Young Pitchers Can Strike Out Early From ‘Little League Elbow’

HOUSTON – (June 29, 2004) -- Little leaguers who pitch too many innings when they are young may not be able to throw as many pitches later because of a serious injury called ‘little league elbow.’

"Young ball players who throw too much and try complicated pitches as early as age 10 can shorten their career by damaging the growth plate on the inside of the elbow," says Dr. David Lintner, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston. "Excessive pull to the area too many times can cause the growth plate in the elbow to separate and in extreme cases young players require surgery."

Little league elbow can be identified early by asking ball players about pain in their pitching arms, or more specifically about pain in the little bump on the inside of the elbow. If the pain is not ignored, the rest period is shorter and treatment does not require surgery to repair the damaged growth plate.

"The amount of throwing varies from player to player, but one thing that seems to be most helpful in preventing little league elbow is overseeing the kinds of pitches young kids throw, such as sidearm or breaking pitches, and the curveball," says Lintner, also chief of sports medicine at BCM and an orthopedic surgeon at The Methodist Hospital. "All of these pitches are hazardous to the elbow and can lead to separation of the growth plate."

Pitchers under the age of 15 should not be throwing any of these pitches because they have less control of their arms, says Lintner. Ultimately, the rash of ligament injuries in teenage pitchers is related to overwork in younger years.

"A proper warm up is necessary, which includes jogging as well as light throwing before throwing full speed to loosen up the entire body and increase the blood flow all over their body to prevent injury, but parents and coaches still need to count the number of pitches thrown," says Lintner. "Kids shouldn’t go from standing still to throwing the ball with full force."

If the player’s elbow begins to hurt, the player should stop throwing, ice it down and see by a sports medicine specialist for x-rays for any damage that may have already occurred. If the growth plate has not separated and surgery is not necessary, ice and rest will help the elbow to heal, Lintner says.

Sunscreen: The Ultimate Anti-aging Cream

Houston – (July 2, 2004) – Why buy expensive wrinkle creams when the most effective anti-aging product is a simple bottle of sunscreen?

"Most people legitimately are concerned about skin cancer, but sun exposure often leads to aging of the skin," said Dr. John Wolf, chairman and professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "I recommend using a daily application of a sunscreen with an SPF, or sun protection factor of at least 15 to help counteract premature aging."

Although individuals typically use sunscreen to prevent painful sunburns, Wolf said damaged skin becomes thicker and darker. So essentially, tanned skin is damaged skin.

Wolf also advises parents to make sure their children are protected because seventy percent of sun damage happens before age seventeen. Former sun worshipers should also use sunscreen to protect their skin from further damage.

Tips for younger looking skin this summer include:

* Use sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

* Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

* Reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially when sweating.

"Many people assume that a tan will protect them in the sun and make them healthier," said Wolf. "However, there is no such thing as a ‘safe tan.’ Any amount of sunlight exposure is damaging."

A Sovereign Iraq

Kay Bailey Hutchinson

From the moment the first bomb dropped in Baghdad last March marking the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom, our nation’s dialogue has centered on seeing the mission through to a successful end. Since declaring a date for the official transfer of power, American and Iraqi diplomatic and military leaders have been preparing the nation for the June 30^th handover.

However, on June 28, we awoke to the news that sovereignty had traded hands during the night – two days ahead of schedule and under a cloak of secrecy. The early transfer was an inspired step and a testament to how far the budding government has come under the newly minted leadership of President Ghazi Al-Yawer and Prime Minister Ayad Allawi.

Officials cited security concerns and the threat of attacks by insurgents as the principal reason for the change and, in addition, the new Iraqi government said they were ready to take the reins of their nation’s future. Iraqis had already been in control of all ministries, from defense to electricity, and this official transfer was the final symbolic act, dissolving the Coalition Provisional Authority and solidifying Iraqi control. The swiftness and ease with which the handover took place was an early, hopeful sign that the interim government was prepared to run the country.

The U.S. goal in Iraq was never one of occupation. The goal was the removal of Saddam Hussein and the threat he posed to the U.S. and the entire free world. Within hours of the departure of Iraq’s acting administrator, Paul Bremer, the new U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, John Negroponte, landed in Baghdad and took his seat as our nation’s envoy to the fledgling Republic.

In a Washington Post column that ran hours before the handover, Prime Minister Ayad Allawi clearly captured the vision for the nation’s future when he wrote, ‘‘We want a free, democratic Iraq that will be a source of peace and stability for the region and the whole world." Yet within that same breath of optimism, he also recognized the enormity of the task that lies ahead. "The challenges are great, and the stakes are high, both for Iraq and the world. We must not underestimate the magnitude of the task that lies ahead. Despite the hardships, we Iraqis are determined to work together and assume responsibility for our country. ... With these efforts, God willing, Iraq will take its rightful place among the free and prosperous nations of the world."

