Trail Ride Event

By: Pat Ward

Horseback trail ride organizers and television film producers were in Bonham on Friday at the invitation of Pat Ward, local nonprofit community theatre President and charter member of the Lake Fannin Wilderness Park Texas organization. They were here to scout the area for their 2005 national TV series on the best places to visit and vacation with horses and to ride in some of America’s most historic and beautiful places.

Tom and Pat Seay of Andora Farm and Stables in Culpepper, VA, are co-founders and producers of The American Transcontinental Trail Ride, the 1994 televised series which traversed America from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean on horseback. Locations selected by the producers for their 2005 adventure will be featured in 26 weekly segments on a well-known national television network next year.

Co-Producer Doug Sloan joins the event with his television crew to capture the ambience and character of the sites selected for the series on film. With 20 years of experience as a horseback stunt rider, head wrangler, stunt coordinator and horse trainer for the television and movie industry, Sloan is expected to bring along some of his horses that have been used by actors in over 40 major motion pictures, many of whom he taught to ride for their film roles. Sloan is interested in filming local attractions and interviews with long time residents with historic experience at Lake Fannin and the current life style of horsemen and women in the surrounding area.

Both the day-only and the overnight camp programs at Lake Fannin Park will include entertainment, camp meals, and educational campfire discussions on trail riding, outfitting, health certificates, tack and rig requirements and various other aspects of traveling with a horse and riding trails.

The visitors met with Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce President Tandy Hix, and local historian Tom Scott. Gary McGuire, President of the Lake Fannin volunteer organization, and U.S. Forester Tom Palmer accommodated them for an overview of the refurbished camping and lodge facilities at the Lake Fannin Park as well as the feasibility of areas within the park for a filmed trail ride for registered participants.

The Kueckelhan Ranch is also under consideration as the location for a cattle drive event in connection with the Lake Fannin series feature for local and visiting participants.

Jerry Thames, founding editor of Texas Horse Talk magazine and President of the Texas Horse Council, hosted the group from his offices in Houston for their quick scouting trip to other possible sites in Texas for the 2005 television series.

Pat Ward of Ivanhoe, TX, will serve as the local coordinator of the event in Fannin County which will include opportunities for local nonprofit organizations to participate. Registration information will be available as soon as Lake Fannin permits are secured and plans are finalized. The event will be promoted nationwide by the organizers and producers.

Bonham I.S.D. Board of Trustees Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Charles Butler and a quorum was present. Allen Sanderson gave the Invocation.

Superintendent’s Report consisted of:

• TASA/TASB Convention- September 17-20, 2004

• Resignation: Andy Gutierrez

Closed Session:

The Board discussed personnel matters pertaining to evaluations, duties, terminations, replacements, reassignments, and additions to staff.

The Board discussed matters pertaining to contemplated or pending litigation.

President Charles Butler returned then to open session at 7:10 p.m. The following business was transacted.

• Motion was made by Mike Sisk and seconded by Nolan Ashmore to approve the following personnel. Motion carried 7-0.

Nancy DeRose- 1st grade teacher at Finley-Oates Elementary School; Laurel McDonald- Kindergarten teacher at Finley-Oates; Joan Zoppi- 2nd grade teacher at Finley- Oates; JoAnn Carr- Special Education teacher at Bonham High School; Rebecca Knight- English teacher at Bonham High School; Glenda Meador- Librarian at Bonham High School; Rick Alexander- Math teacher at Bonham High School; Randall Lechlitner- Math teacher at Bonham High School; Jack Varcados- Science teacher at Bonham High School; Chris Mason- Teacher/Coach at L.H. Rather Jr. High School; Carmen Norris- 1st Grade Teacher at Finley -Oates Elementary School

Motion was made by Allen Sanderson and seconded by Doyce Taylor to adjourn at 7:11 p.m. Motion carried 7-0.

Texas Amber Alert System Quickly Informs Public

In 1996, Amber Hagerman, a nine-year old girl from Arlington, was abducted and brutally murdered. A neighbor was able to provide some details of a car believed to be involved in the abduction. However, no system was in place to get that information to the public quickly. Local residents and citizens around the state began to call for a system that would quickly and efficiently get information on abductions of this kind to the public so that they could act as eyes and ears for law enforcement. From this, the Texas Amber Alert system was created and is now a nationwide program.

The Texas Amber Alert Network gives law enforcement officers access to a powerful tool when a child has been kidnapped. The Texas Department of Public Safety is in charge of the statewide system, but any Texas law enforcement agency has the ability to activate this network of resources when needed. When the system is activated, media outlets receive rapid notification of an abduction and the Texas Department of Transportation will flash messages on highway signs. This allows the public to have knowledge of information on the abductor such as a physical description or vehicle.

