TEAGUE AND FORTUNE ANNOUNCE WEDDING PLANS

Kristy Teague and Marvin Fortune, Jr. are planning to be joined in marriage on January 11, 2003, at 4:00 p.m., at the 1^st Baptist Church of Savoy.

Kristy is the daughter of Eddie and Gina Burris, of Savoy, Billy Teague of Bells, and Kimberly Teague of Whitewright. She graduated from Savoy High School and is employed by Wilson N. Jones Hospital in Sherman.

Marvin is the son of Marvin and Annette Fortune of Bonham. He graduated from Savoy High School, and is employed by Passport in Denison.

A reception will follow the ceremony.

Submitted by Coach Ponsonby, 8^th Grade Coach

L.H. Rather Indians 8^th A & B both had victories. The Indians have come back from an 0-2 start on the season by winning 3 straight, taking both teams to a 3-2 record with wins over Quinlan, Community and Farmersville.

On Monday night, Josh Anderson led the "B" team with 12 points, Drew Reich also had 6 in the win over Farmersville. Corey Verner, Josh Anderson and Kyle Andrews dominated on defense holding the Farmers to only 7 points in the 26-7 win.

On the "A" team, Jonathan Heredia had 13 points, Jarvis Brannon had 10, and Jeff Hill had 9. The Indians had great contributions from the bench to help seal the victory, as the Farmers had an 18 point 4^th quarter. Still, the Indians prevailed, 39-34.

Attention all coyotes and gray foxes in South and West-Central Texas.

Dinner is served.

These hungry animals may look to food falling from the sky in the lean winter months as a special treat. But to staff from the Texas Department of Health's (TDH) zoonosis control program, feeding coyotes and gray foxes specially prepared food packets is not particularly an act of kindness.

Rather, it is part of a vitally serious program to protect the public by helping control the spread of rabies.

For the ninth year, TDH will airdrop bait food filled with oral rabies vaccine. This year, the Oral Rabies Vaccination Program (ORVP) will drop about 2.5 million baits from airplanes flying across 50 counties beginning in early January. The first flight takes off Jan. 7, weather permitting, from the Zapata County Airport in South Texas. The second portion of the drop will begin about Jan. 15 from the Kimble County Airport in Junction, and the final phase will fly from the Pecos County Airport in Fort Stockton beginning about Jan. 23.

TDH initiated the program in 1995 in South Texas where canine rabies in coyotes and domestic dogs had reached epidemic proportions and threatened to invade San Antonio and other major population areas. The next year, an airdrop began in West-Central Texas where an epidemic of gray fox rabies had been occurring since 1988.

The TDH plan was to create zones of vaccinated coyotes and gray foxes to, first, stop the spread of the rabies virus, then eliminate canine and gray fox rabies.

"This program continues to show results," said TDH veterinarian Tom Sidwa, ORVP director. "We have had no human cases of rabies in either area since the vaccine airdrop began. And among the coyotes and gray foxes we have seen

a significant drop in the number of animal rabies cases."

The number of canine rabies cases in South Texas has declined from a high of

142 cases when the program began in 1995 to 1 in 2001 and none in 2002 through October. Gray fox cases have shown a similar decline from 244 cases in 1995 to 54 through last October.

Four Beechcraft King Air aircraft are used to spread the baits. The number of air miles flown in distributing the baits each year is equal to four trips around the world.

The baits offer fish meal for coyotes and dog food containing molasses and flavored with vanilla for gray foxes. Inside each bait is 2 milliliters of oral rabies vaccine in an edible sack.

"The baits are harmless," Sidwa said. "The vaccine inside the bait cannot cause rabies in people or animals."

People should not handle these baits, however; wildlife is less likely to eat them if people have touched them. Anyone who comes in contact with the baits may call TDH toll free at 1-877-722-6725 for information. Each bait, which measures 1¼ by 1¼ by ¾ inches, is marked with a label that includes the telephone number.

Sidwa emphasized that owners of domestic animals still need to get their pets vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian as required by law. A domestic animal's rabies vaccination can be safely given even if the animal recently ate an oral rabies vaccine bait, he said.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GREG ABBOTT FORMALLY OPENS NEW MCALLEN CHILD SUPPORT CALL CENTER

AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today formally opened the McAllen Regional Call Center to serve customers of the Attorney General's Child Support Division. The McAllen call center is one of eight in the state that assists parents wishing to speak directly with someone about their child support case.

"Customers expect prompt and courteous service when they contact my office about their child support case. The McAllen call center helps us respond to the needs of Texas children by providing their parents with a convenient way to get their questions answered and obtain up-to-date case information," said Attorney General Greg Abbott.

In January 1999, the Attorney General's Child Support Division operated a

single statewide customer service call center. Only 14 percent of the monthly calls to a customer service representative were answered.

Frustrated by busy signals and long hold times, many callers hung up before speaking with someone about their child support case.

Statewide call center operations were decentralized in January 2000 to improve accessibility and responsiveness to callers. By October 2002, regional call centers answered 97 percent of the 200,000 calls received in

34 seconds.

The McAllen Regional Call Center, which began operating November 1, handles calls from child support customers served by the McAllen, Weslaco and Edinburg child support offices. By December 2003, the call center operations will expand to include the five additional offices located throughout the 13-county area that makes up the McAllen region.

In addition to regional call centers, the Attorney General's Child Support

Division gives parents other options for obtaining current information on their child support case. Child Support Interactive, located on the main Attorney General Web site www.oag.state.tx.us, provides custodial parents with case information such as dates and locations of court hearings, notification that genetic testing results are available, and a record of the last 12 support payments. Parents may also utilize the agency's automated voice response system by calling 1-800-252-8014 to obtain information about their child support case or apply for services.

The Attorney General's Office ensures that language is not a barrier to obtaining quality services by providing all child support information in English and Spanish, including the interactive Web site and automated telephone response system. The agency hires bi-lingual staff to help Spanish-speaking customers.

Did you know that Texas Law requires auctioneers in the state of Texas to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and be covered under the recovery fund?

