Monthly Fact Sheet Bonham Fire Department August 2003

The following are the highlights of services and programs provided by the Bonham Fire Department for the month of August 2003.

• The Department answered a total of 345 calls in the 31-day reporting period. This is 11.13 calls per day. We responded to 2295 requests for Emergency /Medical Services and 50 Fire & Rescue calls.

• The Department conducted 30 Pre-Fire Plan/Business Inspections during the month. We referred 22 of these to the Fire Marshal’s Office for follow-up corrective measures.

• We completed testing 30 fire hydrants in the City and 10 were referred to the water utilities department for repairs or specialized maintenance.

• The Department conducted 2 Fire Prevention / Public Life Safety Education Programs and/or Tours of the Fire Station during August,

• There were 12 internal training sessions conducted during the month resulting in 929 man-hours of training for our paid personnel and 225 Volunteer training man-hours.

• "Fire" response time reporting results are: We averaged 7.74 minutes response time overall and 3.99 minutes inside the City of Bonham.

• The department participated in the Summer Kool Lunch program with the Presbyterian Church The firefighters and officer’s on B-shift helped package the lunches for the kids and helped distribute them at the park. The kids were shown the fire trucks and ambulances and given a fire and life safety program.

• The Fire Department participated in the 20^th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday August 5th at Fort Inglish Park. The Firefighter Clowns performed a special act for the crowd and were well received. The department also worked with the North Texas Regional Trauma Council to bring 56 bicycle safety helmets, 72 T-Shirts, 50 glow sticks, and several rolls of "Think Child Safety" stickers to the crowd at the event. All of these items were given away free of charge.

• The Bonham Fire Department hosted a blood drive at the fire administration building on Tuesday August 19^th Thank you to all the City employees and citizens that came by to give the gift of life. We helped raise 34 pints of blood. This was the sixth blood drive in the last two years hosted by the department and more are to come.

• The Volunteer members of the department organized a hamburger luncheon to raise funds for MDA. There has been a long and distinguished relationship between the fire service and "Jerry’s Kids". We strive to do our part to help children with these debilitating diseases. All the members of our department actively take part in the program that helps Jerry, help his kids. This activity combined with the "fill the boot" drives throughout the year raised over $2,300.00.

• The department celebrated anniversary dates for three members during the month. Volunteer Captain/EMT-B Lance Watson was recognized for 4 years of dedicated service, Volunteer FirefighterlEMT-B Rick Lingelbach was recognized for 7 years of excellent service and B-Shift Lieutenant/EMT--B Alan Reaves was recognized for 13 years of faithful service. Join us in a pat on the back for a job well done to these loyal members.

• The BONHAM FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION LADIES AUXILIARY will be hosting its first annual James E. Taylor Memorial Golf Tournament, at Bonham’s LEGACY RIDGE, on September 19th. The funds raised will go towards their Scholarship Programs for students wishing to attend the Fire Academy and/or Paramedic School and to assist the firefighter Clowns with their Fire and Life Safety Programs.

Please contact the Department @ 903.583.3731 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a free home fire and life safety inspection.

Remember to check your smoke detector batteries each month.

TWC Names New Executive Director

AUSTIN - The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced today that Deputy Executive Director Larry Temple will serve as executive director of the agency, effective September 12, 2003. TWC Chair and Commissioner Representing the Public Diane Rath and Commissioner Representing Employers Ron Lehman selected Temple for the post.

Temple, who served as director of Welfare Reform for TWC prior to assuming the role of deputy executive director, was selected because of his more than 30 years of managerial experience in both the private and public sectors.

"I’m extremely pleased that Larry Temple has agreed to take over as our executive director," said Rath. "I’m confident that his distinctive combination of experience and administrative skill is uniquely suited to effectively managing the day-to-day operations of our agency."

"I share Chair Rath’s confidence that Larry Temple is the right choice to serve as our executive director," said Lehman. "I’m especially impressed with his private-sector credentials, which I believe will benefit all of us as we proceed with our employer-focused workforce solutions and initiatives."

Temple owned and/or managed a residential and commercial real estate business from 1973 to 1992, as well as a home-building and construction business from 1978 to 1985. From 1979 to 1993, he owned and operated Southeastern Land Services Inc., a Mississippi-based petroleum land services company that provided oil and gas companies, financial institutions and federal agencies with acquisition, title, appraisal and marketing services. During this period, Temple provided expert witness testimony before oil and gas regulatory agencies, and state and federal courts in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Temple began his public-sector career in 1992, when he was named deputy director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. In this position, Temple oversaw the day-to-day operations of a 3,000 employee state agency with an annual operating budget of approximately $1 billion.

In addition to his professional positions in Mississippi, Temple also served as a board member of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District from 1988 to 1995 and was Governor Kirk Fordice’s appointee to the Mississippi Private Industry Council from 1994 to 1995.

Temple’s successes in Mississippi led him to Texas, where he was named director of TWC’s Office of Welfare Reform in 1997. Temple’s duties in this capacity included administration of design and implementation of Texas’ welfare reform initiative. This initiative involved multiple federal and state funded programs with an annual operating budget of approximately $150 million. A significant portion of this initiative involved the transition of the services via block granting to local workforce development boards. This resulted in unprecedented caseload reduction through employment, and generated savings and national recognition as one of the top 10 programs in the nation for putting welfare recipients to work. This national acclaim has earned Texas more than $60 million in federal bonuses. In addition to these programmatic duties, Temple also served as the liaison to the Office of the Governor, the Legislature and federal oversight agencies.

Beginning in 2002, Temple served as TWC’s deputy executive director with the primary responsibility of producing employer-driven workforce solutions through the coordination of assets represented in the Unemployment Insurance and Workforce Development divisions, and the offices of Welfare Reform and Employer Initiatives. These organizations, representing; approximately 2,800 employees and a combined annual budget of approximately $1 billion, encompass all services administered by TWC.

Temple holds a bachelor of arts degree in history from St. Edward’s University in Austin.

"This opportunity to serve as executive director of TWC is an honor and a privilege," said Temple. "I look forward to working with our fine staff, as well as all of our partners throughout the state to ensure that we continue to provide exemplary service to our customers - Texas’ employers, workers and job seekers - and that Texas continues to set the standard for workforce and economic development for the rest of the country."

Air Bag, Or No Air Bag, Kids Safest In Back Seat, Experts Say

More than 1,700 children have been saved since 1996 solely because they were sitting in the rear seat, according to a new anaylsis issued today by the Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign. The analysis was issued on the eve of a new standard taking effect that mandates 20 percent of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. be equipped with advanced air bag technology.

"We want ot make sure parents are clear - old air bag, new air bag, no air bag, kids are safer in the back seat properly restrained," said National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Ellen G. Engleman.

The movement of children to the rear seat has been credited with helping to dramatically reduce the number of child air bag deaths and child deaths overall. Since 1996, the rate of child air bag deaths had declined a remarkable 96 percent despite more than five times the number of passenger air bag equipped vehicles on the road. Even more children have benefited from the additional margin of safety in the rear seat in the majority of crashes.

"One of this nation’s most important public health achievements in recent years has been the movement of children out of the front seat and into the rear," said Chuck Hurley, Executive Director of the Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign of the National Safety Council.

Despite gain in child restraint use, recent data indicate that an alarming number of parents are still putting their childrn in the front seat. According to the NHTSA, parents are putting 15 percent of infants, 10 percent of toddlers ages 1-3, and 29 percent of children ages 4-7 in the front seat, placing them at increased risk of serious injury or even death.

The Campaign’s analysis also found that the movement to the rear seat corresponds with a significant reduction in fatalities among infants and toddlers. Infants experienced a 68 percent reduction in front seat fatalities from 1996 to 2001 and toddlers showed a 52 percent reduction over the same time period.

On September 1, 2003, 20 percent of all new motor vehicles sold in the U.S. must be equipped with advanced air bag technologies and by September 1, 2006 the requirement will apply to all new light trucks and cars. The new standard results from a congressional mandate in 1998. Advanced air bag technologies vary, but in their simplest forms suppress or reduce the deployment force of the air bag.

"Improving technology is a good thing, but parents still need to remain vigilant in making sure kids are properly restrained," said E. Stephen Edwards, M.D.,President of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "The evidence is clear that the safest place for kids 12 and under is in the rear seat."

• Infants should ride in a rear-facing child safety seat that is correctly installed in a back seat.

• Young children should ride in a back seat in a child safety seat or seat belt that is right for their age and size, and that is used correctly.

• For correct use information, follow your vehicle owner’s manual and child safety seat instructions.

• If it is absolutely necessary to transport children in a front seat, place the child in the front seat who will be the most securely restrained and sitting the the proper forward-facing position, with the seat pushed back as far as possible. A child in a forward-facing seat with a harness may be the best choice because a child who is in a booster seat or using a regular seat belt can more easily move out of position and be at greater risk of injuries from the air bag.

Hall Stresses Safety At Hearing On Columbia Investigation Report

WASHINGTON, DC ... Rep. Ralph Hall (D-TX), Ranking Member of the Science Committee, said today that crew safety must be the goal for future Space Shuttle missions and that "the American people are calling for safety."

Hall made his remarks during the first in a series of Science Committee hearings on the findings of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. Admiral Harold Gehman, chairman of the Board, was the lead witness.

"I personally am not as interested in assigning blame as I am in working to fix the problems identified by your investigation," Hall said in his opening statement. "We are going to need your help in determining the best way to proceed from here on out."