However, overuse of the system could reduce its effectiveness. So, specific criteria is required before an Amber Alert is activated. To activate the network, the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction must determine that the case meets the following criteria:

• the child is 17 years of age or younger;

• the local law enforcement agency believes that the child has been abducted;

• the local law enforcement agency believes that the missing child is in immediate danger of serious bodily harm or death;

• the local law enforcement agency confirms that an investigation has taken place that verifies the abduction and has eliminated alternative explanations for the missing child; and

• sufficient information is available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the child, the suspect, or the vehicle used in the abduction.

Upon verification of the activation request, the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management determines the circumference of the search area and issues the alert. Alerts are distributed to:

• National Weather Service’s Texas Warning System for broadcast on radio and television stations;

• Texas Department of Transportation’s Traffic Management Center for messages on highway signs;

• Law enforcement agencies;

• Texas Missing Persons Clearinghouse; and

• Texas Office of the Governor

Although child abductions by strangers are rare, every second counts. It is important that we have the resources available to make every effort to return the child to safety. You can learn more about the Amber Alert system at www.missingkids.org.

Ronny Cox With Music, Stories, Tales And Out-and-Out Lies Performs At Harmony House

On Saturday, September 11, 2004, from 7:30-9:30 pm, Ronny Cox will be the performing artist at Harmony House on Wildscape Acres just 10 miles North of Bonham and 65 miles NE of Dallas metroplex. You may recognize the name, since Ronny Cox is one of the most respected and sought-after character actors in Hollywood. Since his debut in John Boorman’s "DELIVERANCE", Ronny has appeared in over 50 films including "BEVERLY HILLS COP (I & II)"; "ROBO COP"; "TOTAL RECALL"; and "TAPS". He has starred in numerous television movies and has appeared as a regular on "St. Elsewhere", "Apple’s Way", and "The Agency". However, Country Sounds says, " Ronny Cox is not an Actor that got a notion to become a singer; he is, however, a Singer-Songwriter who just happens to have had a great success as an actor."

Tall tales are as much a part of our American landscape as the Grand Canyon. In his latest album, "COWBOY SAVANT" , Ronny Cox showcases an original, sophisticated country sound with just a twist of folk....the stories that accompany these songs are something else entirely.

Be prepared to take a unique & emotional journey with this fun-filled and thought-provoking show. This one-of-a-kind singer/songwriter and actor will knock the socks right off your feet. Maybe you’ll want to come barefoot...just in case you don’t want to lose a pair of socks!

Have you ever wondered how a story of "questionable truth" gets started? Well...some small grain of truth gets twisted and turned and then told and retold. Eventually, that small grain has grown into a boulder of "undeniable truth" that you would bet your house on! Well, ok....maybe not your house, but someone’s house! Ronny will show you how this is done through story and song.

You’ll just have to BE HERE to believe it for yourself! Call 903/583-2661 for reservations and directions (if needed). Requested donation is $10 per person with all proceeds going to the artist. Another $1 donation is requested to cover the cost of snacks, coffee, and tea at intermission. A Potluck Picnic will be held at 6:15 pm for those interested; please state intent when making reservations. An intimate Song Circle will be after the show in which all can actively or passively partake. Please have the courtesy to cancel any reservations ASAP, if unable to attend for any reason. Harmony House’s last concert was a sell-out with a waiting list of 20 folks, who would have loved to have attended had there been cancellations by those who did not show up. COME CASUAL AND BE PREPARED FOR A GREAT EVENING OF GOOD MUSIC AND GOOD COMPANY!!

"So-o-o-o excellent hearty singing. Stirring production. Swirling melody. Brilliantly evocative."

--Robert K. Oermann, Music Row

MORE TO COME........ Harmony House will offer a second show in September ‘04. ANNIE GALLUP, popular upbeat poet/songwriter and "spoke folk" artist will appear on Saturday, September 25, 7:30-9:30 pm. Annie will be appearing at Dallas’ Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse on Friday night, and she is just too good to pass up when she’s available in our area. Watch for the article with more details in a couple of weeks. However, it’s not too early to make reservations for BOTH these sensational concerts, so why not do it now?