This is the law. All auctioneers selling in Texas must have a valid auctioneer’s license, renewed yearly and displayed at all auctions. No out of state auctioneer license is valid. All auction advertisements must include the auctioneer’s name and Texas license number.

Before selling estates, business liquidations, real or personal property of any kind consider using the auction method.

Auctioneering is one of the oldest professions known, and is the fastest way to sell property. It also brings the most money and sets the fair market value of real and personal property.

All licensed auctioneers are listed on the Texas Department of Licensing Regulation website at http://www.license.state.tx.us. If at any time you have a dispute, you can contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at: P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711 (512) 463-2906. This notice is to be displayed at all public auctions.

This public service announcement was prepared for your information by Hill College, PO Box 619 Hillsboro, TX 76645 (254) 582-2555 ext. 313.

Alexis celebrated her second birthday on June 20, 2002. Her birthday party was held June 22, 2002. Alexis had a Teddy Bear Picnic in her backyard in Rockwall, Texas.

Guests were invited to bring their favorite bear with them to the party. In attendance were her parents, Shawn and Melissa Britton, grandparents, Lewis and Betty Hutchins, Uncle Steven Hutchins, and various Great Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends.

Alexis enjoyed a day of cake, ice cream, and games with many friends and family members.

Alexis Carol Britton is proud to announce the birth of her baby brother, John Patrick Britton. John was born on July 9, 2002 at 4:10 p.m. He was delivered at Baylor-Dallas. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 21 inches long.

His proud parents are Shawn and Melissa Britton of Rockwall, Texas. John’s grandparents are Lewis and Betty Hutchins of Bonham, Texas. His uncle is Steven Hutchins of Bonham, Texas. He has several great aunts and uncles in the Bonham area, as well as cousins.

Household International Inc. Cited for Deceptive Lending Practices

AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today secured $7.5 million in refunds for approximately 11,000 Texas consumers in a settlement with finance industry giant Household International Inc. The settlement also halts deceptive consumer lending practices the finance company used in writing many of its home mortgage loans in Texas.

The settlement applies to real estate loans the company or its subsidiaries - Household Finance Corp. and Beneficial Corp. - made to Texas consumers from Jan. 1, 1999, to Sept. 30, 2002.

The company was cited for several deceptive lending practices, including

§ misrepresenting interest rates;

§ inflating monthly payment amounts for biweekly rates;

§ misrepresenting and charging costly points and fees;

§ using unsolicited checks to entice consumers deeper into debt, which Household then offered to refinance through high-cost mortgage loans;

§ failure to provide clear descriptions of loan terms to customers who did not speak English.

"My message is clear: Finance companies must treat Texas consumers in a fair and equitable manner," said Attorney General Abbott. "Any business that does otherwise will be held accountable."

The finance company agreed to restitution totaling $484 million nationwide, following a multi-state announcement in October. The Texas Attorney General's Office sought - and received - additional information on affected Texas consumers before announcing its own settlement today.

A settlement administrator will contact these consumers through the mail early next year to explain their options and the terms of the settlement and restitution process.

Actual restitution will be made based on the size of loan obtained by each eligible consumer. Refunds will be designed to compensate consumers for the losses they suffered in points, fees and interest costs the company deceptively applied.

The Texas settlement, as well as nationally, will result in new standards for the lending industry, particularly for those like Household that solicit business in what is known as the "subprime" lending market.

Dessie Lee Floyd celebrated her 90^th birthday on December 4, 2002, at her home in Bonham with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Floyd is a lifelong resident of Bonham. Her parents were Maurice and Epsie Hardin Doody.

She married Charley Floyd in 1930 until his death in 1961. Her daughters and sons-in-laws are Charlene and Don Miller and the late Allene & Duane Curry.

Daughters of the American Revolution, George Blakey Chapter, Bonham, Texas, met Saturday, December 14, 2002, at The Carleton House in Bonham at 11:30 a.m. for their Christmas luncheon and gift exchange. Steve and Karen Halbrook, owners, served a delicious salad luncheon to twelve members and four guests. Steve played several songs on the fiddle for them.

Mary Jo Barbee, regent, held a short business meeting before the gift exchange.

Flo Odom, membership chairman, presented Julia Elizabeth Whitlock, Lee Jones Morrison and Jenny Mayrell as prospective members. They were approved.

Mary Pauline Yarbrough was in charge of the program. She gave a short review on "Seven Stories of Christmas Love" by Leo Buscaglia an internationally loved teacher, writer and lecturer. Dr. Buscaglia believes that happiness and love are just a choice away.

We signed Christmas cards for former and present members.

We signed a birthday card for May Wilson, our oldest member, who will be 90 years old on January 5^th. She is a resident at the Clyde Cosper Nursing facility.

We bought phone cards for the veterans at the V. A. Center for Christmas.

Hosted by members of the Board of Directors of the Red River Theater Company, the guest list for the end-of-the-season party on Saturday evening at the Bonham Golf and Country Club looked like a "Who's Who" of Fannin County and north central Texas. The event marked the end of the nonprofit community theatre's first year in production of live stage theatre, with ambitious but achievable projections for 2003.

In addition to Fannin County residents who served as actors in the theatre's first year, the event was attended by Mayors of several townships in Fannin County, news media staff, and numerous other prominent citizens of Bonham, Fannin, and other north Texas counties. The Back Stage Carolers, the theatre's vocal ensemble, entertained with seasonal songs and was accompanied by Grady Humphres who heads the group's instrumental ensemble on his bass.

Mike LaRue, Vice-President of the RRTC Board told the nearly 100 invited guests of some of the short and long range goals for the group, including the purchase of sound and lighting equipment necessary to enhance its current productions at the Bonham VA auditorium and for dinner theatre performances. He stated that when the Red River Theatre Company has been in successful production for approximately three years and can demonstrate growth and community support, it hopes to apply for grants to obtain a theatre arts facility in which to stage its productions, construct and store its sets, props and costumes, and to hold its theatre education workshops.