To move forward with these goals the interim government has outlined the following goals:

1. Establish security

2. Address the dire economic situation

3. Develop a strong and independent judicial system

4. Accelerate the nation’s political process and march toward democracy

These four goals will not be met overnight and they won’t occur without international support. U.S. troops will remain in Iraq in an effort to achieve the first goal and assure the remaining can take root. It is our hope that other nations who have stood on the sidelines will see the progress in Iraq and step up to the plate. We did receive welcome news that the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) has agreed to help train Iraq’s security forces, but it is also time for NATO to send troops to support the critical mission of stopping the terrorists.

It is clear that we have more work to do, most notably to stamp out the treacherous attacks against innocent Iraqis and U.S. soldiers. But, with this important transfer of power, we are closer to establishing a fully democratic Iraq and sending an unequivocal message to the terrorists that their tactics will fail and their time is up.

Safety Measures "Paying Off" For TxDOT Paris District

PARIS, TX The Paris District of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been named TxDOT’s 5^th best district in the state for its 2003-2004 safety record - earning a $75000 bonus. TxDOT created the safety bonus program in 1997 to bring emphasis and importance to reducing liability vehicle collision occurrences. In 2002 TxDOT became self-insured in managing third-party vehicle liability claims but must still budget a reserve fund to pay claims. TxDOT announced the following award winners:

First Place: San Angelo District $400,000

Second Place: Brownwood District $200,000

Third Place: Tyler District $150,000

Fourth Place: Odessa District $125,000

Fifth Place: Paris District $75,000

Sixth Place: Austin District $50,000

Last year, the Paris District was awarded 6^th place - $50,000. The bonus money is in addition to the district’s regular operating budget and can be used to procure additional equipment, vehicles, etc. Paris District Engineer Bobby Littlefield, Jr., P.E. commended all district employees stating, "All employees share the credit for this distinction. It is due to the employees’ hard work and attention to safety that gave us the edge to receive this bonus the past two years. Every employee should take pride in this honor."

Combating Meth Labs

Often, I am asked where legislators get ideas for legislation. I believe that the best ideas come from local citizens in my district, rather than from Austin. One such idea for the upcoming legislative session is a way to combat the epidemic of methamphetamine production. Several local law enforcement officers and prosecutors have talked to me and other legislators about this issue.

Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is an addictive stimulant drug with a high potential for abuse and dependence. The relative simplicity with which meth is manufactured, or cooked, has led to the spread of local makeshift labs in recent years. Because of a pungent odor emitted by these labs, rural areas have become increasingly popular locations. These labs are often found in houses, hotel rooms and wooded areas.

Not only is meth dangerous to the person who uses the drug, but the production of the drug is also extremely dangerous. For every pound of meth that is manufactured, six pounds of toxic waste are produced. The cooking process emits highly toxic fumes that are harmful to people in the vicinity. Frequently, children are found living in homes used as meth labs. Additionally, the mixture of chemicals is highly volatile and poses a risk to neighbors as well. Because the chemicals can permeate the walls, ceiling and carpet of a house used as a lab, they may remain a health threat long after the lab is closed. The cost to properly clean a meth lab can be as high as $1 million.

Last week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, partnering with an array of law enforcement agencies, kicked off a new initiative to curb the proliferation of methamphetamine labs. The initiative, called Meth Busters, is aimed specifically at curtailing the manufacture and use of the drug, as well as the swift prosecution of persons who manufacture the dangerous drug. I applaud the U.S. Attorney’s Office and all local law enforcement agencies for their hard work on this very serious matter.

The key ingredient of methamphetamine is ephedrine, a controlled substance. Because it is difficult to obtain ephedrine, meth cooks use pseudoephedrine, which is found in many over-the-counter medicines. Although there are current legal limits for how much pseudoephedrine a person may possess, many say that Texas should make it more difficult for meth cooks to obtain pseudoephedrine.

In April, the Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill which restricts the sale of tablet-form pseudoephedrine. The restrictions include, among others, requiring a purchaser of pseudoephedrine to present photo identification and limiting the amount of pseudoephedrine that may be purchased.

Since the passage of this legislation there has been a noticeable decrease in meth labs in Oklahoma. However, meth cooks are still able to go to neighboring states to purchase pseudoephedrine. This obviously impacts border counties such as Fannin and Grayson Counties. The Texas Legislature will debate legislation similar to Oklahoma’s, along with other measures to protect our citizens against meth production, during the upcoming legislative session beginning in January.

Is Your Community Heart-Safe? How Defibrillation Can Help Make Every Minute Count

Only five percent of all heart attack victims survive.

This year, over 17,000 Texans will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. The most common cause of cardiac arrest is an abnormal heart rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation, which prevents the heart from pumping blood. Although CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and heart, the victim’s heart will ultimately need to be defibrillated to survive.

An Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, is an emergency device that works by delivering an electric shock to a heart that’s not working properly to help reestablish normal contraction rhythms. Every minute that passes before returning the victim’s heart to a normal rhythm causes the chance of survival to drop by 10 percent. The good news? Hospitals and emergency rooms are equipped with AEDs. The bad news is that the vast majority of heart attacks occur outside of the hospital setting – close to 80 percent.