Northeast Medical Center

Monday- Turkey, Dressing/Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Capri Veggies, Cranberry Sauce, Dinner Roll, Pecan Pie, Salad Bar

Tuesday- Fried Catfish, Steak Fries, Cole Slaw, Hush Puppies, Brownies, Salad Bar

Wednesday- Kielbasa Sausage, Pinto Beans, Fried Okra, Carrots, Cornbread, Blueberry Pie, Salad Bar

Thursday- Chicken Salad On Croissants, Chips, Chocolate Cloud Pudding

Friday- Spaghetti, Fried Zucchini, Italian Blend Veggies, Garlic Bread, Swedish Pineapple Cake

Bonham SNAP Center Menu

Hot Dogs, Frijole Salad, Cabbage & Carrots, Cornbread, Pineapple, Milk

Pepper Steak, Black Eyed Peas, Pineapple Cheese Salad, Bread, Rice, Milk

Chicken & Dumplings, Pickled Beets, Squash Casserole, Bread, Peaches, Milk

Baked Ham, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Green Beans, Bread, Rice Pudding, Milk

Oven Fried Chicken/Gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Turnip Greens, Bread, Raisin Apple Cobbler, Milk

Auditions for Hopalong Cassidy Meets the Ghost Riders will be held Aug. 30 and 31 from 7:00-10:00 PM at the Old Windom School. The 2-story brick school is located at the end of 1st Street in Windom on the south side of Hwy. 56.

Red River Theatre Company will present the world premier of the original two-act play by well-known Texas author, song writer and sculptor William Easley at the Old Windom School the last two weekends in October.

Participating in a world premier production carries with it a measure of immortality in the theatrical world. When the play goes on to be performed by other theatre companies, both professional and amateur, or is later produced as a Broadway, television or movie production, the names of the original producing theatre, the actors and the entire staging staff are acknowledged by name and location in the published script.

The script calls for a cast of 6 women and 9 men in addition to numerous nonspeaking townspeople. The lead female and male roles require strong vocalist as well as acting talent for several original songs written by the author for the play. All actors, both speaking and nonspeaking, stage staff and musicians will costume in period attire appropriate to the old West.

Rehearsals for speaking roles will begin at the Old Windom School immediately following casting and are expected to be held several evenings each week throughout September and October. Rehearsal for nonspeaking roles and musicians will likely begin in early to mid-October. Auditions for musicians will be announced in September.

For further information, call Production Director Julie Eubank, 903-583-4415 or log on to the RRTC website, www.RedRiverTheatre.com

On Tuesday, August 4, 2004, David Dale Stoetzel, a convicted sex offender living in Bonham, was sentenced to five years in prison for failing to report a change of address with the Bonham Police Department. Fannin County Attorney Myles Porter handled the case.

Stoetzel, age 42, was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child in 1992 in Nueces County. After serving a ten year prison sentence, Stoetzel was released and moved to Bonham. State law requires persons convicted of sex crimes who have completed their prison sentences to report their residences, place of employment, change of automobiles and other such matters to local law enforcement at all times. Captain Tim LaVergne of the Bonham Police Department is in charge of Bonham’s sex offender registration program. La Vergne determined that Stoetzel had changed his residence without informing authorities. An arrest warrant was issued and Stoetzel was located on a commercial fishing vessel near Panama City, Florida. Chief Deputy Donnie Foster of the Fannin County Sheriff’s Department drove to Florida to extradite Stoetzel.

Two weeks after arriving back in Texas, Stoetzel was sentenced to five years in prison for his failure to register and one year in state jail for hindering a secured creditor.

County Attorney Porter was pleased with the sentences, "By definition a convicted sex offender is a violent criminal. When a sex offender is not where he is supposed to be, it indicates to me that he may be victimizing children in our community. The easiest way to assure that this does not happen is to send them to prison, that is why we never offer probation to sex offenders who fail to register," stated the County Attorney.

To learn more about registered sex offenders living in Fannin County, go to www.fannincountyattorney.com. The County Attorney’s website features a "sex offender of the week" and gives citizens easy access to the Texas Department of Public Safety sex offender database.

Kiwanis Club Meeting

Bonham Kiwanis Club president Holly Shelley presents new member Tillman Bostick, Bonham State Bank, with his t-shirt, cap, and pin.

Kiwanians Charles Teller, Denton Jones, Richard Glaser, and Bob Nunnelee look over next season’s program. Kiwanis meets at noon each Tuesday at the First Christian Church, 7th and Main. You are invited to join us for fellowship. Pianist needed!

Water Conservation Implementation Task Force - Request for Public Comment

The Water Conservation Implementation Task Force (Task Force) is requesting public input and comments on its two (2) draft documents authorized by the 78th Legislature, Senate Bill 1094:

· A draft Report to the Legislature; and

· A draft Best Management Practices (BMP) Guide.

Background:

The Task Force was created by the Texas Legislature in 2003 pursuant to Senate Bill 1094 for the purpose of evaluating matters regarding water conservation throughout Texas. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) was charged with selecting the members of the Task Force and Executive Administrator Kevin Ward serves as the presiding officer.