"There will be those who say that we should walk away from human space flight as a result of this accident. I disagree," Hall stated. "The question is not whether we should have a human space flight program - the real question is how to make that program as safe and productive as possible."

"My view is that we should complete the International Space Station as originally planned so that it can be a productive research facility. We need to fix the Shuttle, and as part of that effort take a serious look at how best to protect the crews that will be flying the Shuttle for the next 10 to 20 years," he said.

Hall noted that a month ago the House of Representatives unanimously approved his amendment that would provide adequate funds for NASA to launch a study on Space Shuttle crew rescue options. "If we lose another Shuttle and its crew, the impact on the space flight program will be disastrous - second only to the national grief spawned by both the Challenger and the Columbia loss. This must never happen again."

"We are going to continue to rely on the Shuttle for many years to service the Space Station, and we need to do everything possible to ensure that if the Shuttle comes under threat in the future, the crew is given every possible opportunity to survive. An escape module gives all future crews a hope for life," Hall said.

Hall expressed gratitude to Admiral Gehman, Board members and their staff for their dedication and service. "It is now up to Congress - in coordination with the White House - to consider issues that are beyond the Board’s charter. Namely, we need to decide on some concrete goals for the human space flight program and be willing to commit the resources necessary to meet those goals," he said.

Fans Show Support For Favorite Pro Sports Teams With Special License Plates

As the NFL football season gets started, the Fannin County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are featuring the professional sports team special license plates for fans who want to display their favorite Texas NFL team on their vehicles.

"What better way to kick off this year’s season than with a special license plate featuring your favorite team," said Pam Sweet-Richardson, tax assessor-collector for Fannin County. "I’ve seen some pretty serious fans display these license plates on their vehicles and there are always interesting conversations started about who they are expecting to go to the Super Bowl."

The Houston Texans specialty plate features the red, white and blue bulls-head logo with the words "Houston Texans" at the bottom of the plate. The Dallas Cowboys specialty plate features the team’s signature blue star with the words "Dallas Cowboys" at the bottom of the plate. The Dallas Stars hockey team will join the ranks of professional teams with their own license plate to be introduced later this month.

The professional sports team license plates are available for a $30 annual fee, plus $40 if personalized, in addition to regular vehicle registration fees. Of the $30 annual fee, $22 is sent to the entity that spent public funds on the team’s home stadium or arena. The money will be used to retire public debt on the facility. Once all public debt is retired, the money will be used for facility maintenance and improvement.

Applications for the professional sports team specialty plates are available at county tax offices, on TxDOT’s website (www.dot.state.tx.us), by calling the TxDOT Help Desk at (512) 465-7611 , or by calling TxDOT’s Fax-On-Demand forms line at (888) 232-7033.

TxDOT started its specialty license plate program in 1965. Today, there are more than 100 different plate designs, many of them benefiting a particular group, organization, college or university.

Constitutional Amendments 19, 20, 21 & 22

This week’s column concludes the series outlining the proposed constitutional amendments on which Texas voters will decide on September 13. I hope this series has helped you understand the issues being presented on the ballot. Early voting continues through September 9

Amendment 19: "The constitutional amendment to repeal the authority of the legislature to provide for the creation of rural fire prevention districts."

SB 1021, passed during the recent legislative session, converts all of Texas’ remaining rural fire prevention districts into Emergency Service Districts. This amendment would repeal the section of the Constitution that authorizes the Legislature to create rural fire prevention districts. Communities would still be able to create emergency service districts which have greater flexibility and broader authority.

Amendment 20: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds not to exceed $250 million payable from the general revenues of the state to provide loans to defense-related communities, that will be repaid by the defense-related community, for economic development projects, including projects that enhance the military value of military installations."

This amendment would authorize one or more state agencies to issue up to $250 million in general obligation bonds or notes or to enter into related credit agreements. Proceeds would be deposited in the Texas military value revolving loan account to be used to provide loans for economic development projects that benefit defense communities, including projects that enhance the military value of military installations.

Amendment 21: "The constitutional amendment to permit a current or retired faculty member of a public college or university to receive compensation for service on the governing body of a water district."

This amendment would allow an active or retired faculty member of a public higher education institution to receive pay for serving on the governing body of a water district. Currently, state employees and retirees are prohibited from receiving any compensation other than reimbursement of actual expenses for serving on public governing boards.

Amendment 22: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the appointment of a temporary replacement officer to fill a vacancy created when a public officer enters active duty in the United States armed forces."

This amendment would stipulate that elected or appointed officers of the state or any political subdivision who entered active duty in the U.S. armed forces because they were called to duty, drafted, or activated, would not have to vacate their offices. The appropriate authority could appoint a replacement to serve as temporary acting officer if the elected or appointed officer would be on active duty for longer than 30 days.

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.

Texas Ophthalmological Association Aligns with EyeCare America Seniors Program for "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day"

National Campaign Takes Place on

September 16, 2003

(Austin, Texas) - In honor of "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day," the Texas Ophthalmological Association encourages you to call the EyeCare America Seniors Program. This program offers eye exams and care to seniors who are without an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor). To see if you, a loved one or a friend, 65 and older, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, call 1-800-222-EYES (3937), 24 hours, seven days a week, year round.

"By age 65, one in three Americans has some form of vision-limiting disease. Unfortunately, many aren’t aware they have a disease, or believe poor vision is a natural part of the aging process," said Chevy C. Lee, MD, President of the Texas Ophthalmological Association. "We need to reach seniors with the message that proper eye care is a significant component of their overall health care."

EyeCare America (ECA), a public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, operates the largest public service program in American medicine, including individual eye care programs for seniors, glaucoma, and diabetes. All eligible callers receive a referral to one of 7,200 ECA volunteer ophthalmologists. The seniors program provides a comprehensive eye exam and treatment for any condition detected in the initial visit for up to one year, at no out-of-pocket cost.

Here in Texas, EyeCare America and its 361 Seniors Program volunteer ophthalmologists have helped more than 19,374 older Americans. Nationwide, EyeCare America’s Seniors Program has received more than 644,000 calls, provided service to 347,000 and treated more than 180,000 cases of eye disease.

Volunteer physicians have agreed to accept Medicare or other insurance as payment in full, with no out-of-pocket expense to the patient. Individuals without insurance of any kind are not billed. EyeCare America (ECA) encourages all seniors to have their eyes examined annually.

The Seniors Program is designed for seniors without an ophthalmologist and is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. For more information on EyeCare America, visit our website at www.eyecareamerica.org.

Patriot's Pen Contest

Commander Sonny Bingham of Bonham VFW Post #4852 proudly announces the beginning of the Patriot’s Pen essay contest. A contestant must be a student enrolled in either the 7^th or 8^th grade of a public, private, parochial school, or a home study program in the United States, it’s territories or possessions or enrolled in a overseas school as a dependent of U.S. military or U.S. civilian personnel to be eligible to enter this contest (foreign exchange students are not eligible to enter this contest).

All entries should be typewritten in English and cannot be less than 300 words or greater than 400 words in length. This essay must be in the contestant’s original work and the contestant’s own thinking. The approach to this year’s theme, "My Dream for America" should be positive and focused on this theme. Quotations may be used sparingly if plainly identified wherever used. A contestant’s teacher, counselor, or parent may check for punctuation, grammar, and/or spelling, but the content must remain the contestant’s.

The completed essay and entry form for Post #4852 competition participants must be in the hands of the VFW Post Chairman by midnight November 1, 2003.

VFW Post #4852 Chairman Stevie D. Russell 903-227-4862

Ladies Auxiliary Chairwoman, Judy Griffis 903-664-4305, VFW Post #4852, Bonham, Texas 903-583-5733, VFW Post #4852, 1610 Mitchell, Bonham, Texas 75418

Stephenson School Schedule

The following events are scheduled at Stephenson School (Fannin County Head Start)

Sept. 16 - Parent Training Session on Assessment - 1:00 p.m. in Meeting Room

Sept. 18 - Parent Meeting - 6:30 p.m. Childcare and Door Prizes

Attention Parents/Guardians!

Every time you attend a Parent Meeting your name will be entered in a drawing for a $500 Wal-Mart Gift Certificate to be given away at the May Parent Meeting.

Sept. 30 - Low Cost Cooking and Eating Smart Training - 9:00a.m. in Meeting Room

Future Events:

Oct. 2 - Policy Council

Oct. 9 - Fall Pictures

Oct. 10 - Dr. Walker - Preliminary Dental Check-ups

Oct. 14 - Breakfast With Dad - M. Taylor, Owens, Lanaster S. Taylor classes

Oct. 15 - Breakfast With Dad - Shepherd, Fox, Lane, Runyon classes

Oct. 16 - No School - Staff Development

Oct. 17 - No School - Staff Development

Oct. 21 - Parenting Class

Oct. 23 - Parent Meeting - 6:30p.m.

Oct. 28 - Parenting Class

Oct. 31 - Costume Parade

Gearing up for the Annual Telephone Volunteer Fire Departments BBQ and Auction...

Plans are underway for the 2003 Telephone Volunteer Fire Department BBQ and Auction. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2003 at the Sam Rayburn High School Cafeteria. Each year this fundraising effort helps support our growing volunteer fire department’s endeavors; from equipment purchases to training firefighters and answering calls.

