Red River County Politics Government

How Bad it is in Red River County!

Editorial Opinion

Queen Ann's Throne, A Note to the Mayor of Clarksville1 Photo

Clarksville Texas, and Clarksville ISD.

The Star (Spiritual Freedom)

These Articles Posted from Earliest to Latest.

Citizen Questioning

Possible Favoritism In the Sheriff's Department 3 Photos

Citizen Providing Information On License Plate

Environmental Hazard and the Clarksville Reservoir 20 Photos

Dumpster Removed

These Articles Posted from Earliest to Latest

What a Bunch of Crooks there are in the Judicial System in Red River County.............Namely Val Varley

Part 1 of 4

A Plea for Help Against the Red River County Just-Us System

Part 2 of 4

Plea for Help for 77 yr. Old Red River County Inmate Continues

Part 3 of 4

Help Found for 77 Yr. Old Inmate

Part 4 of 4

These Articles Posted from Earliest to Latest

77 yr. Old Female Victim of Attempted Sexual Assault

On a Roll Keep Um Coming

Editorial Opinion

Part 1 of 2

City Manager Doug Smith Responds about

77 yr. Old Female Victim of Attempted Sexual Assault

Editorial Opinion Included

Part 2 of 2

The Lazy County Attorney's Investigator Mark Perkins!

Editorial Opinion Included

Duke University Charges Dropped, Editorial Opinion

Citizen Opinion Name Withheld by Request

Editorial Opinion, Putting Yourself in the Public Spotlight

Citizen Opinion Judge L.D. Williamson and Several Others In Government

Citizen Opinion Commissioner Hanging Out in Clarksville

Citizen Opinion About the Constable being a Cattle Rustler!

Citizen Opinion The" VV Express" and Constable's County Owned Dog's

Citizen Opinion Law Enforcement, Pure Greed, and Back Scratching Buddies

Red River County Just-Us System Strikes Out Again

Citizen Opinion The Jimmy Townsend Decision

Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin Overturns Jimmie Townsend Trial

Editorial

Red River County Sheriff...... ?

Editorial Opinion

Citizen Opinion Central Appraisal District Acquisition of Land for New Building! \NWR

Editorial Opinion

Honesty......... In Government?

Editorial Opinion

Citizen Opinion Burn Ban's by the Honorable Judge Harville /NWR

Citizen Opinion Royce Abbott The State of Red River County!

Citizen Opinion on Posting Personal Facts about Elected Officials! \NWR

Also contains Editorial Opinion

Citizen Opinion Concerning Previous Opinions! \NWR

Citizen Opinion on the Central Appraisal District! \NWR

Citizen Opinion on the State of our County! \NWR

Citizen Opinion, from Someone Who Knows our Appointed vs. Elected County Officials! \NWR

Citizen Opinion on High Taxes and the Reasons the County Government is doing it! \NWR

Citizen Opinion on County Taxes, Spending, and Elected Official Responsibilities and Actions! \NWR

Citizen Opinion on Precinct 4 Commissioner Joseph (Bobble Head) Hausler \NWR

Let's Talk about the New County Judge!

Lets Talk about Taxes!!

The new County Judge is: Morris Harville, from Bogata!

Royce Abbott Rescinds Application for County Judge!

Citizen Opinion from Patsy Guinn

Citizen Opinion on Royce Abbott

Opinion of Concerned Red River County Citizen \NWR

Citizen Opinion from Stanley Ward

Royce Abbott speaks about the Appointment!

Citizen Opinion from Joan Audas!

Citizen opinion from Ann Burkett

Citizen Opinion of Prediction on Appointment \NWR

My Prediction about the New County Judge!

Editorial Opinion

For Information Purposes....

SPECIAL MEETING HELD BY COMMISSIONERS COURT TO DECIDE ON FILLING VACANCY

Of County Judge

New Citizen Opinion \NWR

Citizen Opinion from Patsy Guinn

Citizen Opinion from Joan Audas

Citizen Opinion from Dave Dodson

Editorial on the Human Race!

Editorial Opinion

End of Page

Complaint Filed and Investigation Requested with

Valerie "Kangaroo" Varley for Commissioners Court Open Meetings Violations

11/29/2007

The complaint has been filed by Jamie Hodgson and Ernest Henslee for the violations of Government Code Section 551 Open Meetings Act. This is just a step in the ladder to get this on up the line to the State Attorney Generals Office, and the Criminal Investigations Unit. Val Varley is going to make excuses, and squirm like a squid to keep from doing anything about these blatant violations of State Law. Either way Val turns, the complaint will be sent up the line (unless he actually does what he is supposed to, and that is like finding an honest politician in RR County. It just ain't gonna happen.) Something needs to be done to show these maggot politicians that they can't do just "whatever the hell they feel like". We keep trying!!

Read the Complaint Filed with the County Attorney by Clicking Here

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Clique Here for Results of Opinion Poll on Officials

The Citizens of Red River County have Spoken!

They believe that the County Officials are Grossly Incompetent, have Grossly Mismanaged the Taxpayer's Money, have Conspired to Commit Fraud on the Taxpayers; and are a bunch of Criminals, Thieves, and Maggots, with emphasis on the Criminals, Thieves, and Maggots!!!!!!

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Red River County Citizen Comment!

Nov 26,2007

I think If it hadn't been for Wal Mart coming to Clarksville, bringing what they have brought, Clarksville would still be trying to survive. I do
not feel sorry for Clarksville because they have had some major business wanting to come in and build this town up, and they refused. The town was scared that it would grow and prosper, and the people that run that town would be out of a job. I say the town of Clarksville welcomed Wal Mart with open arms because they knew it would bring more jobs, which Clarksville needs. You cannot blame Wal Mart, to survive you have to make money, that is the law of supply and demand. DUH ! I was born and raised in Clarksville and I am very ashamed to tell anyone I am from there. " Poor Pitiful Me, I say you got what you had coming. I think Wal Mart gave Clarksville 10 good years and they held on as long as they could. They are keeping the pharmacy open for the people to get there medicine there. Clarksville put the loop in ,and I wonder if they thought about it first. No traffic goes through Clarksville, other than to get home, It is sad when someone loses a family member and the word of the day is "If there is a fight Who do you think will win? The younger sister or the older sister, lets take bets, needless to say the younger sister was the favorite, and all you SOB's out there, and you know who you are may you rot in HELL. My Dad said that they would throw dirt over this town, I am just waiting to see how long it takes. I'll make this wager, not too Damn long.

Cindy Lawler

Editorial Comment,

Just a slight correction Cindy. Wal*Mart opened in 1976 which would be 31 years ago. Also, the only pharmacy services that are going to be offered will be by mail order. Wal*Mart is moving from Clarksville completely and has no plans to ever return.

Delta County Citizen Comments on

Red River County!

11/17/2007

Hey Ernest,

I hope you are doing well on this fine Autumn morning. It is a beautiful day.

I was reading your last posts on your web sight. You make mention of people voting more than once on election day. I don't want to be left out, can some of my friends and I come over from Delta County and vote in Red River County elections too? I try to always vote for the most honest person I can. That's why in the last election for the Governor, I wrote my Boston Terrier's (Rick Boston) name in. I know him to be a good boy who lets you know when he wants to take care of his business, and does it out in the open in front of anyone who cares to watch.... If I could have remembered Caligula's horse's name I would have written him in Kay Bailey Hutchison's spot for Senator.

What do you think? Do you think anyone would mind if a few old boys from Delta County came over and voted? .....;-)

On second thought Ernest, I don't think I want to see the bottom of an old cistern well or go for a swim in the Red River, especially with my hands and feet tied. Besides, a friend of mine from that area told me that all the old cisterns over there were stuffed full already...

Old Dave

Editorial Comment:

Caligula's horse was named Incitatus. It was made a priest and consul, had a manger of ivory, and drank wine from a golden goblet. The word "Incitatus" is a Latin adjective, which in English would be translated as "rapid" or "speedy".

I am not a "smartass" Dave, just looked it up on the internet!

It is a surprise that some of our "male" appointed/elected officials have not thought of naming their mules, (the 4 wheel kind) and giving them "consul" status (most of them don't know what a priest is). The sheriff's department (Chief Deputy Spangler springs to mind) definitely won't hesitate to steal them from "rightful owners."

Spiritual Freedom

11/12/2007

If a man has an ear to listen to God's word, if he has a heart to stand against evil and keep faith in GOD, Then let those who believe, hear this word and do that which God has called him to do without hesitation. And for every woman who is a servant to GOD, to do the same.

Red River county's oppression is caused by men and women practicing the old ways. These men and women are manipulated to do nothing but serve themselves. Men and women full of Pride, Lust, and Fear; afraid of their own poverty, taking from others what is not theirs to take, and in working for their own gain are destroying their own lives. So to the body of Christ, to those who worship one true and reigning GOD hear the sound of .....

The Trumpet by Bill Burns -- November 12, 2007: I call My house into its destiny, into the fullness of My Spirit and life in this the end of the age. I am building My house on the mountain tops, where My word shall flow forth and impact the nations. I speak to your destiny of strength and health and call it forth, for it shall be such as in the days of Moses when he brought My people out of Egypt and there was none feeble among them. I call forth the prophetic voices that I am raising up -- those voices that have been hindered by the enemy's work. For indeed I have said you are My eagles, My prophetic ones, and it is now time to arise. It is time to prophesy over your circumstances to proclaim the victory. It is time to become so one with the Word that you are My representatives, says the Lord.

Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns - - November 12, 2007: Beloved, do not be afraid, nor enter the days ahead with fear or a sense of trepidation. I will give you wisdom and direct your steps. In the not-too-distant future you will look back at this time as absolutely supernatural, and you will know that your God has been with you. Let Me lead you, for surely I have gone before you to make a way even against impossible odds. Trust Me, says the Lord. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

Submitted by Joanne

Condensed Analysis of the Proposed Constitutional Amendments

Constitutional Amendment Election

(Prepared by the Texas Legislative Council Austin, Texas)

Sample Constitutional Amendment Ballot Page 1

Sample Constitutional Amendment Ballot Page 2

Read Opposition to Proposition 12

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Citizen Opinion on Bird Feeder

(See The Bird Feeder)

10/23/2007

I enjoyed your loyal readers e-mail and I agree that it is time to take down the feeders. We have far too many of the type birds your reader speaks of here in Red River County

I have absolutely no objection to helping those who have a legitimate need of help but if a person is physically and mentally able to earn a living that person needs to find a job and stop expecting hand outs from the rest of us.

I hear the complaint that there are no jobs here. That is true to some extent but the road does not end here it's reaches are far and the opportunities many. The only thing that is missing in these loud, messy, and abusive birds, is the desire to be self sufficient and a useful part of society.

If you make the feeders accessible only to those who are physically and mentally incapable of fending for them selves the unwanted birds will find a new roost.

And for those who are here illegally. They are criminals. Send them to Red River county. They will fit right in with our "should be" elected officials.

Royce Abbott

Queen Ann Sweeping Streets!!

Sat. 7/10/2007

The Queen Mayor was out sweeping leaves on the square this morning. It is a omen for the up and coming year when the Queen Mayor gets out and sweeps the leaves on the square with her main form of transportation. If she was a Real Mayor, she would be back in her office trying to find grant money to improve Clarksville, and bring in Industry. The Mayor does not sweep streets, her time should be spent in productive matters for the citizens, and she delegates her authority in getting the streets swept. Just goes to show what kind of intelligence is in charge of the government from the city council on up.

Damn, what am I saying, they would not manage grant money any better than they did the grant money for the square, whose lighting does not all work and sprinkler systems flood and wash away the sand from between the pavers. Can all of you believe they spent $650,000.00 on Queen Ann's throne, and all of the lighting and sprinkler systems are still not working properly. With all that money, when you drive around her throne in a vehicle it's like riding on a washboard. If they spent all that money for the little they got, you would think that the city council could afford to kick in some of the kickback money to purchase the Mayor a leaf blower so she would not have to wear out her broom.

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Clarksville Officials Optimistic?

Nov. 9, 2007

I am not sure how any city or county official could be optimistic. I was reading about them being optimistic in the fufu and fluff someone gave to me, and thinking to myself "How could they be optimistic?" WalMart is a world wide retailer, and if they can not make a go of it in Clarksville, Texas how can any other retailer make it. The thinking of our county and city officials is flawed, and all of us know what they are doing talking about other retailers being interested. They are as usual throwing up a smoke screen trying to portray themselves as Officials Who Give a Damn about the People of the City and County, when we all know they are not!!!!

All they have to do is get rid of the corruption in our county and city governments, the justice system, and our elected officials start thinking progressively for the people, rather than themselves. That my friends is an "impossible dream" with the cesspool of corruption we have to draw from. I feel that I am beating my head against a brick wall most of the time because they keep right on doing the same things they have been doing for the last 20 years, and then put up a smoke screen about being optimistic. They never actually do anything but talk and line their pockets with taxpayer money. They allow drug dealers to keep right on operating, and line their pockets with money. They don't try to solve crime, but they line their pockets with money. They don't solve murder (there are about 27 on the books unsolved right now) but they continue to line their pockets with money. They do nothing about child abuse and sexual child abuse, but they continue to line their pockets with money! In other words, they are corrupt and they continue to line their pockets with money!!!!!!

I read about the Queen Mayor saying Target might be interested in coming to Clarksville now that WalMart is leaving. My question to the Queen Mayor would be "What kind of drugs are you taking?" Target is a large retailer that is for sure, but not near as big as WalMart. They might show interest, but showing interest and actually moving here after closely looking at Red River County and Clarksville is two totally different things. What the Mayor, City Council, Commissioners Court, and the Chamber of Commerce do not realize is that a true retailer is not going to come to a place where there is no industry to sustain paychecks to employees that then turn around and purchase products. If you read an article I wrote a long while back about the multiplier effect, you understand now that there is no multiplier effect to sustain Clarksville or RR County.

We are in a Catch 22. With no industry and jobs, there are no people who can purchase enough retail products to keep a WalMart or Target in business. I don't mean to be a pessimist, but for sure with no jobs from industry there are going to be no major retailers. I would love to see the mom and pop stores move in on the square, but with the high taxes imposed and the cost of doing business with our corrupt governments, I just don't see many startup mom and pop's coming and staying. If you feel you have to give all the police, sheriff's department and the County Attorney's investigator a 50% discount on their food why would anyone want to open a restaurant? A business cannot stay in business giving away their products, eating up their profits and their enthusiasm to sustain. If you have to cower to their demands to help sustain their corruption, there is no desire to keep the doors open. I KNOW THIS FROM EXPERIENCE WITH THEM. You must kiss their corrupt asses or they won't do business with you, and then they will do anything and everything else they possibly can to run you out of business. They don't give a damn how good your product or service is. This includes the Historic Red River County Chamber of Commerce. They can and will use their power against a business just because they don't like what you are saying about one of their "Good Ole Boy Cliquers". Nearly all power lies within the County, City, and Chamber of Commerce because the Clique has control over all of them. The Clique wants to control all the money coming into and going out of Red River County, and Clarksville. They don't want anyone who will go against their "Master Plan" to gain a foothold in the business end of Clarksville. They want it all, and as long as they have control, they have it all! They want business that won't rock the boat of corruption in government.