By November 1, 2004, the Task Force will prepare and deliver a final report to the Governor and the 79th Legislature evaluating water conservation issues. In addition, the Task Force will develop a final BMP Guide for use by Regional Water Planning Groups (Planning Groups) and political subdivisions responsible for water delivery service. Since its creation in September of 2003, the Task Force has been actively reviewing, evaluating, and preparing recommendations concerning optimum levels of water use efficiency and water conservation for the state.

Purpose and Timeline:

The Task Force requests and welcomes comments on both draft documents. The comments will contribute to Task Force recommendations to the 79th Texas Legislature, development of a BMP Guide for use by Planning Groups and political subdivisions responsible for water delivery service, and advise the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and TWDB on water conservation issues. Copies of both documents may be obtained from the website of the TWDB located at:

http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/assistance/conservation/taskforce.asp.

Copies of both draft documents are also available in Room 439 of the Texas Water Development Board, Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas.

Comments will be accepted through Monday August 23rd. Please send all written comments referencing document title, date, and page number:

Attention: Matt Nelson conservation comments@ twdb.state.tx.us

Ask The City Planner

Zoning ordinances are made with reasonable consideration, among other things, for the character of each district and for the district’s peculiar suitability for particular uses, with a view of conserving the value of the building and encouraging the most appropriate use of the land throughout the city.

2. How does planning and zoning work together? It seems like most cities have a Planning and Zoning Commission, but not a Zoning Commission, per se.

They are very much interrelated, and you are right; in most cities they use the combined term, and usually refer to it as the P&Z Commission. Zoning is based on the city’s comprehensive plan and is the primary method of implementing the physical attributes of the plan. Zoning is a tool of planning; planning is not a tool of zoning. In the zoning enabling acts, planning, rather than zoning, serves as the focal point of all land-use regulations; therefore, comprehensive zoning functions as a part of the overall plan for regulating growth within the community. Confused? Well, zoning rules and regulations can be complicated, confusing, and seem impracticable at times. But they do have purposes, and those are to provide a system for the public control of land use for the community good, and to assist in the control of problems associated with development.

3. Why and when did zoning start in the U. S., in Texas, and in Bonham?

That almost sounds like a question for L. M. Boyd’s trivia section in the newspaper, but I think I can answer this question without calling Mr. Boyd. Comprehensive zoning as we know it began in the U. S. in 1909. Among the reasons that induced the development and acceptance of zoning was the phenomenal growth and industrialization of the nation and its cities, and the recognition of concerns and conflicts that were becoming paramount between industrial and residential areas, mainly created by industrialization. Is this beginning to sound like an American History class? Anyway, during this same period, cities also were experiencing an increased awareness of fire, safety, and quality of life hazards associated with inadequately constructed, overcrowded, and tall wooden buildings.

By 1921, the concept of zoning was gaining national support. In that year, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover (not yet President), appointed an Enabling Commission to draft a model Act, which when adopted by a State, would authorize local communities to enact comprehensive zoning ordinances. In 1926, the U. S. Department of Commerce published what is generally known as the Standard Zoning Enabling Act. Within four years, the majority of states had adopted the Act, and many cities had begun enacting comprehensive zoning ordinances. Texas adopted its form of the Act in 1927. Bonham adopted its first Zoning Ordinance in 1960. In 2002, we adopted our current Zoning Ordinance, and subsequent amendments, which replaced the previous version.

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

Patrick Woodruff Graduates From Basic Training

Naval Airman Patrick Woodruff has graduated from basic Naval training at the Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Il.

The 2002 Leonard High School graduate is the son of Mickey and Patricia Woodruff of Randolph, and the grandson of Mac and Martha Woodruff, and Joe and Betty Culling of Trenton.

During the eight weeks of training, AN Woodruff lead Division 256 as Recruit Chief Petty Officer.

AN Woodruff plans to go through EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) training. He is now training in Pensacola, Fl.

4-H Senior Horse Quiz Bowl

The Four Corners 4-H Senior Horse Quiz Bowl team represented Texas at the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Horse Quiz Bowl Competition on August 3. They were selected to compete in this event after placing 3rd at the State competition in June. There were 6 other teams competing from Iowa, Georgia, North Carolina, North Dakota, California, and Illinois. Texas placed second and is now the AQHYA Reserve World Horse Bowl Champion. Way to go team!