Red River Theatre Company has one play now in rehearsal for two performances, January 31st and February 1st, at the VA auditorium in Bonham. The group is excited about the participation of Rent-A-Center of Bonham who has agreed to provide the furniture for the set. The Master Gardeners and the Creative Arts Center have been invited to place some of their work onstage as part of the set, and to stage an exhibit of their works at the gala following the performance.

The second play of the season which will be auditioned and cast in mid-January will run for six performances the last two weekends in March. Both will be performed under the direction of Susan Waller, recently of Leonard, formerly the Drama Director of the large congregation at Grace Family Church of Mesquite.

In addition to comedy, mystery and musicals, the Board is currently considering the selection of its first drama for mid-year 2003. Board member Pat Ward who is investigating some of the peripheral requirements of the production said that the Board is excited about the possibility of performing the play off-stage at a location appropriate to the story. While she would not name the theatrical production most prominently under consideration until the decision is final, she did say that it is a well-known fictional drama based on an historical event in 1925. The stage production made its debut at the Dallas Theatre in 1955 before going on to Broadway for a record-holding 803 performances before going on tour. "It is a very powerful man's play with a cast of powerful men", Ward said, and added, "It will depend heavily on the willingness of some of our own 'powerful men' in the area to deliver the full impact of the story."

While performances of the Red River Theatre Company productions take place at the VA auditorium in Bonham, members of the RRTC Board of Directors represent several townships in Fannin County.  Membership is open to any person from any location who is interested in participating with the nonprofit community theatre's activities. Its audiences have included patrons from five states as well as many Texas cities far distant from Bonham.

The mission of the Red River Theater Company is primarily to introduce live stage theatre to the several generations of Fannin County's citizenry who have not had close access to the performing arts or the opportunity to explore their own creative talents and interests.

Denison TX:

Diana Lynn Bannister, Athena Ronette Dawson, Deziree` LaShon Lindsay

Flower Mound TX:

Kathryn Gordon Hagan

Sherman TX:

Allison Marie Marr, William R. May, Tiran Eugene Thompson

Telephone TX:

John Brandon Wetzel

Van Alstyne TX:

Justin Curtis Barton

Bells TX:

Cheryl Chatelain Creswell, Genevieve M. Dagenais, Grant Little, Dustin Lee Morrow

Bonham TX:

Sara Dianne Chumbley, Canda Gayle Estes, Chad Lee Melton,

Jennifer Dyan Robinson, Meagan Nicole Rougeou

Celina TX:

Lesley Ann Evans

Denison TX:

Amy Marie Bilderback, Jason R. Blankenship, Jonathan W. Blankenship, Tiffany Kay Cordell, Dewayne Golston, Eric Benjamin Heise, Patricia Hyatt, James Curtis Kelley, Melissa Morales, Monica Elaine Musgrave, Cheryl Dayanne Niehaus, Sherry Andrus Piazza, Andrea Page Sipes, William "B J" H. Smith, Brandi Michelle Walker, Debra Jean Wilder, Shaun Eric Zinck

Flower Mound TX:

Lisa Michelle Henderson

Honey Grove TX:

Amber Rose Clark

Howe TX:

Timothy M. Ruth

Paris TX:

Jana Elaine Hawk

Pottsboro TX:

Michael Brandon Barker, Michele Renee' Forrest, Destry Kane Hawthorne, Angela Lee Vaughn, Kurtis Bryan Womack

Sherman TX:

Bryan Allan Dunn, Tenia Hughes, Rebecca Leigh Kenney, Brandi M. Lee, Robin Johnson Mata, Christopher Tony Phillips, Susie Boneita Viars-Andrews

Trenton TX:

Robin Monique Rice

Van Alstyne TX:

Andrea Brooke Barton, Brian Clay Moody

Whitesboro TX:

Luther Kirkpatrick, Mischel Leighane Ridley, Brandy Rhea Waugh

Windom TX: Dustin Wayne Lee

Lisa Woodbridge, daughter of Stan and Margaret McNear of Emory, Texas, graduated with Cum Laude honors from the University of Texas at Tyler, at their fall commencement ceremonies on the 14^th day of December 2002. Lisa received her Bachelor of General Studies Degree and will teach Elementary School in the Gladewater school system. Lisa lives in Gladewater with her husband Mike and three children, Morgan, Blaine and Mason. Lisa is the granddaughter of Mary McNear and Louise Wallace of Bonham, Texas.

Austin- The Texas Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is seeking nominations of exceptional volunteers in Texas communities to be recognized at the 20^th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others in one of 11 award categories, including: youth, adult, senior, family, group, small business, corporate, volunteer manager/administrator, media, national service, and a category representing a lifetime of achievement, the Lonestar Achievement Award.

Each recipient will receive a $1,000 donation to their charity of choice courtesy of H-E-B. Recipients will be honored at a recognition ceremony in Austin on May 1, 2003 during National Volunteer Week.

During the upcoming holiday season when community, family and giving are important, nominate a person or organization that you admire for their service to others. For more information or to download a nomination form, visit www.txserve,org or call the Governor’s Volunteer Awards Hotline at 512-475-4432. Forms must be received by 5:00 p.m. on December 31, 2002.

There will be a big special after Christmas country music show this Saturday night, December 28^th, at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at the popular Lake Bonham Hoe-Down ½ mile from Lake Bonham Recreation area east of the spillway on CR 2610. The show will be hosted by Joan Kelton and the "Country Hoe-Downers" featuring; George Kirby, Randy Keister, Glen Clark, Michael Williams, Mike Stroud, Paul Matthews, Fred Ulich and Gary Monroe.

Scheduled special guest will be: Jimmy Rhodes, Celina, TX, Nick Conoy and Ken Spradlin, Denison, TX, and a special edition of Renee’ Kelton Witcher and Tyler Bryant, Honey Grove, TX.

Sounds like fun doesn’t it? Everyone is invited and welcome. Bring your friends and neighbors and come out and join all the fun. Admission is free. Donations are accepted and most appreciated.

Thanks to all for supporting the Hoe-Down. May God bless you.

For more information call, 583-4731 or 583-5710.

Agricultural Producers Must Protect Fertilizer Inventories

Fertilizer security has become an issue in recent years due to an increase in the use of fertilizers to manufacture explosives and drugs.