The fire department is continually hard at work responding to calls within the district and answering mutual aid calls in the surrounding districts. The communities of Telephone, Carson, Lamasco, Monkstown, Riverby, parts of Elwood and parts of Ivanhoe are included in the departments call area. With your donations and support the department participates in ongoing training and consistently provides quality protection and aid to its residents.

This year’s exciting fundraising event will begin with a BBQ meal with all the fixins beginning at 5:00. Locally cooked brisket and homemade desserts makes this meal an exceptional value. Again this year a silent auction will be held throughout the event with many handmade and specialty items to be offered. The live auction, starting at 7:00, promises to be unforgettable with many unique and exclusive items. This year’s auctioneer, Craig Buford, and his local team will lend excitement and thrills to this always entertaining and profitable affair. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening and will conclude with a grand prize drawing.

Each year local crafters, welders, leather artisans, artist, and bakers provide many distinctive one-of-a-kind items that offer the auction a reputation of quality and amazing value. We welcome your contributions and look forward to the unusual and outstanding items we will have again this year. For more information on donating your items please contact Brenda Magness at (903) 664-2295.

Business and banking establishments in Fannin County have continued to contribute support to the fire department both financially and by generously donating items for the auctions. Without these donations the auction committee would not be able to produce such a high quality and unrivaled auction each year. Again the committee will be contacting you for your continued support and we welcome new partners.

The department extends a special invitation to all of Fannin County to come have a great time, enjoy the meal, fun and fellowship; plus purchase an special item or take home a rare treasure! The Telephone Volunteer Fire Department hopes to see everyone there!

Historic Texas Documents Now Online

AUSTIN - After 167 years of thumbing through paper indexes for the names of original land grantees, the Texas General Land Office has made them available over the Internet. The database is on the agency’s Web site at www.glo.state.tx.us/archives/landgrant.html.

The new database allows anyone to access grants of land issued by the governments of Spain, Mexico, and the Republic and State of Texas. A multitude of search options can be used to locate land grants, such as the name of an original grantee or patentee, the county where a tract is located, file numbers, and county and abstract numbers. The Web site has a page called "How to Use this Catalog" that features Frequently Asked Questions to make the site easy to navigate.

In addition, the Archives and Records Division of the Land Office is scanning documents in its Scrap File collection and converting them to PDF format for the database. This will let genealogists, title companies, petroleum landmen, historians, academics, attorneys and Land Office staff view data and document images on their computers. A complete index to records in the Land Office’s Spanish Archives and Special Collection will be added later this year.

"Our hard-working staff is always improving services for our customers: the taxpayers of Texas," said Jerry Patterson, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office. "We’re putting more and more information on our Web site that required the attention of our busy staff, lots of paperwork and personal visits to Austin to obtain. It boosts our productivity and is far more convenient for the public."

The database also makes it possible to get new abstract information over the Internet, or save it on CDs. Previously, this information was gathered every 10 years and sent to county clerks as hard copy supplements to the original set of abstract volumes.

As always, the research staff in the Archives and Records Division is happy to answer questions and assist the public. They can be reached at (512) 463-5277. Information about the Archives and Records Division, including the Adopt-A-Map/Document program and the Land Office’s historic map collection is available at www.adoptamap.org.

SAN ANTONIO - The Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians and other members of the Mental Illness Awareness Coalition met recently in San Antonio for their annual summer leadership conference, featuring a presentation by State Representative Larry Phillips. Phillips was chosen by the group as an advocate for mental health issues among legislators to present attendees with an update on recent legislation. Phillips’ presentation also focused on leadership and how grassroots efforts of the members can serve to educate legislators and other policymakers on issues surrounding mental illness.

"Mental illness is an issue many Texans deal with, either themselves or with a family member," Rep. Phillips said. "And yet, on the policy level, it is often misunderstood."

Phillips discussed with attendees effective ways to present their message to legislators and stressed the importance of the continual need to educate legislators on the issue. Phillips pointed out that legislators appreciate logical explanations of issues and having the ability to ask questions of those personally involved.

"I appreciate having had the opportunity to address the group this summer," stated Phillips. "I applaud the efforts of the Coalition in taking a proactive position to educate members of the legislature about mental illness."

The Mental Illness Awareness Coalition was formed in 1995 and is composed of the Mental Health Association in Texas, NAMI Texas, Texas Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Texas Mental Health Consumers, Texas Medical Association and the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians.

Fight Gravity For Full Lips

Want a puffy pout like Angelina Jolie? A simple technique called lip suspension may work better than injections alone to achieve bee-stung beautiful lips.

"As a woman ages, gravity causes the length between the nose and the lips to become longer," said Dr. Esser Yuksel, an assistant professor of microsurgery and aesthetic surgery in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "The red part of the lips shows less and less, the lips become narrower and the corners drop."

Using a technique called "lip suspension," Yuksel inserts sutures through the inside of the nose to the underside of the upper lip, lifting the lip up and out. The procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes and is done under local anesthetic. Healing takes about two to four weeks.

The final result restores the upper lip to its more youthful position and makes it look fuller. For an even fuller look, fat or scar tissue harvested from the patient can be injected into the lip.

Foreign materials like collagen add volume when injected into the lips, but in the long run may give gravity an extra boost in causing the lips’ downward slide, unless the injections are paired with lip suspension.

"Adding more volume to the lips may make them heavier and cause the lips to drop even lower," Yuksel said.

The lips are often overlooked when women consider enhancing their features, Yuksel said. He believes that is changing.

"Lip enhancement has long been the "foster child" of plastic surgery, because other areas of the face have received more attention." Yuksel said. "More people are realizing that the lips are a central element of the face. They are one of the first things you notice when you look at someone."

Local Young Lady Competes For The

Miss Teen Dallas Title

Leslie Ann Malone of Savoy was recently selected to participate in Nationals’ 2003 Miss Teen Dallas pageant competition that will take place on September 14, 2003. She recently learned of her acceptance in the pageant after an interview session that was conducted by Patty Neidert, this year’s Dallas Pageant Coordinator.

She will be competing, for her share of over $20,000.00 in scholarships, prizes, and specialty gifts that will be distributed to contestants.

She would like to thank all of her sponsors: Bewley’s Store, Bonham Floral, Lost Moose, Cut Rate Furniture & Appliances, Texas Treasure & Trophy, Jacque’s Stylist, Moss & Cox Attorneys at Law, Bonham Barber Stylists, Germania Farm Mutual, Mullican-Little Funeral Home, Wendyl Waggoner, Wise Funeral Home, Your Home Consignment Store, Joe D. Heredia, Mickey Hill from Century 21, Benny Harmon, J & J Construction, Beverly Saxon, and J.D.’s Machine Shop.

Thanks for all the support.

Mental Health Mental

Retardation Services Of

Texoma

During September, Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma (MHMRST) will sponsor their annual Destination Dignity Celebration on Thursday, September 11, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at the Sherman VFW, located at Baker and Frisco Road.

Larry Phillips, State Representative, will give the welcome. A special musical presentation will be given by the Mirick Street Jubileers. . Lonnie Basinger will provide the music for the dance. The Destination Dignity Celebration is conducted by MHMRST’s Community Relations office, volunteers, and area businesses.

"The event will be a dance with lots of fun, food, and door prizes for anyone who has a mental disability. Everyone who has a mental disability is invited regardless if they are an MHMRST client. The event is a great opportunity for the community to better understand the obstacles people with mental disabilities face and the contributions they make to our community. It is a good opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate their successes at overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles," says Paula Cawthon, Community Relations Director.

Destination Dignity is a statewide effort by the Texas Council of Community Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center, Inc., a statewide association of the 41 community MHMR centers that offer public services in every county in Texas. Governor Rick Perry has proclaimed September as Destination Dignity Month.

MHMRST serves Grayson, Cooke, and Fannin counties. The center provides a variety of services for people of all ages with mental illness and mental retardation. Those who would like more information about obtaining services can contact:

Grayson Mental Health Center---903-667-4701

Cooke Mental Health Center---940-337-4766

Fannin Mental Health Center---903-337-4751

Child & Adolescent Mental Health---903-337-4820

Mental Retardation Authority Services—903-337-4796

Early Childhood Intervention---903-337-4810

Administration—903-337-4700

Local High School Student Could Win A Trip To Washington, D.C. And A $25,000 Scholarship

Commander Sonny Bingham of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #4852, announced the kick-off of this year’s VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary "Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition." High school students in this area have the opportunity to compete in the 57th annual audio essay competition and win thousands of dollars in scholarships, a trip to Washington, D.C., as well as dozens of other awards.

Students (9th thru 12th grades) begin by competing at the local Post #4852 level. Post winners advance to District. District winners compete in the State competition. The State winner will enjoy a four-day tour of Washington, D.C. along with the winners from every State, the Pacific Areas, Latin American/Caribbean, and Europe.

During the 57 years that the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary have been involved with Voice of Democracy, more than 7 million high school students have participated. Students compete by writing and then recording a three-to-five minute audio/essay expressing their view of this year’s theme "MY COMMITMENT TO AMERICA’S FUTURE." All State winners receive at least a $1,000.00 National Scholarship...but any one of them could win the $25,000.00 first place award. A total of $143,500.00 in National Scholarships are awarded to student national finalists in addition to the scholarships and awards given at the preliminary levels of competition. The deadline date for student entry is NOVEMBER 1, 2003.

