ATTORNEY GENERAL ABBOTT GETS REFUNDS FOR VEHICLE OWNERS WHO OVERPAID FOR REPAIRS

Settlement With Farmers Requires $2.4 Million In Refunds To 13,000 Texans

Today’s settlement marks the ninth such settlement obtained since 2000 with major auto insurers, emphasizing again that companies such as Farmers may not deceive motorists who pay deductibles and make proper claims for vehicle repair work.

The unlawful practice known as "betterment," an insurance industry term, involves supposedly increasing the value of a policyholder’s vehicle by paying for repairs with better or newer parts. Companies such as Farmers have routinely reduced the amount to be paid to the motorist for repairs by an amount believed to equal the improved value of the vehicle because upgraded parts were installed, such as new rather than rebuilt transmissions.

"Companies have used this perceived loophole in the standard Texas auto policy to rationalize their way into consumers’ pocketbooks," said Attorney General Abbott. "They reasoned that if they increase the value of their policyholders’ vehicles, then they should be able to deduct an amount for improving the value of the vehicle. Auto policies in Texas just do not allow for this kind of deception and we’re seeing a turnaround in the industry."

Under the settlement, Farmers will continue to refrain from deducting for betterment on its policyholders’ claims. The company agrees to refund the amount charged for betterment, plus interest, to policyholders who had an auto repair claim paid from Feb. 14, 1996, to the present,

Farmers will mail checks directly to policyholders who had electronic estimates that indicated the company made these deductions for betterment. For those policyholders whose deductions cannot be identified through electronic estimates, Farmers will mail notices requesting that eligible persons make a written claim.

If a policyholder makes a written claim, Farmers will review the claim file and send a refund check if the file indicates the company deducted for betterment. Farmers agree that this settlement will not affect its insurance rates. Farmers will also pay $175,000 in attorneys’ fees and other expenses to the Attorney General’s office.

Since 2000, the Texas Attorney General’s office has also obtained betterment settlements with State Farm, Nationwide, USAA, Geico, Travelers, Safeco, Sentry and Liberty Mutual insurance companies for an estimated $7.9 million in total refunds. Several betterment lawsuits against other insurers are still pending.

HALL NAMED TO DEFENSE CONFERENCE FOR FIRE AND

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The House position on the SAFER provisions of the Defense bill is a substitute that addresses issues raised in the hearing. In particular, the House substitute would provide grants to volunteer departments to assist with recruitment and retention of firefighters. It also would protect firefighters hired by departments that receive grants from being penalized for serving in their off-duty time in volunteer departments.

Other provisions would place the grant program under the U.S. Fire Administration, specify that awards go directly to fire departments, and authorize funding through fiscal year 2010.

"We have presented our proposal to the Senate, and we are optimistic that it will be accepted," Hall said. "I’m particularly committed to helping recruit and retain our volunteer firefighters and ensuring that career firefighters are not penalized for serving in their off- duty time in volunteer departments in their home towns. I’ll work to see that these provisions are included in the Conference report."

Our volunteer departments are essential to the safety and well-being of our communities," Hall noted. "We owe our volunteer citizens a debt of gratitude and all the support we can give them. Without their service, the safety of our citizens would be imperiled."

The House provisions have been endorsed by all of the major fire services organizations.

HOUSE APPROVES HALL’S

AMENDMENT TO IMPROVE SPACE SHUTTLE SAFETY

WASHINGTON, DC... Rep. Ralph Hall (D-TX) offered an amendment today in the House of Representatives to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration funding bill that directs NASA to conduct studies of how to improve Space Shuttle crew survivability. The amendment was adopted into the bill.

"The sad reality is that seventeen years after the Space Shuttle Challenger accident, the loss of a Space Shuttle almost inevitably means the loss of its crew. I don’t think that is right, and I don’t think it has to be that way," Hall noted in his Floor statement.

Hall’s amendment calls for unallocated funds in the fiscal year 2004 Space Shuttle Life Extension Program to be used to solicit the best concepts from the aerospace industry and elsewhere to improve Shuttle crew survivability. Those concepts would be independently evaluated and ranked by a respected external organization so that Congress and NASA will know the best options available.

Hall noted that for years, the independent Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) and others have argued that NASA needs to pay more attention to improving Space Shuttle crew survivability in the event of an accident.

"I think that if we are going to fly the Shuttle for an extended period - which I believe we are - then NASA needs to develop and install a crew escape system on the remaining Orbiters in the Space Shuttle fleet as soon as practicable. And we need to size it so that we are able to fly enough astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) annually to allow a permanent ISS crew of seven," Hall stated.

"My amendment would start NASA down the path to developing a crew escape system for the entire Space Shuttle crew- not just the pilot and co-pilot," Hall added. "It is a modest first step towards achieving my goal of significantly improving the odds for our brave astronauts when they fly the Space Shuttle."

Hall’s amendment is incorporated in the Veterans Administration, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 2004. The VA/HUD bill awaits action by the Senate.

Appeals Court Upholds 60 Year Prison Sentence In Aggravated Sexual Assault Of Child Case

On July 18, 2003, the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Appellate District of Texas at Texarkana affirmed the 60 year prison sentence of Jess Willard Mattox, Sr. of Bonham. Mattox, now 40 years old, will not be eligible for parole until 2031.

On September 7, 2001, it took a Fannin County jury less than an hour to find Mattox guilty of the aggravated sexual assault of a 12 year-old girl. The defendant collapsed in the courtroom when the 60 year prison sentence was read.

After the guilty verdict, Mattox appealed his case to the Court of Appeals in Texarkana. In an opinion written by Justice Don Carter, the Court of Appeals affirmed the verdict of the trial court.

Fannin County Attorney Myles Porter said he was pleased that the Court of Appeals agreed with the jury’s verdict. "I am glad we have taken another child molester off of our streets. Hopefully this will be the final chapter of a horrible crime and it will give some closure to the victim and her family," said Porter.

Attorney General Warns Of Multi-Million Dollar Foreign Lottery Scam

Millions Believed Stolen From Senior Texans

Dallas - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott sounded the alarm today, against a rapidly growing crime that is targeting Senior Texans. Abbott warned that these international lottery scams are robbing millions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers.

"We must work together to protect Texas seniors and other consumers from phony foreign lottery scams," Attorney General Abbott said during an appearance in Dallas. "Victims have mortaged their homes, lost life savings and wired money from bank accounts to crooks running these scams."

The scams most commonly originate from Australia, Canada, England, Germany and Spain. They usually start with calls from enthusiastic telemarketers informing unsuspecting consumers that they have won. In some cases, the caller requires the victim to wire money to pay taxes on the winnings in order to obtain the prize. Victims often receive numerous calls and are asked, each time, for more money due to complications in paying the necessary taxes or other fees associated with getting the prize.

In other versions of the scam, the caller requests victim’s bank account numbers under the pretense that winnings will be deposited directly into their account; other times, the caller asks for the vicims’ credit card numbers for "verification purposes." Either way, the solicitor attempts to steal identifying information in order to loot the victim’s account, a scenario Attorney General Abbott urges consumers to avoid.