"These are vitally important topics in our world today, and it is essential that we do all we can to make it difficult for thieves to misuse fertilizer," says Eddie Funderburg, a soil fertility specialist at the Noble Foundation.

Explosives – It is widely known that ammonium nitrate can make a powerful explosive if mixed, handled and stored in certain ways. It is used legally for a number of purposes, such as construction.

"The problems arise when someone wants to use ammonium nitrate to make explosives for sinister purposes," Funderburg says. "It is not as well known that urea also can be used to make a very powerful explosive. Using urea to make explosives results in a very unstable compound – something that is more powerful and less stable than nitroglycerine."

The bottom line, Funderburg says, is that if you store ammonium nitrate or urea on the farm; make sure they are placed in a secure area that you can easily monitor. Do not put them in old buildings far away from areas you frequently visit. Report any suspicious people around the fertilizer area to local law enforcement agencies.

Drugs – Funderburg considers the recent use of common fertilizers to manufacture illegal drugs, namely methamphetamine, "possibly the most bizarre thing that has occurred in my career as a fertilizer expert." The most commonly-used fertilizer in the drug manufacturing process is anhydrous ammonia, but a drug manufacturer who’s a particularly good chemist can also use urea, ammonium nitrate, liquid UAN solutions and other sources of nitrogen.

"My opinion is that someone who has such a sophisticated knowledge of chemistry could get a productive job and make good money legally," he says. "Methamphetamine manufacturers especially want to obtain anhydrous ammonia since it is the easiest fertilizer source to use in making the drug. They will stoop to incredible feats of stupidity to obtain the material."

Anhydrous ammonia is a liquid when stored in strong steel tanks at very high pressure and very low temperatures. When exposed to normal temperatures and pressures, it becomes a gas. This gas is very damaging to the eyes and lungs, and is quite unpleasant to any exposed skin it touches.

When farmers apply anhydrous ammonia, they inject it directly from the storage tank deep into the soil through specially-designed knives and hoses. This insures that the farmer does not have to handle it.

"In the drug manufacturers’ zeal to obtain anhydrous ammonia, they will try to store the material in glass jars, Thermos jugs, ice chests and soft drink bottles," he says. "Keep in mind that handling anhydrous ammonia in any way other than a closed system with strong steel tanks is extremely dangerous.

Unfortunately, thieves will often leave the valve open and release large amounts of ammonia into the air even though they stole only a small amount. This can be dangerous to innocent people living in the area, Funderburg adds.

"While the law of natural selection should eventually take care of this problem, there are things you can do to help law enforcement," he says.

The Fertilizer Institute has published a list of steps for farmers and ranchers to follow to help foil the thieves.

* Be alert. Keep an eye out for unfamiliar or suspicious people attempting to purchase anhydrous ammonia from you or your neighbors.

* Don’t leave tanks unattended for long periods of time.

* Immediately report releases of ammonia to local police.

* Position tanks in open areas where they can easily be seen from the road.

* Return tanks to fertilizer dealerships immediately after use.

* Watch for items left behind such as duct tape, buckets, ice chests, garden hoses and bicycle inner tubes.

* Watch for, and report, suspicious looking people around your fertilizer tanks. They may be checking out the premises for a late-night raid.

* Buy and install locks for the anhydrous ammonia valves and tanks.

"Let’s all help do our part to make sure fertilizers are used for improving plant growth, not for illegal purposes," Funderburg says.

Austin, Texas – The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Board of Directors announced Monday afternoon the selection of Brooke Leslie Rollins as the Foundation’s new president. She will take office on January 1, 2003.

"We’re delighted to welcome Brooke Rollins to the Foundation," said Board chairman Wendy Gramm, Ph.D. "She brings an exciting energy, experience and vision to the Foundation’s team."

Mrs. Rollins is currently Policy Director for Governor Rick Perry. Previously, she served in the Governor’s Office as Deputy Counsel and Ethics Advisor. A former litigator, Mrs. Rollins was a federal law clerk for the Northern District of Texas’ United States District Court. A graduate of Texas A & M University, where she was the first female student body president, Rollins received her law degree with honors from the University of Texas School of Law.

"This is a great opportunity to serve the people of Texas and our elected officials by providing research that addresses the critical issues facing the state," said Mrs. Rollins. "The Foundation has a well-established reputation for providing rock-solid research that addresses the needs and concerns of our state. I ‘m eager to join the staff in promoting a positive vision for Texas. The Policy Orientation that TPPF will hold in late January will provide an intellectual foundation for elected officials to build upon in the new Legislature."

The Foundation’s Policy Orientation will be held on January 29 and 30, and February 3 and 4. It will cover such issues as budget, taxes, school finance, education policy, insurance, transportation, health care and tort reform.

Rollins replaces outgoing president Jeff Judson, who announced last week that he was resigning to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

Austin – Gov. Rick Perry set Tuesday, January 7, as the runoff date in the special election to fill the vacancy for House District 62. House District 62 consists of Fannin and Grayson counties.

The names of Republican Larry Phillips and Democrat Donnie Jarvis will appear on the runoff ballot. Phillips and Jarvis received the most votes in the December 14 special election, but no candidate won a majority of the votes cast. Perry certified the special election results December 18th.

The early voting period for this runoff election runs from Monday, December 30, 2002, through Friday, January 3, 2003.

The House District 62 seat was left vacant after Rep. Ron Clark, R-Sherman, formally declined the seat. Clark was elected to a full term on November 5, but was appointed to a federal judgeship by President George W. Bush.

The representative elected in this special election will serve out the full term.

Austin – Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs announced December 2^nd that the Texas Department of Agriculture is now accepting nominations for TDA’s 2002 Rural Heroism Award.

Candidates must have performed a heroic, lifesaving act within Texas during 2002. The heroic deed should be related to farming or ranching and occur in a rural area. Automobile accidents or accidents caused by negligence will not be considered.

Nominations should include a written account of the incident and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of everyone involved. If available, newspaper clippings and photographs should accompany all nominations.

