chemicals that might be used by terrorists. Texas must be prepared should an attack of this nature take place. We are forced to think about the unthinkable."

Sen. Deuell, a practicing family physician, said Texas needs to be prepared for the type of attack this bill addresses.

"The Commissioner of Health and other health authorities currently have the ability to quarantine an area in the event of an outbreak of communicable disease," Deuell said. "Recent developments with terrorist threats highlighted the fact that we do not currently have that authority in the event of a bio-terrorist attack."

"Hopefully we will never need this authority," Deuell said. "But it is important that Texas be prepared."

Reyna, who chairs the House Local and Consent Calendars Committee, says Texas needs a system that will allow for a quick and effective response.

"We must reduce the vulnerability of the state and arm health officials with the needed authority to act promptly should a bio-terrorist attack occur," Reyna said. "We need a system in place at the local, county and state level that ensures a quick and effective response to a bioterrorist attack. This law does exactly that, it reinforces our preparedness."

The legislation will now be sent to the Governor’s office for his consideration and signature.

Statement From Attorney General Greg Abbott on Court’s Approval of State’s Settlement with Farmers Insurance

AUSTIN - "We are pleased the court has given its approval for this settlement to proceed. During the past six months, there have been attempts to characterize the agreement as being unfair to policyholders and tainted by influence. But the court has recognized this settlement as one made in the best interest of consumers and free of collusion. The agreement holds Farmers Insurance accountable for what the State saw as deceptive and unjust practices. Consumers can take comfort in knowing that the court has carefully scrutinized this landmark settlement and found that it is truly in their best interest.

"I want to thank the agency’s attorneys who helped negotiate and defend this settlement."

The Bonham Kiwanis Club were proud to have Colleen Biggerstaff, candidate for Governor Elect for the Texas/Oklahoma District, speak at their meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2003. Colleen expressed her ideas for the upcoming years on an international and local level. The Bonham Kiwanis meet every Tuesday, 12 noon at the First Christian Church. Please join us.

• Fannin County Appraisal District mailed Notices of Value to all property owners in Fannin County PLEASE CHECK FOR CORRECTNESS:

• Owner name

• Owner address

• Legal description

• Exemptions

• Agriculture valuation

• Market VALUE

• Assessed VALUE

• "Taxpayers Rights and Remedies" were mailed with your value notice. Please read for valuable information.

• A PROTEST FORM is printed on the back of each value notice. Please use this form if you wish to file a protest. (keep a copy for your records)

• If you did not receive your value notice, please contact the Appraisal District to get your value information for 2003

• Mailing address changes must be requested in writing and signed by the property owner

• If you have recently purchased property and did not receive a value notice, please contact the Appraisal District to obtain value information.

• If you have questions concerning your value, please contact the Appraisal District

• VERY IMPORTANT DEADLINE DATE-Your written protest must be filed before June 20, 2003 to ensure your right to protest.

The Fannin County Appraisal District employees are dedicated to serving the taxpayers and taxing entities in accordance with the Texas State Property Tax Code.

Closed For Memorial Day

Spaghetti/Meat Sauce, Green Beans, Tossed Salad/Dressing, Garlic Bread, Bread Pudding, Milk

Fish, Tater Tots, Carrot Raisin Salad, Bread, Pineapple/Lime Jello, Orange Juice, Milk

Thursday, May 29

Beef, Macaroni, Tomato Casserole, Pea Salad, Bread, Plum Cobbler, Milk

Turkey/Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Bread, Peaches & Pears, Milk

Doris Wilkinson was given top honors at the volunteer banquet hosted by the Fannin County Children’s Center when she was named Volunteer of the Year. Wilkinson contributes her time as a CASA Volunteer and advocates for abused children involved in the court system.

Wilkinson, who lives in Whitewright, is retired from the school system. Her experience in working with children, especially in special education, has been particularly helpful in her service to three children, each of whom has many special medical needs.

Joyce McGehee, CASA Program Director, praised Wilkinson’s efforts to visit her children regularly, find additional resources for them as well as attend court hearings and other meetings on behalf of her children. McGehee and other staff members Michelle Griffith and Bethany Ball also recognized each of the other volunteers who provided direct client services in 2002.

Active volunteers in 2002 with CASA and/or the Children’s Advocacy Center include DuAnne Bragg, Carla Davis, Greg Davis, Mel Dunham, Nancy Gallemore, Wayne Hall, Mickey Hill, Lisa Horton, Cheri Keene, Carl McGehee, Debra Pender, Carol Pillars, Jana Powell, Bill Price, Debbie Price, Marta Schreiber, Debbie Ulmer, Debbie Wells, Doris Wilkinson, Jo Willess and Stephanie Wood. New Volunteers in 2003 are Carmen Caldwell, Charlene Dalton, Gib Field and Michael Keene.

Executive Director Sandy Barber praised the leadership efforts of the Board and their sharing of knowledge, connections and financial support for the benefit of the abused and neglected children of Fannin County. Board members recognized for service in 2002 include Cindy Bankston, Mike Bankston, Ray Campbell, Alexis Clark, David Henderson, Carl McEachern, Susy Meehan, Bob Morin, Larry Moss, Mary Jane Neal and Myles Porter. Tom Barnes was recognized posthumously. New members Mary Karl and Dr. Lee Schreiber were also welcomed to service on the board.