For God's sake, please look at the candidates running for District Judge and talk to them, don't believe the County Judge, City or County Officials, or the Justice System to tell you who to vote for. If they get free write up's from the local fufu and fluff, they are probably going to promote the status quo rather than a needed change!

So to the people of Clarksville and Red River County, I say "Good Luck" because if you keep electing the same type of corrupt politicians and judges that you have in place now, (even if they are a new face) the same corruption will continue to drag the town and this county in a ghostly direction.

"Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee"

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The sad part is that if things keep going like they are, there might not be anywhere to buy food much less anyone in Red River County to buy it!

Also, if one of the Current Appointed/Elected officials is backing a particular candidate for the District Judge's election, you need to vote for that person if you want the county to remain in the sad state of affairs it is in now. Anyone who would take the word of any one of these "Criminal Maggots" on who to vote for is either deaf, dumb and blind, a real

"IDIOT", or one of the "Corrupt Maggots!"

WalMart never leaves a town it just gets bigger, except in RR County!

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Same Old Criminal Activity

Different Day!!

(In the "Good Ole Boy Clique" of Red River County)

11/07/2007

Are our City and County officials Morons, are they just Criminals? Today in Clarksville our elected officials broke the law when they all showed up at the Historic Red River County Chamber of Commerce building for a meeting. The law they broke was the Open Meetings Act Section 551 of the Government Code. The meeting was not posted in advance, and we do not care what was discussed in the meeting at the present (we might in the near future) because they broke the law "AGAIN"!!

Those elected officials in attendance formed a quorum of the Commissioners Court of Red River County. They were Judge Morris Harville, Commissioner Josef Hausler, Commissioner Elmer Caton, Commissioner Rufus Ward, and Commissioner David Barnett. I contacted the State Attorney General's Office and talked with Jessie Harvey who confirmed that no matter what they were doing they were most likely violating the law. I asked him about filing a complaint, and he said that I would have to go to the County Attorney. When I told him that the county attorney was as big a criminal and as corrupt as the ones attending the meeting, He just sighed. Evidently he knew from the complaints their office has been receiving that it was Red River County, but I told him anyway. By definition there was also a quorum of the Clarksville City Council Present, because there were 3 of the 5 city councilmen and the Mayor which is a majority. They were Mayor Queen Ann Rushing, Cardinal Ken Bishop, Charlie Wright, and Charlie Malone.

Lets take a look at the definition of quorum.

A Quorum is the number (as a majority) of officers or members of a body that when duly assembled is legally competent to transact business

A quorum in a legislative body is normally a majority of the entire membership of the body. If there are vacancies, that fact is not considered. Thus, a quorum of a legislative body that has 100 seats would be 51 (more than half of 100), even if some seats are vacant. However, it is also common in a legislative body to have a rule that the lack of a quorum does not affect the proceedings unless a point of order is raised.

No matter what they were discussing, (and with all of those elected officials present) it was most likely Public Business. The point is, they have again blatantly broken the law, and I will again call them "Criminals". I wonder what you citizens think? Do you think they are Ignorant of the Law, and "Morons", or do they have so much arrogance of the law that they are "Criminals"?

This kind of criminal activity by our public officials is the main reason that we cannot keep businesses in Clarksville. Honest businessmen do not want to open a business in an area where all of the officials in government are corrupt criminals or morons, and especially do not want to operate in an area where the Justice System is also more corrupt and criminal than the criminals themselves.

From what I understand from the Attorney Generals office, a Quorum is a Meeting, and a Meeting is a Quorum and no excuse they give you is good enough to say they aren't again wrapped up in delusion of being God's in this County, who can break the law at will, doing whatever they want or please as long as they are "County or City Officials".

We also know that the "VV Express" will do absolutely nothing as he is a "Criminal" also and should be behind bars with all the rest of them. There is absolutely no point in asking to file a complaint with him, because they are all part of the "Good ole Boy Clique", but we just might to watch him squirm and throw it in the trash.

Citizen Opinion on WalMart Closing

(and my usual 2 cents worth of Editorial Comment)

Ernie ,

Yes it is sad to see our Wall Mart Store leave but as I have been reading what the citizens need to do and how things need to be done to clean up the crimes in the City and County.

If any of you read the Dallas News Our Mayor made an undesirable remark to a News man and it was printed concerning the reason why the stores on the square closed was because of Wall Mart coming to Clarksville, { She needs to get her facts straight before she opens that dishonest mouth of hers. }

The town never has money to bring company's in and it was once known because of no water and they have sat on their dead butts and have let everything the forefathers had hoped this town would be someday completely become just a spot in the road .

I've heard that when Wall Mart Closes the City is to begin laying off, Fire dept. personal and City Police personal.

Just this month we had another increase on our water and trash in the City . Now there are a lot of folks asking why wasn't the Mayor as interested in doing something in her years in office to bring in jobs so Wall Mart could stay or was the Square more important ? You know it is a shame that Ann Rushing and the Council members can sit in the position to make decisions to uphold the Laws where our town could grow and let 27 people that pay for monthly flat rate water including Ann Rushing . If they would pay the same charges we all have to pay wouldn't that extra money help keep an officer . The governing bodies in our county whether it be County or city when they break the law and fine others for the same thing what else can one expect but pure corruption as it is, and the Barnett commissioner is a joke as he has always been ,He hangs more with a buddy than doing his job as he was hired to do but that's Barnett all play and no work.

Wonder how pretty this town square is gona be when we look out and see strangers sitting in the benches . I have been told that Wall Mart will have a drug store somewhere on the Square because the Senior citizens and other's couldn't afford the prices the other drug store charged .

Name with helt by request :

Editorial Comment:

Yes, there is going to be a loss of Sales Tax Revenue. I am not sure just how much, (I have been told approximately $42,000.00/year to the city) but I am sure that it will be a considerable percentage when compared with all the other businesses that pay into the city coffers. I will admit that this is the first I have heard about the city laying off personnel, but it does make sense when a loss of revenue is imminent.

I agree with you on the people who for some reason slip by when it comes to paying full water rates. They all are breaking the laws of the State of Texas, but for some reason they get by with doing it. Click here to see the Texas Law these criminals are breaking! These criminals are not paying equal and uniform water bills compared to the rest of the citizens, and every drop of water they receive over what they should be paying is free to them, and they are not supposed to get free water. IF YOU BREAK THE LAW, YOU ARE A CRIMINAL. Which makes the mayor (Queen Ann Rushing), every city councilman, and any other city official paying a flat rate water bill in Clarksville CRIMINALS!

It seems that from what I have been told when talking to State Agencies that enforcing the law in this cesspool of a county is hard, because of the difficulty in getting cooperation when it comes to investigations and prosecution. (They are talking about Valerie Kangaroo Varley, the Sheriff's Department, and District Courts.) The people (the taxpayers and citizens) need to rise up and complain until these State agencies no longer care whether it is a matter of cooperation, and demand they put all of these criminals behind bars where they belong.

I don't know just how much the revenue loss is for the flat rate the city officials are paying for their water, but that is not the point. The point is that they are breaking the law by accepting what they see as a perk for their service to the City. My question is what service have they provided in the past, or are they in the present providing to the taxpaying citizens of Clarksville? Seems to me they take, take, take, and the taxpayers give, give, give. Do any of you consider that they are providing any "Service", other than being "CRIMINALS" lining their pockets with your tax dollars?

I have also heard no rumor about a WalMart pharmacy opening on the square. If there is anything to this I would be interested.

And now to Commissioner Barnett. He tried to say something to me the other day when I was at the Armadillo, but I was in a hurry and did not have the time nor the desire to bother acknowledging him. If he does have the misfortune of getting my attention I would hope that he has something important to say about the County Government rather than the usual crap that other elected officials have made the mistake of spouting at me in the past. I will say that if you don't want to see your idiocy put up for view Commissioner Barnett that you need to keep your distance. It would be nice to actually talk to an educated elected official that actually has some progressive ideas without delusions of godhood, but that proposition is an "impossible dream" in "good ole boy" Red River County. On that note, from what I am hearing from his constituents, he is a one-termer anyway.

To my friend whose name must be withheld by request, I am also glad to hear from you. I thought maybe you had given up having an opinion about the RR Cesspool.

Thanks for writing,

Ernest

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WalMart Closing in Clarksville?
A.K.A. (Clarksville / RR County Circling the Drain!)

11/4/2007

The events in Clarksville, Texas never cease. The announcement that WalMart is closing stunned a lot of people. I myself was taken back minutely, because I truthfully stopped shopping there frequently after the Super WalMart was built in New Boston. Lets face it folks, there are a lot more of us that would rather travel to New Boston, or Paris to shop at the Super WalMart than to make the trek to Clarksville to shop in the local one. Does the announcement that it is closing really take any of us by surprise?

I admit that I shop frequently at WalMart, and Sam's Club. They have quality merchandise at low prices, and it is a lot easier to make one stop to buy everything than to make several stops to buy a lot of the same merchandise and pay more for it. That is human nature.

I have heard the WalMart closing in Clarksville is going to take down the city. I am not so sure about that hypothesis, because everyone always claims that having a WalMart move into a city takes it down. You cannot have it both ways. I see some good from it's closing. It will help the 2 grocery stores we have in town, because as of late, WalMart has expanded it's grocery department. It will also help the Pharmacy in town, because there will no longer be a cheaper alternative to be had. There may be some type of Oil Change Service, or Mechanic's Shop spring up to take the place of the Automotive Department. Who Knows just what lies in the future of Clarksville Texas without WalMart? A real negative is the approximately 70 jobs that will be lost.

I have heard rumors of subsidies from taxes to rent to keep the WalMart in town. I have heard that the landlord who owns the property did not want to cut the rent to WalMart. We have all heard that WalMart uses strong arm tactics on its suppliers and contractors to cut prices. I have heard that the city and county have teamed up to try and keep WalMart from leaving.

I always question anything that the Appointed / Elected Officials from the City of Clarksville, and Red River County Government do because it is always in their best interest to bring their desires to fruition rather than in the interests of the taxpayers. We all know how poor they are at managing our tax dollars, and how they manage to squander them away on lawsuits and mismanagement, and what they are outright stealing for their own gain!

We most assuredly do not need to be subsidizing one of the world's largest corporations with taxpayer dollars from the poorest city / county in Texas. WalMart would not allow that tidbit of information to become a definite national news story most unattractive to their Corporate Giant media image!!

That alone is a definite assurance that WalMart would not accept this type of subsidy from our Governments.

Look at past experience. Has anything done by our corrupt politicians from the city or the county benefited any taxpayer, or has it always benefited their own personal appointed/elected official agendas? Who is to say that it is not their corrupted political policies and agenda's that is causing this Corporate Giant to vacate Red River County in the first place. My computer business has certainly gone because of them. I have no real desire to try and do business in Clarksville, under their corrupted form of governments. They would rather use someone from outside the county than to use an honest reputable experienced dealer here, and they have proved that. Any business that goes against their corruption loses because they see that it does.

How many WalMart's close without a Super opening in its place? Paris has a Super, Idabel has a Super, Mt. Pleasant has a Super, New Boston has a Super and Texarkana has a Super. Those cities are prospering with WalMart. This most assuredly says something about our city / county and the way our governments are being run doesn't it? RR County has nothing, and it is going to stay that way as long as the "CRIMINAL" officials in the Justice System and the County / City Governments AND TAXING ENTITIES are allowed to remain. I call it "Circling the Drain" as do others I know, although where does a cesspool drain? I shudder at the thought.

I have also heard that Philips Industries that makes windows and doors may be rumbling about cutting back, and even possibly closing. I don't know how true this is but that would be another death knell for jobs in Clarksville/ "Good Ole Boy" Red River County. If this is the case, wouldn't you agree that something is wrong in this county? I have said it before, and will say it again. Honest Business doesn't want to be involved in the corruption in this county, nor do they want to be gouged out of existence by the exorbitant taxes caused by it. If the city county officials want to dispute this, my question is look at Paris, Lamar County Texas and Texarkana, Bowie County Texas. They seem to have no trouble prospering and their taxes are a hell of a lot lower than ours!!!

P.S. Since daylight savings time is now over, would the last person leaving Clarksville at night, please turn out the light and close the door.... also, please put the One Horse in the Barn so it doesn't freeze to death. Thank you!!

See the Notice of the Decision by Clicking Here

Travis County District Court Rules In Favor of Kelsoe vs. TCEQ!

10/25/2007, 21:48

Word was just received that Judge Gisela D. Triana in the 200th. District Court of Travis County ruled today in favor of Edwin Kelsoe in the Action against the TCEQ. The court found that the TCEQ violated their own policies when the rules were changed during the application process without notifying Kelsoe. The court remanded the application back to TCEQ allowing Kelsoe to correct the application deficiencies. The Ruling by the Travis County District Court will be posted for everyone to view by tomorrow evening in this location, so check back to see it.

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Spiritual Freedom

by Marsha Burns -- October 31, 2007: Now is the time when you can find answers to questions or conclusions to long- standing dilemmas. You can now get closure on things that have kept you from moving forward in the flow of spiritual progression. Even though this time may cause some consternation or make you feel unsettled temporarily, you will soon have a sense of relief and freedom. Rise up and rejoice in a new beginning, says the Lord.

Psalm 146:5-10 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; the LORD raises those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turns upside down. The LORD shall reign forever-- Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!

Submitted by Joanne

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Letter to

Governor Rick Perry

10/22/2007

Ernest,

Below is a copy of the letter that I recently sent to Governor Perry.

Governor Perry,
We need your assistance here in Red River County to stop the corruption and underhanded "Good O'le Boy Politics" in this county. Soon Judge Jim Dick Lovett (District 6) is set to retire at the mandatory age. We need for you to appoint an impartial judge to finish out his term instead of him naming someone to take his place. It seems that more of the County Officials here are appointed by their predecessors than elected. This Good o'le boy network is very corrupt, even the Sheriff Department and Police are involved in it. They only investigate and processed the cases that they choose. We have handed them cases that they only had to look at to see the wrong doing, from Identity theft to child molestation and they state that they are too busy to even make a phone call to verify the information.
The upcoming election even has me worried for all the corruption in this county. PLEASE Governor Perry, help us to end the corruption in Red River County.

Name Withheld By Request on Website

Editorial Opinion:

Good for you!! I hope everyone out there writes to him. I also want everyone to know this letter was written and mailed before I requested anyone to write him on the Site. Good for you!!

Action is the only thing we can do to correct Red River County, If everyone will become active we can run these corrupt assholes out of office.

Ernest

Contact the Governor's Office by Clicking Here

I hate rumors, but.....

10/22/2007

There is a rumor going around that Judge J.D. Lovett is going to step down when he reaches the mandatory retirement age and ask for a specific appointment to fill his position until the end of the term. We all know that this is the normal procedure for Red River County, and in this case the Law. If the Constitutional Amendment allowing Judges to finish their term when they reach mandatory retirement passes, it probably won't matter, but we need to make sure and let the Governor know that we do not want anyone Judge Lovett chooses for appointment granted, and that he (The Governor) needs to appoint a fair impartial judge to temporarily finish the term. We need to let our voices be heard at the Governor's office on this issue no matter how the Constitutional Amendment Election goes.