Four Corners 4-H Senior Horse Quiz Bowl

The Four Corners 4-H Club held their annual awards banquet on Tuesday, August 3 at the Northside Church of Christ Activity Building. The theme for this year’s banquet was western and a barbecue dinner was served. Special awards were given to Miranda Warlick for Best Dressed Cowgirl, and Luke Curren for Best Dressed Cowboy. The Horse Project won the award for Best Decorated Project Table. Special guests of honor were Mr. Chris Schraeder, the new County Extension Agent, his wife, Katherine, and their children, Brett and Ainsley. The newly elected 2004-2005 club officers were installed. The officers are: President - Matthew Henderson, 1st Vice President - Marta Goerte, 2nd Vice President - Tate Mills, 3rd Vice President - Max Goerte, Treasurer - Miranda Warlick, Secretary - Felicia Rivera, Editor - Krista Goerte, and Photographer/ Reporter - Breanna Irvin. Everyone is looking forward to a great new 4-H year!

Dean Inducted Into National Honor Society

Jason Dean was inducted into the National Honor Society on May 6th in an evening ceremony at Concordia Lutheran High School. During the candlelight ceremony he was awarded the National Honor Society Key and certificate. Jason was selected for this honor due to his outstanding scholarship, character, service, and leadership qualities. He will begin his senior year at CLHS this fall. Jason hopes to pursue a career as a game designer and has received a scholarship offer from Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia due to his SAT scores.

Dean was also published in the National Honor Roll for his second year due to his academic achievements and community involvement at CLHS. Jason’s biography and picture appear in the 2003-2004 Texas Edition published in June. The National Honor Roll honors those high school students in the top percentile of their class. As Vice-president of Venture Crew, a service club affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, Dean has volunteered in clothing donation centers operated by the Lutheran Church. He has also been active in the local library as an aide during the school year.

Jason is the son of Greg and Becca Dean of Magnolia. He is the grandson of Mary and James Beavers of Ravenna, and Helen Dean of Houston.

State Ladies Auxiliary President Makes Visit to District 1

Roberta (Bert) Carnley, State Ladies Auxiliary President to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, made her official visit to District 1, August 6-8, 2004. She toured the VA hospital facilities and the Clyde W. Cosper State Veterans Nursing Home Friday, August 6. She was met by Ladies Auxiliary members from several V.F.W.’s in District I. A luncheon was held at the VA after the tour was completed.

Sunday, August 8th, the District I meeting was held at Lake Texoma V.F.W. Post Home with approximately 80 members from the sixteen different auxiliaries in District I in attendance.

Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars James E. Bragg, Post 4852, would like to encourage any lady eligible for membership to please contact Judy Griffis, President, 903-664-4305 or Marjorie Humphres, Treasurer and Membership Chairman, 903-640-0871. Our organization meets every third Thursday night of the month at 7:30 p.m. We have several committees that we do service for. We also try to help not only the veterans of our community and country but also other community projects in and for Bonham and Fannin County.

Membership in the Auxiliary VFW shall be limited to wives, widows, mothers, foster and stepmothers [who have performed the duties of parent], grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters, foster and stepdaughters [who attained the status prior to age sixteen (16) and for whom the duties of parent were performed}, sisters, half sisters, foster and stepsisters [who attained that status prior to age sixteen (16)} of persons who were or are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Members must be citizens of the United States and not less than (16) years old.

New Immunization Requirements Come With New School Year

Along with new schedules, different room numbers and another teacher’s name to learn, parents enrolling children in school facilities will face some new immunization requirements for the 2004-05 school year. And there’s a new way to find local information about how to meet these requirements. Just dial 2-1-1.

Parents should be sure their children are in compliance with all school-enrollment vaccination requirements for the students to attend school, said Monica Gamez of the Texas Department of Health (TDH) immunization division.

State immunization rules require that school students be vaccinated against nine illnesses: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and varicella (chicken pox).

"New requirements affect hepatitis B, varicella, polio and diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis vaccines," Gamez said.

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade and seventh through 10th grade will need to have received three doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Students in kindergarten through fourth and seventh through 10th grade will need to show proof of one dose of varicella vaccine.

"Subsequent grade levels will be added each school year until 2006-07 when all students in kindergarten through 12th grade will be required to show proof of hepatitis B and varicella vaccinations," Gamez said.

In addition, children entering kindergarten must show proof of five doses of a diphtheria/ tetanus/pertussis vaccine (DTP/DTaP/DT). One dose must be on or after the child’s fourth birthday. "Students in other grades will not need to receive the fifth dose of vaccine if they had a fourth dose on or after their fourth birthday," Gamez said.

Children entering kindergarten also will need proof of four doses of polio vaccine, one of which must have been received on or after their fourth birthday.

"Children who attended kindergarten last year and received the third dose on or after their fourth birthday are not required to show proof of a fourth dose," Gamez said.

Students in kindergarten through third grade and those attending child-care facilities who live in one of 39 specific Texas counties also need proof of two doses of hepatitis A vaccine.