According to the Phonebusters program of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 244 Texas victims wired almost $1 million to Canada in a seven-week period late last year. The problem has grown worse since many of these criminals have abandoned the traditional "boiler room" settings and now use stolen cellular phones to call victims. The perpetrator's mobility has made it much more difficult to track them down and arrest them.

There is virtually no hope of recovering any funds lost to this scheme. Accordingly, Attorney General Abbott has partnered with senior advocacy groups to get the word out.

"If someone calls and says you have won the Canadian or any other foreign lottery, simply hang up and report the incident to the authorities immediately," Abbott said.

Hall Notes Progress On Appropriations Bills As House Recesses For District Work Period

Washington, D.C... Rep. Ralph Hall (D-TX) expressed approval last week that the House of Representatives passed eleven of thirteen appropriations bill for fiscal year 2004 before adjourning for the August district work period. The House will resume its legislative agenda on September 3.

"The House made more progress on spending bills than it has in many years - and stayed within the spending limits that the President and the leadership had agreed upon," Hall said. "Appropriators worked diligently and in a bipartisan manner to accomplish this goal."

The House completed work on agriculture, commerce/justice/state/judiciary, defense, energy and water, foreign operations, homeland security, interior, labor/health/human services/education, legislative branch, military construction and veterans/housing/NASA/EPA. The District of Columbia and transportation/treasury appropriations bills will be considered in September.

With the exception of the foreign operations bill, Hall supported all the appropriations bill. "I consistently vote against the foreign operations bills on principle, Hall said. "I don’t agree with giving financial support to those countries that continue to vote against us in the United Nations."

"There is stilll much work to be done to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate appropriations bills - but I think we will be able to accomplish this goal close to the fiscal year deadline of October 1," Hall said. "We certainly should be able to avoid the situation that happened for fiscal year 2003."

Last year appropriations bills for 2003 were rolled into one omnibus bill that was finally approved in February of 2003 - several months past the deadline. Government operations continued at 2002 spending levels until that time. "Congress has a duty to debate and amend each appropriations bill, and the leadership is fulfilling that responsibility this year," Hall noted.

"In addition to the spending bills, conferees will be working on the Medicare Prescripition Drug Benefit to resolve the differences between the House and Senate bills," Hall said. "This is the best opportunity we’ve had in years to help our seniors with their prescription drugs costs. My thurst for the Conference will be to bring down the cost of prescription drugs, provide a safety net for seniors who want to remain in Medicare and ensure that rural health care providers receive the support they need."

"The House is also waiting for the Senate to complete debate and pass a comprehensive energy policy," Hall added. The House passed its energy bill in April and is awaiting a conference with the Senate. "Our national security depends in large part on our energy security. This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed this year."

Hall will be working in the district during August and has scheduled several meetings and speaking engagements.

More Than $16 Billion In Deficit Spending Prevented

Don’t Bust The Budget To Score Political Points, Cornyn Says

WASHINGTON—During debate on H.R. 2555, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for 2004, Senate Democrats attempted to circumvent the Congressional Budget Act with billions in extra spending not requested by either the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the White House. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn derided the attempts to bust the federal budget caps by more than $16 billion, this week alone, as an "irresponsible breach of the Senate’s fiduciary duty" to the taxpayers.

"The same crowd that spent the bulk of this month howling about deficits, are now engaged in a wholesale attempt to bust the budget caps. This cynical ploy of introducing amendments that don’t fit within the budget, weren’t requested, and have little chance of passage in an attempt to score political points stands in stark contrast to their self-righteous outbursts just last week," said Cornyn, a member of the Senate Budget Committee.

Senate Republicans this week turned back all seven attempts to override a budget resolution passed by the Senate earlier this year. The failed amendments would have added $16.476 billion in new deficit spending.

"Last year, under Democrat leadership, the Senate failed to pass a budget for the first time since the Ford administration, and unprecedented levels of spending were the result. But unlike last year’s fiscal lapses, the Republican-led Senate passed a fiscally responsible budget that emphasizes funding for national priorities: The war on terrorism, homeland security, economic growth and job creation, and solutions to the long-term fiscal challenges presented by Medicare and Social Security," Cornyn said.

Sen. Cornyn continued: "The homeland security funding bill already meets, and exceeds, the requests of DHS, and I urge my colleagues not to bust the budget in an attempt to score political points. We have 9 more appropriations bills to consider this year and I hope this pattern of fiscal irresponsibility that only grows the deficit doesn’t become a habit."

H.R. 2555 provides $29.326 billion in appropriations for FY 2004 DHS requirements. As introduced, the funding is divided among five main categories: $516.3 million for operations, management and oversight; $229.4 million for citizen and immigrations services; $19.44 billion for security, enforcement and investigations; $8.27 billion for assessments, preparedness and recovery; and $871.4 million for research and development.

Byrd amendment $1.749 billion,

Murray amendment $100 million,

Schumer amendment $69.8 million,

Mikulski amendment $150 million,

Corzine amendment $80 million,

Baucus/Schumer amendment $200 million,

Dodd amendment $14.407 BILLION,

Total: $16.476 billion in attempted DEFICIT spending—not including interest costs.

* * * *

The Senate bill, without the budget busting amendments, fully funds the administration’s request, and provides an additional $149,006,000 in new homeland security funding.

Administration’s request for FY 2004: $29,176,994,000,

Senate appropriations bill (without amendments): $29,326,000,000.

The Fannin County Attorney’s Office is sponsoring a new program to increase community awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. Posters and window signs warning of the dangers are available at the County Attorney’s office, the Fannin County Children’s Center and at the Chambers of Commerce in Bonham, Leonard and Honey Grove. "Fortunately our county has not suffered the loss of a child from being left in a car but it has happened in counties near us. This program is designed to remind people that the Texas heat can quickly kill a child left alone in a car. Hopefully we can renew this program annually during the summer months," said County Attorney Myles Porter.

The program was made possible with funds from the County Attorney’s hot check fee account.

Katti Bowen Signs With University of Central Arkansas

Katti Bowen, a 2003 Bonham High School graduate, recently signed with the University of Central Arkansas in Conway Arkansas to play softball. Katti started as pitcher in over 75 games during her high school career and only gave up one home run. She has also played on select travel ball teams since she was 12 years old. She has played with Texas Young Guns, North Texas Storm and is now playing with Texas Blaze coached by Danny Guidry. These teams are made of players who enjoy playing the sport and want to challenge themselves further by facing teams with a high concentration of talented and strong athletes. Many of these young ladies are preparing themselves for the possibility of playing in college. All 6 of the 2003 seniors on Texas Blaze travel team will be going on to play college ball.

Katti is the daughter of Randy and Kelli Bowen. Her grandparents are Pat and Jo Bowen and Allen and Nancy Vermillion. She also has a sister and brother, Kassi and Ryan Bowen all of Bonham.

School Supply Benefits Fannin County Kids

With the start of school less than a month away, kids and families are gearing up for getting back to school. For many area families, finances are very tight and getting all the needed supplies for their kids would be impossible without the help of the community. Staff and volunteers at the Fannin County Children’s Center (CASA & CAC) are once again collecting donations from the community in order to provide school supplies to needy kids. For the seventh year in a row, children in grades K-8 from every district in Fannin County will get a chance to start off prepared for the new school year thanks to generous support from community members.