You may contact the Governor by clicking on the following link and expressing your views using one of the methods provided. While you are at it, tell Governor Perry you want something done about the blatant corruption, and criminality of our county officials including the way they get appointed instead of elected in Red River County. The law needs to be changed (like the law in Arkansas) to read that anyone appointed to fill a term cannot run for the position they are appointed to in the election when the appointed term ends. This will end the corruption and permanently put a halt to the "Good Ole Boys" forever!!!!! This is one of the main things that all of us need to express to our State Representatives and State Senators. I will put up a link to the State Senators and State Representatives but everyone in the State needs to request a change in this law. It would put the brakes on Corruption State Wide but MOST OF ALL IN RED RIVER COUNTY!!

Who Represents Me in the Texas House and Senate, and U.S. in Red River County!

If you are not from my area, you can go to the link below and look to the right of the page and fill in Who Represents Me, and it will display who is representing you in the State of Texas and the U.S. House and Senate!

Click Here and Look to the Right Side of the Page for Who Represents Me

After Nearly a Year......

(This article was posted 12/22/2006 but I thought it would be a great reminder of Life in Red River County)

(This article is posted from the Archives Section Link in the Main Links Section on this Site)

10/22/2007

Believe me, the "VV Express" is still the same piece of shit he has always been, and nothing has changed as to how he does business

THE REST OF THE STORY!

12/22/2006

After some contemplation I have decided to tell why at one time I was a valued contractor for the "VV Express", and the Red River County Government, and now I am a bad seed.

Since 2001, I worked for the "VV Express". At the time of Jimmie Townsend trial, I was working on the "VV Express's" computers. They were very pleased and complimentary of my work, and referred my services all the time. I sold them their computers, also did the setup and maintenance of all of the computer services for Val's office. Their referral was the reason that I worked for the City of Clarksville, and re-vamped their computer system. They also referred me to the County Library and I consulted them on the automated system they have in place now, and was present as the consultant when it was installed. After the installation I maintained their systems. I donated 1/2 the cost of one of the custom computers they have in the Library now. I sold the equipment to them at cost, and donated the labor to build and install it. This makes my donation more than half. (I am not telling you this for appreciation, but to show that no matter what you do, that they will attempt to oppress you if you do not agree with them.) This is the Librarian's computer. I always gave deep discounts to the Library on labor, and a lot of the time did not even charge them for labor. My service to them was more donation than profit, because I feel that library services to the Community are more important than money. The benefits of a library to the Children of the community are tremendous, and I wanted to be a part of that benefit.

Val's office also referred me to the Red River County Sheriff's Department and I replaced the computer that sits on the dispatchers desk that is used to run criminal histories, and wants/warrants on traffic stops. I had to have a criminal background check and be cleared by the FBI, before I could touch the software that operated that system. (They did not even know this. I told them of the requirement.) I donated the Key telephone that is sitting on the dispatchers desk, and donated my labor to completely reprogram their telephone system to make it operate more efficiently. I charged no time, labor, or materials for it, and was glad to do it for the County, because I felt that I should give back to the community. I was complimented by the Sheriff's employees that the computer I put in for them worked right the first time with no trouble, which they said had never happened before. There were numerous individual referrals that were made from the "VV Express" which I received, and was appreciative that my service was considered valuable to the County Government.

THEN CAME THE TOWNSEND TRIAL....

I was shopping in Wal-Mart one morning, and the "VV Express" I believe, called Wal-Mart looking for me. (They for sure contacted me in Wal-Mart) Val asked me to come and testify as his expert witness as to the value of the Computer. I immediately left Wal-Mart, went home, changed clothes and traveled to the Court House in New Boston. I did not hesitate for a second to his call. I felt that it was my duty as a citizen to testify, and did not charge for the service, nor did Val ever offer to pay me as an expert witness. Val had me look at the computer and value it. When I valued the computer, and he looked at the figures he illegally (tampering with the testimony of an expert witness) tried to get me to change the figures to "make his case stronger". After he came to the conclusion that I would not "change my testimony" for him, the problems started. It was that day that Tim Shimpock, along with Val's investigator Mark Perkins, met me in the parking lot of the Bowie County Courthouse and threatened me.

All of a sudden, I was a bad seed....

I did not get any more business from any of the County offices. My referrals dried up, and I started having a hard time with the City of Clarksville. I eventually got no more business from them either. Then some of the individuals that Val's office had referred to me that had told me how pleased they were with my work quit calling for service.

Now they are using someone from out of county.

I designed, sold, installed and maintained the computers at the Clarksville Times for a while. I wrote articles for the newspaper about computers. I really enjoyed passing information I considered necessary for people to know about how their computers operated. When I wrote my first article See the story written by Clicking Here on this website about the "VV Express" the editor of the Times e-mailed me that my services would no longer be needed. Amber Palmer said that I had violated the confidentiality of my customer and she could no longer feel comfortable with my services. They could have had a super system now that I have learned Virtual Private Networking which would have made their lives even easier publishing the paper. You know, its OK though because I know that every customer has a right to use who they want to service their computers, and I even told them so. That is not a problem with me, because everyone in this business loses customers, and I hold no grudges.

This is the situation in Red River County. You must go along with everything that the county officials, and law enforcement want you to do, be it "legal" or "illegal" or they will put out the word on you. They will talk bad about you in public places and attempt to ruin your credibility, just to "put you out of business". You know it is happening because business falls considerably.

This is the way it happens in Red River County. That is why we do not have businesses or jobs here. No businessman who is honest would want to own, or operate a business here, unless he was from here originally, and some not even then. The Official Oppression here is tremendous, and Texas Ranger Roger Lough is just as guilty of committing Official Oppression as is most of law enforcement, and Officials who run this county. There will never be prosperity with the establishment and the mentality we have now. If you don't have the guts to stand up to them, they will take a dump on you just like they have attempted to take a dump on me. But....

I hate to tell them that I am satisfied with my business. I do just fine without them. Sure, their money would make it even better, but my ethics and morals as a human being will not allow me to get down in the cesspool of corruption with them just to make money...., And to them money and power is everything.

Now, you know the rest of the story!!

We all know what kind of Criminals we have running this whole county, and although they are very cautious about letting anything out that is presently happening, we all know that they are still up to the same old crap, it's just a different day. Criminals don't change, they just go underground to commit their crimes!

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The Bird Feeder

(What's your Opinion)

10/17/2007

This was sent to me by a loyal reader. I thought that I might share it with all of you and ask your opinion.

I bought a bird feeder. I hung it on my back porch and filled it with seed. What a beauty of a bird feeder it is as I filled it lovingly with seed. Within a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the continuous flow of free and easily accessible food. Then the birds started building nests in the boards of the patio, above the table, and next to the barbecue. Then came the poop. It was everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table...everywhere!

Then some of the birds turned mean. They would dive bomb me and try to peck me even though I had fed them out of my own pocket. Other birds were boisterous and loud. They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at all hours of the day and night and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food. After a while, I couldn't even sit on my own back porch anymore. So I took down the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone. I cleaned up their mess and took down the many nests they had built all over the patio.

Soon, the back yard was like it used to be...quiet, serene and no one demanding their rights to a free meal.

Now let's see..... our government gives out free food, subsidized housing, free medical care, and free education and allows anyone born here to be an automatic citizen. Then the illegals came by the tens of thousands. Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for free services; small apartments are housing 5 families; you have to wait 6 hours to be seen by an emergency room doctor; your child's 2nd grade class is behind other schools because over half the class doesn't speak English. Corn Flakes now come in a bilingual box; I have to 'press one' to hear my bank talk to me in English, and people waving flags other than 'Old Glory' are squawking and screaming in the streets, demanding more rights and free liberties.

Just my opinion, but maybe it's time for the government to take down the bird feeder.

Submitted by a Loyal Reader

Editorial Opinion

I do not have a problem with social services to anyone who needs them, but they need to be legal residents. I don't have a problem with anyone immigrating to America. This land was built on the backs of immigrants.... our forefathers. This land is here for those who are oppressed by their governments, but immigration needs to be done legally. Everyone of us in this country has to chip in "their fair share" to make democracy work. No one can be allowed a free ride, because in a free society where the financial system is built on democracy and the free enterprise system, everyone has to do their part, or society fails.

To keep our country strong and prosperous we must have "equality" for all legal residents. The key word is "legal." When a citizen is a legal citizen, even if he is poor, he is contributing his part and being legal has earned him the rights for help from our social welfare programs.

Freedom, Equality, Legality, are all words that go "Hand in Hand", because without the strength of the other two words all three lose their meaning. The Free in Freedom and free enterprise, does not and never has meant a "Free" ride.

Ernest

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Citizen Opinion of the "Good Ole Boy Court System" in Red River County!

E-Mail Date 10/12/2007

Posting Date 10/15/20007

I have been living here only for a short time but I can not believe the "Good Ole Boy" mentality at the Red River Courthouse! Judge J.D. Lovett would rather give custody of two kids to the thing that they are forced to call "mother" who is a convicted Felon instead of a father who does his best to raise his kids. They even had to witness their mother be beaten so badly by her new husband that she was taken to the hospital for her injuries, and that was after he beat the 3 year old girl and left bruises on her. This man has a long record of abuse, intimidating witness as well as being a convicted felon. That court is a joke, and a bad one at that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Name Withheld by Request

Editorial Opinion 10/15/2007

I was just informed this evening that the lady mentioned in the e-mail above that was awarded custody of her kids even though she is a convicted felon, has a very close personal relationship of Judge J.D. Lovett's secretary. Isn't that an interesting development!!!!

It never ceases to amaze me what the corrupt justice system in this county does, and it goes all the way to the top folks. Judge Lovett is due for replacement, as he will not be able to run again due to mandatory retirement. I know that there are a couple of lawyers who are probably going to run for this position, and I know which one is the best for the job, but do not want to give my opinion due to possibly hurting the candidate. One of these gentlemen is perfect for the job, and will clean up the problems in our court system. The other is another Good Ole Boy who will maintain the status quo of drunken corruption, lies, revenge, and favoritism. Please make sure if you are a registered voter that you study and ask questions about the two candidates, and if you like the way the system is being run in RR County at present, vote for the Good Ole Boy. If you are like me, and want the toilet flushed, vote for the honest candidate. It is not hard to figure out which one is which if you ask a few questions and do your homework. Not only that, If the "Good Ole Boys" are backing one over the other you will know the other is who needs to be elected.

Just last week a lady I know went to the courthouse to sit in on a court proceeding, and was met at the door by a Sheriff's deputy and told that the proceeding was closed to the public. Court proceedings are Open to the Public under all but very few (and I do mean very few) situations. IS THIS COMMUNIST CHINA, RUSSIA, OR SOME DICTATORSHIP. The Courts in America are always open for public view, but it seems NOT SO IN RED RIVER COUNTY. I know that the lady talked to the Judge about the situation (it was not one of our judges) and he said that the proceeding was public and anyone was allowed in, and she was. What does this incident say about the "Good Ole Boy" justice system we have at present in Red River County?

Folks, this is America, and not a Sheriff's or Police or District Judge's State. This is a great example of Red River County Justice in Action. Our Police, Sheriff, and County Attorney as well as OUR Judges (Not the one mentioned though) think that they can close the courts to the public. This is another perfect example of our SICK, PERVERTED justice system in this County!

All of our elected officials at present will lie, cheat, and steal to protect their interest, and they don't care or give a tinker's damn who it hurts, and seems that includes children. Isn't it time to do something about all of these Criminals Running our County and City Governments that are in it to benefit their personal agendas, families, friends, and pocketbooks????

This is just a REMINDER that DISTRICT JUDGES are ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE, and are subject to the same scrutiny that all of our so-called elected officials are, and this website is not afraid to expose their sick corruption just like any other elected official. There is a telephone number located by clicking here on this link to the Texas Judicial Review Board. They take offense to possible corruption among judges. I would not hesitate to call a complaint on any of them, and neither should you.

Ernest Henslee

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Clarksville City Council Members

Bishop and Lindeman in Violation of State Law!

28 Sept 2007

Recently a group of documents were given to me by Jamie Hodgson regarding the fact that two city council members Ken Bishop and Scott Lindeman were serving in two elected positions, namely the Clarksville City Council and the Langford Creek Water Control Improvement District Board. This is documented proof that Texas State law is again being broken by the "Red River County Good Ole Boy Network". Those citizens within the Langford Water Board District and those within the City of Clarksville should not rest until the requirements of the law are met.

If you will take a look at this e-mail from Jamie Hodgson to Abigail Schultz of the State Law Library you will see that there is an Texas Attorney General Opinion relating to this issue. Click Here to View the E-Mail These two members sit and set the tax rates for two entities, the City of Clarksville, and the Langford Creek Water Board, which affects your taxes. And you wondered why your taxes are so unreasonably high in Clarksville, now you know! You might as well have the old monarchy in place where the King sets the taxes. Isn't that why our forefathers left and came to America in the first place? With these two councilmen on the water board, and the City Council, they can shaft you from both ends regarding your taxes and not even use Vaseline.

The law in the State of Texas Local Government Code is very clear, as is the law in the State Constitution about persons holding office which conflict with each others duties, as these two members of the Clarksville City Council / Langford Water District do. Take a look at the local Government code and read the law for yourself by Clicking on the following link Local Government Code. Take note of the highlighted items in green as they are pertinent when you take a look at the Check Register Link. (Enough Said!) When you get through reading the Local Government Code you can then Click on this link and read the Texas Constitution and check out what it says about the situation. Both are very clear that this is illegal! But our officials don't care because they are only after the money and the power they wield over you the taxpaying citizens of this county.

If this is not enough for you, you can read the Texas Attorney General's Opinion because by definition "Unless or until an opinion is modified or overruled by statute, judicial decision, or subsequent Attorney General Opinion, an Attorney General Opinion is presumed to correctly state the law. Click the following link to read what an Attorney General Opinion is as described by law. What is an Attorney General Opinion?

As you read, Opinions may only be requested of the Attorney General by certain Publicly Elected Officials, of which one being the County Attorney. An Opinion was requested by the Honorable Clayton L. Hall, County Attorney for Red River County, at the time and an Opinion was given over the exact situation that is occurring right now with these two entities. His opinion is very clear that this is a direct violation of the laws of the State of Texas, yet these "Good Ole Boys of Red River County" choose to break the law. Click here to view the Texas State Attorney General Opinion. Amazing isn't it, they know they are breaking the law yet they still do it...... Must be something in the water, right? (They do control the water don't they?)

Well now to top off the situation, there was also another request for Attorney General Opinion by the Honorable Clayton L. Hall, County attorney for Red River County at the time and the Opinion states clearly that anyone who accepts a position that conflicts with another position that they hold, by ipso facto they relinquish the first office, no question about it! So it looks like that which ever position that Ken Bishop held first he is no longer legally holding that position, and the same with Scott Lindeman. Which position was it boys cause you have by law given that position up, and anything that you have done in that position while you were in violation of the law becomes suspect in it's legality! If you would like, you can click on the following link and read the Texas Attorney General Opinion on this situation. If you are not legally holding the office how can you legally conduct the business of that office?