Nominations must be postmarked by Feb. 1, 2003 and mailed to Lola Lemmon, TDA Safety Coordinator, Texas Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 12847, Austin, Texas 78711. For additional information on qualifications, contact Lemmon at (512) 475-1611.

The 2002 recipient will be announced March 31 at the Texas Safety Association’s annual conference at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Houston.

Austin – Cotton producers in the Northern Blacklands Boll Weevil Eradication Zone have voted against establishing a boll weevil eradication program in the 36-county area.

Final results were 190 producers voting "for" and 138 voting "against" establishing an eradication program in the Northern Blacklands zone, but the measure failed to receive the necessary two-thirds vote or 50 percent of the zone’s total cotton acreage. The total percentage of all the zone’s acreage voting in favor of the eradication program was 34.69 percent.

At least one year must elapse before another referendum on establishing a boll weevil eradication program can take place.

The Texas Department of Agriculture issued 797 ballots to cotton producers in the Northern Blacklands zone who were eligible to vote in the referendum. A total of 330 valid ballots were received by the Dec. 9 deadline and counted.

The Northern Blacklands Eradication Zone consists of approximately 70,000 acres of cotton in the following counties: Bosque, Bowie, Cass, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hamilton, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hopkins, Hunt, Jack, Johnson, Kaufman, Lamar, Montague, Morris, Navarro, Parker, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, Titus, Van Zandt, Wise and portions of McLennan and Limestone.

Austin – Convicted lawbreakers put on adult probation instead of being sent to prison paid $237 million in court-assessed fines and fees last year, an amount equal to $1.05 for every dollar spent by the state of Texas on community supervision.

But while offender-generated fees provide vital revenue for community supervision programs, there is overwhelming agreement among district judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys that the fees have reached the limit and any new or higher fees would be counterproductive.

Figures compiled for the first-time ever by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice show that fees collected from 243,500 felony and 198,000 misdemeanor probationers contributed $122 million to defray the cost of their supervision, $47 million to victim restitution and $68 million in fines and other fees. These probationers also performed 8.5 million hours in unpaid community service work worth $45 million at minimum wage.

Probationers are supervised by Community Supervision and Corrections Departments (CSCDs) operated by local judicial districts. CSCDs received $225 million in state grants through TDCJ’s Community Justice Assistance Division last year.

"Community supervision is a bright star in the criminal justice system," TDCJ executive director Gary Johnson said. "Supervision provides public safety while rehabilitating these offenders in their communities where they can work, support their families, pay taxes and get treatment."

It costs $1.01 per day per probationer to provide basic local CSCD supervision and another $1.14 per day per probationer where specialized supervision and treatment programs are required, such as specialized sex offender supervision and substance abuse treatment. By comparison, it would cost between $32 and $40 per day per offender to send the felony probationers to prison or state jail.

Opposition by judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys to increased fees came through loud and clear in a survey conducted by TDCJ. More than 93 percent of the judges and 87 percent of the prosecutors surveyed said fees should not be increased.

A majority of the judges and district attorneys said current fees "often" or "sometimes" are an undue hardship on probationers. TDCJ research indicated that while almost 75 percent of all probationers have fulltime employment, their annual median income of $18,200 is 30 percent below the state average income.

Commissioner Signs On to $7.5 Million Settlement

Austin TX–December 17, 2002—Consumer Credit Commissioner Leslie Pettijohn announced today that she approved the Consent Judgment filed by the Texas Attorney General’s Office against Household International Inc. Her approval concludes months of work negotiating the terms of the settlement in conjunction with the AG’s office and the consumer finance powerhouse.
The Consent Judgment follows a multi-state investigation by state attorney general offices and state financial regulators to address alleged misrepresentations by Household of loan terms and failure to disclose necessary loan information. Consumers complained about several lending practices in making real estate-secured loans, including:
•       Deceiving consumers about credit insurance policies.
•       Charging higher interest rates than promised for biweekly payments.
•       Misrepresenting interest rates and charging costly points and fees.
•       Using unsolicited checks to entice consumers deeper into debt—then offering to refinance through high-cost mortgage loans.
•       Failing to provide clear descriptions of loan terms to customers who did not speak English.
"Household will change its lending practices under the settlement," said Pettijohn, "and it will pay affected Texas consumers about $7.5 million in restitution."  Pettijohn said the settlement provides nationwide relief to consumers and that ensuring fair and equitable lending practices has been and will continue to be a priority effort for state consumer protection agencies and financial regulators. Details on restitution procedures and eligibility will be announced in the next few months. The Texas settlement, like the nationwide settlement, will result in new standards for the lending industry, particularly for those finance companies like Household that solicit business in the subprime lending market.
Household will pay a total of $484 million in consumer restitution nationwide—the largest direct restitution amount ever in a state or federal consumer case.
The tentative settlement was announced October 11, but the settlement and restitution amount were contingent on those states that represent at least 80% of the dollar volume of Household's real estate-secured loans agreeing to file consent judgments by noon Monday. All fifty states and the District of Columbia filed in time, which means that Household will pay the maximum restitution amount of $484 million.
In addition to restitution, Household agreed in the settlement to:
•       Ensure that new home loans actually benefit the potential borrowers prior to making the loans.
•       Limit up-front points and origination fees to 5%.
•       Reform and improve disclosures to consumers.
•       Eliminate "piggyback" second mortgages (writing two mortgage loans at the same time).
•       Offer consumers the lowest rate available for which a borrower’s credit qualifies.
The settlement applies to real estate loans made to Texas consumers from January 1, 1999, to September 30, 2002 by the company or its subsidiaries (Household Finance Corporation and Beneficial Corporation). Beneficial Texas has 69 active licensed locations and Household Finance Corporation has 15 active licensed locations.
A settlement administrator will contact these consumers through the mail early next year to explain their options and the terms of the settlement and restitution process.  Meant to compensate consumers for the losses they suffered in deceptively applied points, fees and interest costs, the actual restitution amounts will be based on loan size. Consumers do not need to contact the attorney general or financial regulator offices at this time.
The Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner regulates non-depository lenders in Texas, such as motor vehicle sales financing companies, consumer loan companies, home equity and junior lien mortgage lenders, payday lenders, and signature loan companies. To reach the OCCC, call 800.538.1579 or send an e-mail to info@occc.state.tx.us.