In the past, some schools have allowed students who are out-of-compliance with school-enrollment vaccination requirements to have a 30-day grace period to start getting the required vaccinations. But this school year, that provisional enrollment will not be granted unless the student has received at least one dose of each required vaccine series and is not overdue for a vaccine dose.

Some students are exempt from vaccination requirements for medical or religious reasons or for reasons of conscience.

Local information on where to get children immunized is available in communities across the state by dialing 2-1-1. When dialing 2-1-1, callers are connected to an area information center that can provide specific immunization information plus a variety of other health and human services information in multiple languages including Spanish.

More information about specific immunization requirements for school attendance is available on the TDH Web site at www.immunizatexas.com <http://www.immunizatexas.com>.

Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Texas School Entrance/Attendance Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K - 12) 2004-05 School Year

Five doses of any combination DTaP/DTP unless the fourth dose was given on or after the fourth birthday.

Students 7 years old and older:

* Three doses of any combination of DTP, DTaP,

DT, Td (pertussis vaccine not required);

* One does of Td required 10 years after last dose of DTP, DTaP, DT.

Polio Four doses unless the third dose was on or after the fourth birthday.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine with the first dose on or after the first birthday; second dose by age 5 or entry into kindergarten.

Hepatitis B Three doses required for grades K-5 and 7-10.

Bonham Bike Rally

By Sally Simpson, Bike Rally Committee Chair

Yes, believe it or not, bicyclers, or "cyclists", as they prefer to be called, have been making their way to the Bonham area once a year every year since 1987 – and 2004 will be no exception. The Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce is currently finalizing plans for the 18^th Annual Autumn in Bonham Bike Rally, to be held Saturday, September 25, 2004, and will cover most of Fannin County. Festivities will kick off at 7:00 am at I.W. Evans Elementary School, will riders choosing from five different routes.

The rally will target cyclists from the North Texas area and the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. Many of these tourists bring their families, with children of various ages, and some ride together as a family. The number of participants varies from approximately 500 to 1,200 individuals depending upon weather and attendance by major bicycling groups. We are honored to have the many out of town guests, and we hope that they will enjoy

Volunteers, primarily from Bonham and Fannin County, who enjoy hosting and being identified with this event and their community, stage the rally. At least 250 people from all around Fannin County come out to man the rest stops, park cars, put up signs, direct traffic and cyclists, and assist in other ways with the Bike Rally. The Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of Bonham and Fannin County, and we hope to build on this event with the goal of gaining recognition throughout the State and the Central Southwest region.

We are honored to have the many out of town guests, and we hope that they will enjoy riding our countryside. We the Chamber take pride in knowing that the citizens of Fannin County will treat our visitors with the utmost courtesy and respect. We do ask that our community practice extreme caution while traveling on our roads on Saturday, September 25^th. The cyclists are scheduled to leave out of the I.W. Evans School at 9 a.m. and will be cycling most of the day! As a community, let’s plan on this year’s Autumn in Bonham being the best year ever!

For further information and registration get on the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce website, under events – look for Autumn in Bonham. That web address is: www.bonhamchamber.com, or feel free to call the Chamber office at 903-583-4811.

Children’s Chorus of Greater North Texas Hold Auditions

The Children’s Chorus of Greater North Texas is holding auditions for the 2004-2005 school year on Monday August 16, 23 and 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for boys and girls with unchanged voices who are in grades 4 through 8. Qualifications for membership are a good voice, a good sense of pitch, and a commitment to regular attendance at rehearsals and performances. The choir rehearses each Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sherman from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.

A second choir, Music Makers for children in grades 1, 2, and 3, will be rehearsing from 5 to 5:45 p.m. each Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church. This choir will have a Musikgarten format where the children will folk dance, do movement activities, develop ear training and music reading skills, and prepare 2 or 3 songs for each concert. No audition is necessary to be a member of this group and a maximum of 15 children will be enrolled. Qualifications are a love for music and singing, good behavior, and the ability to follow directions. Regular attendance at rehearsals and performances is most important to develop the musical potential of each child.

For more information about either choir contact Susan Matthews, Artistic Director, at 903-893-0607. The Children’s Chorus is a non profit corporation modeled after the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas. Its mission is to give the Grayson County area children the experience of musical artistry and excellence, in a group that reflects the diversity of greater north Texas/southern Oklahoma.

Bonham Area Chamber Of Commerce 10^th Annual Golf Tournament A Success!

By Chamber Staff

After a slight mist of rain, golfers began their 18-hole adventure to see which team would come out in first place in the 10^th Annual Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. Many golfers were serious competitors, where as some were out to have a day filled with laughs. Regardless the motive for playing, all players were proud to be playing for the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce. This year’s tournament proved to be another great joint-effort of volunteers working together to provide a fun-filled day of golf.

