EarthCam Stream Jefferson Highway Main St. Bonham, TX
Easter Contest See page 7
Family Circus Page 17
The Paper Of Record for Fannin County Texas
April 1, 2025
● Recipe page 4 ● Birthdays page 2 ● Faith Page 11 ● Sports page 16 The Leader’s ● Legals and Emp pages 13, 14, 15 Website & E-Edition ● Obituaries page 5 Access ● Business Card pages 7, 13, 17 ● Classifieds pages 12, 13, 14, 15
Serving all of Fannin County
224 N. Main St., Bonham, TX 75418 For 52 Years Locally owned & operated fcleditor2020@gmail.com Circulation 15,000+ - Bailey, Bonham, Dodd City, Ector, www.fannincountyleader.us
Ph: 903-583-3280 • Fax 903-583-3945
Gober, Honey Grove, Ivanhoe, Ladonia, Leonard, Randolph, Ravenna, Savoy, Telephone, Trenton & Windom
WE INSTALL & SERVICE GENERAC GENERATORS • FANNIN COUNTY’S ONLY AUTHORIZED GENERAC SALES & SERVICE DEALER
SPRING IS IN THE AIR!
903-583-4018
Mention our ad to receive a 10% discount on your precision TUNE-UP! Expires 4/18/25
4/1/25
www.toproof.net BONDED/FULLY INSURED
Serving North Texas Area Since 1981
An Opportunity to Plan
By Newt Cunningham Fannin County Judge In 1987, the Texas Legislature enacted Chapter 391 of the Texas Local Government Code. The expressed intention of this law was to encourage
and permit local governments to join together and cooperate to improve the health, safety and general welfare of their residents and to plan for future development of their communities, areas and regions. The law provides for the creation by local governments of what has come to be known as 391 Commissions. Subject to local government oversight and approval, these Commissions are afforded a wide range of options regarding their membership, staffing, expenditures and involvement. To date few
local governments have taken advantage of this opportunity: the opportunity to plan, the opportunity to identify and address threats to residents' health, safety and general welfare. The underlying question is why? Perhaps this delay is a result of the law, on its face, being complicated and seemingly all encompassing. Under the law, a 391 Commission is purposed with making studies and plans to guide the unified, far-reaching development of a region, eliminate duplication, and promote economy and
903-821-7663 Tommy Stapleton, Owner
efficiency in the coordinated development of a region. It can if authorized, participate in implementing plans. Other factors may be at play. Local governments may not like having their actions questioned or taking on responsibilities beyond their boundaries. Taxpayers are opposed to unnecessary expenditures. Most citizens are opposed to big government. Many do not want to see competition weakened. As outlined in the law, a 391 Commission’s planning can be focused on: (1) improving the transportation systems;
07/02/19
INSURANCE CLAIMS SPECIALIST
(2) providing adequate, street, utility, health, educational, recreational, and other essential facilities; (3) recognizing the needs of agriculture, business and industry; (4) providing healthful surrounding for family life in residential areas; (5) preserving historical and cultural values, and; (6) assuring the efficient and economical use of public funds commensurate with growth. Keeping it simple (KISS), the purpose of a 391 Commission is to identify specific problems and suggest solutions. Obviously and most importantly, those include potential
threats to the health, safety and general welfare of local residents. These functions can be carried out by designated volunteers at little or no expense to the taxpayers. Those suggestions do not have to be implemented. Priorities can be set. 391 Commissions are formed by agreements between local government, including counties, municipalities, and districts within the same Council of Governments (COGs). Continued
See Opportunity Plan on page 6
Bonham Building Supply 2430 N Center • Bonham, Texas • 903-583-1874
Traeger Grills
F F O 0 0 1 $ Maytag Refrigerator, 24.5-cu.ft. REG
$1899 SALE
MSS25C4MGZ
$1777
FS Solar Crackle Ball REG.
$7
202533
NTW4519JW
REG
SALE
SALE
$649 $539 Amana Dryer NED4655EW
REG
REG. 99
$99
SALE 99
$49
Metal Patio Dining Table, 37-in. REG.
$19900 SALE
$1199 $12900 Lawn Edging, 4-in. x 20-ft.
SALE
153270
$629 $539
FREE DELIVERY ON ALL APPLIANCES!
FS Navy Gray Chair, XL
233043
MG Garden Soil, 2-cu.ft.
Amana Washer
Bonnie Plants
270120
$1149 SALE 99
NOW CARRYING
122344
WE CARRY BULK SEED!
Seed Potatoes
Red Lasoda & White Kennebec
REG. 99
$9
Sale Dates: Mar 31 through Apr 5
SALE 56
$8
SALE 99
$0
per lb.
OPEN: Mon. - Sat. 7 AM - 6 PM