Ector defeated Savoy in the 1^st game 51-37. The scorers were Zach Anglin 15, Justin White 13, Steven Anderson 7, Justin Rhudy 7, Matt Cox 3, Bobby Yoh 4, and Colton Whisenhunt 2. Ector started the game strong and took a 14-4 lead in the 1^st quarter. The victory was achieved with great teamwork by the Eagles over their rivals.

In the second game Ector lost to Alpha Charter 73-57. The scoring was Justin White 14, Justin Rhudy 12, Zach Anglin 11, Bobby Yoh 8, Jared Lankford 6, Ryan Mercer 4, and Matt Cox 2. Ector was tied 40-40 in the fourth quarter but got outscored 33-17 down the stretch by a strong Hawks team. Ector finished the tournament with a third place trophy.

AUSTIN -- Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced today that the Attorney General's Financial Litigation team has won an important ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Late yesterday, that court reversed its prior decision and agreed with the Texas Attorney General that federal law does not negate a State law that allows consumers the right to an independent review of HMO decisions.

Attorney General Abbott said: "In the HMO reforms of 1997, the Texas Legislature unequivocally intended to provide Texans with an option for independent review if they disagreed with their HMO's determination of what constitutes a 'medically necessary' treatment. This ruling ensures that patients' rights will not be overruled by HMOs or preempted by federal law. Instead, health care decisions will be made by Texas consumers and medical professionals, not corporate executives."

Summer 1997: SB 386 goes into law, modifiying the state Insurance Code by establishing an independent review organization (IRO) to be used by Texans whose health insurance company denies treatment for medically necessary conditions.

June 16, 1997: State law (SB 386) challenged in lawsuit: Corporate Health Insurance, Inc.; Aetna Health Plans of Texas, Inc.; Aetna Health Plans of North Texas, Inc.; and Aetna Life Insurance Company v. Texas Department of Insurance.

September 18, 1998: A Federal District Judge in Houston upholds Texas' HMO Liability provisions, but rules that federal law preempts the anti-retaliation, anti-indemnification, and IRO provisions (SB386). The State of Texas appeals the decision.

June 20, 2000: A Fifth Circuit Panel overturns the district judge's decision on the anti-retaliation and anti-indemnification provisions, but upholds the district judge's decision that federal law preempts SB386's IRO. Texas asks the Fifth Circuit to reconsider its decision in light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court case, Pegram v. Herdrich.

July 27, 2000: The Fifth Circuit denies Texas' request for rehearing and

again holds that federal law preempts SB386's IRO.

October 24, 2000: Texas asks the U.S Supreme Court to reverse the Fifth Circuit's ruling on IROs.

June 24, 2002: The U.S. Supreme Court grants Texas' petition, strikes the

Fifth Circuit's prior decisions, and orders the Fifth Circuit to reconsider.

December 16, 2002: Fifth Circuit reverses the district judge's ruling, and its earlier opinion, that federal law preempts SB386's IRO.

View the court ruling at:

http://www.oag.state.tx.us/newspubs/releases/2002/20021217ruling.pdf

The Friends of Fannin County Critters has had an incredible 2002. We have accomplished so much in just the six months we have been in existence.

The growth of any organization will always include change and a few growing pains, especially when it concerns the lives of innocent creatures that desperately need us. We will be beginning a new year with some new board members that will bring fresh ideas and insight to our group. We are thrilled that so many of you have offered to step up and become even more active as we work to more effectively help the animals. I want you to know that without the dedication and hard work of ALL who were with us from the beginning, we would not have gotten this far. We will be gaining new board member while losing a few. The saying "when a door closes, a window opens" certainly applies here as we give our thanks to all the board members, past and present, and to all of the volunteers who have given time, energy, ideas, and dollars to our cause.

I hope you have already seen the increased media attention for our Pets In Need. (great job, Penny). Pictures of the animals are in 3 papers each week and now we will be on Channel 12 during the 6am new each Monday. How many of you saw "Freckles" become a star yesterday? Gilda had given her a bath, cologne, and a big red bow. The whole tv crew fell in love with Freckles, the red heeler pup.

If you are still wondering about the Walmart Raffle- the big winner was our own Andie Comini!! When Jeff, the radio DJ, drew Andie's name both Penny and I nearly fell over with shock. Congratulations, Andie!! (It took 4 emails and 2 phone calls to convince her that she actually won.) Jamie, from the Bonham Journal, was there to photograph the occasion.

The next volunteer meeting will be at 5:30 pm, Monday, January 6, 2003 at the Bonham Housing Authority. We will have some exciting announcements and plans to share with everyone! I hope you call all be there and look forward to seeing you.

PLEASE NOTE: We have a New email address! So, update your address book with our new email of ffccritters@yahoo.com. Our old address will no longer be in use-effective immediately.

Have a safe and happy Holiday Season.

God bless,

Jan Allen, President

Mardi Gras at the malls has begun—with strong sales in house wares and electronics, according to retailers. Smart shoppers are looking for deals and sticking to their budgets. But some shoppers, caught up in the joy of giving, will practice poor financial planning and overspending.

With consumers concerned about unemployment and the economy, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of North Central Texas offers three tips to help holiday shoppers have a debt stress-free December.

1) Make Your Gift List, Check It Twice—and Do the Same for Your Budget Grab a pen, some paper and a calculator and map out the amount you can spend.

· Determine your December expenses, like mortgage, rent, groceries and car payments.

· Set aside emergency money to cover unplanned expenditures.

· With what’s left, build your holiday budget: Decide who’s getting gifts and divide your budget between those people.

Don’t give more than you can afford. If you need more money for gifts, ask about ways to make overtime pay at work, or look for seasonal, part-time employment.

· Pick up a copy of the Sunday edition of your local newspaper

· read the inserts, cut coupons and look for sales.

· Shop for mark-downs at retailers. Check those items before you pay full-price.

· Develop a relationship with sales associates at your favorite store. Find out when sales and markdowns will take place.