Last year contributions from nearly 40 different individuals, churches, businesses and other local organizations combined to provide supplies to 350 children. "We are really grateful to everyone who contributes to this effort," said Executive Director Sandy Barber. "Every little bit helps and no donation is ever considered too small."

Donations of actual items can be brought to the center’s new location at 112 West Fifth Street in Bonham. Financial contributions can be mailed or brought to the center as well. All gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Items needed include: notebook paper, pens, pencils, three-ring notebooks, folders, spiral notebooks, rulers, scissors, markers, crayons, glue, tissues, erasers, backpacks, construction paper and other supplies from area lists.

"We ask that donors try to get their contributions to us by August 8^th if at all possible. This will give us time to shop and prepare for the distribution of supplies," said Barber.

Sign-ups and distribution will take place at the agency’s new location at 112 West Fifth Street in Bonham on Thursday and Friday, August 14^th & 15^th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 2:00-4:00 p.m. each day. Parents or other caregivers should bring the child’s social security card and some proof of need, such as Medicaid card, food stamps or paycheck stub.

The mission of the Fannin County Children’s Center is to protect and enhance the quality of life of the abused, neglected and needy children of Fannin County. The agency’s primary programs are CASA and the Children’s Advocacy Center. For more information, call (903) 583-4339 or info@fanninccc.org .

St.George Participates On Dig In Turkey

Ina St.George, daughter of Phil and Myrna St.George of Trenton, is participating on an archeological dig at Çatalhöyük in Turkey with a team from The University College of London where she currently attends. The Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, dating to approximately 8400 B.C., was first discovered in the late 1950s. The site rapidly became famous internationally due to the large size and dense occupation of the settlement, as well as the spectacular wall paintings and other art that was uncovered inside the houses.

According to the website for Çatalhöyük, it "is thought to be the first city, and was a primary source of Western civilization, a nexus of trade and ideas for two thousand years, the first organized cosmopolitan city-state and arguably the source of the Great Mother Goddess religion -- the universal faith of Europe, the Near East and the Far East before the great empires of the Fertile Crescent arose." Since 1993 an international team of archaeologists, led by Ian Hodder of Stanford University, has been carrying out new excavations and research, in order to shed more light on the people that inhabited the site.

Using her knowledge gained while working on the restoration of the murals at Fair Park in Dallas, Ms. St.George is working with Professor Hodder in the restoration of one of the wall paintings found inside one of the houses.

St.George is currently working toward a master’s degree in the science of museum conservation. As part of this degree program, she will begin her internship with museums in Cornwall and South London, Great Britain, beginning in September.

Ina is a 1992 graduate of Allen High School, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology in 1997 from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Masters of Arts in Museum Conservation in 2002 from the University College of London. She is the granddaughter of Billie Dixon and the late Sam Dixon, and Dorothy St.George and the late Warren St.George, all of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Bonham Snap Center

Wieners, Corn, Coleslaw, Buns, Apple Crisp, Milk

Beef, Macaroni, Tomato Casserole, Pea Salad, Garlic Bread, Pears & Cookies, Milk

The Northeast Tarrant County Senior

Leadership Group

Voters throughout the State of Texas are hereby encouraged by The Northeast Tarrant County Senior Leadership Group of Colleyville, Texas to vote Saturday, September 13, 2003 for Proposition 13, a Constitutional Revision. If approved, it will allow cities, counties and community college districts the option to FREEZE HOMESTEAD TAXES for disabled homestead owners as well as over-65 homestead taxpayers. If officials in a local taxing entity do not choose to exercise their option to freeze their tax, Proposition 13 provides that a local election will be required if at least 5% of voters in the taxing entity signs a petition requesting the election.

On June 20, 2003, Governor Perry signed HB136, which will implement Proposition 13, but HB136 will become law only if Texas voters approve Proposition 13. If the change to the Texas Constitution is approved by Texas voters, it will be a significant step toward property tax relief for disabled as well as over-65 homestead owners. Without the change to the Constitution, a freeze of these homestead taxes is not possible under the Texas Constitution.

Senior Leadership Northeast is a group of senior leaders concerned with the needs of the senior population of Greater Northeast Tarrant County. The mission of Senior Leadership Northeast is to promote actions that will enhance the quality of life for older citizens of Greater Northeast Tarrant County. The Group is nonpartisan, and does not endorse candidates for political office.

The Senior Leadership Northeast Group functions as a committee associated with the Colleyville, Texas Area Chamber of Commerce. The Group was formed in 1998 and meets the third Tuesday of each month at 9 am until 10:30 am at the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce Administrative Offices, 6700 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville, Texas 76034. For additional information as to why Texas seniors over age 65 need tax relief, go to the website http://www.netarrantseniors.com, or call Sam McCollough at 817-283-1002. For additional information about The Senior Leadership Northeast Group, call the Colleyville, Texas Area Chamber of Commerce, 817-488-7148.

Residents At The Rodeo

When the residents at I.H.S. of Bonham heard that the Kueckelhan rodeo began Wednesday night, they got excited. Nurse Melissa Noris and activity director Doris Matlock adopted the cause. The activity fund was running a little low because of all the great things Doris had planned this month. That was only a small problem, considering the staff at I.H.S. Melissa made a call to Malda Kueckelhan and went to all the staff on duty and asked for small donations. By the end of the day, the tickets were given at half price and they had plenty of spending money to have a good time. The residents participating were Alma Scroggins, Venita Matlock, Maney Holt, Claude Rayford and Fred Cook.

Doris and J.R. Matlock and Mary Jones, Restorative Aide, loaded them up and off to the rodeo they went. The crew took off at 6 pm and didn’t return back to the home until 10:30 pm. No one could have guessed how much fun the residents would have. They particularly enjoyed the treats, feasting on funnel cakes, popcorn, cotton candy and drinks. Maney joined in the singing of the National Anthem at the beginning, entertaining his own small crowd. Everyone thought the band was just great, which was apparent in the way they were clapping their hands and tapping their feet. If there had been a dance floor these residents would not have been shy about getting out on it. The bulldogging and bronc riding induced several hoops and hollars. Fred, the clown of the bunch, had everyone around laughing. Claude got a kick out of watching all the kids running around. Venita and Alma had a great time just hanging around the guys and watching the rodeo. The whole bunch had a ball and couldn’t stop talking about it Thursday, but we all know it won’t be long until they start trying to guess what Doris has planned next. I.H.S. would like to thank everyone that made the rodeo trip possible. It was well worth it.

Local yOUTH To Receive Eagle Scout Award

Since he was eight years old, Trey Wheeler has had just two wishes-to become an Eagle Scout and to become an astronaut. Sunday afternoon, he’ll get his first wish.

Trey, 13, of Boy Scout Troop 52, will be honored at a special Eagle Scout ceremony Sunday, August 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Bonham, Texas. The public is invited to attend.

To earn Scouting’s highest award, Trey had to earn 21 merit badges, serve as a leader in his troop, and complete a major community service project.

Trey’s service project took place at the First Presbyterian Church. Leading 13 Scouts and adults, Trey re-stripped 46 parking spaces, 3 of which were handicapped spaces in the church parking lot. The project took more than 5 months to complete.