That’s why the American Heart Association considers the widespread deployment of AEDs in public places one of its most critical life-saving initiatives. The American Heart Association advocates for AED placements in emergency first responder vehicles, public buildings and workplaces, airports and airplanes, shopping malls, health clubs and stadiums, and even schools. By placing AEDs in settings where there are large numbers of people, survival rates for cardiac arrest victims can increase significantly.

AEDs are safe to operate by trained volunteers. A defibrillator is roughly the size of a laptop computer and usually weighs around four pounds. It also provides voice instructions to the user and will not deliver an electric shock unless it is needed. Studies have demonstrated that even elementary school kids can effectively use an AED.

But an AED can’t save anyone’s life if it’s not in the right place at the right time.

• Last September, a 10-year-old boy collapsed at Pflugerville Middle School from sudden cardiac arrest due to a heart condition called cardiomyopathy. Emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene with an AED from their vehicle, which saved the boy’s life.

• Two years ago, a 30-year-old man in Beaumont collapsed one morning from cardiac arrest. He had never had any serious health problems. His co-workers performed CPR and emergency personnel administered a shock to his heart with an on-site AED. Today, he’s alive and healthy.

• In October 1998, at the Killeen Heart Walk, a 50-year-old heart attack survivor was saved from another heart attack by an AED placed with the local fire department.

The average response time for paramedics or emergency medical technicians to arrive on the scene is 6 to 10 minutes, and even longer in rural parts of Texas. Unfortunately, most victims of cardiac arrest can’t afford to wait that long.

According to a national study on out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, the availability of an AED in public locations can double a victim’s chance of survival. The American Heart Association estimates that increased access to AEDs could save 50,000 lives each year.

Visit our website at www.americanheart.org to learn more about sudden cardiac arrest, CPR and AEDs.

Have a Heart. Volunteer.

"Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, but they have the heart." –Anonymous

The American Heart Association is the largest community-based voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. The strength and success of our mission – to reduce disability and death from heart disease and stroke – depends largely on the dedication and commitment of our volunteers.

Volunteers are the backbone of the American Heart Association; without people just like you, we wouldn’t have the life-saving research, education programs and community events that benefit countless Americans today.

If you’re like most people, your time is precious and demands on your time are many, both at work and at home. So why have thousands of Americans chosen to contribute their valuable time to the American Heart Association?

Most of us, if not all have us, have been impacted by heart disease and stroke, making it a mission that becomes intensely personal. Heart disease is still the number one killer of men and women, claiming an estimated 950,000 lives each year. Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability and the third leading killer of men and women.

Whether you’re a survivor, or a family member of a survivor, a medical professional, or just someone who wants to give back to the community, there are a number of different volunteer opportunities at the American Heart Association-Texas Affiliate. Our work at the community level lays the foundation for everything we do.

Our fundraising efforts are key to exploring new research opportunities that could lead to medical breakthroughs. In fact, over the last 10 years, the American Heart Association has funded more than $1 billion in cardiovascular research – a commitment second only to that of the federal government. AHA-funded research has led to such milestones as CPR science, open-heart surgery, pacemakers, heart stents, life-extending drugs and new surgical techniques to repair heart defects.

The American Heart Walk is our signature fundraising event. The Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun, family environment, making it easy for everyone to get involved, just by walking. In addition, local offices hold galas, auctions and other activities to raise money for research, which are typically staffed by volunteers.

Here in Texas, the American Heart Association is working hard to strengthen the statewide emergency care infrastructure through CPR training and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Volunteers teach our CPR and AED training courses to the general public, who in turn can transform themselves from bystanders to life-savers.

A number of community programs sponsored by the American Heart Association also depend on volunteer efforts to ensure their continued success. Our public education programs and campaigns are developed to increase awareness of heart disease and stroke, and how to prevent and treat these diseases.

Another way you can volunteer with the American Heart Association is through our advocacy grassroots network. More than 3,500 volunteers across Texas actively participate in our grassroots network, helping us advance policies that support the fight against heart disease and stroke. We depend on dedicated people like you to communicate our message with legislators and elected officials at the local, state and federal levels.

Every day, more than 150 Texans die from heart disease and stroke. With your help, we can make a difference.

"A volunteer is a person who believes that people can make a difference - and is willing to prove it."—Anonymous.

To learn more about volunteering with the American Heart Association, visit our website at www.americanheart.org.

Mama Murriel’s Raises 400 Dollars For Leonard S.N.A.P.!

Visitors to Mama Murriel’s Doll Museum donated a whopping $404.54 to June’s charity, Leonard Senior Nutrition and Activities Program! In the first 2 ½ weeks the museum had over 300 visitors with an average of 4 a day! Since Mama Murriel’s does not charge admission, any monies donated go to a different charity every month. July the local charity will be L.E.A. P. We thank all who came to visit and know that you have made a difference in our community. Be a part of the solution, not the problem!

Mama Murriel’s, Leonard’s premier doll museum, is located at 5285 FM 1553. The hours are 10am to 4pm everyday except Wednesday and Sunday! Come on out and bring the kids for a great treat. There’s bound to be something for everyone! For more information call us at 903-587-3655 (DOLL)!