To prove Ken Bishop and Scott Lindeman are in violation, take a look at the Water Board minutes, and see if they are not making motions, which mean that they are voting members of the Board. Click on the following Link to View those minutes. Water Board Minutes

Let's now put the Cherry on top of the Sundae. Doug Smith sent a letter to the City Attorney of the City of Clarksville requesting an opinion on the very situation, and even the Clarksville City Attorney agrees with the Attorney General Opinion. Read the letter from the City Attorney by clicking on the following link. Letter from City Attorney These two Councilmen are in direct violation of the laws of the State of Texas, and they are still continuing to violate those laws without a thought. People who violate State Laws are usually called "CRIMINALS" aren't they? That was what I was taught as a child, but teachings may be different in "Good Ole Boy Red River County"!

It also seems to me by the law, if you read the Local Government Code that there might also be a violation by Ken Bishop as his son is conducting the Audits and being paid by the board to do them. Click on the link to view the Water Board Check Register. There is also a payment to the Bishop Ranch, for something or other..... these are just afterthoughts though.

I would most definitely conclude that there is a direct violation because Ken Bishop, and his son Steve are related in the first degree by consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Chapter 573 Government Code, and that Ken Bishop has a substantial interest.

As a final cap, Jamie requested by Open records Request to Doug Smith to see if there was anything that was on file showing why these two individuals could sit in both positions. Doug's reply was that there was nothing available but the City Attorney Opinion. You can click on the following link to see the Open Record Request and the Reply by Doug Smith.

This answers your questions as to why the taxes in Clarksville and the Langford Water District are so f'ing high.

Thanks for the documentation from your investigation Jamie! Your information fills the gaps in for the citizens, and has provided another insight into the "Red River County Good Ole Boy System."

This Message is to or Beloved Commissioner Josef Hausler

21 Sept 2007

Someone I know overheard you trying to sell votes. I was told that you were talking to one of the candidates running for the District Judge's position and that you said, "If you can figure out how to shut down Ernest Henslee's website I can guarantee you 500 votes from Avery."

Well Josef, I take that as one of your more stupid jokes instead of some of your criminal activity, because you don't have enough clout to swing 500 votes for anyone. Everyone knows that you are up to your eyeballs supporting a couple of our criminals in the Sheriff's office by the name of Sheriff Terry Reed and Chief Deputy Larry Spangler, not to mention that you are best friends with Constable Tim Shimpock.

You have supported these criminals knowing that they have committed crimes in the past. I also know that any honest person would take offense and be willing to send them to prison over those crimes they committed, and yet you keep supporting them. They also know your reputation for running around on your nice sweet wife.

Most women, (of whom in this county are smarter than the men), don't like criminals and philanderer's so they won't support you. Most men (who are married to a lot of those same women) are smart enough not to go against their wives, (for obvious reasons) won't support you either.

When it gets right down to it Josef, there's probably not 500 votes you could swing. It just goes to show that you are shooting off your mouth before you are engaging your pea size brain! (Remember..... Crows are not birds of Prey, so they don't carry things in their claws!") DUH!

If you want to shoot off your mouth about the website, do it somewhere out of earshot of my supporters, if you can find that location! By the look of the Statistical Map that's getting harder and harder!

Ernest Henslee

P.S. By the way..... You notice that the Commissioners court, Including our New County Judge Morris Harville has done absolutely nothing to start the wheels of justice in motion for prosecution of the criminals running the Red River County Sheriff's department. (All of us knew they weren't going too!!) You also notice that the County Attorney "Valerie K. Varley" aka "VV Express" has done absolutely nothing. We definitely knew he wasn't! The proof is here on the website in documented form, yet they are all too stupid (and too corrupt) to take the documentation, investigate the situation, and prosecute the offenders. No Folks, I take that back... they are stupid, but they are also all part of the criminal gang running your County Government!

This says a whole lot about our Appointed/ Elected officials running the "Good ole Boy System" in the Red River County Government!

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Citizens Opinion

RR County Commissioners Court

8/19/2007

Commissioners Court is supposed to be a place where the elected officials come together and discuss the items that have been placed on the agenda, in the commissioners courtroom in open forum amongst each other. However it seems that there is never any real discussion about anything. The reason being that when they put an item on the agenda they meet one on one and discuss what there action is going to be before the meeting. If one of them wants a particular item passed then they just happen to "meet" one on one and the discussion takes place. That's how they get 99.9 percent of all them new computers and all that office equipment that is eventually auctioned off. This is the exact reason no one ever attends the commissioners court meetings. People know that decisions are and have been made before the "official" meeting. That's why no one attends the meetings. That's exactly why they have the meetings at 10:00 in the morning. Because real hard working taxpayers will not be able to attend those meetings. All these meeting they are having on the "proposed tax increase" are being held in the mornings. So no one will be able to attend those meeting and voice their opinions. If the commissioners wanted to hold a "true" meeting on any item, they should have it in the evening. The City of Clarksville holds their meetings in the evenings. Why can't the commissioners court? Cause they don't want anyone to attend.

They sure are trying to make this 6% tax rate increase look good by holding all these meetings about it. They are telling that it will only seem like a 3% but just wait till the appraisal district gets through raising your appraised value and then it's gona be 8%. You know it will happen, it always does. They vote in a 3% or 6% then the appraised value goes up in March or April and then in May when you get that statement you'll see how good the 6% is.

Name Withheld by Request

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Hey Bobble Head, I know that you were at the Sheriff's Department the end of Last Week Visiting your Main Squeeze. We know that is what you were doing cause you parked around on the North Side where no one could see your vehicle. You ain't visiting Shimpock are you? Boy, you need to go home to your sweet wife, and quit runnin around. 8/13/2007

Spiritual Freedom

(The Star)

8/13/2007

by Bill Burns-- August 13, 2007: Is it not written, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you"? Many of you, My people, are asking for deliverance, but you are not resisting Satan's temptations. Activate your will and fight the good fight of faith, and then I will join the battle on your behalf, says the Lord. Set your face like flint against the evil one, and refuse to allow him to sway you from My purposes. If you will resist you will prevail, victory will be yours, and I will heal you.
Malachi 4:2-3 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this," Says the LORD of hosts.

For those who question why deliverance hasn't happened yet in Red River County, here is your answer. We are all responsible to answer to God. He is the one who makes a way where they say "no way". He is the one who give us favor in places of authority. He is the deliverer. When we allow God to deliver each of us from our fears and temptations, we allow Him to deliver us from all evil. First ask God to deliver you from temptation, second place your trust in God, for fear is not found where faith stands, and live righteously before God. Be kind to one another. Be blessed.

From my heart and pen

Joanne

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Citizen Opinion

on Spangler's Second Credit Card Abuse

7/29/2007

Just finished reading the lasted posting on some more credit card abuse by the sheriffs office. At the end you stated "If you know one of the Grand Jurors, tell them you want this investigated, because they have the power". First of all I know that Josef Hausler is on the Grand Jury. Isn't that something? I can just see myself having that conversation with an elected official that is just as corrupt as the person(s) being accused of a crime. He is just one fine example of the type of person that we need to have sitting on the Grand Jury. He is an elected official being paid by the county to do county business, yet he is never actually "working" for the county. He is too busy doing surveying work on county time. Second of all you stated "they have the power". That's it in a nutshell. Power. That is the reason this county is so corrupt. They have the power to do what they want to. Every elected official has got a head the size of a watermelon. They think just because they are elected that they are above the law. If you are not corrupt when you come into a position, you will be before you leave.

Name withheld by request

Citizen Opinion

on the County Clerk's Hiring Practices

7/29/2007

Have a question. Why is the County paying Nancy Wilkerson 10 bucks an hour to sit and play solitaire while Lorie Moose is gone to school. That's pretty good money for babysitting isn't it?

I know Ms. Wilkerson has just retired and as soon as she retired it was on the agenda for the commissioners to approve her coming back to work while Ms. Moose was away at school. Key word is "work". But I guess like all the other offices this is work. If Ms. Moose doesn't have faith enough in her other employees to keep that office open and running when she is away, then she needs to do some replacing.

Another illegal act that was committed by another office in the county. Collusion.

Name Withheld

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How do you have a Work Program

when there are no Jobs?

7/10/2007

I awoke this morning early, thinking about progression. This county is a stick-in-the mud county because no one wants to wake up to the facts. The facts are that our governments in this county are corrupt. They are loaded with politicians and stick-in-the-mud thinkers that only have one thing on their minds. What can I take for myself?

There is tremendous waste, fraud, Graff, and corruption in the governments in this county. We have proved it over and over again while “The Star” was printing, and now with this website. The documentation is there, but everyone wants someone else to do something about the problems.

That is one of the main problems in this county. Everyone wants to look away and deny that there is a problem. I was reading the Clarksville Times (someone gave me the copy) about the Mayor, the County Judge, and three of our elected state and govt. officials wanting to give young people who don’t have a chance, training and skills for jobs. My question to Queen Ann, and County Judge Morris Harville and our three honorable state and govt. officials is “If you prepare young people to work, where are they going to work in Red River County?” I don’t see any industry, or jobs in this county. A young person is not going to be able to get a high enough paying job outside the county to pay for the “high priced gas” that it is going to take to transport themselves outside of the county to work, and back home again. They also need a car, and insurance beside the high priced gas, and if they had those they probably are not underprivileged!

Remember when Judge Harville was "appointed" (not elected), that Josef Hausler made the comment that they wanted a Judge who would not try to get industry into the county, because they (the commissioners court) and probably the clique did not want “change” in Red River County? Well, it seems as if they got what they wanted doesn’t it. Now you have politicians who don’t think far enough ahead to see that you have to have jobs in this county to put Young People to work. All they want to do is appear in the newspaper and talk a good line about needing ideas for the betterment of young people, and a lot of the population in this county think they are actually doing something.

It’s all smoke and mirrors folks! It’s a proven fact that without industry and progression that no one, especially young people are going to be able to find jobs in entry level positions. These 4 politicians, Mayor (Queen Ann) Rushing, Judge Morris Harville, State Rep Mark Homer, and Sen. Kevin Eltife, and most of all Sen. Ralph Hall are blowing smoke up everyone’s ass if you think they can put young people to work without jobs being available inside Red River County. There are no jobs here and the future is not too bright for there being any. I don’t care how many politicians get together and talk a line of crap about statistics and wanting to do something; without jobs inside Red River County, nothing is going to happen. Young People can’t afford to drive to Lamar, or Bowie county to work in entry level positions. Those positions must be in Red River County.

Your not going to have jobs here as long as we have politicians who allow fraud, waste, and corruption to rob the county of it’s tax dollars, and then apply and get grants to fuel more fraud waste and abuse. As long as our politicians are allowed to buy tires, (which is criminal, and makes the person a thief) and anything else they want while lining their pockets with our taxes (taking kickbacks), the only thing that is going to happen is more of the same. No business will operate inside the atmosphere we have in this county at present. Val Varley, the Commissioners Court, the Justice System, and the Sheriff’s Department are all rotten low-down thieving criminal politicians who talk a good line to your face, while at the same time they reach around behind your back and steal your hard earned money. Then they have the gall to spend it on personal gain for themselves, and none of them will do anything about it when you expose it to them. If that ain’t corruption folks, I’m a Saint!

Oh yeah our politicians talk a good line of shit, but when it comes down to it nothing is done, and nothing is going to be done till honest people stand up and stop them. I SCREAM it out all the time, and then I get a Citizen Opinion that only focuses on one word in a whole article. How do you get people to listen when they cannot grasp the entire subject? Now that folks is another major problem! too bad.

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A Signed Citizen Opinion!

7/09/2007

The article "What Red River County Could Be" does not answer its own title. Too bad. I really would like to know what benefits the landfill would bring to the county and more specifically to Avery where the negatives of it will be felt. Instead the article applauds his friends and makes unsubstantiated allegations adding unnecessary expletives. The writer may be a concerned citizen of RR Cty but would be more helpful with constructive comments and criticism. Calling people thieves and criminals and using the language he does, does not promote fruitful conversation...it squelches it. Again, too bad.

CD Michie

Editorial Reply:

First, I would like to thank you for your opinion, and most especially for signing your name.

What article was it that you were reading again? If the word landfill was mentioned you focused on it rather than the entirety and meaning of the article. As far as the criminals and thieves in government in this county, that would be obvious to anyone who could get around the word landfill.

Your concern about expletives is curious considering, the words Red River County are an expletive, if you know it for what it really is. Citizens with progressive thinking are what it will take to make Red River County prosperous, not stick-in-the mud thinkers. For some it is hard to understand that progressive thinking is a frame of mind, and the terrible thing is no amount of fruitful conversation can make someone a progressive thinker if all they can focus on is a single word. Too Bad!

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Citizen Opinion on

Red River County

6/28/2007

Well, well, seems as the good ole boys have rose again! What's going to happen to Red River County before the citizens wake up and do something?

Well, I'm for one would like to see the sheriff and his chief deputy turn in their resignations to the commissioners court. Then there should be an election held to replace the offices, but why just these two, needs to be the whole courthouse. Everyone connected with the county in anyway should be replaced and new blood placed into office by VOTERS not appointments. No one should be able to hold office, but two (2) years at a time. Like some have been there since I was a young child. I have said this for years, since Slim Hulen was sheriff that the whole county should be cleaned out and replaced and I believe it more today. It's awful and the sad part is you can't get a honest answer from anyone of the officials. They are all officials if paid by the citizens of the county. Taxpayers!!

Someone should ask the V V Express why the King brothers weren't ever prosecuted? Wouldn't be because their father told Val he'd spend every dime he had to clear them! Well, this stopped him from doing his elected job just because of whom they were. If this had been my nephews or my children they would have been thrown under the jail and rotted like some other poor ones have done. I'm sorry, but my Book tells me everyone is equal regardless.

It also tells me we are all God's children, but wrong is wrong, and God will take care of the wrong doings that is and has taken place in this county.

I do believe that Alton Peek's murderer will be found because some day they will wake up to nothing and only way out will be to confess their wrongs and then they will be caught. Those two babies have grown up without their father and someday they will find out who did the dirty work. Sooner or later ! How anyone could have killed Alton or even Mr. Humphries is beyond me. Don't have much respect do they?

What's sad is the very ones in office are probably the ones that either know or did the awful dirty work. But what can we expect from the ones that are in the offices?

What about the missing Bench girl? Has she been found?? What about the black lady killed at Caney Wells and I do believe a prominant white lady was involved in that case wasn't she?? Oh, could be another case of who you are to whether anything is done or not.

And Freddie Booker was a disgrace to his grand-father except his grand-father never got caught. Did he??

Ernie, things aren't ever going to change here. You will always have the good ole boys like the Varleys, Conways, Reeds, Spankie's. People don't want to hurt them, but they don't mind putting the hurt to you. It's always and will always be who you are and not what you are in Red River County. That's why we are between home (RRCty) and Austin, just get tired of all the bull here. Everything you own being stolen and NO ONE doing anything about it.

I read the note about the 77 year old man, they should count their lucky stars wasn't my father. I sure to hell wouldn't fool with the Texas Rangers cause I own an equalizer and not afraid to use it.

Those girls should sue RR Cty, but then what could they get except monies from the poor that didn't put the low lives in office. I never had a job that I didn't have to work at, so I don't know how it feels to draw a pay check and not have to work for it. Must be good they are all fat as pigs.