Trey has been a member of Troop 52, chartered to the First Presbyterian Church, since August 2000. He has served the troop as troop guide, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader. He has also worked at Camp Dierks Mom and Me and Dad and Lad for the past three years and Cub Scout Day Camp for the past two summers. Trey not only earned the required 21 merit badges but also exceeded to earn 37 total merit badges.

Local Donors Support The Clyde W.

Cosper Texas State Veterans Home

AUSTIN - The attention and care lavished on World War II combat veteran Marvin Gazaway at the Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham is something his son, Bill, will never forget.

To show his gratitude, Bill and his wife Linda recently donated $500 to

purchase a device that will help provide even better care to Marvin Gazaway’s fellow veterans at the Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home.

"During his stay there, he received the finest and most comprehensive nursing home care we ever encountered," the Gazaway’s wrote to a local paper. "Fannin County is blessed to have a seriously under publicized resource."

The Gazaway’s donation bought a device called a pulse oximeter. The device weighs a mere two ounces and works by simply attaching it to a fingertip. Thanks to the Gazaway’s generosity, the pulses of the home’s 159 residents can be taken more often and with greater comfort.

The specialized, high-quality care found at the Texas State Veterans Home is more affordable than traditional nursing care, but is reserved only for Texas veterans, their spouses or Gold Star parents.

There are Texas State Veterans Homes in Big Spring, Floresville, Bonham and Temple. Each home has 160 beds and provides a broad spectrum of health care services, a comprehensive rehabilitation program, special diets, recreational activities, social services, a library, and a certified, secured Alzheimer’s unit with its own secure outdoor courtyard.

For additional information on Texas State Veterans Homes and state home, land and home improvement loans for Texas veterans, call (800) 252-VETS, or visit the Texas Veterans Land Board Web site at www.texasveterans.com.

Texoma Healthcare System Welcomes New Physicians

Texoma HealthCare System and Texoma Medical Center are pleased to announce that 3 physicians have joined the medical staff. Anesthesiologist, Ken Anderson, M.D., and Family Practice physicians, Michelle Carr, M.D. and Jim Tarpley, D.O. all join THCS this summer. Dr. Ken Anderson earned his medical degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, School of Medicine in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico and completed the Fifth Pathway Program at New York Medical College at Valhalla, New York. He also completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital in Staten Island, New York and served residencies in Anesthesiology at State University of New York and Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Anderson is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. He joins North Texas Anesthesiology of Denison as a staff anesthesiologist at Texoma Medical Center. Family Practice physician, Michelle Carr, M.D., joins TexomaCare-Denison from the Thomas Moore Health Clinic in Fort Hood, Texas where she has served as a staff physician and Officer in Charge. She previously was the Chief of Medical Staff at the U.S. Army Hanau Health Clinic in Hanau, Germany. Dr. Carr earned her medical degree from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois and completed her residency training in Family Practice at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Dr. Carr has been Board certified by the American Board of Family Practice. Dr. Carr will begin seeing patients on August 4th. Her office is located on the first floor of the Morrison Medical Office Building, 1014 Memorial Drive, in Denison. To schedule an appointment, call (903) 416-6000. Family Practice physician and Bonham native Jim Tarpley, D.O., has joined the staff of TexomaCare-Bonham. Dr. Tarpley’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Austin College in Sherman and a Masters of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and served as Chief Resident during his postgraduate training at Texas Tech-Lubbock Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Tarpley is a member of the American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, Texas Medical Association, Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. TexomaCare-Bonham is located at 2201 N. Highway 121. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tarpley, call the TexomaCare-Bonham offices at (903) 583-3111.

For more information on physicians affiliated with Texoma HealthCare System and Texoma Medical Center, visit the THCS website at www.thcs.org <http://www.thcs.org>.

THCS New Physicians Include Bonham Native

Texoma HealthCare System and Texoma Medical Center are pleased to announce that 3 physicians have joined the medical staff. Anesthesiologist, Ken Anderson, M.D., and Family Practice physicians, Michelle Carr, M.D. and Jim Tarpley, D.O. all join THCS this summer. Dr. Ken Anderson earned his medical degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, School of Medicine in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico and completed the Fifth Pathway Program at New York Medical College at Valhalla, New York. He also completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital in Staten Island, New York and served residencies in Anesthesiology at State University of New York and Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Anderson is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. He joins North Texas Anesthesiology of Denison as a staff anesthesiologist at Texoma Medical Center. Family Practice physician, Michelle Carr, M.D., joins TexomaCare-Denison from the Thomas Moore Health Clinic in Fort Hood, Texas where she has served as a staff physician and Officer in Charge. She previously was the Chief of Medical Staff at the U.S. Army Hanau Health Clinic in Hanau, Germany. Dr. Carr earned her medical degree from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois and completed her residency training in Family Practice at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Dr. Carr has been Board certified by the American Board of Family Practice. Dr. Carr will begin seeing patients on August 4th. Her office is located on the first floor of the Morrison Medical Office Building, 1014 Memorial Drive, in Denison. To schedule an appointment, call (903) 416-6000. Family Practice physician and Bonham native Jim Tarpley, D.O., has joined the staff of TexomaCare-Bonham. Dr. Tarpley’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Austin College in Sherman and a Masters of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and served as Chief Resident during his postgraduate training at Texas Tech-Lubbock Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Tarpley is a member of the American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, Texas Medical Association, Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. TexomaCare-Bonham is located at 2201 N. Highway 121. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tarpley, call the TexomaCare-Bonham offices at (903) 583-3111.

For more information on physicians affiliated with Texoma HealthCare System and Texoma Medical Center, visit the THCS website at www.thcs.org <http://www.thcs.org>.

The Red River Valley Antique Car Club

Club News's

The Club has been very active this month with several outings. On July 12, we went to the Bonham Snap Center for their First of the month Breakfast, which was very good. Club President Bill Spann presented Mae Knight with a $300.00 dollar check to help their expenses there. They do a great service for Bonham.

Mae Knight accepting check from Bill Spann

The Red River Valley Antique Car Club of Bonham, Texas meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the American Bank in the Elizabeth May Room at 7 p.m. We welcome any one interested in Antique Cars to come to the meeting’s, new members are welcome any time.

We are also meeting on the Square every Friday night, east side of the court house aroung 6:30, displaying the cars. Any one with an Antique Car or Truck and Streetrod’s are welcome to come bring your lawn chair’s join in on the fun and fellowship.

The Club went on a fun cruise Saturday night to Anna, Texas, where we joined a lot of other old car enthusiast’s. We had a great time. We plan to have a cruise outing some where each month (weather permitting).

THCS To Host Ground Breaking For Emergency Department

Texoma HealthCare System is pleased to announce that the ground breaking ceremonies for the new Peggy Munson Wilcox Emergency Department are scheduled for Tuesday, August 5th at 9:00am on the south lawn of the hospital.