Bonham Police Department News

The Bonham Police Department report the arrest of two individuals who had escaped from a transport van in Kaufman County. Ronald Wayne Lee, age 37 and Richard Allen Hancock were being transported in a van from the Bowie County Jail to the Kaufman County Jail when they overpowered the two guards on the van. Eight other inmates on the van and the guards were released with Hancock and Lee taking possession of the van. The suspects then kidnapped an individual in Terrell and took his 2000 Model Chevy Flat bed truck.

Suspects, and the kidnapped victim, came to Bonham and stopped at a local donut shop located at the intersection of 9th and Center St.. Suspect Hancock entered the donut shop, robbing the store owners at gunpoint. Hancock ordered the kidnapped victim from Terrell to remain in the store. At this point, the store owners were taken hostage and the suspects and the hostages left the scene in the minivan belonging to the donut shop owners. The kidnapped victim from Terrell, left the donut shop and ran to another business in the area and dialed 9-1-1 telling of his experience and giving a description of the van the suspects had left the scene in.

The suspects and their hostages drove north on Hwy. 78 and stopped at the car wash located at the intersection of Hwy. 78 and Bicentennial St. At this point, Hancock attempted to steal a car from a female at the car wash at gun point. When she refused to cooperate, he hit her in the head with a handgun in his possession. The female victim suffered a small cut to her head. She then ran and jumped in the bed of a pickup truck at the car wash and when the driver of that truck saw the man with the gun, he drove off, with the victim in the back. The hostages from the donut shop and the other suspect, Lee, got out of the van and ran to neighboring houses, requesting police help. Lee, also asked for help saying he was a victim.

Hancock then left the car wash in the van driving north on Hwy. 78. Cpl. Bill Abbott of the Bonham Police Department caught up with the suspect about two miles north of Bonham, pursuing the suspect for about 7 miles until he got the van stopped on a County road. The suspect was arrested at this point and the officers recovered the stolen money from the donut shop and two, 357 revolvers. Ptl. Chris Reviere arrived on the scene to assist as did members of the Texas Dept. of Public Safety and the Fannin County Sheriff’s Dept. Both suspects were taken to the Bonham Police Department.

Hometown Military News

July 01, 2004(FHTNC)--Marine Corps Pvt. Ted A. Barker, son of Bettye A. and Wes E. Barker of Bonham, Texas, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Barker and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Barker spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Barker and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values--honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Barker and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as "Marines" for the first time in their careers.

Barker is a 2003 graduate of Leonard High School of Leonard, Texas.

Joining A Health Spa: What To Look Out For

By Greg Abbott Attorney General of Texas

The summer is upon us. If you are considering joining a health spa in order to get into shape, you should take into consideration a number of factors. Careful investigation and comparison before joining a health club is key.

Visit several health clubs during the time of day that you plan on working out. Are the facilities crowded? Are the machines, locker rooms, showers and pool clean and well-maintained? Is the staff readily available for assistance? What qualifications or special training do the instructors have?

When speaking to a health club’s representative, ask if they offer free trial memberships. If they do, give it a try and see if the spa meets your expectations. If not, it may be to your advantage to pay a little more money and join the health club for only a few months. You can see if it meets your needs and lifestyle. If it doesn’t, you won’t be obligated to years of payments.

Also, ask how many members the health club has and if there is a limit on the number of people who can join. The health club may not have been crowded during your initial visit, but if the facility is new, or if you visited during off-peak hours, the number of members may increase significantly.

In addition, find out what days and hours you can use the health club. Some health clubs are open year round, while others are not. If you’re interested in putting in some extra work out time during the holidays, get the holiday schedule. Some health clubs have shorter hours or are closed on holidays.

It is wise to take a few days to read the contract thoroughly. Make sure everything the spa’s representative promised is written into the contract. What is the health club’s cancellation policy and will you be able to get a refund for the unused portion if you do need to cancel? Will you be able to use other branches of the health club or transfer your membership if you move?

When calculating payments, take finance charges and annual percentage rates into consideration. Check the contract for additional sign-up or maintenance fees. Also, calculate the cost per week and per day to give you a better idea of how much you are actually paying to use the health club.

If you will be making a significant payment up front, you should consider what the consequences would be if the health spa closed. This is one of the complaints we hear most often about health spas.

Health spas operating in Texas must be registered with the Secretary of State’s Office (SOS). The spa must have an operator’s certificate of registration and post a $20,000 security bond with the SOS. A certificate and bond are required for each spa location. The law does allow for bond exemptions in certain instances. Visit the SOS Web site for the details.

Some health clubs provide child care at their facilities. This can be a very convenient service for parents with children. However, you should contact the Child Care Licensing Division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to verify that the child care operation is properly registered. Another amenity a health spa may offer on site is massage therapy. This may be an appealing service for potential customers. The Texas Department of Health licenses massage therapists for the State of Texas and also accepts complaints. You may wish to check with TDH for information before employing the services of a masseuse.

Kiwanis Meeting

Mary-k Ashley Wilson is shown with fellow Kiwanian, Ron Nippert, who presented a program on his award-winning cutting horse at the July 6 meeting. Kiwanis meets every Tuesday noon at the First Christian Church, 7th and Main in Bonham. You’re welcome to join the Bonham Kiwanis Club for fellowship.