Interested students and teachers should contact the Voice of Democracy Chairman Stevie D. Russell at VFW Post #4852 by phone at 903-227-4862, Chairwoman Judy Griffis at Ladies Auxiliary by phone at 903-664-4305, VFW Post #4852 by phone at 903-583-5733, or writing to Post #4852 at 1610 Mitchell, Bonham, Texas 75418.

Saving Ourselves From Obesity

The warnings come every day now: Obesity is now linked possibly to the development of Alzheimer’s. A million kids already have developed cardiovascular problems. Two out of three Americans are overweight or obese and, soon, 70 percent will be. The cost of treating obesity and obesity-related health problems is about $123 billion per year at a time when costs for taking care of our senior citizens is also increasing. Obesity is linked to about 63 million doctor visits every year.

Few of us in public policy anticipated this problem 20 years ago. Yet the threat is real for millions of Americans who will suffer the torment of illnesses engendered by obesity. The threat is real for all society - not just for those who are overweight -- because obesity will soon put the medical-care system at risk.

The wave of obesity that will surely sink us if we do nothing did not appear overnight, and nothing can be gained from blaming anyone. Almost every facet of society bears some responsibility for the crisis that we now recognize as a serious threat to America itself.

The first step is to make sure that everyone knows that a direct link between obesity and disease and illness exists. As a medical doctor and as the state’s commissioner of health, I am not sure that everyone understands the connection. If you are overweight or becoming obese, the chances increase that you will develop diabetes, which can cause blindness, the loss of limbs and a host of other ailments, none of them subtle.

An overweight or obese person also increases his or her chances of developing cancer. And the chances of developing a bad heart. And high blood pressure. And depression. It used to be that being overweight was a cause for mirth and humor. Not these days. Being overweight is a cause for serious concern: It shortens life.

Effective public-awareness campaigns are critical. Yet addressing the problem of overeating and lack of exercise will not be as easy as it was to address smoking or drunk driving. Ordinances against smoking and laws against driving drunk result in penalities and fines. In their absence, it will be harder to convince individuals to reform their personal eating habits and to engage in physical activity.

The effectiveness of getting the message about the link between obesity and illness is a central concern because, by far, many more Americans are overweight and obese than there are smokers or drivers who drive drunk.

The second step involves concentrating on school-age children who are now developing their life-long eating and exercise habits. More than enough opportunities exist for local school districts, parents, local officials and leaders to make their contributions in the fight against obesity by making sure that instruction on good nutrition and physical activity are incorporated into a daily school curriculum and practiced at home.

We should be able to turn our schools into places where children can learn habits early that will avert the dangers of obesity. If we can do that, we can look back at the current obesity threat as only the temporary bulge in the snake that ate the horse.

If we fail, history may look back on these days as the time when we did not act to prevent an obvious threat. And when our much-vaunted medical care system broke down. And when we turned our backs on our seniors. And on our children’s future.

Seven Oaks Health Care Center Honors Graduates

Seven Oaks Health Care Center is pleased to announce the completion of their career growth programs. IHS NurseWorks and CareWorks career growth programs are a major continuing education initiative for its Licensed Nurses and Certified Nurse Aides. These programs are designed to further develop the professional skills of the team of RNs, LVNs and CNAs, thereby enhancing quality of care.

The career growth curriculum currently consists of two programs for the nurse and two for the certified nurse aide. NurseWorks I includes such topics as wound management, psychotropic medications, weight management, and pain management including related standards, regulations and documentation encompassing legal aspects; and the development of critical thinking skills. NurseWorks II is a detailed curriculum surrounding the Physical Assessment of the Older Adult.

The CareWorks 1 Program for CNAs includes such topics as Working with the Family; Death, Dying, and Dignity; and Managing on the Job Stress. CareWorks 2 focuses on training dealing with clinical caregiving issues.

"IHS created these professional development programs to help our nursing staff build a real career in Long Term Care," says T.W. Bowen, Administrator at Seven Oaks. "We consider our nurses a valuable asset and wanted to find ways to support them in further developing their skills and building successful careers. I am very proud of our graduates."

A graduation ceremony was held August 12 for the NurseWorks 2 program, CareWorks 1 and CareWorks 2. Previously completing NurseWorks 1 and celebrating the completion of NurseWorks 2 were Janet Reaves, Susan Phelps, Rosalee Spice, Christy Rhodes, Wanda Langam, Debbie White, Sherry Ball and Amy Gage. Completing CareWorks 1 was Ann Murphy, Christy Capehart, Sandra Smith, Sharon Morrison, Jennifer Walker and Sandra Tribble. CareWorks 2 program has been completed by Joy Fields, Louise Todd, Rose Christopher, Kim Standifer, Viola Watkins, Cathy Simmons, Kim Crabtree, Karol Eaches and Katie Beers. Instructing the courses was Joanne Durst RN, Staff Development Coordinator.

Winners Of Literary Awareness Contest Honored At "Bookraiser" For CASA

1^{st ­}Place Winner, SAMANTHA BRYANT and KYLE MCKINNEY, Honorable Mention, both of Honey Grove with Principal Robert Milton, art teacher Jean Yant and Sandra Ward present the Barbara Bush Literacy Awareness "Bookmark Award."

The other Honorable Mention winners are Lindsey Arthur of Sam Rayburn, Caty Gibbs of L.H. Rather, Audra Rhudy of Ector, and Nolan Skidmore of Sam Rayburn.

2^nd Place Winner, JEFF SULLIVAN of Dodd City, is pictured with Principal Lesia Bridges and Assistant Principal Carrie Gosnell.

You are invited to the Fannin County Historical Museum on Saturday, September 13^th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

• Bring a new or gently used book for the new Children’s Advocacy Center at CASA, and tour the Fannin County Historical Museum.

• Come congratulate the winners of the "Readers Become Leaders" Bookmark contest, and receive an autographed bookmark.

• CASA will be given a "Sculpture of Children Reading" in memory of Jayne DeWeese.

• Refreshments will be served. Everyone come and join in the fun.

IF ONLY FOR A MOMENT, MAY A BOOK OPEN THE MIND OF A CHILD AND GIVE HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Budget Cuts Add Up To Fewer Docs, Now And Future, Texas Medicine Magazine Reports

A major impediment is clogging the pipeline producing new Texas doctors, according to the September edition of Texas Medicine magazine.

As the dust settles on the 78th Legislative Session’s budgetary dogfight, gaping wounds are coming into view. Big losers in the cuts are Texas hospitals where medical residents complete their training prior to embarking on their medical careers - and the patients those residents treat.

This will cut down on the flow of new physicians to treat Texans, according to the magazine.

Physician residency programs are a sort of "on the job training" for physicians on the last leg of their educational journey. Funding for residencies comes from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to Medicare and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Congress has routinely chipped away at Medicare’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) support in recent years, and the 78th Texas Legislature slashed at state funding even more. Texas Medicine reports the program called the Graduate Medical Education Program budget, for example, was chopped from $15.2 million in 2002 -2003, to just $3.8 million in 2004-2005. Lawmakers cut $42 million in GME funding in the Medicaid budget. Other programs lost 100% of their budgets.

Health care will be limited now and in the future, as far-reaching effects take hold.

First, according to Texas Medicine, the official magazine of the Texas Medical Association, take away the various ways to pay for residency programs, and either local hospitals and schools must make up the funding gap, or the residency programs will be forced to cut back or close. Residency programs perform a public service because patients are receiving treatment as the residents are learning under close supervision. That robs patients served by those institutions of health care - meaning either longer waits to see a doctor, or no doctor at all to see.

And when the patient is served by Medicaid or CHIP, such facilities often are the last bastion of care available to them. They’ll continue to get sick or injured, but avenues to healing will be even fewer- or nonexistent.

"That does not translate into fewer babies being delivered or fewer kids who fall off their bicycles or swing sets needing stitches and casts," Texas A&M System Health Sciences Center President Nancy W. Dickey, MD, told Texas Medicine. "What it translates to is community physicians and hospitals having to find a way to pay for care that in previous years was being paid for by a state and federal program."

Second is the fear that while Texas will educate future physicians in the state’s medical schools, those residents will have to leave the state to complete their residencies. According to Texas Medicine, trends indicate that physicians often choose to establish their practice where they complete their residency. Cutting residency programs in Texas would mean fewer young physicians would be in the natural pipeline to stick around and make their home - and set up practice - here in the lone star state. This is negative news at a time when doctors, legislators, and hospitals are seeking ways to boost the state’s physician numbers.

Both scenarios add up to fewer Texans’ health care needs being met. Some residency programs may be forced to close, and for those that remain open, fewer health services will likely be offered.

"They will have to cut back some services," said James C. Guckian, MD, acting executive vice chancellor for health affairs for The University of Texas System. "It’s true not only for (The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston), it’s true for our affiliated hospitals, as well, like Parkland in Dallas, University Hospital in San Antonio, and Harris County Hospital District. These hospitals, because of the cuts in Medicaid and CHIP, also are facing budget shortfalls that they are going to have to adjust to. And since they’re our partners, and in many respects they compensate us for the care we provide to their indigent patients, they’re going to be strapped. As a result, we’re going to be impacted by that."

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.

A Birthday Dream Comes True

The pick-up truck slowly came to a stop in front of the dark-colored brick house on Mirick Street in Denison. In the bed of the truck sat a brand new blue recliner, decorated with multi-colored birthday balloons. The driver walked up to the door and announced that he had a special delivery for Roy Dale Bowers, who lives in an alternate living facility, operated by Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma.