In celebration and recognition of CASA’s tenth anniversary, tables were decorated with party hats and noisemakers while guests enjoyed a special birthday cake and got to take home goodie bags filled with candy and fun treats. The evening ended with a special slide show of pictures from the past year.

For more information about the Children’s Center, call (903) 583-4339.

Students assisting Mrs. Finnell are Tarron Dillon, Kaleb Ybarra, and Justin Berube.

A large crowd gathered Friday, May 16, 2003, to celebrate their 100 Year Anniversary Celebration.

Reeves Printing Company and the Reeves family have been in business in Bonham for 100 years. Roger Reeves’, grandfather, Mr. W. C. Reeves, began the business in 1903 and Roger’s dad, Bion Reeves, opened the business until Roger took over full time in 1972, after attending the University of Texas at Arlington.

Three generations of reeves have been doing quality printing for Bonham, Fannin County and Northeast Texas for the past 100 years. Reeves Printing Company still remains a family owned and operated business today.

100 years in business is the proudest moment a company can have and we want to say thank you and share that moment with you.

By Tina Jones

On Monday, May 19, 2003, the Bonham City Commissioners and BEDCO met to discuss options regarding the Exposition Center. The purpose of the meeting was for the City Commission to hear from the BEDCO members about their opinion on the center.

Mayor Carl McEachern told BEDCO that there are three options: build the Expo Center in the Heritage District, invest the money to build at the Fannin County Multi-purpose Complex, or not build it at all.

Tom Turner, John Burnett and Troy Sellers, members of the Multi-purpose Complex planning committee told the group that there is 176 acres of land that is in the city limits, $126,000 in funds and the possibility of a million dollar grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife.

The Multi-purpose Complex is located east of VPG on Hwy 56, and south of the prisons. At this time, work is being done to put roads in. Turner said the county fair will probably be the first thing held at this location, and added that if the Trades Days continues to grow and more space becomes an issue, then this will be available. Some things the committee of the Complex would like to see in the future would be a civic center, rodeo arena, senior citizens center & meeting rooms, agriculture offices, biking and hiking trails, swimming pool, RV park, picnic and recreational area.

This would be a great location to support these activities.

BEDCO members Judy Teller and Emily Porter, feel that right now, the issues at hand in the Heritage District needs to be completed, along with the visitor’s center, before any more discussions about the Expo center. Both agreed that their first obligation was to do what the public asked.

Emily said "I’m all for the Multi-purpose Complex, but we just need to finish what we have started.

BEDCO still has a lot of decisions to make regarding the railroad property, cotton mill area, visitor’s center and whatever else in and around the square.

It appears there will be many more discussions regarding the Expo Center, but the Fannin County Multi-purpose Complex will be a great asset to our community.

By Tina Jones

Monday, May 19, 2003 the Bonham City Commission approved a zone change from "single family residential" to mobile home" at the request of Jack and Elizabeth Kreitel. The Kreitels, who have 6 acres at 1101-1103 S. 4^th, had made an application to place a new manufactured home valued at approximately $100,000 on this property.

The Commission approved 5-0-1, with Commissioner Roy Floyd abstaining because of property he owns in the area.

Several people at the meeting were there to support the Kreitel’s, and several who opposed this zone change.

Those speaking who are opposed to the manufactured home are afraid that the rezoning could open the way for more mobile homes being moved in or even a mobile home park. "There is a clause in the ordinance that limits only one mobile home and that restriction will be recorded with the deed," stated City Manager Blaine Hinds and members of the Commission.

Pete Phillips, the City Planner, told the Commissioners that he had concerns about this zone change. "I would rather not see the zone change go on the books. You can only get so much information on the map about this property being zoned for mobile homes. In the future, when I’m gone and Kincaid is gone, who will know the restrictions contained in this ordinance. I don’t think anyone will know to check the deed records."

This public hearing was continued from the May 12, 2003 meeting due to the lack of enough members to consider and take action on this ordinance for zone change.

Fannin County Retired Teachers held its annual spring banquet Tuesday, May 6, 2003 at the Northside Church of Christ Annex in Bonham, Texas. FCRT promotes the professional, economic, intellectual, social, and physical well-being of its members’ encourages volunteer opportunities in the community; and provides advocacy for improved retirement benefits for all public school and higher education retirees.

Tom Thornton, President, welcomed guests. Joyce Denton presented new retirees Gayle Orndorff, Betty Crutcher, Tommie McDowell, and Dean Miller.

Barbara Gore gave an inspiring history of the song "God Bless America" and lead the audience in singing the song.

Lela Foreman lead the installation service. Jo Jones was installed as president and Audery Rayford first vice president. Other 2003-2004 officers include Mary Jim Clements, second vice president; Mary Campbell, secretary; Shirley Manhart, treasurer, Zealous Trout, parliamentarian; Judy Hasten, historian; and Barbara Gore, chaplin.

Chris Weaver, third grade teacher from Honey Grove performed a joyful musical medley. She was introduced by Jimmy Doyle.

Host and hostesses were Mary Campbell, Dr. Joe & Billie Campbell, Denton & Joe Jones, Glenna Langford and Bob & Mary Williams. The meal was catered by Doug Barr.