The Chamber would like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors, the players and the many volunteers. If we omit someone, we apologize it’s unintentional.

The 2004 Golf Sponsors were: American Bank of Texas; Bois D’Arc Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation; Bonham Journal; Bonham State Bank; Cable One; Chris Peterson, Mary Kay Consultant; Depot Feed; Eagle Screen Printing; Fannin Bank; Fannin County Special; Habitat for Humanity of Fannin County; Kwik Chek; Lehde’s Meat Market & Produce; Legacy Ridge Golf Club; Los Amigos; North Texas E-News; Rawls Furniture; Sonic Drive-In; Doris Shockley State Farm Insurance and TXU Electric Direct.

We also want to thank the following teams that participated: Fannin County Attorney Myles Porter (1^st Place Team); Cole Title (2^nd Place Team); Bonham State Bank (3^rd Place Team); Purple Sage Bistro (4^th Place Team); Tri-County Glass (5^th Place Team); Fannin Bank (6^th Place Team); Cable One; Fannin County Special; GCSI; Legacy Ridge Autoplex and Wise Funeral Home.

The individual players were as follows (not listed in any particular order): Wade Guinn, Dava Brent, Finn Blevins, and John Sisk, Terry Bee, Mike Flippo, John Kirkpatrick and Richard Warren, Roger Reeves, Brian Baccus, Jeff Arie, and Warren Jamieson, David Peterson, Gary Nelson, Bubba Herriage, Jim Herriage, Jim Simpson, Lee Hamby, Frances Moran, Richard Robertson, Ronny Ford, Tandy Hix, Ray Clark, Larry Lawrence, Gaines Price, Raymond Stewart, Marty Griffin, John Fisher, Joyce Kemp, Billy Jo DuPree, Tommie Sue Turner, Brandon Dona, John Barnes, Ross Perkins, Dan Glasser, Greg Glasser, David Hix, Mike Godbey, James Baldridge, David Kelton, Steve Collids, Zachary Keene, Stephen Murden and Dave Brummett

A special thanks to the Golf Committee and volunteers who dedicated many hours to the success of the golf tournament: Sandy Barber; Ray Clark, Chair; Ronny Ford; Mike Godbey; David Hix; Joyce Kemp; Larry Lawrence; Dori Leatherwood; Cleayton Mills; Gary Nelson; Holly Shelley; Tommie Sue Turner; Mike Wiggins, and volunteers Tandy Hix, April Peterson, Katie Peterson-Dunlap, Mike Simpson and Larry Standlee.

The Chamber would also like to thank Joyce Kemp for inviting ex-Dallas Cowboy player, Billy Jo DuPree, to come and spend the day in Bonham, playing on the Fannin County Special team; and showing his support for our area.

A very special thanks is made to Rawls Furniture for donating a leather love seat as the tournaments largest door prize, won by Wade Guinn.

If you would like to see pictures from the golf tournament, the September edition of the Chamber Chatter will have a page filled with players, volunteers and all the wonderful memories shared at the 10^th Annual Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament.

Thanks for being a part of this wonderful day, by donating your time, money and energy towards this event. We look forward to your continued support with future events.

Everyone Is Invited

A reception for Bonham ISD Assistant Superintendent Joetta Wallace is planned for Friday, August 27, 2004, from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Bailey Inglish School -First Baptist Church Annex located at E. 10th and Center Streets, Bonham, Texas. Mrs. Wallace is retiring after having served 39 years as a professional educator and 36 of those years were in the Bonham Independent School District.

My father put his house on the market for sale in Randolph off Hwy. 11. A 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick / 2 car garage with 5 acres, in which he lived for 10 years. He put the house up for sale and was approached by Johnny and Cynthia Gorden to buy the house and acreage. The real estate person and all parties involved made a deal for the Gordens to buy the house and acreage.

My dad was told the financing was arranged and they would have all monies due at closing. My dad proceeded to sign papers on another house. When it was time for the closing, the Gorden’s credit was insufficient and they did not have the closing costs. The Gordens asked my dad to please loan them the money to make up what they did not have for closing and to make their credit go through. He did. Approximately $ 17,000.00 which he took out of his small retirement. Not the best deal my father ever made, in my opinion. My dad had to retire one year before he sold the house due to a stroke, which left him handicapped.

MY MESSAGE TO THE RESIDENTS OF FANNIN AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES IS ***** BEWARE OF GORDEN HOUSE LEVELING AND FOUNDATION REPAIR*****. If this man handles his business like his personal life, he would probably do the same to you.

An account has been set up for Kaden Micheal Lee Alford who is 10 days old and on a respirator at Baylor Hospital. He’s the son of Amanda Alford of Ector, the grandson of Rhonda & Lee Ivins, and great grandson of Doris & Paul Evans and Peggy & Mike Stephens of Ector.