9-10 Bonham All Stars

The 9-10 year old Bonham All Stars are pictured above. In the front row are Jordan Ballard, Chase Craig, Dylan McCarley, and Koltin Kinkade. The second row has Perry Crouch, Tyler Dudley, Rex Richardson, Austin Ashlock, and Austin Steen. The last row is Clay Parsons, Robert Milburn, Ryan Woodruff, and Tyler Edwards. The coaches are Dan Steen, Mykol Woodruff, and Todd Ford. The team would like to thank their sponsors VPG, Kwik Chek/ McCraw Oil, McClanahan and Holmes, and Steen Insurance.

Bonham SNAP Center Menu

Country Fried Steak/Gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Green Beans, Bread, Peach Cobbler, Milk

Meatloaf/Creole Sauce, Pea Salad, Beets/Orange Sauce, Bread, Bread Pudding, Milk

Pinto Beans & Ham, Tomatoes, Cabbage & Carrots, Cornbread, Cake Milk

Oven Fried Fish, Macaroni & Cheese, Coleslaw, Bread, Pudding, Milk

Roast Turkey/Gravy, Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli & Cauliflower, Cornbread Dressing, Spiced Apples, Milk

Grayson County Children’s Advocacy Parade of Play Houses

Lauri Blake: Event Chair

Seven playhouses are "On Parade" at Midway Mall, between Dillards and Kay Bee Toys (the remaining 3 playhouses include a Livery Stable with livestock fence built by the Southmayd Police officers and materials provided by Dr. Jim Harrison (he also is the current CAC Board President); a Traditional Playhouse provided by United Bilt Homes ; and the Cookie Shop built by Pulte Homes) from June 26th through July 10th.

Tickets are available for purchase at Midway Mall, Police departments and the Sheriff’s Office in Grayson County, KLAKE, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Grayson County, Ventura’s, the Grayson County Attorney’s Office and Channel 12 KXII.

The Playhouses were donated to the CAC and ALL money raised from sale of tickets benefit the CAC. The concept behind our inaugural "Parade of Playhouses, Building Families for Our Future" was to have a fundraiser that was child friendly and touted the mission of the CAC.

People suggested the Playhouses be "bid to the highest bidder" but we wanted any child to have a chance to win a "dream" playhouse! So we decided to sell tickets for $3 each or 2 for $5.

The "Local Heroes" who volunteered their time, talent and money included firefighters, police officers, and home builders. Each team of fire

fighters and police officers was partnered with a local business or individual who provided the materials.

An important factor in the success of the event is arranging the transportation of these imaginative playhouses. Gary Lance, a retired Denison officer called upon his friends in several business that had fork lifts and flat bed or 18-wheeler trucks to haul the playhouses from builder location to the CAC for the initial staging and Media Sneak Peek Preview/Builder’s Appreciation Event. Next, the houses were moved to

Midway Mall Friday evening June 25th so they would be ready for display June 26th (Saturday). This same team of transportation folks will deliver the playhouses to the winners after the July 10th drawing. The delivery will

be free for any winners who reside in Grayson county. (outside of Grayson county, delivery costs to be arranged depending upon distance from Sherman.)

The "Transportation Team" includes Good Earth Soil & Materials in Pottsboro, Mueller, Inc. and Rick & Sharla Stephenson (along with "Team Captain" Gary Lance.

After the drawing for each playhouse on Saturday, July 10th at 6:00 pm. winners will be notified. We are hopeful that local tv stations will show the drawing at the top of the hour.

A special guest, BOB the BUILDER, will join the Parade of Playhouses on Saturday July 10th from 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and be available for 3 one hour meet and greet sessions (free of charge!) where children can meet BOB and folks can bring cameras to get pictures of the children with everyone’s favorite builder!

Stay tuned for next year’s event: Builder Kick-off event will be in November where Theme will be set and guidlines for building the playhouses set forth.

As of June 3rd, 5 builders have committed for next year’s event. next year’s Media sneak peep preview and Builder Appreciation event will precede the Parade. Next year’s Parade will begin the last week of April (April is child abuse awareness and prevention month) and go through the first week of May.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the CAC can contact Martha Nuckols.

Fannin County 13-15 Dixie Belles

This team won the Dixie League District V Championship on July 1, 2004 in Princeton. The opponents and scores are as follows:

Fannin County 23-Bonham 1; Fannin County 8- Anna 7; Fannin County 15- Tom Bean 3; Fannin County 13- Sherman 6; Fannin County 8- Howe 9; Fannin County 13- Anna 11; Fannin County 10- Howe 0

The girls will play in the Dixie Belles State Tournament in Mt. Pleasant beginning on July 16, 2004.

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

1. Last week you listed five City Ordinances passed by the Bonham City Commission last year. Can you expand the list and include as many as you can in this week’s article?

I’ll be glad to cover as many as I can this week. As I mentioned last week, we only passed 39 Ordinances since January 1, 2002. If you would like a copy of any of the Ordinances for the exact language of the law, you can obtain a copy at Bonham City Hall for a small fee.