Completion of the nearly 15,000 square foot facility is anticipated for Summer 2004 and will almost triple the size of the current Emergency Department. The cost for the project is budgeted at $4,500,000. "The expansion of the Emergency Department is badly needed," explains THCS President/CEO, Mackey Watkins, M.D. "The number of ER visits continues to increase as a result in the increasing number of uninsured patients and the increase of patients who utilize the ER for primary care." The current Emergency Department is expected to treat over 25,000 this year. Just a few of the amenities this facility will include are 22 treatment rooms, 2 dedicated trauma rooms, a dedicated trauma entrance, a dedicated ambulatory entrance, a SANE treatment room (for victims of sexual assault), an isolation room, two psychiatric treatment rooms and a grieving room. The new department will sit on the current southeast parking lot of TMC; continuing its designation as a Level III Trauma Center. "Because our present location is so small and busy, I get many letters from patients regarding long waiting times and lack of privacy. Fortunately, we have talented ER doctors and great ER nurses and staff who have still managed to give outstanding care to these patients," says Watkins. "I’m very proud that THCS can finally provide our patients with a facilty that better meets their needs and provide our staff with a facility that better equals their talents."

TMC is a private, nonprofit affiliate of Texoma HealthCare System. TMC voluntarily maintains accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is licensed by the Texas Department of Health. For more information on Texoma HealthCare System and Texoma Medical Center, visit the THCS website at www.thcs.org <http://www.thcs.org>.

Bonham State Bank Artist Of The Month

This month’s Creative Arts Center Artist of the Month, sponsored by Bonham State Bank, is Kim Hope. Her photograph is titled "Pondering" and can be seen in the banks lobby area.

Kim’s love for photography stems from a life spent among nature in it’s purest form.

Having been raised on Hope Ranch where nature flourishes, Kim has had the opportunity to observe and develop a keen eye for preserving beauty with her camera.

Kim’s creativity and talent are carried further in the darkroom where her skill in developing film has become an integral part of each photograph.

Kim works as a successful hair designer at Barbara Hope Esthetics and on Hope Ranch, and is proudly the daughter of Tommy and Barbara Hope.

Her photograph "Pondering" is of her beloved dog Stormy. Stormy was abandoned after being shot and stabbed. Kim lovingly nursed Stormy back to health and they’ve been inseparable ever since. "Pondering" is a candid shot of Stormy pondering his day away while overlooking the pool bank.

Kyle Anderson Takes Part In Medical Dean’s Convocation And White Coat Ceremony

Kyle Anderson of Bonham began his studies for a career in the medical field by participating in the Medical Dean’s Convocation and White Coat Ceremony at the University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School at San Antonio on June 29, 2003. The medical students received traditional white coats and took the Physicians Oath of Hippocrates in preparation for their medical studies. Prior to entering medical school, Anderson was a research technician in pediatric endocrinology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas under the direction of Dr. Perrin White. Anderson is the 1997 Bonham High School valedictorian and an honor graduate of Austin College. Attending the ceremony were Anderson’s parents, Terry and Mary Ann Cody, and his sister, Kelly Anderson, of Bonham.

Red River Theater Musical

Please, all of you, keep your schedules open next weekend to attend our annual (and only) fundraiser Musical Revue at the VA next Friday and Saturday night. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 seniors and students. It will be a fun-filled 2 hours of singing, comedy skits and dancing to music of the ‘30s and ‘40s.......from Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy to Bali Hi, Wizard of Oz to country and western, from radio, film and stage. We have an outstanding cast of very talented local vocalists and musicians, in costume with special lighting and sound effects.
We very much need your support so that we can purchase the equipment, props, costumes, etc. for The Miracle Worker scheduled to go on stage the first two weekends in October under Cheryl Youree’s direction. She is holding auditions Mon. and Tues. Aug. 11th and 12th at the VA to cast Helen Keller and her family. Last year’s musical revue was $25 a ticket, but we reduced the ticket prices this year in keeping with our resolve to make our theatre productions more affordable for more people. I hope you’ll be there!

VERIZON WIRELESS ADDS CELL TOWERS NEAR BONHAM

BONHAM, Texas, - As part of a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service in and around Bonham, Texas, Verizon Wireless – the nation’s leading provider of wireless communications – expanded its network with two new cell towers in the area during the second quarter of 2003. Verizon Wireless has activated a total of 95 cell towers in Texas since January.

The following cell towers were added to enhance coverage in and around Bonham:

• A new cell site located near Bonham provides expanded coverage between Bonham and Denison on U.S. Highway 82.

• Located north of Bonham, the Bonham North site completes extended coverage for the Bonham area. The site covers the northern half of Bonham, as well as Bonham Lake, extending north to FM 273, west to County Road 1445, south into Bonham and east to County Road 2910.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $8 billion nationwide in network development during the past two years. Network expansion in the Bonham area is a result of Verizon Wireless’ ongoing efforts to enhance its digital network – the largest in the United States – and improve its coverage and call reliability in Texas, said David McCarley, executive director of network for Verizon Wireless’ Texas Region.

"The performance of our digital network is a key reason Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless service provider in the nation," McCarley said. "The activation of new towers in the Bonham area demonstrates our commitment to providing the nation’s highest-quality wireless network to customers in Texas."

Recent network enhancements in Texas will benefit all customers, especially those on the carrier’s Texas Local DigitalChoice^SM plan, which makes every call in Texas a local one with no roaming or long distance charges.

Bonham Area Community Blood Drive

Once again your community needs Heroes. Will you give what it takes to save a life? We are talking about less than one hour of your time and a donation of one unit of Blood. With this donation, you could help save as many as three lives.

The Bonham Fire Department is coordinating a community wide Blood Drive on Tuesday, Aug 19th. from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm at the Bonham Fire Station. Everyone who is able to donate is encouraged to participate in this effort.

The Blood Drive is being conducted through Texoma Regional Blood Center, but remember, Blood Centers do not use blood, patients in hospitals use blood. At this time, the blood banks are in short supply. You can be part of the solution. Your donation of blood serves your community. The blood you donate stays in this area. Our local hospitals and blood banks often have to import blood from other areas to meet local needs. Statistics tell us that about 60% of our population is medically able to give blood, but only about 3% ever do give blood. Before you give blood, don’t forget to eat a good meal within 4 hours of donation. Drink plenty of extra liquids. Make a note of the names and dosages of any medications you may be taking.

We hope to see as many people as possible to make this community effort a great success. Remember that there is no medical substitute for human Blood. It is only available from donors like you.

For additional information, please contact Mike Posey, Blood drive coordinator 903-640-5609.

GREATER TEXOMA WATER GARDEN ASSOCIATION

The Greater Texoma Water Garden Association held their third annual Parade of Ponds tour June 21 and Sunday June 22.

Over 50 area water gardens were featured on a self-guided tour which benefited three Texoma families-in-need charities, the Grayson County Juvenile Alternative, the Crisis Center of Sherman, and the Crisis Control Center, Inc. of Durant.

We were able to give a $2000 check to each of the three charities thanks to your time, efforts, donations, publicity, and ticket purchases. It was a pleasure to work with the following local organizations: Pettits Groc.,Furniture Mart, Garden Shoppe, Bullets, Plants and Some Such Stuff of Bonham, The Leonard Graphic, The Fannin County Special, and the Whitewright Sun.