Bowers had been saving his money for a blue recliner for months. It was his dream to purchase it, as soon as possible, but due to paying for a burial policy and head stone, he hadn’t been able to save enough. He was heart broken as he had hoped to have it in time for his birthday.

A family friend, Rose Marie Sicking of Gainesville, knew about his wish and how sad Bowers felt because it was taking him so long to save the money. Sicking has known Bowers and his family since they were children growing up in Colbert, Oklahoma. Her family, and the Bowers family, had several children who were the same age. Sicking and Bowers correspond and see each other periodically, and when she discovered Bowers could not afford his dream chair, she decided to buy it for him.

When Bowers walked outside to see his "special delivery," he was thrilled. He has spent many comfortable hours, since his birthday, sitting in his recliner watching television, and appreciates the gift.

Sicking has given several other gifts to brighten Bowers days. She makes sure he has some extra gifts under the tree at Christmas and other times. Pat Belcher, Resident Assistant at the ALF, commented, "Rose Marie has done some very special things for Roy Dale. He appreciates her friend friendship. His face lights up at the mention of her name. I think there are other people in the community who would enjoy donating needed items to the individuals living in the ALF if they knew what was needed."

Bowers was born with cerebral palsy and a mental disability. A hard worker, he has worked on the highway litter crew under a contract through MHMRST since the mid-eighties. A good son, he helped his mother with part of his earnings from his job. He loves working with the litter crew and is disappointed to miss a day of work for bad weather, illness, or any other reason. He works a total of thirty hours per week. He finds dignity and independence in working and enjoys going to work each day. In 1996, Bowers was one of 12 individuals in the state honored at a conference held in Austin, sponsored by Texas Industries for the Blind and Handicapped (TIBH). The conference was entitled Vision 2000. Major emphasis was focused on the work performed by persons with disabilities and how those efforts would be recognized in the future.

Bowers was nominated for Employee of the Year, because he exemplified the program and its benefits to persons with disabilities, his tenure on the highway litter crew, his determination and his dedication to his job.

September is Destination Dignity month in Texas. Destination Dignity has three purposes: to educate the public about mental disabilities and the services offered by the local community Mental Health Mental Retardation center, to promote dignity and independence for persons with mental disabilities and to decrease the stigma associated with mental disabilities. This year the Community Relations office and our volunteers are planning special events, including a dance, to celebrate Destination Dignity. If you would like to make a contribution to be used for Destination Dignity activities or for an individual served by MHMRST, please send your check payable to the Volunteer Services Council, located at 5001 Airport Drive, Denison, Texas 75020. The VSC is designated by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c) (3) and your contribution will be tax-deductible. For additional information about Destination Dignity Month or the donation process, call Paula Cawthon at 903-337-4865.

Bonham Snap Center

Chicken Fried Steak/Cream Gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Creole Squash, Bread, Spiced Pineapple & Cookies, Milk

Chicken Salad, Pea Salad, Tomatoes, Bread, Spice Cake, Milk

"Badge Fraud" Robs Consumers, Peace Officers

By Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas

Charities and other non-profits sponsored by law enforcement organizations provide financial assistance to the brave uniformed men and women who protect our homes and neighborhoods. It is unfortunate that some unscrupulous individuals may prey on your generosity for their own gain.

Consumers are defrauded when scam artists falsely claim to be collecting donations on behalf of law enforcement or public safety organizations. In the worst of these cases, the money is used for personal gain and not for the causes you meant to support. This type of scam is called "badge fraud."

Badge fraud often begins with a phone or mail solicitation carefully crafted to appeal to your emotions. The individuals soliciting funds say they are collecting on behalf of fallen police officers, fire fighters or other public safety personnel. In some cases, the charity is non-existent. In others, the charity is real, but only a small portion of your donation goes to help public safety causes.

My office will not tolerate such abuse of the public’s good will. Working in conjunction with the Harris County Attorney’s Office, we recently filed a lawsuit to halt the fraudulent telemarketing practices and financial improprieties of the Texas Police Officers Alliance (TPOA). Note the official-sounding name of the organization. It is a common ploy for fraudulent charities to have names that are very similar to the names of well known and trusted legitimate organizations.

The officers of TPOA promised potential donors that financial proceeds would benefit Texas police officers. Donations were supposed to provide death benefits for families of slain officers and scholarships for dependents. During the course of our investigation, we determined that of the nearly $300,000 collected by the charity, only $500 had been used to benefit the families of three deputies. Those benefits were distributed only after the Office of the Attorney General sent TPOA a civil investigative demand requesting information.

As for the claim that contributions were being used to create scholarships, the defendants failed to perform even the minimum requirements for establishing a scholarship. They also did not notify law enforcement agencies that funds would be available. In light of these abuses, we felt it was our duty to take legal action to protect Texas consumers.

Badge fraud not only steals money from consumers and peace officers. It also erodes public trust in legitimate charitable organizations. Everyone loses when badge fraud is committed. Charities are not generally required to register in Texas, but charities that claim to benefit peace officers are subject to special provisions of the Texas Law Enforcement Telephone Solicitation Act. These charities must register with the Office of the Attorney General.

In addition, the Public Safety Solicitation Act requires certain organizations to register, pay a fee and post a bond with the Secretary of State.

Registration with the SOS or with my agency does not guarantee that the charity is on the up-and-up, however. You must still be vigilant. Do not be afraid to ask for a written statement about the way your contribution will be used. A legitimate charity will welcome your interest. Let’s give, but let’s give wisely.

POINTS TO REMEMBER
GIVING TO CHARITIES

• Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics!

• Who is getting the donation?

• Is the organization bonded and registered?

• Ask for written information.

Read the Attorney General’s brochure, Giving to Charities, or file a complaint in the Charities and Non-Profits Section of our Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us

Contact the Secretary of State’s Office to see if a public safety organization is registered:
(800) 648-9642
www.sos.state.tx.us

Information on charities operating nationally:
Better Business Bureau
Wise Giving Alliance
www.give.org

American Institute of Philanthropy
www.charitywatch.org

Information on this and other topics is available on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.

By Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas

The week of September 7-13, 2003 is National Assisted Living Week. This year’s theme is "Sharing Life’s Treasures." The first day of National Assisted Living Week, September 7, is Grandparents Day, established in 1978 through a Presidential proclamation. The purpose of this day is to honor grandparents and help make children aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer. The National Grandparents Day Council is sponsoring a "Grandparents of the Year" Contest in which participants are nominated by their grandchildren.

National Assisted Living Week provides an opportunity for residents, family, staff, volunteers and the community to come together and celebrate seniors and the services provided within the assisted living community. The National Center for Assisted Living in Washington, D.C., recommends community activities such as family game night, art and craft shows, resident talent shows and poetry or short story readings. Most important of all is to spend time with the seniors in our lives.

It is equally important that we thank and acknowledge the tens of thousands of assisted living facilities that care for our seniors. These facilities are a valuable part of society. They furnish food, shelter residents and provide personal care services, such as assistance with meals, dressing, and medication to dependent residents. Assisted living services are driven by an emphasis on personal dignity, autonomy, independence and self-determination.

The majority of assisted living facilities provide excellent residential care. Unfortunately, however, our office does encounter cases of abuse and neglect in assisted living facilities. This kind of abuse is deplorable for many reasons, but primarily because the abusers are in a position of trust and because the victims are usually so vulnerable. Protecting seniors is a cornerstone of my administration, and I will not tolerate facilities that ignore the law and threaten the health and safety of our seniors.

Our Elder Law & Public Health Division vigorously prosecutes assisted living facilities that break the law. During this past fiscal year that ended August 31, the division took six cases to trial, all resulting in judgments in favor of the State.

Ensuring that assisted living facilities comply with Texas law requires a concerted effort among state and local authorities. The Texas Department of Human Services conducts complaint investigations and surveys of assisted living facilities and refers cases to the Attorney General for civil enforcement.

In addition, my office may defer to local prosecutors for enforcement, and several district and county attorneys have joined the battle to protect seniors in these facilities.

I hope on Grandparents Day and during National Assisted Living Week, you will join me in turning your thoughts to those Texans who are our parents and grandparents. They cared for us and helped build this great state. It is now our turn to care for them.

Criminal History Information Available To Certain Employers

On September 1, the DPS Crime Records Service began providing confidential criminal history information to certain non-governmental entities that provide services to children and to residential delivery companies and in-home service companies whose employees enter homes.

Criminal history information provided to these entities includes all arrests, judicial actions and custodial data on adults and juveniles. This information, which is based only on Texas information, not nationwide information, will be made available under HB 705 and SB 443, passed during the last regular session of the Texas Legislature.

House Bill 705 requires in-home service companies and residential delivery companies to obtain criminal history record information on officers, employees, or prospective employees whose job duties require entry into another person’s residence.

Senate Bill 443 entitles nonprofit programs providing activities for children to obtain criminal history information on volunteers and volunteer applicants.

The Crime Records Service will provide access to criminal history record information to these entities through the CRS Secure Website, which contains all Texas criminal history record information submitted to the Department by criminal justice agencies.

Statutorily eligible entities can apply for access to the secure website and purchase credits that will allow them to search the website for criminal history record information using the name and other identifying information of the person on whom they are conducting the search.

Approved entities may perform single-name searches, on which results are immediately available, or batch searches on multiple names, which are processed in 24 hours. Information and an online application are available on the CRS website (http://records.txdps.state.tx.us/).