Also read the letter about Kristi being honest, if that's true why has she went from sheriff secretary to dispatch, back to secretary (after the cruise) and now treasurer office, don't trust her neither.

Why is there such a turn over in the county offices??

Ernie I would like to say I'm very thankful you have the knowledge to maintain this site, I think it's good that the citizens know what goes on and are never told. That's why we LOVED the Star so much, when you read the Star you knew you were going to get the truth of things, not like the Times, all in the past before you can read it.

I would love to sign my name, but cannot because of the possibility of retaliation so,

Name Withheld by request.

Click Here to send an E-Mail to Fight Against Corruption in RR County Government!

RR County

Citizen Opinion

6/25/2007

Ernest,

I was reading the citizen's opinion posted June 24th, 2007.
I can count the honest people in our county government on one hand and and Number one on the list is Kristy Gray. Not only is she qualified for the job, she is a person of the highest integrity and you can take that to the bank.

Linda Martin

Editorial Comment

You know Linda, what is really bad about this is that we even have to talk about who is honest and who is not. I know that you would agree with me that it would be a totally different Red River County if everyone in our governments were honest. But we both know that in this county we are not even close, and what is bad about it, is that they don't even try.

Ernest

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RR County

Citizen Opinion

6/24/2007

Mr. Henslee,

It is so nice to have someone that cares as much as you do concerning what is going on in this place. It is a high taxes City, and a money grabbing County whose Playboy Sheriff and his Deputies, as well as a No good for nothing District Attorney does whatever they choose to do and to whom. Last but not least the friggin County commissioners and that Flirty appointed County Judge that has already showed himself to be just what some thought he was, a money Grabber also. Talk is that Harvill and Judge Miller went off to Austin to try and get a grant to pay for Court appointed Attorney's. Talk on the street also is that ole Meehan was gona be the only Attorney that would receive that money. Hell there are more Attorney's than Meehan and you know I would hate for the Court to appoint him to defend me, cause I might not be able to tell if he was drunk or sober the day of my trial .

You know it's really bad that someone went into { ACCORDING TO THE CLARKSVILLE, NEWS PAPER } Dan Meehan's law firm and took all that money the Rodeo had brought in as well as the other's money that should have been put in the BANK before this happened. I don't care if it was Brad Varley or Meehan that was responsible for the safety of all those funds, they should have to replace every penny and never be allowed to hold anyone's funds in the future. I'm sure the "V.V. Express" has a solution as to what happened, and since Valerie doesn't do anything that he's supposed to do and gets paid for it, maybe he can bail Brad out of this bind.
You know Mr. Henslee, some people say that people don't pay attention to what you put on the Web Site but there sure a lot of folks reading it aren't there ?

My honest opinion is, I know what you put on the Web is true, and I would like to say this not only on your behalf but to the people of this County because I have lived here all my life. I am a senior citizen but that doesn't change the fact I wish with all my heart that when Election time comes People will really think before they Vote for anyone. They need to know in their hearts who they are putting in these positions and make sure that they are good honest people that want to, and will work for the people. This would help Red River County Pull out of this poverty stricken rut that it has been in for so many years. There is not ONE OFFICIAL from the City through the County that is an Honest Law abiding person that is fit to be in the position's they all hold to this day. Hell, I know Elmer Caton was put on probation for doing wrong with the tax payer's money, and now Ward is in the hot seat, Hausler used his kid's to get elected, and Barnett has drunk more booze than a tractor trailer truck could haul. I ain't gona mention what brand of smokes he's smoked. He's a gambler also, cause he goes to Idabel and plays the machines.

Everyone knows the Auditor is a crook, now look at the highway patrolman's wife Kristy Gray everyone knows she didn't get the job handling all the pay checks because she was the most qualified for the position .
Look at the Sheriff's playhouse, he has got to be an embarrassment to his parents, but at the same time he might be there to protect friends and family who knows ?

You know I've heard that Larry Spangler has cancer, {and if there is any truth in that I pity him when time comes for him to leave this world} because they tell me that before a person dies everything they have done flashes before their eyes, boy I sure would hate to be in his shoes. He tries to give the impression that he has friends in high places. Well, if you call the jail high places I guess he has. I guess they could be the court house
You know it's sad to think of so many of the supposed to be lawmen that wear a gun that are afraid to live without a gun on their side.

I honestly don't know what it will take to wake the people up to the fact that when people are persuaded to vote because Sister or Brother so and so say's this or that candidate is honest, that they may not be. If people will do what's right and go by their gut feeling and vote for the honest person, then and only then will Red River County see a change. There are no worse crooks than the County Commissioners in office today, and the County Judge is a joke.

You know it's sad when you hear people say the reason no good honest person will run for office in any area is because they say a young man couldn't live long enough to straighten all this mess out. When I hear this I think how hard Alton Peek tried and look where he is and look who is still a commissioner .

The City and County are rotten to the core .

So folks, whether you want to believe it or not there will be a day of repayment..

God bless you Mr, Henslee for all your hard work in creating somewhere that people can truly read the truth and know there's nothing you will gain other than seeing Justice being done by bringing everything out in the open. You are also right that if people want a change from what they all that read, they need to send you the E-Mails to help you in the effort to have a better and safer Red River county for our great grandchildren.

Keep up the good work,
Name Withheld by Request

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What Red River County Could Be

An Editorial Statement of Facts!

6/23/2007

I just spent a wonderful evening of food and friendship with two of the best people I know in this county, Mark and Rhonda Lesher. These two people have been two of the best friends I have met since I have been in this place, and are probably two of the best friends I have ever met. They are true, and wonderful. Who could ask for two better friends?

Now you may have a description of altered personalities for Mark, but you do not know him like I do. He is an HONEST lawyer, and an HONEST person. He really does what a lawyer is supposed to do for his clients, and that is FIGHT for their rights, and their cause. That is what you pay a lawyer for! I have known a bunch of lawyers in my time (as you all know my wife Donna was a lawyer until she became disabled) and I will truly say that M. Mark Lesher is a Top Notch Honest Lawyer.

Some of the people in this county despise him, but I know him as a person, and I wouldn't trade all of the people in the RR County Government, the Clarksville City Government, and the Avery City Government and all of their money, and I mean all of their money, personal, county and city funds for my friendship with Mark and Rhonda. I will truly say that I respect and admire Mark, and Rhonda. They consider this place, (and you all know that I consider RR County a cesspool of corruption) their home, and they love it. They do not love the cesspool part, but they love this place, and the people that are being taken advantage of by the TOTAL CORRUPTION of government. They work tirelessly to make Red River County a better place, and them being in favor of the landfill, doesn't even come close to being a minus to me. They are doing their very best to make this a better place, in the opposite direction of some of the Crooked Cities, and County Governments. You need to realize those corrupt official criminals are leading you down their primrose paths.

Mark is always looking for ways to improve and stop the corruption in government, and even though some of you may never look at this site again, I could care less, because one thing I can say for Mark, and Rhonda is that they truly believe in this County. That is a hundred times more than I can say for most of the apathetic, pessimistic, lazy individuals that live here. Most of you out there won't get up out of your chair to do anything about the corruption in government here, but they will. Most of you would not contribute a thin dime to improve anything here, but Mark and Rhonda not only contribute a considerable amount of their time, but a considerable amount of their money to improve Clarksville and Red River County. I KNOW THIS AS A FACT FROM BEING AROUND THEM! They have done a lot that some of our corrupt city and county politicians are taking the credit for now, and what they started would not be corrupted now if they had been allowed to finish rather than the corrupt, thieving politicians who have taken over. Give a politician Grant Money and they become thieves, and criminals!

Those of you who talk a line of shit a mile long about corruption don't give a hoot in hell, and will not even bother to try even in the least to put an end to it, especially if you have to show your faces while doing it. I call that being YELLOW BELLIED COWARDS! I understand some can't afford too, and those people are not in this group I have mentioned. But, not everyone can claim to be in that group, and if all of you not in that group would get together and do something, the corruption in government would be gone forever, and Red River County would flourish, but the attitude here is "If it don't affect me, why should I get involved?". I am here to tell you it is affecting you, no matter what you think, and until you WAKE UP and smell the SHIT, RR County will remain a stinking cesspool.

I will tell you that Mark and Rhonda care more about you and this county than you do about yourselves. Mark earned his money being a top notch lawyer, no one GAVE it to him he earned it as a businessman, and he did not steal it like some of you did, so get over your jealousy.

All of you know what is going on. There are no secrets anymore especially if I find out about them. Some of you hate me, (especially the ones with the secrets) but others of you love me for what I am doing. I could care less whether you love or hate me if you would just get off your dead asses and care just a smidgen of what these two individuals do about Red River County. It would be a paradise if you did. Especially with a landfill!

THE SAME TO YOU IN SPADES!

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Today's Word

6/20/2007

All power in heaven and earth are God's and given to His children.

June 20, 2007: Beloved, believe Me when I say that I am going to reveal to you places of hidden aggression against you. However, you must not develop a victim mentality when you realize these places of opposition. I would have you rise up in the Spirit against these attacks and bind the works of the enemy, for I have certainly given you power to defeat the devil wherever you find him, says the Lord.

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Bill and Marsha Burns

The Star

Prophetic Word

6/20/2007

Live by My Spirit and walk in faith. Refuse to give any ground to fear, but rather trust Me in all things, says the Lord. I will direct your steps and bring you by way of your destiny. Be alert to the attacks of the enemy to bring a confidence crisis that will test your faith and confidence in Me. And, remember that you can do all things through My enabling grace. Again, do not be afraid! Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

This is the time to focus on the truth more that ever before. There is nothing that can over take God's people but fear. This is what has kept individuals, people and political figures silent for years. It is this silence that has killed so many people's spirit of freedom to move into the promise of God's will for their individual prosperity. The Word says that it is the promise of God to rain on the just and the unjust. But it says that it is the people who serve God not man, these are his children. It is God's good pleasure to bless his children. There is one condition, that they act, move, and live in faith without fear. When having done all that they could, that they would stand.

We as children of God must ask our selves have we done everything that we could do? And if we have found the answer is yes, then we must stand to see the moving of God's hand. But if you answer no, and you can determine that the reason is because of fear. Then you must face God, repent, and do what ever you can do to fight the good fight for what is right. Do not fear those that are evil, their days are numbered. The word says that their days are shortened because of their hearts will fail them, and that their gain is only of this world. Yours is for now and the here after. Lift your heads, hearts, and voices. Cry out for justice and God's hand to bring it swiftly. Be ready for the wind to bring His answer and Justice. Be in expectation, Look to God to answer. He Word is moving to bring justice and should be a great moving to show His Glory.

Those who have sold their soul for a few dollars or for a name in power will fall and will be worse off than if they had never turned their head to temptation. It is not money that is the root of evil, it is the love of money. It is not fear of man that puts him in hell, but that man himself seals his on eternity in the pit of torment. Think; it is really worth it?

Stand up people; speak up people; raise your voice to the heavens, let your voice be heard. Let Austin, Washington even the highest office hear . As Moses said to pharaoh, let my people go. It is no longer one man that speaks, it is God's people. For when the people of God cry out (together) their God will hear and answer swiftly. If you are a child of God you are to go boldly before God, think not of what you will say when you go before Kings and princes; for God will give you the words to say. Moses asked, who shall I say has sent me. And the Lord said tell them I Am the one that has sent you.

Think about it, what were the results. This is the Day of the Lord. Stand together and let your voice be heard. As your praise rises from your heart know that God is sending the answer. He is a God of deliverance, a God of blessing, and a God of righteousness.

Joanne

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Let's Cleanup the RR County Government, Together.

6/20/2007

How tired are you about the corruption in the Red River County Government. Do you really want to do something for a change, or do you just like reading the words on this page because of all the heartburn that it causes the county officials who are on the receiving end of the editorial spear. If you are serious about cleaning up this cesspool, then here is what I need you to do. If you have to ask questions about it, then you are not serious. So just do it.

I need anyone who would, to send me an e-mail. This is not for publication on this site, but for a package that we are compiling. Again, if you have to ask what it is for, then you are not really interested in cleaning up the mess.

This e-mail can be in your own words. In it tell what you think about the Sheriff's Office, and the County Attorney's office considering the credit card abuse, and the County Attorney's stand on not prosecuting the responsible party for abusing your tax dollars, and why you think the guilty party should be punished. Please Be respectful. Tell what you want done as a citizen to clean up the Sheriff's Office, and County Attorney's office. If you know other pertinent information in reference to this incident, or another like it where the County Attorney threw the book at someone for the same thing, please include it. At the end, include your full name, address, and telephone number.

If you are really serious about doing something, please do this. In the long run, it might not do much, but it sure can't hurt. We are seriously working at getting something done, and your input will definitely benefit the impact this cause may have. There is no time better than the present, so PLEASE DO THIS FOR YOURSELF, and FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. You also do not have to live in Red River County.... We will accept e-mails from anyone, anywhere in the State of Texas!!

You can also sit on your hands like our Corrupt Commissioners Court, if you are like them!

Please Show your Support by Sending an E-Mail Now!

You have to get involved. Do not say "Well, This time, someone else can do it..... Please get involved now, and do your part!

The More E-Mails Received, the Better the Chance Something Will Be Done!

PLEASE SEND AN E-MAIL; Please!

or send in your e-mail program to

rrpolitics@bowie-cass.com

Thank You for your Support in the Fight!

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Josef (Bobble Head )Hausler

Puts Foot in Mouth!

and his head up......

It might be David Barnett..... who can tell he and Josef wait in line to take turns.

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More Cleanup Needed in the

City of Clarksville!

This is a

Citizen Opinion

6/3/2007

There are pictures located at the bottom of this article.

Mr. Henslee,

I would like to express my opinion on your Web Site. First of all I believe it is one of the best things that has been done for the people in Red River County. Lots of people really appreciate being able to view what is going on in the grim l'ill hole.

The dumpster at the lake was here today but once it was posted on the Web it sure sprouted wings, because a friend of mine went out to take a look and it was GONE,

As some know the Mayor of Clarksville is proud of different little things she has done. I suppose that Delaware Creek project was one of her most pride and joy. The question I would like to ask of her is if you are so proud of a project why don't you want to keep it looking really good. On one end of the creek it's fairly clean but when one really looks it over one finds a business with drain pipes draining into that same creek with what looks like some sort of oil running into the creek. I was told that same business had a big fuel spill a couple of weeks back. Was it washed it in the creek also?

There is an old car setting on the creek bank, debris, and lots of poison ivy also. It is said by many that the city is forever picking on people about how their yards and other things look. Where have they been? Look at all the things the City allows to go on with a chosen few. Seems like they need to address their own issues.

I don't have anything against this business on main but I guess if your a fire fighter it doesn't hurt to have a big pile of old tires laying around for a year or so? This helps the mosquito population, not the Clarksville population. They are also a big environmental hazard.

If your a councilman you can get away with just about anything. Man you should have seen that new town square when I came through it with all that water and mud and the side walks a mess. Do you think they forgot to put a drain in somewhere?

There is also an above ground Diesel fuel tank that has evidence of spill from it going into the ground and out in the street. Man that stuff really stinks. Now reckon why that blame City officer won't give the City tickets or post those signs on their own turf? Pictures are worth a million words sometimes......

Keep on keepin on.

Name withheld by request.