Thank You

The Fannin County Senior 4-H House Quiz Bowl team would like to thank everyone who supported and sponsored them to go to the state competition in College Station June 12th. We placed 4th out of 19 teams and earned a spot at the Regional competition in Georgia in August. We opted not to make that trip this year, but are looking forward to the State competition again next year when we expect to place even higher! Many thanks go to: Mr. Lawton Langford - 3-L Farm & Ranch; Dr. H.D. Witcher - Honey Grove Veterinary Clinic; Mr. Jimmy Herpeche - Coast to Coast Home & Auto; Mr. Scott Fite - S&E Western Wear; and Mr. Lyle Henderson.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!

Check Your Health Plan - The Coverage Might Be Narrower Than You Think, Reports Texas Medicine Magazine

You visit your doctor and together decide you should undergo an elective medical procedure for a recurring problem. You’re reassured to know the health insurance at your government-related job of many years will cover it, so you think, "Why not?" Better safe than sorry when it comes to your health.

Then you get the bill, and discover the reimbursement for the procedure is denied - and you owe a very large sum of money.

Your health insurance won’t foot the bill for the procedure because your employer chose a government-sanctioned waiver in your health plan’s coverage, and it’s perfectly legal, according to the August issue of Texas Medicine magazine.

Who needs to check into this loophole recently unearthed by the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and the Texas Medical Group Managers’ Association (TMGMA)? Employees of the cities of San Antonio and Dallas, of Tarrant and Lubbock counties, of Houston Independent School District, and The University of Texas System, among others, all need to check the fine print in their health benefits.

Think "HIPAA," and you’re likely to think "privacy." But for one Houston-area patient and possibly hundreds of thousands of others statewide, a whole new HIPAA meaning has been discovered. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, passed by Congress in 1996, carries with it a loophole allowing non-federal government agencies like school districts, municipalities, and state agencies, to choose exemptions in their health insurance coverage if they self-insure, the magazine reports. (Self-insuring means they keep funds in reserve and pay claims from those funds, rather than hiring an outside insurance company.) Employees of cities, counties, state agencies, universities, school districts, hospital districts, and government-related health insurance pools are all susceptible, depending upon what their employer chose.

The HIPAA loophole is Alan Barnett’s $77,000 nightmare. The employee of the Klein Independent School District elected, with his physician’s input, to undergo a procedure to eliminate his kidney stones. Twice his insurance company confirmed coverage for the procedure, according to Texas Medicine, so Barnett’s physician, Howard Lippman, MD, proceeded. After the stones were blasted away, Barnett was blown away by a bill for $77,000.

"We expected to spend approximately $2,500, but now we owe about $80,000. We were duped into a situation that could leave us bankrupt," complained Evelyn Barnett, Mr. Barnett’s wife.

While Mr. Barnett was a long-time employee of the school district, he had not been enrolled in its self-funded insurance plan because his wife’s company-provided insurance was superior - until she was laid off. They continued their same coverage under COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), until it neared expiration, at which time he signed up for his work plan. While his new coverage was taking effect he had a regular check-up, which discovered his recurring health problem. The Barnetts and their physician chose to proceed with treatment only after assurances that his plan would cover it. But his new insurer then saw evidence of pre-existence, and, leaping through the loophole, refused payment after the procedure took place. They did so even though he had never let his coverage lapse.

According to Texas Medicine, the new law allows non-Federal government entities with self-funded health plans to choose any or all of six exemptions.

Under the six exemptions, such employer/self-insurers:

- Can skip holding special insurance enrollment periods;

- Can discriminate against participants & beneficiaries based on the individual’s health status;

- Can include the use of pre-existing conditions to deny coverage for patients with continuous health insurance coverage;

- Can dictate benefits/hospital stays for mothers and their newborns, less than the standard duration;

- Can refuse to cover reconstructive surgery following mastectomies; and

- Can set limits to mental health benefits lower than medical/surgical benefits.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 218 Texas agencies had claimed at least one such exemption - and most took all six, the magazine, the official publication of TMA, reports. The cities of San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin are among the 218 agencies whose employees could be effected, because their employers chose exemptions. So are workers for the counties of Dallas, Tarrant, Lubbock, and Montgomery, because they, too, also opted out. Faculty and staff at some school districts including Dallas ISD and Houston ISD are susceptible, as are the University of Texas System, the University Health System, and the Employee Retirement System of Texas.

Lewis E. Foxhall, MD, chair of TMA’s Council on Socioeconomics, summed what few options patients covered by those plans may have. "Fixing this loophole may require the Texas Legislature to address the problem," he said. TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 38,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 120 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective is to improve the health of all Texans.

POWERFUL REALITY STATEMENT DELIVERED

BY JUDGE HALL

Elected officials and County Department Heads were present to hear Judge Hall deliver the dismal news about the 2003-2004 budget. Fannin County is hurting financially and will experience a $300,000 deficit making cuts inevitable. With the auditor advising that there should be a target of 1 million in the cash reserve, this makes matters even more complicated. Cuts in the Texas budget has put a burden on the County governments and Hall knew that drastic changes would need to be made. He began workshops last year with the commissioners and dept. heads to prepare for this day. Judge Hall told the group, "We can’t do things like we’ve always done. We’re facing a serious challenge & we have got to figure out what’s essential and make some hard choices. It won’t be easy. This is reality folks."

In a very powerful presentation that obviously took the Judge some time to prepare, he showed charts revealing changes that have occurred over the past three years. Several factors account for the budgets decline, starting with the General fund beginning cash balance. The figure for 2001 was $900,000, 2002, $520,000 and 2003, $140,000. This is a big drop, Hall said. "We have dipped into the cash balance that the auditor advised we need to keep a million in at all times." Grant revenues fell from over $80,000 in 2001 to $13,000 in 2003, while interest earnings declined from $90,000 to $20,000 in 2003.

Increase in insurance cost has risen and this has also affected the County’s general fund budget. In the past our EMS services were provided by East Texas Medical at no cost to the County. Now Bonham EMS will cost the County around $400,000. Indigent Health Care costs continues to rise due to medical and prescription increases and less help from the state.

The jail operation costs has gone from $612,000 three years ago to more than 1 million for 2004. This was expected with the new jail to maintain a much better facility then before.

Hall told those present that the anticipated general fund revenues for 2004, with a 3% increase in taxes, will be $5,185,837 and requested expenditures of $5,476,228, leaving the County at a loss of $290,391.

Fixed cost account for about 85 percent of each departments budget. "It will take more than savings on pencils and paper," Hall said. "We have three options. Cut fixed costs and explore all options, sell assets, including real & surplus properties or raise taxes which is the least attractive option." Hall would like to see the County employees receive a 5% raise, the first in three years, without increasing taxes.

Judge Hall knows there is a lot of work ahead, and told the departments to take a hard look at their budgets and to cut wherever possible.

Church Prepares For 4th

"Granny’s Attic"

Local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are busily preparing for their 4^th "Granny’s Attic" to be held Saturday, August 9^th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attics, garages, closets and cupboards are being cleaned out in search of serviceable clothing and all kinds of household items.

"Granny’s Attic is like a giant garage sale, except everything is free," stated the women’s auxiliary Relief Society president Vida Pittman. "The timing of the sale is planned to help parents provide clothing for their children for the upcoming school year."