Don’t forget about post-holiday markdowns. It may be worth buying after December 25^th.

If these symptoms seem familiar, you may be approaching debt and credit trouble:

· You’re near or at the limit of your lines of credit.

· You can only make the minimum payments on your credit cards.

· You’re worrying about how much money you owe.

· If you or your spouse lost your job, you’d be in immediate financial trouble.

· About 15% or more of your take-home pay is used for credit card debt payments (Recommended amount is 10% or less).

"If you think you’re in trouble, don’t be afraid to call your creditor. If you explain your situation, and you have a good credit and payment history, you may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate," said Danny Wolf, President of CCCS of North Central Texas.

If that doesn’t work, seek credit counseling. "Contrary to what consumers might think, financial counseling doesn’t affect your credit score," Wolf said. "Since 1999, Fair, Isaac and Company, or FICO – the company that provides credit scores – has stated that their scores ignore any mention of financial counseling or a Debt Management Plan."

Think Credit Counseling Can’t Help? Consider this story from a recent CLIENT

You don’t have to solve your financial problems alone CCCS has trained and certified credit counselors who offer confidential financial management and debt reduction services that are low-cost—and free. CCCS of North Central Texas is a nonprofit, community-based organization and a Member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). For more information, call 1-800-856-0257 for an appointment in your area, or visit www.cccsnct.org

ATTORNEY GENERAL GREG ABBOTT URGES PARENTS TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT Remembering Children During Holiday Season is Best Gift of All

AUSTIN--Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott reminded parents that making regular child support payments is the most important thing they can do for their children during the holiday season and year-round.

"Children rely on child support to meet their basic needs. Many children who do not receive regular child support payments will go without during a holiday season that should be the most joyful time of the year," said Attorney General Greg Abbott. "For those parents who are behind on their child support, perhaps the spirit of the season will soften their hearts to pay this month and throughout the new year."

One of the best gifts mothers and fathers can give their children is the knowledge that their parents care enough to pay child support. Children suffer the consequences of a parent's refusal to provide financial support by going without the basic necessities that each payment provides. Children also carry the emotional scars that result from a parent's indifference to their needs.

Parents have a moral and legal duty to make regular child support payments according to the requirements of the existing court order. The Attorney General's Child Support Division uses every available tool to enforce a parent's legal obligation to pay child support. Parents who fall behind risk interception of income tax refunds, seizure of assets held in financial institutions and suspension of driver, professional and recreational licenses. The Attorney General's Office helps non-custodial parents who lack the ability to pay child support by referring them to job training and employment services.

The Attorney General’s Child Support Division collected a record $1.4 billion in child support during the state fiscal year that ended August 31, 2002. the child Support Division handles more than 955,000 cases involving one million children.

For more information about the Attorney General's Child Support Division, visit the agency's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us. Customers may also call 1-800-252-8014 to receive automated information about child support services and to apply for services.

Fannin County Attorney Myles Porter announces the resolution of the following criminal cases that were heard in the 6`<sup>t</sup>' and 336`^h District Court of Fannin County.

Bennie Edward Toombs, age 22, of Leonard, TX was sentenced to serve two years in the penitentiary for failing to comply with conditions of his probation. Mr. Toombs had previously been placed on probation for Burglary of a Habitation.

Terry Lynn Autrey, age 40 of Bonham, TX was sentenced to serve four years in the penitentiary for failing to comply with, conditions of his, probation. Mr. Autrey had previously been placed on probation for a felony DWI.

Norman Couch, age 27, of McKinney, TX entered his plea of guilty to Delivery of a Controlled. Substance. The court accepted his plea and sentenced him to serve three years in the penitentiary.

Eddie Trimble, age 48, of Bonham, TX was sentenced to serve two years in the penitentiary for failing to comply with conditions of his probation. Mr. Trimble had previously been placed on probation for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

Charles Cox, age 29, of Denison, TX, was sentenced to serve two years in the penitentiary for failing to comply with conditions of his probation. Mr. Cox had previously been placed on probation for Theft over $750.00 but under $20,000.00

Clifton Rick Ahhaitty, age 31, of Denison, TX was sentenced to serve five years in the penitentiary for failing to comply with conditions of his probation. Mr. Ahhaitty had previously been placed on probation for Burglary of a Habitation.

Bradley Kent Gibson, age 22, or Bonham, TX entered his plea of guilty to Burglary of a Building. The Court accepted his plea and assessed his punishment at 120 days in jail.

Linda Camillo, age 53, of Bonham, TX was sentenced to serve two years in the penitentiary for failing to comply with conditions of her probation. Ms. Camillo had previously been placed on probation for Possession of a Controlled Substance by Fraud.

Teresa Raylene Russell, age 39, of Bonham, TX. entered her plea of guilty to DWIFelony. The court accepted her plea and accessed her punishment at 10 years in the penitentiary, however, the Court agreed to probate the sentence for 10 years. She must pay a $1000.00 fine, court costs and a deep lung interlock device will be placed on her vehicle; this will prevent her from starting her vehicle if she has been drinking. She must also complete 260 hours of community service. As a condition of probation she must also complete the Substance Abuse Felony Probation Facility program. The SAFPF program is a three-step process (1) 9-12 months in a therapeutic community where they are locked up and the offender receives intense substance abuse treatment: (2) 90 days in a transitional treatment center where they are reintegrated back into society and (3) 12 months intensive outpatient treatment.

Shannon Price, age 25, of Leonard, TX entered her plea of guilty to Burglary of a Habitation. The Court accepted her plea and placed her on 5 years felony probation, $200.00 fine, court costs, $50.00 to the Attorney General Crime Victim Fund, $100 to the Fannin County Crisis Center, 150 hours of community service, and as a condition of probation she must complete a substance abuse questionnaire to determine treatment while on probation.

Casey Marie Smith, age 23, of Bonham, TX entered her plea of guilty to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The Court accepted her plea and placed her on 5 years felony probation, court costs, $50.00 to Fannin County Family Crisis Center. As a condition of probation she must complete a 26-week Erasing Abuse Program that is designed to educate the defendant with healthier ways to handle anger.