It is important to remember that searches based on names, dates of birth and other alphanumeric identifiers are not always accurate. The only way to positively link someone to a criminal record is through fingerprint verification.

Bryan K. Owens Earns IIAT’s Accredited Customer Service Representative Designation

Farm N’ Home Casualty announces Bryan K. Owens, has completed the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) designation program.

"We’re proud of the personal commitment Bryan has made in order to better serve our customers," John Farris said. Bryan attended a minimum of 8 (eight) days of intensive insurance training and passed 4 (four) comprehensive examinations.

ACSR is an international designation program developed and administered by IIAT to promote and recognize the professionalism of customer service personnel in the Insurance industry. Over 130,000 customer service representatives have achieved their Designations, and over 3,000 of these are working in Texas agencies. In order to maintain their designation, each ACSR must attend a minimum of 6 (six) hours of approved continuing education each year.

Tillman Bostick

Joins Staff At Bonham State Bank

The Bonham State Bank announced Tuesday September 2, that Tillman Bostick has joined the staff of the bank as Vice President and lending officer. Tillman comes to the Bonham State Bank with over 15 years in the banking business, having worked for financial institutions in Greenville, Wolfe City and Commerce. He has over 13 years in lending. Tillman has significant experience in agriculture and commercial lending. He also has experience in real estate lending.

Tillman is a graduate of Texas A & M Commerce (formerly East Texas State University, with a BBA in accounting. He has also attended the Bank Operations School in East Texas State University and the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, Dallas.

Tillman and his family reside in Wolfe City, Texas.

TMC Cancer Support Group To Meet In September

Dialogue, a Cancer Support Group sponsored by Texoma Medical Center and the American Cancer Society is holding its next meeting September 9, at 12:00 noon in the TMC Munson Cancer Center. A light lunch will be provided.

Do you or someone you love have cancer? Dialogue can help. Dialogue is an ongoing support group designed to help patients, their families and friends better understand and learn to live with cancer. It’s a chance to talk confidentially with others who are coping with cancer, and to share common experiences, problems and solutions in a supportive atmosphere. The program is free and open to the public and meets each month on the second Tuesday at 12 Noon, and again on the fourth Tuesday at 6 pm. The TMC Munson Cancer Center is located near the South entrance of TMC. For more information or to register call (903) 416-4220.

Thoughts And Observations from

the soapbox

by Paul Berryhill

When Tom Turner the owner, publisher and head honcho of "this here" publication (that is, when Tommie Sue Turner, his wife isn’t around) asked me about writing a weekly column, I was excited as it gives me a good opportunity to re-connect with the community and county I left some 21 years ago. Wow, 21 years?!! You know, a lot has changed, but some things remain the same.

Pretty much, right outta high school (Bonham High School Class of ’71 and proud of it) I began working in the advertising department of The Bonham Daily Favorite. (I’ll have much more to write about the adventures there in later articles.) A few years later I became ad manager and then, publisher under the ownership of James and Jane Head of Liberal, KS, who purchased the paper from Aubrey and Audrey McAlister.

In 1981 I began my own photography business in Bonham and sold cars at Carter Chevrolet, when they were located a block behind the post office. I then went to work for The Fannin County Special before moving on to work for The Tyler Morning Telegraph in Tyler, Texas in 1982.

Of course, The Bonham Daily Favorite discontinued publication last year and when I heard about it, I couldn’t help but be a little sad. I remember when we published and printed it six days a week. Then, as times and the economy began to change we went to five days a week, then twice weekly. Small town daily newspapers are now a thing of the past.

When Tom encouraged me to write a weekly column, my mind immediately went back to someone many of you will remember. A large man with black-rimmed glasses, and always smoking a pipe who could type faster than me and he only used two fingers! Yes, Bob Cantrell and his column on the front page of The Daily Favorite known as "Odds and Ends." My column may be a bit similar to Bob’s, as I will focus on some "good, light-hearted news" of our community and have a little fun with it as well.

In this first column, I’m looking back at some of the things that have stayed the same in Bonham and I take comfort in that fact. It’s good to see Ben’s Restaurant is still in full swing. John Bewley has continued keeping Bewley’s 5 and 10 open on the west side of the square. Even though it has gone through major changes, General Cable is still going. My dad, Clyde worked there 22 years and the plant is a part of my life. Most all the churches remain as they have been before, some growing and others with smaller congregations, but still open and encouraging citizens to attend. And, of course, the Sam Rayburn Library and Home is as beautiful and fibrant as ever.

An old high school buddy of mine went off to college and then to dental school, and moved back to Bonham around 1979-1980. Yep, Jerry Hopson went off and got educated, got married and moved back as Dr. Jerry Hopson. He and his lovely wife, Debbie sat up their dental practice down on West Sam Rayburn Drive in a big two-story home which they renovated and its good to see them still there!

And then there are other establishments such as Wise Funeral Home, Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home, McKelva-Morris Mattress Factory, KFYN radio, A.E.’s Flower Shop, Hope Concrete, Crittenden Propane and many others who have continued to operate in their same locations. Bonham High School and other educational structures are still intact except for my old elementary school, Bailey Inglish. Memories abound there. I remember I was a "patrol boy" on duty outside the building in the fifth grade when I heard the news that President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. I know you remember where you were on that day too. Across 10^th street from the school was the Piggly Wiggly food store and across Center St. was Risser Clinic and I wondered if anyone had told all those people there about the President.

When I moved back to Bonham last December, I discovered right down the street, only a block away, was another high school buddy of mine, Phillip Morris. We all know him as Buddy Morris, of course! Buddy is now a mail carrier and really enjoys his work. We reconnected and spent hours and hours reminiscing and laughing about old times. Other class of ’71 grads who are either still in Bonham or back whom I’ve visited with include Allen Sanderson (Bonham State Bank), Charles Butler (attorney), County Judge Derrell Hall and I know I’m getting into trouble because I will leave someone out! It’s been so good seeing so many friends again and meeting a lot of new folks as well!

I visited with Leroy and Betty Tarpley down at Braum’s a few weeks ago. Leroy and I go back a ways. He had Tarpley’s Electronics on the north side of the square for years and I called on him for advertising. If he happened to be "out" of the shop, I knew where to find him… at the coffee shop on the west side of the square by JC Penneys! He and Betty are really excited to have their youngest son, Dr. Jim Tarpley back in town and setting up his medical practice here.

Seems I could go on and on, so I better shut it down for now.

Here’s a couple of closing thoughts fer ya until next week – "You may be a Yankee if you don’t even know what a pole cat is." And, "you may be a Redneck if you’ve ever rebuilt a carburetor while sitting on the commode."

Ten Percent Of Men Change Their Mind On Vasectomy

HOUSTON – One-tenth of men who get a vasectomy change their minds later, said a professor of urology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

"This is most commonly because of remarriage," said Dr. Larry Lipshultz. "Vasectomy reversals are also requested by couples who have merely ‘changed their minds,’ as well as by couples who have lost a child and are attempting to initiate another pregnancy."

During the delicate procedure, surgeons find the two ends of the vas deferens and free them from the scar tissue. Once it’s determined that the fluid in the vas contains sperm, the two ends are sutured together, thus reversing the vasectomy. The operating time is usually around three hours, said Lipshultz.

However, not everyone is reversible, he said.

"When the vas is opened, fluid will flow from the testicular side of the vasectomy site," said Lipshultz. "If sperm are present, then we expect most patients to demonstrate a return of sperm with an associated 60 to 70 percent pregnancy rate. If no sperm are present, yet the vasectomy fluid looks abundant and appropriate for ultimate sperm production, then the reversal is performed with a successful outcome in approximately half of all patients."

If poor-quality fluid is present and sperm are absent, or no fluid at all is found, then a procedure called an epididymovasostomy (connection of the vas to the epididymis, or the chord along the border of the testes that provides storage and transport of sperm) is performed with a successful outcome of approximately 40 to 50 percent.

Sperm banking is routinely performed at the time of vasectomy reversal if whole sperm are present. Cryopreservation, or freezing the sperm, is performed as a backup in case inadequate sperm counts are present after surgery.

Debakey Poetry Contest Encourages Future Doctors To Get Creative

HOUSTON – The annual Michael E. DeBakey Medical Student Poetry Award program at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston gives future doctors an opportunity to unleash their creative energy.

Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, chancellor emeritus at Baylor, has long advocated a role for the humanities in medical education. During a poetry reading class offered to Baylor medical students, the famed heart surgeon shares poetry that provided him comfort through his years practicing medicine.

Medical students can submit up to three original poems for a chance to win $1000 for first prize, $500 for second prize and $250 for third prize. The Journal of the American Medical Association will consider the winning poem for publication. Winners will be announced on July 1, 2004.

Entries must be:

* Written in English; no translations from other languages.

* Limited to a total length of three pages and of any general or specific theme.

* Submitted in quintuplicate, typed on 8.5 x 11" bond paper and on disk in Microsoft Word.

* Original, not published or under consideration for publication and not having previously received a poetry award.

* Accompanied by a cover page with poet’s name, current mailing address, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail address.

* Postmarked no later than Dec. 31, 2003.

A distinguished panel of qualified judges will assess poetry. Entrants cannot receive more than one award and only submissions of original poetry by medical undergraduate students currently pursuing an M.D. degree at accredited United States medical institutions will be accepted.

All winning poems become the property of the Michael E. DeBakey Medical Student Poetry Award program. Entries will not be acknowledged.