Ordinance (ORD) 1068 – An Ordinance regulating solicitation on public streets and right of ways within the City.

ORD 1069 – An Ordinance amending the Bonham City Budget for Fiscal Year Oct. 1, 2002, through September 30, 2003, amending Ordinance No. 1050, and appropriating funds therefore.

ORD 1070 – An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance to increase the fee for zoning change requests and building and zoning variance applications to $200 each.

ORD 1071 – An Ordinance changing the zoning on the property located at 1901 N. Hwy 121 to Local Business with a Specific-Use Permit to allow mini-storage warehouses.

ORD 1072 – An Ordinance changing the zoning on the property located on U. S. Hwy 82 adjacent to and west of Ronald McDonalds from Residential to Local Business District.

ORD 1074 – An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance by adding a Heritage Corridor Zoning Overlay District, which includes the downtown area and areas bordering Sam Rayburn Drive to the West of the Central Business District. (The Ordinance specifically details all areas)

ORD 1075 – An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance detailing the types of businesses that can operate in the Heritage District.

ORD 1076 – An Ordinance explaining expansion of nonconforming uses and time frames for abandoning nonconforming use.

ORD 1081 – An Ordinance establishing maximum, reasonable and prudent rates of speed on certain portions of Streets and Highways and Public Places in the City of Bonham.

ORD 1082 – An Ordinance adopting the Budget for the City for Fiscal Year Oct. 1, 2003 – Sept. 30, 2004, and appropriating funds therefore.

ORD 1083 – An Ordinance setting and levying an Ad Valorem Tax Rate for the City of Bonham for the Tax Year beginning January 1, 2003, at a rate of $0.5500 per $100 valuation.

ORD 1084 – An Ordinance amending the monthly rates for Water and Wastewater service.

ORD 1092 – An Ordinance restricting the use of public streets for the extended parking and storage of trailers, travel trailers, motor homes, utility trailers, semi-trailers, campers, or camping trailers in the City.

ORD 1093 – An Ordinance requiring the parking of motor homes, travel trailers, or recreational vehicles to be in the rear or side yard of any lot in the residential zoning district.

ORD 1094 – An Ordinance prohibiting the parking of any large truck exceeding a gross vehicle weight rating of 22,000 pounds, or any truck tractor, in a residential zoning district.

Sorry, but that’s all I have room for this week. I hope this gives you a good idea of what Ordinances are all about. We are up to number 1106 at the City and a few more are scheduled for this week’s City Commission meeting. Bonham City Commission (Council) meetings are held the second Monday of each month, at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. See you there.

If you have questions about what’s going on in the City, please submit your questions in writing to the Mike Walthall, Development Services Coordinator, City of Bonham, 301 E. Fifth, Bonham, Texas 75418.

Local Student Earns Band Camp Honors

Sabrina Strunk, band student at Bonham High School, received the Outstanding Percussion Award from David Campo, conductor of the High School Symphonic Band at Stephen F. Austin State University Band Camp. Awards were presented at the conclusion of camp June 18.

Sam Rayburn School Alumni

The following alumni have not been contacted about the Sam Rayburn 40th School Reunion. If you have information about anyone on this list, please contact: Judy Harrison at 903-583-2200 (work) Judy.harrison@bonhamjournal.com; Brenda McCraw at 903-664-2330 (home) bbmccraw@fanninelectric.com. You may also register on the school’s website- samrayburnisd.org/alumni. THE REUNION IS SUNDAY, AUGUST 8 AT 11:00 - ? at the Sam Rayburn High School.

Class of 1965: Kathy Daniel

Class of 1966: Donald Ferguson, Carolyn Semosh, George Chelf

Class of 1967: James Carpenter

Class of 1968: Jerry Graham

Class of 1970: Jamie Choate

Class of 1971: Brenda Northern

Class of 1973: David Phelps

Class of 1974: Nacy Green Chesser, Karen Lightfoot, Lucy Norris

Class of 1976: Jeannie Gentry, Tim Ingram, Clarence Phelps

Class of 1977: Mary Sudderth, Robert Sutton

Class of 1978: Pam Richardson, Mary Torango

Class of 1979: Dee Gray

Class of 1980: Rhonda & Wesley Wildberger, Michael Armstrong

Class of 1981: Bobby Davis, Donnie Jacobs, Ed Kaiser, Tammy & Kenny McMinn, Rick Montgomery, Karl Taylor

Class of 1982: Billy Adams, Selinda Baugh, Peggy Hollins

Class of 1983: Karen Brock, Brian Bruner, Donna Daniels, Tamberly Groves, Tricia Howard

Class of 1983: JoLinda Massey, Vivian Massey, Pam Osborne, William Stephens, Wendy Van Hooser, Gail Thompson

Class of 1984: Kathy Barnett, Barbara Richardson, Daphne Shaw, Karla Taylor, Lori Chesser, Pat De Freese, Ronnie Whisenhunt