Editorial :

I want everyone to know that I talked with the company that has the above ground diesel storage tank. This company is not part of the County or the City, and if they had of been, I would not have bothered talking to them. The manager and the people at this business are very cooperative, honest, and people oriented. They really care about being a good neighbor in this county and city. When I brought this to the managers attention, he told me that it would be cleaned up, and done quickly, as I knew he would. I understand that this sort of thing can happen unintentionally, without anyone thinking much about it. I truly believe the manager of this business, and want him to know that we need more businesses and government entities that would be as cooperative as this one. He informed me that anyone can come back and take a picture after the cleanup is done. This company is community spirited, and I thank them for it, as all of us should. 6/3/2007 I have already been informed that the problem has been cleaned up!

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Open Record Requests Filed

Editorial Opinion

6/3/2007

On Thursday, May 31, 2007 an open record request was filed with Shirley Anderson for the Credit Card Statements for the Sheriff's Office. There was also another filed with the County Clerks Office. The 2 requests were very similar because they are just a request for some copies of paperwork/bills. It is amazing that the request from Lorie Moose's office was filled on Friday with her usual efficiency. There was no wait from the County Clerk's office. Period! The Cooperation is very much appreciated Lorie!

But as usual, when it comes to things that someone wants covered up, (the purchase of tires illegally on the County Credit Card by Larry Spangler) there seems to be a drag in the feet of the County Auditor Shirley Anderson, although it is not for sure just yet that feet are being dragged. I hope that we have moved beyond that Shirley. I was beginning to think that you might just be all right, and that you were maybe moving over to the the open government camp. It would be very cooperative on your part, and we would be very appreciative if the County Auditor would produce the requested Open Records promptly.

I hope we do not have to go through the same old things that have had to be done in the past to get results! They are not enjoyable to anyone. Is the County Judge telling you what to do, even though he is a newbie? How about cooperating without all the frictions of the past........ You know the fight, and the score from the past. I am sure that neither of us wants to re-live the past. I don't think that you are "in" with the Sheriff's Office and those criminals. Surely not after what the idiots in the Just-Us system are trying to do to your brother Rufus, and in that particular case, I am definitely on your side.

This is a

Citizen Opinion

5/29/2007

After reading the updates I must say people are finally getting tired of this "Just Us System" and it's about time the people of this county stood up to those crooks that are in office.

You know reading about the remark by Tim Shimpock brings back memories of what a very close friend of his told in a public place after Alton Peek was murdered, and at the same time he and his wife Darlena were working under Bob Edrington. This is when the computer mess surfaced also and Bob Storey was going in as Sheriff . Darlena said Bob was gona let her go from the County Sheriff department; that's when she moved to the City and School. To make a long story short, there was talk about Alton's death and Darlena loosing her job. This friend was talking about the computer that Darlena used at the Sheriff's dept, and her exact words were "Darlena said she took everything pertaining to her work, and Alton's death off her computer, and that if Bob Story could play dirty {meaning firing her} she could play that game too" and she would like to see him solve Alton's death without her information "I will say as others have said, I believe The Shimpock's, Spangler, Edrington, one of our commissioner's, then County Judge L. D. Williamson, then district attorney Jack Herrington, and an investigator for the DA's office

know who the coward was that murdered him. Unfortunately, a dead person cannot talk so some think? We all know what a Jackass of a Texas Ranger Red River County has had for so many years is .

Mr. Humphrey never put that Wall Mart Shopping bag over his own head and killed his self either. His daughter was small then and the Shimpock's took her to Avery school with their child. The amazing question that has always stuck in my mind was " how did the Shimpock's daughter know the little girl's dad was dead before the daughter knew?

The school counselor even knew what had upset the little girl. I suppose if she gave a statement the Texas Ranger for Red River County disregarded it too because the Shimpock's and the ones mentioned in this article are all just alike. I as others, believe they know who pulled the trigger. It's like one said Tim Shimpock was once a cattle rustler and that's not all him and her was. Now he shares an office with the Justice of peace Shelly Benton on the citizen's tax dollars.

Oh, As for Queen Ann misappropriating money, she's had a real good teacher and advisor. You know someone told it awhile back, the reason they don't attend the City council meetings more than what they do is because a Mr. Jack Parks cannot comment on one thing. If Queen Ann don't like what he says she corrects him or makes a smart remark to him in open council meetings. Mr. Parks should get her aside and tell her "Look if you don't like the answers I give for my honest opinion, I was Elected by the people and for the people so get the Hell off of my ass!"

It might do more good if he spoke it openly because she's good at calling for the police to remove people from the council room if she's talked back too. She's just a big ole liar like the rest of the crooks in this historical town. I do hope visitors will come see the Queen Ann's Throne and all the water the side walks are gona hold and God help the handy capped people.

Hey! I saw where the dumpster had been moved. Who took it and where did it go? I was told bottled water had to be bought for Jurors because they would not drink the City's water. Bet if the truth was known Queenie don't drink it either, and Bishop and Mr. Smith probably prefer other drinks??

Keep up the good work because this is the only way lot's of folk have of knowing what's going on in the town and county with our appointed and elected officials, because we all know that the truth would never be printed in that big Clarksville News paper. Someone from the county told me the other day they would not be a subscriber after they're paper runs out, they are tired of reading the Message from the Mayor.

Mr. Henslee keep on keeping on. Your Web Site is so appreciated. Help the people come up with a solution as to legally get these rotten crooks out of office .

Name withheld because they would retaliate,

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This is a

Citizen Opinion

5/29./2007

Ernest,

I’ve lived in Red River County for many years and I can honestly say, things have never been this bad. The Sheriffs Office has become a cesspool of blatant corruption. My heart goes out to the few honest and decent people who are desperately trying to keep the boat afloat.

It would seem the old saying "Give a person enough rope …………." is unfolding as we watch. The truth is, "the clique" as they are known, have become a liability not only to the tax payers but to "others" (who really run this county) as well.
It would seem that if "One" was involved in shady dealings that "One" would have sense enough to keep a low profile and not continuously call attention to---Themselves or the office they control eh?

Name Withheld by Request

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A Message to the Mayor of Clarksville!

Editorial Opinion 5/26/2007

Photo courtesy of a loyal reader.

"A Picture is worth 1,000 words!"

Word has it, that the old brick streets will still be as rough when they are through as when they started. Nothing is going to be done to fix them, because Queen Ann misappropriated the money for her Garden and Throne!!

(Yes, that is the statue of the Confederate Colonel topping it off!)

Citizen Opinion on Clarksville, Texas, and Clarksville ISD!

5/20/2007

My, My, My! From the sound of the article in the Paris News Paper the educational community in Clarksville ISD is being encouraged to regroup for another School Bond election? What part of the word "Poverty" do these people not understand? You know the Bible says money is the root of all evil and for the officials of this school board, county, and town anyone can surely say they have seen this scripture fulfilled. There are not enough tax paying citizens to pick up the indebtedness of a twelve million dollar bond. That means the ones that own property will be paying for it no matter how they try to sugar coat the package . Everything has a price and this will be one price that the people will never be able to survive from .

This town has more committees than carter has little liver pills. Why?, does this make people feel important, or just show their pure stupidity where it comes to the handling of money or doing what is truly best for the taxpayers. The taxpayers that try to do what is right by the laws of our land and still can't get their heads above the water.

The officials that run this county, town, and school system don't give a rats ass what kind of hardship they put on the people as long as they can get what those chosen few want. When appointed / elected officials don't care enough about the well being of the citizens to keep contamination out of the water supply, you wonder what kind of people they are who waste others money, and also possibly jeopardize their lives.

When Ann Rushing was first appointed she said she didn't want a salary. She ran some good people away from their jobs with the city. Now that she is an elected official I'm told she receives a pay check and has a City credit card? Now she expects every working person to bow down to her commands just because she wants a pretty town. Talk about a perverted joke!

Mr. Henslee, you know when it gets right down to it... you are definitely right. This county, and town is made up of dishonest, money hungry, back stabbing, dope headed, cracker jack police officers / government officials. Now it seems fornication has finally come to the surface, and can be added to the list . From what is being said, the city has some fornicators, not to mention dopers?

Since they are so proud of the water supply (they charge such high rates), why are they still giving the city councilmen, Mayor, and whoever else flat water rates. (No matter how much water they use, they pay a flat cost!)** You know that is probably real nice for a Mr. Parks {councilman} who probably saves a lot of money watering the plants he sells in his floral business.

(What they don't tell you is that this is directly against the law's of the State of Texas, yet even though it has been brought to their attention on more than one occasion, they are still doing it. "I Know this is not right, but that's the way we've always done it in Red River County!")

(Quote From The Late County Judge Powell Peek-2007 in Open Commissioners Court Meeting) **

Do you think that the "V.V. Express" and the Sheriff's department Dope investigators took someone's Viagra and thought it was a new street drug, and that's what has made the Sheriff tell them they were all grown up?

I am so proud to read Kathy got help with her dad, and I really hope she pursues the actions against how her dad was treated in that hell hole.

A lady said she had an occasion to go to the Sheriff dept. office building awhile back. She said Shimpock, the Sheriff, and Spangler came out with starched iron jeans on, really looking good. When she ask me if they got their laundry done free, I said ask them and you might get in on some of that free stuff since your grown. I also ask her, when did she last have her eyes checked!

Mr. Henslee, keep up the good work your site is most appreciated . I truly believe this is helping to wake people up as to how our government offices are run.

Name Withheld by Request

** (Note added in from the Editor for your information)

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I have been informed by one of my loyal readers that the dumpster that was located on the Clarksville Reservoir has been removed! Public Opinion Works!!

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"The Star"

Go To The Star Button

Today, I was sent an email I believe I should forward to you. Be encouraged, this battle is not fought by flesh and blood, but by Spirit. This battle is to destroy the spirit of the people, to oppress them. This is not the will of GOD. He has heard the cries of the people and this message is from HIM. The hand of Justice that no one can stop.

"Write a decree of My justice, for it shall become a flying scroll that enters into the house of the thief and the one who swears falsely by My name. write the decree, for it shall go out into all the land, and it will find My enemies, those who are against My anointed ones. It is the time of My indignation. It is a time when My wrath will come. It will indeed even come to My house first. I will strike the enemy with the fierceness of My wrath, and I shall strike him where he promotes injustice and where he lies and tells untrue tales. So, My people, arise! This is a day of justice and judgment; it is a day that I will come like an angry man against the enemies of My household, says the Lord.

Zachariah 5:1 Then I turned and raised my eyes, and saw there a flying scroll. 2 And he said to me, "What do you see?" So I answered, "I see a flying scroll. It's length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits." 3 Then he said to me, "This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth; "Every thief shall be expelled,' according to this side of the scroll; and, 'Every perjurer shall be expelled, 'according to that side of it."4 "I will send out the curse, "says the LORD of hosts; "It shall enter the house of the thief And the house of the one who swears falsely by My name. It shall remain in the midst of his house And consume it, with its timber and stones."

People: Separate yourself from the disappointments and failures of the past and cleanse yourself from all defilement of flesh and spirit, for certainly I am removing your shackles so that you can be free. Forgive and release yourself and others and press through into the realm of unrestrained liberty in the Spirit, says the Lord.

Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed."

From the Word of God

Click Here to View Pictures of Dumpster

Just what kind of environmental hazards are draining into the City Reservoir? Sure they treat the water, but maybe the residents of Clarksville need to think about this next time you go to take a drink of water.

Citizen Opinion 5/13/2007

See Also Dumpster Removed!

Mr. Henslee,

First of all I would like to tell you what a wonderful blessing your Web Site is to my family and friends yet there are things that concern me for the future of Red River County as well as the Clarksville School Children.

If I remember correctly the Clarksville Mayor kept on using the Children's safety to get the loop around the City of Clarksville. (that has killed the town) I'm told the new loop is making the City lots of money because of speeders. (a speed trap to make money)

Now it seems she has again tried to use the "Children" as an excuse to get the new school built that could place them in danger of hwy. 37 North traffic. Seems from writings of" local / county government officials" who are proponents of the school in the newspaper, that it is hard to tell if they want the school or the surplus money?

It seems to me if the Mayor, City manager, Council members, and Clarksville police officers as well as that fine so called overweight Sheriff, and fat County attorney's investigator would get off their butts and do a little work / investigating to protect the citizens rather than try give excuses, not only would elders of the county have a better environment but so would the Children everyone seems to worry so much about! From what I've seen if something is not done Clarksville schools won't need another school because the children may all be too sick to attend if they continue to drink water from Lankford City Lake.

You know it makes me extremely ill to know there is a huge medal dumpster leaking who knows what, (the aroma emitting from it is enough to make you wary of getting too close) setting where I'm told was once was a wooden dock people fished from at this Fine Lake. After doing some research one of the fine council members Mr. Ken Bishop, City Manager Doug Smith and the City Mayor Ann Rushing should have to drink only water that comes from that particular area of the City lake this dumpster is draining into. This dumpster contains everything from burned debris (which ashes of who knows what really leach into the lake), old tires ,used oil filters, heavy equipment hose, welder hoods, bags of garbage (containing who knows what), nasty old floor carpet, disposable gas bottles, and the tail of a ring tail coon that the maggots left after consuming the rest. (probably didn't have enough meat on it) There are old Freon containers, and no telling what other kinds of hazardous waste dumped into this dumpster because anyone, and everyone can dump anything and everything into it, since its use is not monitored.

Why in the hell do the citizens of this city/county put up with all the ignorance and B.S. from their officials? Has the rotten water affected everyone so much they can't think for themselves? Can't you see how the people they put, (meaning "appoint") in office are using not only the "safety of the children but the ones who cast the votes to benefit their own personal agendas? Building Healthy Communities; man what a joke! Her last name may be right because she may have to take the City's credit card and get to Rushing on out of town when the pictures I'm sending are put on your Web Site. The voters of the city and county need to see just how much a person's health and life means to the corrupted government entities we have in this county. Who are their concerns really for? They let their Insurance (that we pay for with tax dollars) pay for everything else . Do you think it will pay for this possible environmental hazard that they are allowing to drain into our water supply?

Our good Mayor needs to tell The Dallas news the truth as to why people are leaving Clarksville, and the County. It seems to me that she is playing a big part in it. She is forever

saying its her town. If she continues like she is going she might just get lucky enough that someday she will be the only one left to enjoy everything she has done to bring about the city's healthy life style .

These Pictures were passed to me so I will share with you .

See Also Dumpster Removed!

Thanks,

Name withheld by request due to our ignorant politicians who would not hesitate to retaliate.

P.S. Think the next time it is raining heavily what is draining out of this nasty dumpster into the source of your drinking water. It is after all about 20 ft. uphill from the lake!!

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Clarksville City Manager

Doug Smith Responds!

4/16/2006

Ernest,

I was responding to the comments about the case of indecent exposure at a Laundromat in Clarksville, and let the citizens know what had been done at this point. First of all I would like to say that I understand fully the frustration of the people that are involved in this incident and there are a few things I will not be able to comment on because this is still under investigation by the police department. The incident occurred much like you have written at a local Laundromat in Clarksville, when a male subject exposed himself to the lady working there at the time. At the time that this happened to the lady, she left the business and walked across the street to a convenience store to use the telephone to phone the police on this matter. At the time of the arrival to the location by the police department the suspect had exited the premises and was know where to be found, the investigation started at that point to try to found out who committed this heinous act to this lady. When a named surfaced to be a suspect in this case a photo lineup was made and witness were asked to come to the police department to see if a positive identification could be made on the suspect. There have been two people that have tried too identify the subject through a photo lineup, but to no avail. The police department is still investigating this matter and I hope that we will be able to find out who committed this crime.