Send entries to:

Dr. F. Charles Brunicardi, Chair

Michael E. DeBakey Medical Student Poetry Award

Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery

Baylor College of Medicine

6550 Fannin, Suite 1661

Houston, Texas 77030

For more information, see http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/pa/contest-poetry.htm.

Don’t Miss The Sam Rayburn House Museum Fourth Annual Chili Cookoff

BONHAM, Texas -- Whether the secret ingredient is spice or sausage, jalapeqos or habaqeras, the Sam Rayburn House Museum staff encourages all chili lovers to rustle up their special brand of chili and enter it in the fourth annual Sam Rayburn House Museum Chili Cookoff on Saturday, Sept. 20. Sponsored by the Friends of Sam Rayburn, the event features live music, an auction, plenty of food and up to $300 in prizes for the best chili. Dream up a team theme -- a Best Presentation Award is part of the fun.

Contestants who don’t want to make their chili on location can make it at home and bring enough along for judges to sample. This year, Rep. Larry Phillips (R-Sherman) is a celebrity judge and Director of the Bonham Creative Arts Center, Inga Posey, is Best Presentation judge. Also, the USS Sam Rayburn sailors will return to defend their first place title. New this year, the Red River Antique Car Club will not only compete in the contest but also for attention with their collection of antique and classic cars. "This is our fourth year to host the cookoff, and it gets tastier every year," said museum director Carole Stanton. "We also have some wonderfully unique auction items you can’t find anywhere else."

The cookoff begins at 9 a.m. and the chili tasting gets under way at noon. Tickets are $6 for adults; children five and under are admitted free. There is no fee to enter the chili competition. Tours of the Sam Rayburn House will be given in the afternoon. The entry deadline is Sept. 13.

Sam Rayburn (1882-l961) 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 friends in Washington.

The Friends of Sam Rayburn is a nonprofit group that supports the operation of the Sam Rayburn House and the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum. The Texas Historical Commission manages the Sam Rayburn House Museum. 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 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.

Ector 3rd Grade Studies The Japanese Culture

Students in Third Grade at Ector ISD have been reading stories about Japan and studying Japanese culture. The class was privileged to have a visit from Tamiko Miki, grandmother of Kenna Duncan. She had many interesting stories to tell, and the class got to go outside to play with their Japanese Take Tombos, also called a bamboo dragonfly. One of the favorite activities was making rice balls with special seasonings. The class learned that rice is a very important food in Japan, just as potatoes are an important part of our diet in the United States. Everyone enjoyed the presentation, and we hope to have more exciting visits from Miki-son throughout the year.

Fannin County Retired Teachers Association

The Fannin County Retired Teachers began their new year with a meeting on September 2. The program for the meeting was on Volunteering. The Happy Jubilee Singers, a local choir which was formed to benefit the programs of C.O.M.P.A.S.S. ministries, entertained the group with several songs. Joyce Chavez spoke about the opportunities for volunteering time and resources to The Haven of Rest House and C.O.M.P.A.S.S. ministries. Leonard Gerner, a member of FCRTA and also one of the Happy Jubilee Singers, had arranged for the program.

FCRTA president Jo Jones conducted a brief business meeting. Richard Campbell, accompanied by Edith Trout on the piano, led the group in singing "My Country ’Tis of Thee." Barbara Gore, chaplain for FCRTA, gave a devotional. Minutes of the previous meeting were read by Mary Campbell, followed by a treasurer’s report by Shirley Manhart. Judy Hasten encouraged members to record individual volunteer hours to be included in the local unit’s report to the state. Members were given copies of legislative updates on items of interest to retired school employees.

Door prizes of fall floral arrangements were given to Shirley Manhart, Joy Conley, Judy Hasten and Barbara Gore. An arrangement was presented to Mrs. Leonard Gerner to take to The Haven of Rest House. The Executive Committee provided and served refreshments following the meeting.

Fannin County Retired Teachers Association is open to all public school personnel and higher education retirees including those who may have retired from a school district outside Fannin County. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 7, at 2:00 p.m. in the Elizabeth May Room at the American Bank.

Linda Gist Accepts Check From Chi Lambda

Bonham Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Linda Gist accepts a check for $3,000. from Chi Lambda’s Vice President, Carole Stubsten. The $3,000. donation will be spread amongst the BISD’s five campuses for school supplies or student needs. This donation is just one made throughout the year by Chi Lambda to other organizations primarily to support the needs of the children of Fannin County. Chi Lambda also supports the Fannin Community Foundation (KOOL Lunch and KOOL Club), the Bonham Public Library and Special Olympics. Chi Lambda also hosts the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny each spring.

Chi Lambda’s 19th Annual Charity Auction will be held Nov. 1st at the Bonham Civic Center. Contact any member for more information.

WHITEWRIGHT CELEBRATES 125^TH BIRTHDAY

The month of September will be a great time of celebration as Whitewright reaches it’s 125^th Birthday. On the first weekend there will be a Health Fair and Blood Drive starting at 9 a.m. on September 6. The Health Fair, consisting of blood pressure check, cholesterol and glucose (blood sugar), will start at 9 a.m. and go until noon. There is no charge for this service and it will be held in the Visitor’s Center. The blood drive will start at 10 a.m. and go until 5 p.m. and will probably be held in the Texoma Blood Bank’s mobile unit. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, the area churches are having a program at the High School Commons Area. Each church will give a brief history and after the program there will be entertainment with Home Grown and Heaven Bound, Julie Johnson and; if Larry Franklin’s schedule allows, he will also be performing. Refreshments will be served after the entertainment and everyone will be invited to stay and visit/fellowship. On Sunday, September 7, the First Baptist Church will have an "old-fashioned" picnic at the old middle school property which they have purchased to be used for future community ministries. The picnic starts at 4:30

The dates of September 13^th and 14^th are Historical Weekend. There will be two dedication ceremonies on the 13^th at the Masonic Lodge and the Randy and Cynthia Glover house. On the evening of the 13^th a Variety Show will be held at the Civic Center starting around 6 p.m. Also on Saturday, the 13^th, the Literary Club will be hosting a mini museum titled "Yesteryears in Whitewright" in the building that housed the Davanna Jewelry business. (Davanna Jewelry has moved down the street in the former Art Gallery building.)

On September 20^th the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street will be sponsoring their annual golf auction/banquet at the High School Commons Area starting at 6 p.m. Tickets will be available soon. The tournament will be held Monday, September 22 at Tanglewood. At 7 a.m. on the 20^th the Whitewright firemen will have a pancake breakfast until 9 a.m. Then at 9 a.m. the firemen will hold a Firemen’s Rodeo, lasting until sometime after noon.

September 27^th and 28^th has been designated as Children/Youth Weekend. At 10 a.m. the morning of the 27^th there will be a pet parade downtown. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. the police department will be having the fingerprinting and gift give-aways at the Civic Center. McGruff the police dog is expected to be on hand to help. Also, beginning at 10 a.m. some of the area churches and school organizations will have booths set up in the vacant lot next to the bank. Some of the events planned are a bounce house, hot dogs, etc., and face painting. At 7 p.m. the evening of the 27^th the Whitewright Players will present "He Ain’t Done Right by Nell" at the High School Commons Area. Also, on the 28^th the play will be held at 3 p.m. in the same location. The Chamber is sponsoring a Bike-a-Thon on September 27^th starting at 2:30 p.m. It will be held at the American Legion Park/Trades Day Area. The Bike-a-Thon proceeds will go St. Jude’s Hospital. Sign up sheets will be at each school campus, Quick Check and the Visitor’s Center.

All the downtown businesses are encouraged to have "sidewalk sales" or something similar either during the weeks leading up to the event weekends or on the event weekends.

Plan on being a part of the September celebration as Whitewright becomes 125 years old.

State Approves Funding For Local Airport

Who, What, When

• Approximately $108,000 for Sherman Municipal Airport was approved last week by the Texas Transportation Commission.

• The funds will be used for planned airport improvements, which include: funding engineering and design costs for pavement improvements to taxiway and apron and drainage improvements

• An engineering consultant is expected to be selected this fall.

• Ninety percent of the project costs will be funded through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserve and improve the state’s general aviation system. The remainder will be covered by the city of Sherman.

Background

• This year, TxDOT expects to provide approximately $60 million in funding for planning, constructing and maintaining community airports.

• Approximately 275 community airports in Texas are eligible for funding.

• Arrivals and departures from community airports account for more than three million flight hours per year and provide aircraft facilities for agricultural, medical, business and commuter use.

County Attorney Questions Legality Of Outside Counsel

By Paul Berryhill

During executive session at last week’s Fannin County Commissioners court meeting, County Attorney Myles Porter told commissioners he thinks they could be breaking the law by hiring their own legal advisor and paying him out of "road and bridge" funds.

Local attorney Richard Glaser is being paid close to $40,000 per year in salary and benefits as legal advisor to Fannin County Commissioners. He is present at all meetings and does a lot of research concerning right-of-way work, dealing with issues regarding cutting of telephone cable, etc. There was not enough money in the general fund budget to pay the salary, so commissioners opted to take it out of road and bridge funds.

The Court voted unanimously to ask Porter to get an opinion from the attorney general’s office on the legality of the Court to employ their own legal advisor and pay him out of funds other than the general fund. Porter stated that it could take months for a ruling to come down.