Class of 1985: Vickie Chapman, Angie Montgomery, Sandra Speed

Class of 1986: Royce Baker, Shelly Baugh, Sheila Boatwright, Gary Dizmond, Steve Adams, Ronnie Blevins, Chuck Coe, Duane Wortham

Class of 1987: Wesley RIchardson, Stacy Stephens

Class of 1988: Erna Lollis

Class of 1989: Rick Holley

Class of 1990: Toni Butler, David Replogle, Eric Woodard

Class of 1991: Kristian Wright

Class of 1992: Jeff Garrison, Valerie South, Jana Stanfield

Class of 1993: Chuck Hughes, Tony Childs, Tonya Elmore

Class of 1995: Tina Lewallen, Jason Wade

Class of 1996: Billye Buck, Travis Castleberry, Elisha Erwin, Shane Fines

Class of 1997: Amanda Capehart, Sonja Cottrell, Kelly Bellows, Ryan Hensley

Class of 1997: Wesley Johnson, Jenifer Winters

Class of 1998: Randy Keen, Jennifer Johnson Robinson, Kristy Fitzwater, Jennifer Stephens, Rebecca Jacobs, Cheri Matlock

Class of 1999: Chris Alexander, Dusty Bailey, Miles Craven, Jesse Richardson, Michael Williams, Jeffrey Barnes

Class of 2000: Marti Armstrong, Jana Gatti, Michael Kemp, Brandy Powers, Joylyn Staley

Class of 2001: Amber Armstrong, Jeremy Doyle, Jana Henry, Becky Limpert, Ashley Weatherby

Class of 2002: Lacy Dodson, Michael Powers, Charla Russell, Bobby Schulte, Staci Titsworth

Class of 2003: Christi Prock Reese

Relay For Life Holds Wrap-Up

Tuesday evening, June 29, the 2004 Fannin County Relay for Life Team Captain and Committee members were honored and recognized for a job well done. The Wrap began with Valarie’s Steels leading the group in prayer. After the meal, Sarah Ortinzy, District 14 Rep. for the A.C.S. gave a brief overview of our Relay and praised all Relay participants. Vicky Billings and Dawn Roberts, Chair of Teams, presented certificates to the following:

Best Decorated Campsite; First place- Buster Cole All- Star Survivors; Second place- Dodd City 4-H Surfin’ Safari

Best Relay Banner: First- Buster Cole All-Star Survivors; Second- Footsteps & Fingerprints Daycare- "Footsteps on the Path to Survival"

Best Relay Spirit Stick: First- Bonham Firefighters; Second- Wal-Mart Pink Angels

Best Cancer Awareness Theme or Slogan: First- First Christian Church "Building a Bridge of Hope"’ Second- First Baptist Church "Cross Out Cancer"

Most Creative Theme: First- Choice Moore Slumber Party: Putting Cancer to Sleep; Second- Bonham VA Employees Assoc.--The Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras on Parade to help Fight Cancer

Best Incorporation of Cancer Awarenes in Overall Display: First- Buster Cole All-Star Survivors; Second- First Christan Church Hope Builders

The Spirit of Relay Award: These are the teams represented at the final lap: Glaser Family Chartible Foundation, Bailey VFD, Bonham Wal-Mart, Bonham Fire Department, Boyd Baptist Church, First Christian Church, First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, Fannin Bank

Relay Cheerleaders Award: Fannin Federal Credit Union, Buster Cole All-Star Survivors

Rookie Team Captain Award: TIna Moore, Boyd Baptist Church

"Peace" A Team Together in the last hour award: Jacqui Savage, Leonard Friends of Jared Henderson

Participation awards: Fannin County Electric Co-op, Bonham State Bank, Clyde W. Cosper TSVH, Fannin County 4-H, Windom Community, First National Bank of Trenton, First Presbyterian Church, GE Consumer & Industrial, Honey Grove Community, Kenneth "Heavy" Johnson Memorial Team, Leonard Methodist Men & Women, Leonard Moms, Myles Porter, County Attorney’s Office, Seventh & Main Baptist Church, Northeast Medical Center, Something Sweet Tax A/C

Debbie Vest, event chair, recognized:

First Christian Church of Bonham as the team who raised the most money- $3,770.42; Second- Fannin Bank $3,185.93; Third- Choice Moore Unit $3,098.59.

Also Valarie Steele- team member for First Christian Church was recognized as raising the most money as an individual.

Debbie also recognized all committee members and presented them a certificate of appreciation.

Susan Hicks, Relay Chair for 2005, closed the evening with the Relay Oath.

Winners of the poster contest received awards at the event those students were:

3rd Grade: 1st- Casey Hall, Dodd City ISD; 2nd- Emily Duncan, Sam Rayburn ISD; 3rd- Bonnie Billings, Savoy ISD

4th Grade: 1st- Samantha Duncan, Sam Rayburn ISD; 2nd- Lexi Lankford, Dodd City ISD; 3rd- Connor Reed, Dodd CIty ISD

Overall Winner- Misty Goodin, Dodd City ISD

The 2004 event netted approximately $53,000.00. Thanks Fannin County!