Doug Smith

City Manager

City of Clarksville

Editorial Response:

22:23

First I would like to compliment the City Manager for having the guts to respond to the editorial opinion about the indecent exposure incident at the Laundromat in Clarksville. I do have some questions that I would like to ask........

I have been told that the officer that arrived told the victim that nothing could be done about the incident. This is the normal canned response for law enforcement in this County. "Da, Nothing can be done ....." What a bunch of amateurs and jerks. Tell the victims they will put them in jail, and do nothing about the offenders!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have also been told that the officer told her that he would not write out the complaint the she would have to do it. This is another canned response from the idiots/fools in law enforcement in this county. What kind of law enforcement do we have here? They draw a check and do absolutely nothing to earn it. I have also heard about an incident where a officer told someone that he was afraid of 2 individuals, and would not confront them. An officer who is afraid should not be wearing a badge, much less carrying a weapon or drawing a check from the taxpayers. This is another story for another time though.

The victim (77 year old lady), and the clerk at the store both came to the Police Department in Clarksville to look at a photo lineup. From what I understand both knew the vehicle he was driving, gave a description, and who he was. Both have stated that the photos were so small and so old (they were told up to 8 years old) and of such poor quality that neither of them could recognize the offender. Then they were shown a new clear picture of the offender and they both recognized him. (This is what I was told.) My questions are:

1. Why were new clear photos not taken and the lineup done properly from them?

2. If you had new a newer photo of the suspected offender, why was it shown to them separately after the formal photo lineup, because now a defense attorney will get the offender off because the picture was shown to them outside of the formal photo lineup? It seems to me the whole case is contaminated, and I am not an attorney!

"It may not be right, but this is the way we have always done it in Red Red River County!"

It is clear that this offender tried several times to get the victim into a storage area, which scared the victim severely; I am told so severely that she is having trouble sleeping at night because every time she closes her eyes, she sees the offender. She made the statement to the officer that she was going to get a gun to protect herself, after the officer told her that she should quit her job doing laundry. He should quit his job for being a lousy officer.

The officer made the statement that he would take her (the 77 yr. old female victim) to jail if she got a gun, and that if she said one more word about it, he would take her to jail. (This is the way it was told to me.) My next question is:

3. Why would an officer who is taking a statement from a 77 year old female victim of near sexual assault inside her place of employment threaten to take her (the victim) to jail for saying she would have to get a gun to protect herself. Clearly, the police are not taking care of her, and a lady of that age is fragile.

She made the statement that she would get a gun to protect herself. The officer automatically assumed that she was going to commit an illegal act when she was stating what most of us would say. Remember, it is legal to carry a concealed weapon in the State of Texas with a permit, and should be legal anyway if an offender was trying to assault her whether she had a permit or not. (No jury would convict her if she blew the guys brains out, and would probably give her a medal, permit or not.) She was also within the confines of her place of employment, and would be protecting herself from deadly force. The officer in my opinion was being indifferent, and calloused to the state of mind, and the physical state of the victim at the time of her attempted assault. To "threaten to take her to jail" is a despicable way to handle a terrified 77 yr. old female victim, and the officer should be disgusted, and ashamed of himself!!! As usual for law enforcement in Red River County, they threaten to take the victim to jail, and let the offender get away!! This is the way our JUST-US good ole boy law enforcement system works in Red River County, because I have been told the sheriff's department does the same thing to victims!!

As far as I see it, if you are going to wear a gun and a badge, and draw a paycheck from the citizens tax dollars, you need to follow the law and do what is right by the law, and not the way you have always done it in Red River County. It doesn't seem this was handled right, and now everyone of us knows it.

I would like to state to City Manager Doug Smith, that it seems your officers have screwed up from the beginning, and if this guy gets away with this crime, it is because your officers did a lousy job of conducting the line-up, (now both witness id's seem to be fruit of the poisonous tree because of the handling of the lineup) and the investigation. Maybe that is the reason efficiently run City Governments have a Chief of Police running the department instead of a City Manager that knows absolutely nothing about the law. This is most definitely just another JUST-US good ole boy law enforcement day in good old Clarksville, Texas, Red River County.

Ernest Henslee

Webmaster

P.S. I have been told that the police said that this offender has done this more than once.

Why has he not been arrested a long time ago. Do your job boys....

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On A Roll, Keep UM Coming!!

4/12/2007

Mr. Henslee,

I wanted to remind the citizens of this county what a wonderful county attorney we have. HA HA BIG JOKE. A damn monkey could run things better than Mr. Varley. I have personally seen him go to court unprepared to prosecute a defendant.

He did not have the persons arrest record or prior probation papers with him the first time in court. The second time he just did a half ass job of questioning the witnesses and if it had not been for the victim in the case he would not have even pushed it to start with.

I am interested to know how many more people have seen this kind of prosecution. I think this is a serious problem that needs to be looked in to. I totally agree with you that until we stand up and name ourselves as well as the criminals nothing in this county will EVER change.

Sincerely,

Linda Waldroup

Editorial Opinion

Linda,

I just heard about a 77 year old lady who was in a laundromat in Clarksville doing her laundry. A younger black man came in and asked her if she was afraid of him, and she said no. He then proceeded to ask her if she had some hand lotion or something, and she looked in her purse and got him some. He went to the bathroom, and when she turned around, he was standing in the door to the bathroom completely naked with an erection. Needless to say it scared her pretty bad. She called the police and do you know what they told her???

Because she was the only witness, that they could do nothing about it. The judge also told her that they could do nothing.

Now, let me ask you a question...... If these stupid idiots in law enforcement think they can do nothing about that without a witness present other than the elderly lady, then just what in the f... can they do about anything?? They are just that stupid!!! They can't even do anything about a crime, and yes it is a crime, on the word of an eye witness / victim. Does that tell you what kind of a system we have here in RR County, and the kind of IDIOTS / FOOLS that we have as law enforcement officers here.

Next they will tell us if they don't see the murderer kill someone, they can't do anything about it...... It's not funny, but that is basically what goes on now!!! As one of my friends says, Law Enforcement in RR County could not track a female elephant (during that time of the month) in 6 feet of snow going down main street. That is a little crude, but the law enforcement and justice system is that crude in RR County!!

It is a shame, because if she had been assaulted, they would have probably done nothing either. If someone will do what he did, the next time it will be a sexual assault, but these jackasses here don't have the sense to know that!!! BTW the individual is known HIV Positive!!!

He would probably get 3 months for violating her civil rights even if they did do something!!!!

Ernest

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The Lazy County Attorney's Investigator, Mark Perkins!

4/12/2007

Mr. Henslee, Just wanted to let you know how LAZY our county investigator is, he would rather call a witness and ask for a fax number to fax a subpoena than drive to the witness's job and hand deliver it like they are supposed to. I just wanted to know exactly how legal that is. I am sick of how this county is run and how things are done to protect the criminal around here. We NEED to do something to change our county system.

Sincerely,

Linda Waldroup

See the Faxed Subpoena Here!

Editorial Opinion

Linda,

First let me say how good it is to see a name on an opinion. I appreciate you posting your moniker. I know that there are a lot of people here who cannot sign their names because of reprisal from our good county officials (pun intended). They can continue to send their opinions, with the realization that they probably won't carry as much weight as one that is signed.

In answer as to how lazy the county investigator is. He is still eating at the downtown restaurant, and probably getting it for 1/2 price, so he doesn't have the time.... probably takes a nap after lunch.... to drive out to serve a subpoena when he is getting to eat double for single. He and Varley don't care that he is breaking the law......... same ole B.S. in RR County. I will ask and get back to you on the legality of a faxed subpoena. Can you send me a copy of the fax with the header on it for posting???? We can blot out the name if necessary.

Thanks,

Ernest

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Charges Dropped!

4/11/2007

Today it was announced that the charges against the members of the Duke Lacrosse team, Reade Seligmann, Collin Finnerty, and David Evans charged with raping a black exotic dancer have been dropped. The members always held that they were innocent, but the Durham District Attorney, Mike Nifong kept pressing forward, even when evidence proving their innocence was found. Today the Attorney General of the State of South Carolina dropped all charges against all three of the accused. Now the District Attorney, Mike Nifong is under investigation, with possible disbarment and criminal charges looming in his future.

This is a perfect example of our County Attorney the "VV Express". Val Varley is a sorry excuse for a prosecutor who is out more to feather his nest with convictions than finding the truth. He is known to hold exculpatory evidence back from criminal defendants and their attorneys that could be used to show the accused innocent. In a recent case, exculpatory finger print evidence was withheld by "VV" showing that there were no fingerprints of the accused in a location that was the direct reason for filing charges against the individual in the first place.

The Duke case should make the good "VV" sit up and take notice that people are getting tired of malicious prosecutions and using informants that are as crooked as the law enforcement officers who fabricate the charges. Prosecutors are charged with finding the "truth" about criminal cases not hastening charges and railroading innocent individuals off to prison.

If you feel that your loved one has been railroaded by the "VV Express", then you need to file a complaint with the State Bar of Texas, and do not stop when the office in Dallas finds nothing, appeal the decision back to Austin. Make him work to answer the complaint. If "VV Express" gets enough complaints filed against him for malicious prosecution, maybe someone will eventually take notice and do something, like disbar his sorry ass!!

The telephone number for the State Bar of Texas, Office of the Chief Disciplinary Council in Austin is 1 877 953 5535. You will have to file your complaint in writing. When you get right down to it, you might as well tell your side of the story to someone. There are enough people here with complaints that if all of you filed them, it could possible get someone's attention.

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Citizen Opinion

3/31/2007

Hey Ernest,

This is just a casual observation from someone outside of RR County, but I can't help but notice how many citizen posts there are with "name withheld by request." Are people afraid to speak their mind openly? I just wondered because you, and a few others, seem to be the only ones willing to stand up on their hind legs and act like man.

There's no good going to come from being afraid, "cause if your skeert, they gotcha where they wancha!"

This is: David Dodson in Cooper, signing off..

David,

Some I can understand, because the cost would be very high if they knew who they were, but sooner or later a person has to be willing to sacrifice being scared of consequences to live in the sun. People do not understand that opinion's signed with "name withheld by request" carry about 1/4 of the weight as one signed with their name!!

Thanks,

Ernest

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Editorial Opinion

3/31/2007

I thought I would write a little today. I want everyone out there to know that I have said this dozens of times, but some people do not seem to have the capacity to understand what it is that I am saying, or they just want to blame what people think about them on me. I accept and post citizen opinions, and those opinions are posted pretty much as written. I do not go in and change the opinion, because the person writing it has said what their opinion is, and if I changed it, it would be my opinion rather than theirs. That is why I accept citizen opinions, to let people state what they think about how their place of residence is being run by the entities of government who are controlling and affecting their lives.

To let everyone know, If you join a committee that is a public committee, and put your name out there belonging to that committee, then you have placed yourself into the public spotlight. When you do this, you are putting your actions into the public, and become part of the public opinion as to what you are doing. The public then has the right to state their opinion about you and your actions, WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT. This website makes me a part of the public spotlight, because I am placing myself and my opinions about the way this county and the entities of government in this county are operated into the public forum. Therefore, I can be criticized in the public forum for what I am doing, and whatever is said about me, as long as it is not slander can be said. I understand this, and accept the fact that people can give their opinions about this website, and my actions by running it. In fact, several people have given their opinions about me and this website on this website, and I post them just like I do those which are not about me. I do not change them, I respond to them! I also do not get my drawers in a knot because of them.

So, to all the private citizens, business owners, etc. If you become a part of something that is public, and someone disagrees with you and your actions for doing it, they have the right to their opinion's, and statements about you and your actions. If you don't like what they are saying, then you have the choice of getting out of the public spotlight, stating your opinion about what they think, or just taking it as well as you can, and continuing on doing what you think is right.

I am tired of getting telephone calls from someone else that is "pissed off" because of something someone else has written in a citizen opinion that is posted on this website. I am also tired of people blaming me because someone else has revealed their stupidity and greed, or ignorance. I do not accept responsibility for Citizen Opinion postings, and what they have said about someone that has placed themselves in the public forum. When you do this, you are open to criticism, and should be prepared for it.

To be honest, I know what is in my heart. I do not know or care what is in other's as long as it is not affecting me by the actions of the screwed up committees and government leaders we have here in this rotten stinking county, who do not listen to the people, or what they are saying to and about them.

Some people here in RR County think that they are Gods just because of name, money, or status. I am here to tell you that you are no better than the rest of us, and you had better wake up and realize it now. If you were to go outside this county you would be what you are right now, except for the fact that you would realize that you are no better than anyone else. No one would care about what your name is, or how much status you have in a basically unknown low spot in Texas!

The Good Lord said that it would be easier for a rich man to pass through the eye of a needle than to enter the kingdom of heaven. He meant that for those of you that think wealth and/or status/power make you better than everyone else, and you are allowed to do whatever you want with no consideration for those people you are stepping on while doing it........

If anyone reading this cares enough to reply, I will be more than happy to post your opinion about what I have said, because that is what this website is all about!!! Also, I run this website because I want to express my opinions, and give the citizens a place to express theirs (since we were not allowed to in the Clarksville Times) along with any information that might shed light on the corruption in the governments here. I really could care less whether you are for or against it, or whether you support it or not. I am not writing, or running it for that purpose.

And for informational purposes only, Lake Lavon which is just outside of Wylie, Texas has a graveyard with tombstones in it, under water. If you want, I know a diver that will be glad to show you it's location that has seen it with his own two eyes.

As a good friend of mine says "There it are if you like it, and there it are if you don't."

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Citizen Opinion

3/21/2007

After reading through the R.R. Co. Politics Web pages, just have to refresh some readers memories.

Does anyone remember when Bill's Dollar Store was on the south side of the Clarksville City Square in the early 70's? At this same time Judge L. D. Williamson was I believe over the 5 & 10 cent store on the west side of square. It was in City election season that a Mr. Jake Washington Sr. was going to run for City Mayor. He was a black man and had served on the city council for a lengthy time and as for as I know did a good job for the people of the city. Judge L. D. Williamson came into Bill's Dollar store and ask a friend of mine that worked at the store what they thought about a black man being City Mayor? They replied Jake Washington is as good as any white man to fill that seat. At that point L. D. said well I have been asked to run for the position because some people aren't ready for the blacks to be in a power position. And when election time came L. D. got the Mayor seat. Wonder if a Mr. Bishop had a finger in that?

Now L. D. came from 5 & dime, to Mayor, to County Judge, and now look at his position . It does my heart good to see people do good for themselves, but seems from things that have showed up, and all the talk over the years -- he did not earn these postions for the betterment of our County, but because some one wanted him in these positions. And you know before Mr. Peek was so brutally murdered there was talk that some pretty heavy things were gona be brought out about our county's spending spree's. Could this be what brought Alton to his grave?