Charles Caldwell, II, age 34, of Bonham, entered his plea of guilty to Endangering a Child. The Court accepted his plea and accessed his punishment at 2 years in the penitentiary; however, the Court agreed to probate the sentence for 5 years. He must pay court costs and as a condition of probation he must complete a 26-week Erasing Abuse Program that is designed to educate the defendant with healthier ways to handle anger.

Ashley William Nash Roberts, age 22, of Leonard, TX entered his plea of guilty to Delivery of Simulated Controlled Substance. The Court accepted his plea and placed him on 3 years felony probation. He must pay a $200,00 fine, court costs, $50.00 to Fannin County Family Crisis Center and as a condition of probation he must complete a Substance Abuse Questionnaire to determine drug treatment while on probation.

David and Stacy Noble are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Raigan Lane. She was born on Monday December 2nd 2002 at 12:21 P .M. in the Wilson-N-Jones hospital at Sherman, TX. She weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and was 19 1/4 inches long. Her older brother Tyler, welcomed his sister home at their residence in Dodd City, TX.

Her grandparents are David & Shelly Nichols of Dodd City, Mike & Sara Noble of Honey Grove, and Rebecca Noble of Paris.

Great-grandparents are: Billy Joe Nelms, Margaret Nichols, and Pat Kuhn of Bonham, Winnie Hughes of Dodd City, Billy & Norma Jean Kirkpatrick, and Eula May Noble of Honey Grove.

November Unemployment Rate Holds Steady

AUSTIN – Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November was 6.2 percent, the same as the October rate, according to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

"I’m encouraged that Texas' unemployment level has remained stable for the last three months in a row," said TWC Chair Diane Rath. "Obviously, however, we look forward to seeing that number start to move in a positive direction."

Total Nonagricultural Employment in Texas remained nearly unchanged in November, with an over-the-month loss of only 700 jobs. This modest monthly reduction falls on the heels of a 10,900-job drop in October,

The Construction and Services industries each experienced moderate growth. Transportation, Communications, and Public Utilities (TCPU), Manufacturing and Trade suffered the largest job.

Austin Hartwell celebrated his 5^th birthday with a party at Chuck E. Cheese in Allen on his birthday November 3, 2002. Austin is the son of Scott & Leigh Ann Hartwell. Helping Austin celebrate with Pizza, a John Deere Tractor cake and Games were family and friends, his parents, sister Morgan, cousins Erin Peebles & Andrew Dacus, Elyssa & Emily Herrington. Aunts & Uncles, Janie Herrington, Chris Hartwell, Jerry & Pam Hartwell. Grandparents John & Josie Hartwell, Great Grandmother Evelyn Hartwell, friends Kellie & Melanie Connelly, Leslie, Donna & Mike McCoy, Jordan & Jill Lewis & McKenzie Pryor.

Austin is the grandson of Jimmy & Virginia Peebles of Honey Grove, John & Josie Hartwell of Bonham, Kaye & Doc Feagan of Denison. Great Grandson of Rachel Clark & Evelyn Hartwell both of Bonham.

The DPS is asking Texas drivers to exhibit a little Christmas spirit on the roadways over the holidays.

"You can play the grinch or you can spread a little joy on the roadways by

giving your fellow travelers a break," said Col. Thomas A. Davis Jr., director of the DPS.

DPS troopers and other law enforcement officials will be out in force for the Christmas and New Year's holidays, looking for speeders, drunk drivers and seat belt violators.

"Alcohol is always a concern this time of year and we will do everything in our power to put drunk drivers behind bars where they belong," said Davis.

DPS will be participating in Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort)-a nationwide effort maximizing enforcement on major interstate highways to reduce fatalities commonly associated with holiday weekends. DPS will have all available troopers patrolling Texas roadways from Tuesday, December 24 through Sunday, December 29.

Before your trip, check out road conditions in the event of bad weather. Consult local news stations or the Texas Department of Transportation for road closures at 1-800-452-9292 or on the Internet at www.dot.state.tx.us. Always slow down in bad weather, construction zones and on unfamiliar roads.

Avoid talking on your cell phone and other distractions, but a wireless phone can be an invaluable tool in case of trouble. For non-emergency situations, motorists can call the DPS Roadside Assistance Hotline, 1-800-525-5555, to request assistance. The number is on the back of most driver licenses. *DPS can be used by participating cellular customers to reach the same number. In case of emergency, always call 911.

3 voting delegates from Fannin County Farm Bureau recently participated in the 69^th annual Texas Farm Bureau Convention December 8^th – December 11 in Corpus Christi.

They were: Billy Partridge, Peggy Partridge and Jean Magness.

Policies directing the state’s largest farm organization were adopted by more than 1,200 delegates from 207 organized Farm Bureaus. Approved recommendations or national policies will advance to the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting to be held in January in Tampa, Fla.

Addressing the delegates were Donald Patman of Waxahachie, TFB president; Dale Jeske of Alamo, secretary-treasurer; and Vernie Glasson, TFB executive director.

The business session covered the final two days of the meeting. The last order of business was the election of the president, Kenneth Dierschke of San Angelo.

This year’s youth winners were: Maria Swearingen of Woodville (Tyler County), Miss Farm Bureau; Jennifer Dobbs of Mineola (Wood County), Talent Find winner; Maria Swearingen of Woodville (Tyler County), Free Enterprise Speech winner.

Named "Outstanding Young Farmer/Rancher of 2002" was Stephen Gertson of East Bernard.

At approximately 1210 hours on 12-19-02 the Bonham Fire Department received a report of a structure fire in the area of South, Fifth Street in Bonham. The fire was found to be at 520 Robinson Street in Bonham. Upon our arrival we observed a single story, wood frame dwelling with a large amount of fire coming from the front, center, west side windows. It was quickly determined that all occupants of the dwelling were out. Fire attack was initiated and the fire was controlled with a ventilated interior attack. There were no injuries at the fire. Damage has been determined to be "Heavy". The investigation by Fire Marshal Bruce Caylor and the Department as to the cause of the fire is ongoing.

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