Hall Chairs Hearing On Abuses In Oil For Food Program

WASHINGTON, DC... Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, chaired a hearing July 8th to spotlight potentially illegal activities within the United Nations’ defunct Oil-for-Food program in Iraq.

"There is ample evidence to indicate serious malfeasance in the Oil-for-Food Program," Hall said. "The United States and other member nations of the United Nations must insist on a full accounting - and get to the bottom of how this rampant abuse was able to occur under the guidance of the UN."

The Government Accounting Office has documented that Saddam Hussein’s regime received $10.1 billion in illegal revenues, much of which was the direct responsibility of UN officials.

Witnesses testifying at the hearing included U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake, who has introduced legislation that places conditions on the UN in order to receive full U.S. funding. Jed Babbin, former deputy undersecretary of defense under former President Bush and author of "Inside the Asylum," told the subcommittee that Congress must continue to pressure the UN. Other witnesses offered suggestions for both current and future investigations, as well as ways to improve transparency within the UN.

Several Congressional committees are investigating the Oil-for-Food Program, as is the U.S. Justice Department. "It is only by shining the light of full public disclosure on an otherwise dark and secretive process that we can purge corruption," Hall said in his opening statement. "We need to hurry while there is still something to save."

"The more we learn about the United Nations Oil-for-Food Program, the more repulsed we become," added Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. "Without the pressure, I sincerely believe the UN would have simply closed the books on the Oil-for-Food Program without so much as adding up the checkbook stubs."

BEDCo Meeting

The Bonham Economic Development Corporation met Tuesday, July 6, for the purpose of a regular meeting. The board approved the minutes of the June 1st meeting and the financial report for May, 2004.

The board accepted bids for the construction of 12,000 sq.ft. of the concrete floor for the EXPO building. The board accepted a bid of $37,440 from Fast Forward.

The Board approved a bid for removal of trash on W. 1st and demolition of water tower. Tom Johnson recommended House Leveling by Petty with a bid of $10,200 plus Petty will pay BEDCo $1.50 per tire taken from the property. As part of the deal, Petty is to purchase the water tower for $100, so he can demolish it.

The board also approved:

• Tom Johnson’s recommendation for the removal of trees and sloping of the banks of Powder Creek, including the construction of two low-water crossings

• Authorizing Tom Johnson to seek bids for the sidewalk reconstruction of West side of the 300 block of Center St. including the installation of four new street lights

• Authorization for Tom Johnson to contract for professional services for the completion of a hydrology study on Powder Creek, not to exceed $25,000

On July 1, Carol Jones with Northeast Texas RC&D Area gave the Multi-Purpose Facility a donation of $1,500 to install a flag pole at this new facility. This new facility is located on Hwy. 56, just east of V.P.G. inside the Bonham city limits, and the first building is currently under construction.

The Multi-Purpose Facility is an ongoing endeavor that will benefit all Fannin County residents. Those involved with this project thank Carol Jones and David Keene for their support. Great things happen when people work together.

Change is in the air at the Bonham Rotary Club! Last week at their Annual Meeting and Installation Of Officers, Morgan Malone became the new president along with his officers: Dr. Lee Schreiber (President-Elect), Beth Robertson (Secretary), Finn Blevins (Treasurer), Brent Speck (Sergeant-At-Arms), Allen Sanderson (Foundation Chairman), Judy Outlaw (Family of Rotary Chairperson), Bryan Peeler (Club Service Chairperson), Mary Beth Watson (Vocational Service Chairperson), Tyler Todd (Community Service Chairperson), and Dr. Dana Sisk (International Service Chairperson and Golf Tournament Committee Chairperson).

As one of the two R.Y.L.A. (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) participants who attended the R.Y.L.A. camp for leaders this summer, Faith Peeler spoke to the group attending of her experiences at the camp and what she gained there as a leader. This camp is offered every spring to all Fannin County students who are finishing their junior year and is paid by the Bonham Rotary Club.

One of the highlights of the evening was the awarding of two Paul Harris Fellowships to two of the Bonham Rotary Club members, Dr. Dana Sisk and Tommie Sue Turner. Paul Harris is the founder of Rotary International (1905 in Chicago), which is celebrating its centennial year next year. To become a Paul Harris Fellow, a financial contribution must be made to the Rotary Foundation which makes a real difference in the lives of people around the world through educational and humanitarian programs. Rotary’s most famous humanitarian program is the initiative in support of the global eradication of polio known as PolioPlus. By 2005, Rotary’s contributions to the global polio eradication effort will be approximately a half billion dollars.

The Bonham Rotary Club was chartered in April 14, 1921 largely through the efforts of Ralph A. Risser, who was also the first president of the local club. Other officers of the club were M. A. Taylor (Vice-President), Charles R. Inglish (Secretary), and Bland Smith (Treasurer). The first meeting of the club was held in the basement of the U.S.A. Presbyterian Church.

This year’s meeting was held at the Purple Sage Bistro. Those attending were served a delicious buffet of soups, sandwiches, and desserts. April Peterson gave a power point presentation of photos which included all the programs, fund raisers, service activities, donations, and special events that the Rotarians participated in the last twelve months.