Medical help and the family needs your help. Thank you & peace be with you.

Bonham City Commissioners Meeting

By: Sarah Meek

The Bonham City Commissioners met Monday, the 9th, for a regular meeting. The Commission first approved the minutes for the July 12th meeting and a financial report for July 31.

The Commission approved a proposal for banking services with Bonham State Bank. State law requires a new proposal every 5 years. The board approved to enter into an agreement for the next 2 years.

Last Tuesday, at the BEDCO meeting, the BEDCO Board approved to receive interest and ownership of the Expo Center from the Multi-Purpose Board. The Bonham City Commission approved for BEDCO to receive ownership of the Expo Center, 4-2. The board went out for bids for removal of asbestos and lead based paint at the Visitor’s Center building. The board received one bid from CST Environment. The Commission decided the bid was too high and made a motion to reject the bid and rebid for the job.

A public hearing was held for the second reading of an ordinance for a zone change from Residential and Local Business to General Business on property located on both sides of Hwy. 82, extending east from SH 78 for approximately one-half mile. The owner of the property is Charles Carter. The Commission approved the ordinance.

Another public hearing was held to take action on the second reading of an ordinance for a specific use permit to allow a restaurant with a private club for on premises consumption of alcoholic beverages at Legacy Ridge Country Club. The board approved the ordinance.

Advertising to sell Bonham Fire Department Truck 106, which is a 1969 American Le France Aerial Apparatus was approved by the Commission.

Resolutions for a 3 year City Property tax abatement on: 2211 Albert Broadfoot, 2231 North Village Drive, and 808 Cedar Creek Circle, was approved.

Glenn Taylor, Emily Porter, and Jack Lipscomb were all re-appointed as members of BEDCO.

In other business:

• The Commission approved a resolution requesting TXDOT to accept the purchase of the Visitor’s Center building at 327 North Main St. as the local share for the TEA 21 Grant

• The Commission approved a request to advertise for sealed bids for the construction of Enclosed Hangers at the Airport

• The Commission approved the transfer of the title of Bonham Fire Department Engine 108 to Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department

Fannin County Commissioners Court Meeting

By: Sarah Meek

The Fannin County Commissioners Court met on Monday the 9th for a regular meeting. The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting.

The Court received comments from Emily Prater concerning new regulations pertaining to mobile home parks in Fannin County. The Court set a meeting for Monday the 16th to discuss the mobile home parks.

Jim McCabe attended Monday’s meeting to discuss CR 4246 in Pct. 2 and CR 2291 in Pct. 3. Mr. McCabe stated that he thought the roads were going to be fixed about 2 years ago. Dewayne Strickland told him the roads will be fixed as soon as his crew could get to it.

The Court approved Dewayne Strickland, of Pct. 3, to attend the Delta auction in Dallas on August 11, to purchase trucks with a maximum cost of $50,000.

The Court approved John Keeton’s final plat for the Dogwood Addition, located on CR 2295 near Telephone.

Fannin County Crisis Center Donates School Supplies

Fannin County Family Crisis Center staff, board of directors and volunteers have collected and used $300 for school supplies in support of Fannin County Children’s Center’s annual school supply drive.

Richard Jordan, Fannin County Family Crisis Center Executive Director, stated, "We feel that Fannin County’s working families remain under tremendous financial stress and our clients, which mostly consist of single parent families, have even less resources. The school supply drive will help alleviate stress placed on families at this time of year and will benefit school aged children. Fannin County Family Crisis Center staff and board of directors feel that giving our youth the best opportunity for education is paramount. These children are our future and we are glad to help with the school supply drive."

Becky Williams, director of counseling services, states that "The Crisis Center has had many phone calls inquiring about school supplies this year. The Crisis Center did not want to duplicate the Children’s Center services, therefore; Fannin County Family Crisis Center Decided to help raise money to buy school supplies to help the Children’s Center with their drive."

Richard Glaser, board President, added that "Even though Fannin County Family Crisis Center has a reputation for the many services it renders to the adults in crisis, we also serve the children as well. We must remember that the children of today, will be our leaders and caregivers of tomorrow and we need to create a safe environment and good example for them. After the board meeting tomorrow, Fannin County Family Crisis Center Hopes to have an announcement on a new program aimed to the service and betterment of the children in Fannin and surrounding counties."

Lanny Jo Burnett held the Bonham Rotarians attention at their meeting last week as he spoke of the days when cowboys worked the trail drives, and risked their lives every day getting the cattle to their final destination. He recited two cowboy poems and it was clear why Burnett is called the "Cowboy Poet".

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