Fannin County is probably the only county in the state of Texas which does not use the county attorney’s office for their legal advice. Porter has stated that it’s a part of his job and duty as an elected official to advise the commissioners on legal issues. County Judge Derrell Hall also stated the county attorney in other counties across the state provides all the commissioners’ legal advice.

Concerns have been voiced about the 2004 budget and commissioners have been busy trying to find areas of cutting expenses. Many see the expense of Glaser’s $40,000 salary and benefit package as being unnecessary.

Dewayne Strickland, Commissioner Pct. 3, said, "The county attorney does not have enough people employed in their office to have someone sitting in at our meetings every time we get together. Mr. Glaser used to work for the previous county attorney, the late Jim Moss and assisted the court in legal advice during that time. We basically just decided to keep Mr. Glaser as he had done a good job for us." Strickland said he didn’t see how the county attorney would have time to carry the work load they already have and do what the commissioners need done as well.

"We’ve asked Mr. Porter to get a ruling from the attorney general and we will abide by whatever they say," Strickland said.

Glaser was previously employed by the late county attorney, Jim Moss, but when Porter was elected he chose not to keep Glaser as an employee of the office.

Constitutional Amendment Election Information

Senator Bob Deuell

(AUSTIN) - This week, I will continue with the analysis of proposed constitutional amendments. The election will be held on September 13, and Texans will vote on 22 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. This article focuses on amendments 19-22. The analyses contained in these articles come from the Texas Legislative Council’s "Condensed Analysis of Proposed Constitutional Amendments." To view the entire document, please visit their website at www.tlc.state.tx.us, or feel free to contact my office for a hard copy.
AMENDMENT NO. 19
The constitutional amendment to repeal the authority of the legislature to provide for
the creation of rural fire prevention districts.

SUMMARY: The proposed amendment would repeal Section 48-d, Article III, Texas Constitution. That section authorizes the legislature to create rural fire prevention districts supported by a tax on property located in the district.

ARGUMENTS FOR: Rural fire prevention districts have been struggling to provide services under the decades-old three-cent cap on property taxes imposed under the state constitution. In contrast, the constitutional cap on property tax rates in emergency services districts is 10 cents. An emergency services district also has statutory authority to impose a limited sales and use tax and may use its tax revenue not only for fire prevention services in rural areas, but also for related emergency services. Thus, emergency services districts have greater financial flexibility to meet the changing needs of rural communities for fire prevention and other emergency services. Since
all rural fire prevention districts are converted to emergency services districts on September 1, 2003, and the statute providing for rural fire prevention districts is repealed at that time, the amendment would clean up the state constitution by removing a provision that the legislature has determined is no longer useful.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST: There is no compelling reason to amend the state constitution to repeal the legislature’s authority to create rural fire prevention districts. The legislation that converts existing rural fire prevention districts into emergency services districts is not contingent on passage of the amendment. The state constitution explicitly provides two options for fire prevention services in rural areas: rural fire prevention districts supported by a property tax at a rate of not more than three cents for each $100 of valuation, and emergency services districts supported by a property tax at a rate of not more than 10 cents for each $100 of valuation. The constitution should maintain the flexibility it currently offers to rural communities to provide fire prevention services under the lower rate cap.

AMENDMENT NO. 20
The constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds
or notes not to exceed $250 million payable from the general revenues of the state
to provide loans to defense-related communities, that will be repaid by the
defense-related community, for economic development projects, including projects
that enhance the military value of military installations.

SUMMARY: The proposed amendment would add Section 49-n to Article III of the Texas Constitution and permit the legislature to authorize one or more state agencies to issue general obligation bonds or notes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250 million to provide loans to defense-related communities for economic development projects that benefit the defense-related community, including projects that enhance the military value of military installations located in the state. The amendment would authorize the bond proceeds to be deposited in the Texas military value revolving loan account in the state treasury.

ARGUMENTS FOR: The Texas military value revolving loan account would assist local
communities in financing projects that would enhance the military value of nearby military installations. Enhancing this value is important because the United States Department of Defense will undergo another round of base realignment and closure in 2005. The military installations located in this state and defense-related businesses are vital to the economy, and improving the military value of Texas military installations will increase the likelihood that such installations will not be closed during the base realignment and closure process. Local communities could borrow money from the Texas military value revolving loan account at a lower rate than the community
could borrow money from other sources and, without the resulting cost savings, might not be able to afford to complete projects necessary to enhance the value of nearby military installations.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST: The Department of Defense desires to close expensive, unnecessary defense bases, and it does not make sense to spend state money to keep bases that are not needed. Furthermore, the expenditures will not guarantee that the federal government will decide to keep the bases open. At a time when the state is facing increasing needs for services in all areas and state revenues are being strained to meet those needs, the approval of an additional amount of bonds for financing projects that increase the military value of federal military installations does not appear
to be practical or necessary.

AMENDMENT NO. 21
The constitutional amendment to permit a current or retired faculty member of a
public college or university to receive compensation for service on the governing
body of a water district.

SUMMARY: The proposed amendment amends Section 40(b), Article XVI, Texas Constitution, to permit a faculty member or retired faculty member of a public institution of higher education who also serves as a member of the governing body of a water district created under Section 59, Article XVI, or Section 52, Article III, Texas Constitution, to receive a salary for that service.

ARGUMENTS FOR: The proposed amendment would eliminate an antiquated and unnecessary restriction on additional public service by public college and university faculty members. The law currently does not prohibit that service, but discourages it by prohibiting a salary for it, and there is no such salary prohibition applicable to other persons holding full-time jobs, such as federal or private-sector employees. Approval of the amendment would encourage valuable public service by faculty members and greatly increase the pool of qualified persons able to serve on the governing
bodies of the state’s hundreds of water districts. The proposed amendment is properly limited to very narrow circumstances. Public college and university faculty members, unlike most other state employees, have more flexible hours and can more easily schedule outside duties in conjunction with their primary jobs. In addition, the exception applies only to water districts, which have limited functions.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST: The existing constitutional prohibition against a state employee receiving a salary for serving on the governing body of a political subdivision is intended to ensure that the state employee is committed first and foremost to his or her public employment. If service on the governing body of a water district is a salaried position, the duties of that position are probably substantial enough to potentially interfere with the duties of the faculty member and could potentially reduce the member’s commitment to faculty responsibilities. While faculty members of public colleges and universities are able to provide valuable service to local governments because of their valuable skills, knowledge, and experience, other state employees are also well qualified to provide such service and frequently do so without additional compensation. There is no reason to single out faculty members for the special treatment that would become available under the proposed amendment. The inclusion of retired faculty members in the proposed amendment implies that other retired state employees are not entitled to receive a salary for serving on a local governing body.
If that interpretation is adopted by the courts, the proposed amendment will actually discourage public service on local governing bodies by thousands of well-qualified state retirees.
AMENDMENT NO. 22
The constitutional amendment authorizing the appointment of a temporary
replacement officer to fill a vacancy created when a public officer enters active duty
in the United States armed forces.

SUMMARY: The proposed amendment would add Section 72 to Article XVI of the Texas Constitution to: (1) allow an elected or appointed officer of the state or of any political subdivision who enters active duty in the armed forces of the United States as a result of being called to duty, drafted, or activated, to retain the person’s office while serving in the military; and (2) allow a temporary acting officer to be appointed to perform all the duties of the office. Under the amendment, for an officer other than a member of the legislature, the authority who has the power to appoint a person to fill a vacancy in the office would appoint the temporary acting officer. If a vacancy in the office would normally be filled by a special election, the governor would appoint the temporary acting officer for a state or district office and the governing body of a political subdivision such as a city or county would appoint the temporary acting officer for an
office of that political subdivision. For an officer who is a member of the legislature, the amendment authorizes the member of the legislature to appoint a temporary acting representative or senator, subject to approval of the selection by a majority vote of the appropriate house of the legislature.

ARGUMENTS FOR: The proposed amendment is necessary to clarify that an elected or appointed officer of the state or a political subdivision does not vacate the person’s office when the officer is called to active military duty. Authorizing the appointment of a temporary acting officer would allow for the needs of constituents to continue being served during the officer’s temporary leave of absence. State law provides that an employee of the state or of a local governmental entity who leaves employment to enter active military service is entitled to reemployment after the employee completes active military service. Officers of the state or a political subdivision should receive the same benefit after taking a temporary leave of absence to defend the state or nation as a member of the military, and allowing an officer to return to office after completing active military service will encourage public officers to maintain their involvement in the national guard or reserves.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST: Authorizing the governor or the governing body of a political
subdivision to appoint a temporary replacement for an elected officer deprives the citizens of this state of the right to select the individuals who will represent them. Allowing an officer of the state or of a political subdivision to return to office after the individual completes temporary active duty in the military creates inefficiency in the operation of the office because there is no definite length of time the officer may be away on active duty. Without having a definite term of office, fewer qualified individuals will agree to serve as a temporary replacement officer.

If you would like to receive the Capitol Update via e-mail, please contact me at bob.deuell@senate.state.tx.us.

To contact Sen. Deuell about the legislative process, contact the Capitol Office at (512) 463-0556 or mail to Sen. Bob Deuell, Texas Senate, P.O. Box 12068, Austin, TX 78711. The website for the Texas Senate is www.Senate.state.tx.us. The e-mail address for Sen. Deuell is: bob.deuell@senate.state.tx.us.

Most Everyone Will Be

Affected By New Laws

By Paul Berryhill