"Last year our building was half the size it is this year, and it was full to over-flowing with clothing of all sizes from infant to ladies and men's, household goods, and even furniture and appliances," stated this year’s coordinator, Margaret Taylor. "We have even had donations from members of the community in our effort to help others. We will continue to accept donations of gently used, clean clothing and other items which can be delivered to the church on Friday, August 8^th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m." stated Taylor.

"Nothing goes to waste," said Pittman. "Whatever we have left is donated to either Goodwill, the Fannin County Crisis Center, or the Veteran’s Hospital."

Everyone is invited, and everything is FREE. The church is located 2 miles south of Bonham on Highway 78 just before the intersection of FM 1629, and is on the west side of the highway.

TDH Reports First Two Deaths from West Nile Virus This Year

The Texas Department of Health (TDH) reported July 31, that TDH Laboratory tests confirm two people have died from West Nile virus encephalitis. The two deaths are the first associated with the mosquito-borne illness this year in Texas.

An 85-year-old woman from Ellis County died July 27 and a 68-year-old man from Montgomery County died July 20.

So far, TDH has recorded 13 human cases of West Nile virus in nine Texas counties in 2003. The virus also has been detected in birds, mosquitoes and horses.

Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Texas Commissioner of Health, expressed his sympathy for the families of those who died from the illness.

He reminded people that they can take action to protect themselves, their families and their communities from West Nile virus. "Remember the 4 D’s," Sanchez said.

"Reducing exposure to mosquitoes is one of the most important things," he said. "Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood, apply insect repellent that contains DEET, stay indoors from dusk to dawn when those mosquitoes likely to carry the infection are most active and dress in pants and long sleeves when you are outside, especially in mosquito-infested areas."

In 2002, West Nile virus was reported in 213 Texas counties. A total of 202 serious West Nile cases, including 13 deaths, were reported in humans.

Mosquitoes get West Nile virus by biting infected birds. People and animals get the illness from the bite of an infected mosquito, not from other people, animals or birds.

Currently no vaccine is available to combat West Nile virus in people, and no specific treatment is given for the infection other than supportive therapies for fever or pain. Cities, counties, mosquito control districts or local health departments will implement pesticide application if they consider such action appropriate for their communities.

TDH Details Statewide Immunization Rates, Comprehensive Action Plan

Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Texas Commissioner of Health, July 31 unveiled a new five-point state action plan to increase childhood immunization rates.

"Vaccines work," Sanchez said. "They are one of the great public health achievements of the last century. Vaccines protect both individuals and communities from preventable and potentially devastating infectious diseases."

Sanchez said the comprehensive action plan draws from work by Texas Department of Health (TDH) staff, state leaders and public and private partners. The five steps are to:

* Enact emergency rules to require a fifth diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) immunization at age 4;

* Initiate a "Back to School" campaign urging immunization of school children and their siblings;

* Roll out a new bilingual multimedia public awareness campaign;

* Expedite new business recommendations to improve the state’s immunization program; and

* Quickly implement new legislation supporting immunizations.

Sanchez also discussed the results of the National Immunization Survey (NIS) for 2002, to be released Friday (Aug. 1) by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey shows that about 71 percent of Texas children ages 19 months through 35 months were fully immunized against five diseases last year. The state’s rate the previous year was 74.9 percent.

These figures put Texas 45th among states for children in this age group to have the 4:3:1 vaccine series, which includes four doses of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine, three doses of polio vaccine and one dose of any measles-containing vaccine.

The NIS survey for 2002 covers about 30,000 children in all 50 states and in 28 specific metropolitan areas. The national immunization rate for 2002 for the 4:3:1 series was 78.5 percent. That national figure is about the same as the 78.6 percent the previous year.

"This survey is a report card that shows both our strengths and the areas where we need to improve," Sanchez said. "It offers an overall view of where we stand as a state on immunizing our children."

Four Texas communities are among the 28 metropolitan areas surveyed nationally. Their immunization rates are:

* Bexar County, 76.4 percent, up from 75.1 percent the previous year;

* Houston at 64.2 percent, down from 70.5 percent in 2001;

* Dallas County at 77.3 percent, up from 68.9 percent; and

* El Paso at 78.6 percent, up from 69.2 percent.

The rate for the rest of the state was 70.6 percent.

"The new action plan will help TDH and local communities make childhood vaccination a priority," Sanchez said. "TDH will work with our partners to implement this new plan as quickly as possible."

Baylor Faculty Testing Promising New

AIDS Drugs

HOUSTON - A new class of AIDS drugs that inhibits the entry of the HIV virus into cells that fight off infection (or T-cells) is being tested at the Thomas Street Clinic in Houston.

"This is something that has not been done before and is very promising for patients who haven’t responded to other therapies," said Dr. Fehmida Visnegarwala, director of education and research at the clinic and assistant professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "This should also make way for many new similar drugs."

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the drug Fuzeon, or T-20. It is in a category of HIV medicines called entry inhibitors. Clinical trials published in the May 2003 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine were "excellent," said Visnegarwala. The published report showed that the use of T-20 in combination standard drugs lowered viral loads three-fold.

The FDA gave a temporary release on the use of the drug on a humanitarian basis prior to its actual approval, due to its promise of extending life. The Thomas Street Clinic has had six patients testing with the drug under that release. The drug requires two injections a day. The only side-effect Visnegarwala has seen is slight swelling at the point of injection.

Visnegarwala is also enthusiastic about a new protease inhibitor, named Atazanavir or Reyataz, currently being testing at the clinic. The drug received FDA approval last month.

Reyataz prevents cells infected by HIV from producing new virus. This reduces the amount of virus in a patient’s body.

"We are excited about this drug because you don’t have the high cholesterol and high lipid numbers you normally find with protease inhibitors," she said. "There really is a lower level of cardiovascular toxicity with Reyataz."

Constitutional Amendments 7 & 8

This week’s column continues the series outlining the proposed constitutional amendments on which Texas voters will decide on September 13. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions on any of the constitutional amendments. You can view a document which explains the amendments along with arguments for and against each amendment at http://www.tlc.state.tx.us/research/pdf/analyses-sept13-condensed.pdf.

Amendment 7: The constitutional amendment to permit a six-person jury in a district court misdemeanor trial.

Proposition 7 would amend the Constitution to require that petit (trial) juries in criminal misdemeanor cases heard in district court be composed of six people. Misdemeanors are heard in both district courts and county courts. In county courts and inferior courts, the jury is required to consist of only six qualified jurors. The purpose of this constitutional amendment is to provide for uniformity between the county courts and district courts for misdemeanor cases. It would also delete language allowing nine members of a twelve-person jury to render a verdict in misdemeanor cases heard in district court.

Supporters of the change say that the current system of using twelve jurors in district court results in misdemeanor cases being treated differently throughout the state, depending on the type of court in which the case is tried. Opponents say the amendment could have the unintended consequence of allowing a six-person jury in misdemeanor cases where public officials are accused of "official misconduct." District courts are given original jurisdiction over these matters. They say public officials convicted of such crimes face the serious consequence of being removed from office and should have the additional protections of a larger jury.

Amendment 8: The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit a person to take office without an election if the person is the only candidate to qualify in an election for that office.

This amendment allows a person to take office without an election if the person was the only candidate to qualify in an election to be held for that office. The names and offices would remain on the ballot for voters to see that these candidates were unopposed and declared elected, but no votes would be cast for them and no votes would have to be counted. This procedure is used on the local level and to fill a vacancy in the Legislature if a candidate is running unopposed in a special election to fill the vacancy and other conditions are met.

