9:00 a.m. Monday, February 2

Over the last few weeks I have talked about the various events that have taken place during the first few weeks of the 84th Legislative Session, which began on January 13, 2015. Not only are legislators preparing their legislative agendas, they are also busy organizing their offices and hiring staff.

A glimpse of the all-new 2015 Sea Ray 350 SLX in action, sister ship of the 350 SLX that will at the Dallas - Fort Worth Boat Expo. MarineMax Dallas is pleased to announce that they will be displaying some of the newest and most innovative boat models at the Dallas - Fort Worth Boat Expo including a full range of premiere luxury yachts, sport cruisers, sport boats, deck boats, pontoons and jet boats.

Small business owners who want to learn more about managing and expanding their businesses -- and about hiring great employees -- are invited to apply for the Goldman-Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Registration for the next class/cohort in the free program, which starts this May, closes on Feb. 2, 2015.

Gen. Wesley Clark, former NATO supreme allied commander, presidential candidate and author, will speak Feb. 4 (Wednesday) as part of the University of North Texas Distinguished Lecture Series.

(L-R): Alice Carruth, Scott Carruth and Rotarian Jenniffer Self

Assistance from AARP every Friday and Saturday Feb. 6 through April 11

Arrest => January 27, 301 E. 5th St., Arresting Officers – Sgt. Tammy Boehler and Ptl. David Johnson. Rachel Jackson, 34 of Bells, and Daniel Peeler, 32 of Bonham, were arrested on Bonham PD Warrants for 6 Counts of Burglary of Motor Vehicle.

A 35-year-old Little Elm, Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Over the past weekend, Bonham Police arrested two individuals, whom they believe are responsible for burglarizing at least 12 motor vehicles, in addition to other crimes. Police are asking anyone who might have had something stolen from their vehicles over the past weekend, even if you live in another community or in an unincorporated part of Fannin County, to contact the Bonham Police Dept. at 903-583-2141.

14-week course to educate residents about police functions and personal safety -- application deadline February 1

Federal and local Grayson County officials have combined to create a program to divert certain military veterans from the criminal justice system. Grayson County District Attorney Joe Brown and Grayson County Veterans Services Officer Jimmy Petty will present the program to Grayson County Commissioners at their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, and to the monthly meeting of the Grayson County Bar Association on Wednesday, January 28, 2015.

On a chilly night, what comfort food do you crave? Potatoes! To raise funds for house builds and repairs this year, Habitat for Humanity is hosting their annual Habi-Taters dinner on Saturday evening, January 31, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 401 W. Elm, Sherman, across from the municipal building and Finley Theater. You are invited to our come-and-go dinner and silent auction featuring baked potatoes with homemade chili topping, mixed green salad, cookies and iced tea from McAlister’s Deli, and pastries and coffee from Starbucks. Tickets are available for $10 per person; children two and under are free.

The National Weather Service in Fort Worth wants to help you prepare for the 2015 severe weather season. To help get you ready, the National Weather Service will be offering a free class at the SKYWARN severe weather program on Thursday, February 5, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The program will be held at Bonham High School Cafeteria in Bonham and is held in partnership with Fannin County Emergency Management.

The "Telling Our Stories" program will begin a new series of workshop-style classes in Whitewright on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 2:00 p.m. in the Choir Room of First United Methodist Church, 301 Maple St.

There was more good news from Red River Regional Hospital (RRRH) today with the announcement that effective March 1, 2015, the hospital located in Bonham, Texas, is entering into an agreement with Texoma Medical Center (TMC) to manage the operations of the hospital.

Notice is hereby given that applications for a place on the regular election ballot for Bonham ISD Board of Trustees may be filed during the following time: January 28, 2015 to Feb 27, 2015.

There are 2 seats expiring this year and 1 seat that had to be filled. The first day to file for a Place on the Ballot is January 28, 2015. The deadline to file for a place on the ballot is February 27, 2015.

Each January Fannin County Appraisal District sends a variety of applications to property owners. Homestead applications will be mailed to owners of properties that transferred ownership in 2014 where the property was receiving the homestead exemption. Owners are encouraged to complete and return the homestead application before April 30th, 2015. The property must be the principle residence of the new owner as of Jan 1, 2015.

Needed: Part-time Asst. Manager responsible for assisting in the daily operation of Meals on Wheels of Texoma Center in Bonham. Food Prep and Kitchen Mgmt Experience a plus. Must have a food managers permit or be willing to obtain one. Background investigation and drug screen required.

Lee Clinton Hobdy, 36, of Commerce, Texas, is charged with one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

9:00 a.m. Monday, January 26

The Citizen's Police Academy was established to promote an understanding of the Commerce Police Department and its policies and procedures. Police work is filled with many variables that require professional solutions. The goal is to address perceived suspicions and misconceptions by establishing mutual trust and cooperation between the police and the citizens of Commerce. It is also an opportunity to promote civic awareness.

On Tuesday, January 20, Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick were sworn-in to office. The inaugural ceremonies began at 11:00 a.m. on the south steps of the capitol. The governor and lt. governor each delivered speeches to the public after being administered the oath of office. Following the inauguration, barbeque was served on the south lawn to an estimated 17,000 people, and a parade marched down Congress Avenue. All of the events were paid for by private funds, and not at state expense.

Enjoy a morning learning about vegetable gardening from the experts at Collin County Master Gardeners and then spend the afternoon learning about home winemaking.

Fannin County property owners — In order to accommodate the increased flow of taxpayers choosing to pay their property tax bill during the last week of January, the Fannin County Appraisal District will extend the lobby hours January 26-30. Taxpayers desiring to pay their bill in person should expect long wait times, especially on January 30. In order to avoid a long wait time, taxpayers can simply place their payment in the mail. Taxpayers needing a receipt can submit a self-addressed stamped envelope along with their payment.

(L-R): Rotarian Debra Wilder, CPA, Steve Mohundro, CPA, and Rotarian Allen Sanderson

The City Election will be held May 9, 2015 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Tom Bean City Hall building located at 201 S. Britton St. in Tom Bean, Texas. The Election will be for (3) three positions for Councilmembers on the City Council.

Report => January 14, 1200 Blk of S 4th St., Reporting Officer – Sgt. Joe Gentry. A call for service was received in reference to Aggravated Assault w/ Deadly Weapon. It was reported the victim met with an unknown person outside his house at which time a fight ensued w/ the victim being stabbed with a knife.

"It has been my priority to be accessible, approachable and active for my constituents, to make sure voices are heard and directly represented in our city," said Ray Ricchi, McKinney City Council representative for District 4. "This event will be an open town hall meeting, where any and every question will be answered."