Proponents say the new procedure would reduce the price of elections. Opponents claim it could cause confusion for some voters who might not understand why they were not allowed to vote for certain candidates.

You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.

Bonham Chrysler

Relocation Celebration For Fannin County Children’s Center

By Mandy Leonard

Editor of North Texas e-News

The Fannin County Children’s Center (FCCC) celebrated the end of their relocation with an emotional open house Friday morning, August 1, 2003. While community leaders, volunteers, well wishers and political representatives gathered for breakfast, FCCC Executive Director Sandy Barber gave her thanks to the special people of Fannin County who made relocating possible.

When she first began working for the center over two years ago, Barber says the Board of Directors specifically mentioned their desire to move. Although the office space donated by The Eye Center was a tremendous blessing to the organization, they always knew they would need their own location to best serve Fannin County.

Over one year ago, the Center began collecting the funds needed to move. The Glaser Family Charitable Foundation ensured the success of the drive with an initial donation of $50,000. Other organizations and individuals quickly followed suit. This spring, the Meadows Foundation dedicated $45,000 to the Center, topping off the fund raiser just as the papers were signed on the new location.

The old Lone Star Gas building, at 112 W. Fifth St in Bonham, was exactly what the Center needed. Barber says through the donations of the community, they own the building outright and all renovations are paid for. Dugan Curtis, who handled the majority of the contracting work himself, dedicated his efforts in the memory of Thomas Barnes, a strong advocate and Board member for the Children’s Center.

"We deal with a lot of heartbreak and heartache," says Barber. "Now, we can truly concentrate on helping and healing the children of Fannin County."

New Cookbook Of

East Texas Farm Cooking

Urges Readers To Preserve Family Recipes, Lore

GARLAND, TX -- All your life you’ve eaten a dessert your mother called "Great-Aunt Gertie’s Dump Cake." But who, exactly, was Great-Aunt Gertie? And how did her cake recipe get passed down through the generations so that it’s now a staple in your home?

In her new book, Way Back in the Country, published by Hannibal Books, author Kay Wheeler Moore of Garland (Texas) contends that many people don’t take time to write down the family lore that surrounds time-honored dishes.

"Our children and future generations need to experience not only the cooking instructions we pass on but also to know the people and traditions behind them," writes Moore.

Designed to inspire readers to follow her lead, the new book contains more than 120 recipes for appetizers, salads, vegetables, breads, entrees and desserts. Intertwined with the six generations of rural recipes are a series of true stories from the author’s own family, the Miller-Harrises of Delta County, TX. Her great-grandparents were Delta County pioneers in the Brushy Mound community near Cooper.

Recipes are those that have endured throughout the years in the Miller/ Harris family-all the way from long-ago favorites--Country Biscuits and Osgood Pie-to Chocolate-Marshmallow Bars and Texas Corny Dip, popular with the current generation.

The book’s foreword was written by Ann Criswell, longtime editor of the Houston Chronicle and herself an East Texas native.

Moore says the tales were inspired by Sunday-afternoon drives during her childhood when her mother and aunts related vivid stories about growing up there in the early part of the last century.

Moore has also written When the Heart Soars Free, a book of Christian fiction, and Gathering the Missing Pieces in an Adopted Life, based on her Houston Chronicle newspaper series that was nominat­ed for a Pulitzer Prize.

The book is the latest addition to the "Way Back" series initially made popular by authors James C. Hefley and "Ozark Monk" Hefley. The nine-book series is published by Hannibal, a Garland (Texas) publishing company.

IBN: 0-929292-50-2

8.5 Million Who Filed

For Extensions Approach Aug. 15 Tax Deadline

WASHINGTON — Most taxpayers already have filed their tax year 2002 federal income tax returns. But for more than 8.5 million taxpayers, the deadline is August 15 if they opted for the automatic extension of time to file by completing Form 4868 by April 15.

The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers with extensions to file their returns by August 15 to avoid the late filing penalty, which is 5 percent per month of the unpaid tax. Help may be available, however, for people who cannot file by August 15.

Taxpayers with special circumstances, such as a hardship, that prevent them from preparing and filing their tax forms by August 15 may request an additional two-month extension by completing Form 2688 that will give them until October 15 to file their income tax returns. These taxpayers will be granted an extension of time to file even if they cannot send in payment of outstanding 2002 taxes with the extension request.

Taxpayers granted the additional time to file will not be penalized for late payment of tax if they pay the balance of their 2002 tax when they file the tax return by October 15 provided 90 percent of their total tax was paid by April 15.

To request the additional time to file, taxpayers must file Form 2688 with the IRS by August 15. Form 2688 is available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov. The IRS will advise filers in writing whether or not their requests are granted. Form 2688 can be filed electronically or mailed to the IRS.

Taxpayers may continue to take advantage of the Free File program until October 15. Free File enables qualifying taxpayers to e-file for free. As of June 30, 2.78 million taxpayers have used Free File to e-file their tax returns. E-file is available until October 15. To e-file, taxpayers can use tax preparation software on their own computers or file electronically through an authorized e-file provider. Both options offer taxpayers security and accuracy in filing their returns as well as faster refunds.

Once taxpayers have filed their tax returns, they can use the "Where’s My Refund" feature in the IRS Web site to check the status of their refund checks.

The IRS expects to receive more than 3 million Forms 2688 during 2003.

Bonham EMS Alvin Shields, Jr. gave a program last Wednesday to the Bonham Rotarians on choking...how to save someone when they are choking and what to do in an emergency. Shields said that you must remain calm and use good common sense in an emergency. The person who needs you will probably be upset or even panic so you must remain calm.

Police Chief Mike Bankston offered to assist Shields in a demonstration on how to save someone from choking. Shields also explained how to save a large person, or even yourself from choking. He also emphasized the importance of everyone taking a CPR course.

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

CALLING ALL CHILI CHEFS!

BONHAM, Texas -- The fourth annual Sam Rayburn House Museum Chili Cook-off takes place Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Sam Rayburn House Museum in Bonham. Sponsored by the Friends of Sam Rayburn, a nonprofit group that supports the operation of the Sam Rayburn House and the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum, the event features food, live music, an auction and prizes of up to $300 for the best chili. Handmade purple martin birdhouses resembling the Sam Rayburn House are just some of the unique items to be auctioned. Tours

of the Sam Rayburn House are also planned.

The cook-off begins at 9 a.m. and the chili tasting gets under way at noon. Tickets are $6 for adults; children five and under get in free. There is no fee to enter the chili competition. The entry deadline is Sept. 13.

Sam Rayburn (1882-1961) was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives at age 24. Five years later, he was elected Speaker of the House. He went on to serve as a U.S. congressman for 48 years and was Speaker of the U.S. House for 17 years. Affectionately called "Mr. Sam" by his friends, Rayburn was proud of his Texas roots and often served chili to his Washington, D. C. friends.

For more information, or to receive an entry form, call Carole Stanton at the Sam Rayburn House Museum at 903/583-5558. For more information about the museum, visit the THC web site at www.thc.state.tx.us.

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.