Mrs. Shimpock was ask the question after Alton's death what happened to the evidence, if any? She said there were so many people there they destroyed the evidence and the S.O. department didn't have any thing to go on. Now does anyone really believe that RR County can't do any better than that? Well, I suppose not when the fine Texas Ranger that has been in RR County for so many years that, as it was stated in District Court one time over a separate DNA Test, that the great Larry Spangler and the Texas Ranger was as Larry said on their way to Dallas, made the decision to save the Tax payers money because all the evidence pointed to the person they were holding in jail, was guilty. So the Sheriff and the Shimpock's, and who knows maybe Judge L. D. Williamson, and the county attorney Jack Herrington at that time might have decided to save tax dollars or someone 's neck.

The same Texas Ranger and Spangler was supposed to have taken a lot of statements from people concerning Alton Peek's death, but his murderer is still walking around somewhere. Could it be the person you sit next to in church, one that's supposed to protect us from murders, and evil people. Wonder how much a person like that would have to drink, smoke, snort, or shoot up just to exist in every day life?

You know a lot of people may have forgotten what it was like when even Billy Mitchell was a county deputy or investigator, and would anything it took to make his case back then, but some people never forget. Just as our younger generation will never forget what is happening right before their eyes today, in years to come.

It's like Mayor Ann Rushing, councilman Ken Bishop, Paul Allen owner of Allen's lumber co. in Clarksville, Robert Moore /city of Clarksville, and X Judge L. D. Williamson / Ark-Tex Council of Governments , formed The Northeast Texas Coalition to get water from this lake they want bad enough to have grave yards under water, and take people's home lands away from them that have sweated blood and tears for, to perhaps leave their buried children. Once the government builds the lake it's over with. How can these people think they will answer on the day of Judgment when they stand before God and give account for being so greedy while here on earth? It's not what might happen in years to come because we aren't promised tomorrow but it is what we do today that we receive our blessings from.

Religion or Denomination want get you a spot in Heaven. People should do all they can to stop this evilness in Red River County before God lets a Tornado clean it all up. And how can the bright Mayor stand to look at any elder person without feeling guilty for playing the game of "Look What WE Did". And ole Bishop is also known as the town drunk. What about the comment about commissioner Barnett , Boy did he usta think he was a stud when the Branding Iron Club was in Clarksville didn't he Mrs. Moose? I bet he was a married man, huh? Not everyone in this county has forgetfulness problems .

Someone mentioned the drug problems we have, and a City employee lost his job because he didn't pass the drug test. People are telling it from another, that a long time employee there now don't use much anymore but sells it like it's hot, and that an officer Gerwick sold when he was living at the city lake. I'm told he lives on the long star community now but is still on duty at city as an officer over the rest of the officers. Boy o Boy no wonder you can smell more dope than horse manure when you drive through CLARKSVILLE .

Name withheld by request

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Citizen Opinion

3/21/2007

Well it seems we have another commissioner that likes hanging out at the Courthouse and Sheriffs office. Yes that's right folks you have voted another person in office to do nothing.

Talk is that since Commissioner Barnett has taken office he has spent more time visiting at the Sheriffs office and Courthouse than doing county business on his roads. (At least he's not somewhere taking a nap). Since he has kicked Commissioner Hausler out I assume he will now take up residency there in his place. So if you need to conduct any business with him you may need to call the courthouse or sheriffs office to track him down.

Some things never change.

Name Withheld By Request

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Citizen Opinion

3/20/2007

In reference to the citizen opinions as of 3-19-07, I wonder how many of our tax payers knows that their "good ole constable" was at one time a cattle rustler????

And now wears a badge, believe me the county better wake up and keep him from the position of sheriff or the county will be in a mess. Be sure that the sheriff position is an elected official this time.

Please withhold my name

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Citizen Opinion

3/18/2007

Just finished reading the latest on all this mess with VV. I remember when all this was happening. I also remember the "guard dog". Whatever happened to that dog. I also remember around about the same time as VV getting scared, Tim Shimpock got a drug dog also. What happened to that dog. Both dogs were at their "master's" side for quite a while then all of a sudden the dogs were gone. I had heard that each dog cost $5,000.00 each.

Fine way to spend our money huh. I guess VV had to get rid of his dog cause Mark Perkins wouldn't stop throwing McDonalds sausage biscuits into his mouth, and Tim had to get rid of his cause he kept "sniffing his stuff out". HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read in the paper about a month ago that the County got another drug dog. Now that's 3 dogs. Where are the other 2?

Another way the county spends our money foolishly.

Name Withheld By Request

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Citizen Opinion

3/17/2007

Mr. Henslee,

Looks like you are about to get the picture as to how the City and County are run in this good old historical town. What is so sickening is not only the way people are treated in this county by supposed to be officers representing the law's of our land, but reckon how many of them would pass a drug test if none knew they were to be tested, from the City through the County officials and the Sheriff's department too?

How do some of the good officers of this county even think they are good enough to hold a position of representing the law? Have they went through a drug rehab themselves? You know Mr. Henslee a lot of people say "Oh, drugs have ruined our county?". Why don't they just admit what the real reason our county is in the situation that it's in? It's out of pure greed and back scratching buddies. I know for a fact some of them used to smoke pot, and drink moonshine, and knew both were not intended for an honest person to be using either one . Did they care? No they were having a good time hanging out with the crowd, And look at them now !! Men and women wearing a gun being paid by our tax paying citizens of Red River Co. They got reformed, I suppose? To hear some talk anyway. The question I would like answered is if they are so honest upholding the law then why are so many still being talked about for using and abusing the law ? Yet they are still in law enforcement .

There is talk that Mr. Shimpock could be running for Sheriff of Red River Co. in the next election? The voting people need to keep him as far away from that position as they can! Hey, from what I hear he has more authority than the Sheriff does now, but he has to have the right to wear a gun I suppose. And again he just might solve Mr. Alton Peeks murder and Miss. Bench's disappearance, Mr. Humphrey's suicide, Harvey Goodwin's murder, the Peacock boy that his house burnt him up in, Carlos Chisum's house burning? He might could even talk the Judge L. D. Williamson to coming back to Clarksville and getting back into politics? Who knows Bob Edrington might show up?

Speaking of the County Attorney's office being upstairs at the courthouse annex sounds he's scared. Does that office meet the State of Texas fire codes? You know that building was built for a bank and with all the weight already upstairs for record space , then you add all of their body weight, will the structure keep holding them up? Could it be that V.V. is afraid some woman's husband could have an influence on him being in the annex?

I've heard Mark Perkins has gone to Texarkana to pick V.V. up after his wife left him at a eating joint, and that's good and well helping your boss out BUT NOT WITH TAX PAYER'S CAR AND GAS , Why does these people think everyone is blind, hard of hearing, and have problems remembering tag # ??

People of Red River County, you need to open your eyes and see things as they truthfully are, and help do all you can to change the Just-US System.

Name withheld by request

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Citizen Opinion on Central Appraisal District Acquisition of Land for New Building!

3/11/2007

I just got finished reading The Clarksville Times' spread on the Red River County Appraisal Districts acquisition of land. But you know what...........not one mention of the price that they paid for that little piece of land. Are they wanting to keep it a secret? Now Ernest I know you are like a blood hound, and I suspect you would be the one to find out and let everyone know. It might be real interesting to find out how much of our money was spent.

Can't imagine why the person that interviewed Jan Raulston and wrote that story did not ask her how much they paid for it. I'm not a news reporter, but I think that would have been the #1 question on my list.

To make matters even worse is the fact that Ann Rushing is trying so hard to beautify the downtown square, I've not heard anyone mention her throwing a fit because there will be 1 less business. Do you think she really gives a crap how many business are down there? There's not anyone (except locals) to see the square because they all go around Clarksville on the NEW LOOP that she wanted so desperately. THANK YOU ANN RUSHING for killing our town.

Till Next time.

Name Withheld By Request

Editorial Reply:

You bet they want to keep it a secret. If they didn't purchase it for an exorbitant amount from someone they wanted to give a lot of money too that wasn't required, they would have printed the amount, the name of the person they purchased it from etc. If you read a NEWSPAPER that reports the NEWS instead of FU FU and FLUFF for the clique, you would have the whole story, not just the piece printed letting those in opposition to this deal in the first place know that we can all kiss their ...! "Varley wanted it, and Varley gets it!"

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Honesty....... In Government?

3/10/2007

I am not sure about the rest of you, but I think that it is about time that we had some good ole fashioned Honesty in government. I don't feel that I can trust our politicians further than I can throw any of them. They all seem to have their own agenda's any more, and they wouldn't hesitate to steal the nickels off a dead man's eyes if they thought that no one was watching. I think that just one honest politician out of a hand full would be nice, and now a days I don't believe that you can find even that. All of them in the Federal Government talk a good line, and they do it in sound bytes in this day and age. Instead of listening to them as the whole, we analyze them a byte at a time, and that gives us politicians whose sum of the parts do not equal the whole. What we need are politicians who are measured completely by honesty. I remember back in my younger days that there were politicians who would do something for the people when they were in office, but in this time period they think they are so good that they can lie straight to our faces, and we are too dumb or too stupid to realize what they are doing. They don't even bother to try to do anything for the people anymore. They use our tax dollars to further their own agenda's and make themselves richer and richer at our expense. We get no bang for the buck anymore. Big business has forgotten that it is the middle class blue collar worker upon whose shoulders this nation was built, and the politicians have allowed this to happen by steadily undermining the rights of that middle class since the Regan era.

Do any of you remember when there were no people begging on the streets? I do, and I can tell you exactly when it happened. It happened when Regan took over! He cut funding to the mental institutions. When that happened the mentally ill had no place to go except the streets. From that time forward the street population has grown. There were few junkies on the streets (as compared to today) before his time as president, because people actually worked for a living, and had good paying jobs that were guaranteed by the Unions! "Any President can cut unemployment by creating a bunch of minimum wage jobs, but he cannot fix poverty by doing it! I know what happened when Regan became President, because I was there. I was a blue collar worker when he became president. Regan also broke the back of the Workers when he destroyed the Air Traffic Controllers Union. Ever since that, our Unions have lost the capability to protect the blue-collar worker, and wages have dropped while the CEO's are making up to 500 times what the workers actually doing the work are making, and People say what a "Good President He Was", I say Crap!!"

Now we have workers who are perfectly capable of working standing on the street corners begging for money because they can make more than the average worker at minimum wage just by dressing in old clothes and holding a sign up that says, "Please Help Me Feed My Family!" Sure some of them are legit, but which ones? Our education system is graduating students who cannot even read. All we care about is how fast the student can run, or how accurate their hoop shot is. If they can play football, or sink a basket ball we have no problem giving them a grade to use them to get to State. We will also penalize a teacher for even daring to say that they cannot do the school work properly by giving them a failing grade! Just what kind of an example are we setting for our young children by doing this!

Our local governments are the same, and this County is a Perfect example of "CORRUPTION IN GOVERNMENT". We as citizens are going to have to stand up and start at the "Grass Roots Level" to clean up Government, and it is going to have to be done from our local governments up. We are going to have to demand that our elected officials and our Judicial System do their jobs. We cannot have "Corrupt, Dishonest, Thieving Lying Politicians" who think that they can do whatever they want with our tax dollars and not have to answer to the people for it. We need to stop the appointments and start having elections. We need to demand honesty, and we need to demand a justice system that deals out fair, equal and necessary punishment when it is needed. We do not need the "VV Express" who uses the office to stick it to those people that are not part of his little clique! We also do not need a "Sheriffs Department and Justice System" who are talked about by people inside our government running an "Illegal Slush Fund" that is robbing the taxpayers of this county, and showing favoritism to the people that have the "Money" to pay their way out of a criminal dilemma.

Don't any of you think that it is time to stand up and be counted? These corrupt, thieving, lying bunch of elected officials whom we have in office in our County Government need to be investigated by someone who will do the job right, and who will put the ones committing crimes behind bars, and it needs to be done soon. We need to have a sheriff's department that "Solves Murders" and a county prosecutor and Judicial system that "Prosecutes the Guilty Party" instead of turning their heads and sticking them in a hole covering them up. There are elected officials who could have solved the Alton Peek murder, and the Jennifer Bench disappearance, but they don't want too, because they know the ones who did it!

It's time the people of this county "WAKE UP", and smell the foul crap that we have that is supposed to be providing investigation of crimes, and prosecution of those committing them!

We will never have justice until we have honesty, (you can say it either way) because without one, the other cannot exist in a government that is a fair representative of the people!

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Citizen Opinion On Burn Ban's by the Honorable Judge Harville

3/3/2007

I am curious if the newly appointed judge knows when to put the NO burning ban on. Since it's dry and the winds are awful, well one would have the knowledge that the areas have had several "control burns" that have gotten out of control.

Isn't that bad for the county? IT COULD BURN UP!!

Please with hold my name, wouldn't want to give the firefighters a bad representative with the judge.

Citizen Opinion on the State of Red River County!

3/1/2007

Hi Ernest:

I was just setting here thinking about our county government and the way it's run and felt like venting a little.

When I returned to Red River County ten years ago I thought this was the best place in the world for a retired person to spend the remaining years of his life.

It is a place, I thought, of peace and tranquility, not so infested with drugs, crime and corruption. A place where you can leave your doors unlocked at night and not fear being murdered while you sleep. ------I guess I was wrong!

November of 1998 was the second anniversary of the murder of county commissioner Alton Douglas Peek. And a month later the so-called suicide of his friend James Humphries.

A few months before the murders of Commissioner Peek and Mr. Humphries, a young lady by the name of Jennifer Bench was attending a party with friends. She became upset with someone at the party, left, and was never seen again.

A black lady was beaten to death after leaving a convenience store in Clarksville.

A vehicle was found abandon on FM 1159. The woman who owned the car was reported missing from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has not been seen nor heard from. Is it not possible something happened to her here in Red River county? Our sheriff says: not his responsibility!

I am told that there are 17 unsolved murders in Red River county, there could be more; I would like to know how many of those have been cleared within the last ten years.

There is no statute of limitation on murder. Responsibility to clear murders is inherent, it's handed down from administration to administration. The responsibility is inherent yes, but the ability to carry out that responsibility is not. It is something learned over years of experience.

The murders of Peek, Humphries, and Bench could have and should have been solved within a short period of time but instead they were set aside and forgotten like all the others.

Yes I was wrong! ----I do lock my doors at night now. Not because I fear being murdered by some stranger in the night. but because it appears to me that we have no one here with the ability nor the desire to do a proper investigation should something like that happen. At least, in my opinion, it is not being demonstrated.

We have a county government who's elective office holders for some strange reason, when they are about to leave office, vacate that position instead of serving out their term; thus providing the opportunity to fill that position by appointment as usual.

If we can ever develop a county government who's elective offices are filled by the voters in a fair, honest and legal election maybe then we will again have a government that is "By the People and For the People" as intended by our constitution.

Royce Abbott

Citizen Opinion on Posting Personal Facts about Elected Officials!

Citizens are entitled to their opinions and facts are facts but I don't believe you should drag a person's private matters into a public forum such as this site. I am referring to the posting listing the "Appointed Officials" and their lists of wrongs. While there may be or may not be truth to the things posted, one thing is for sure: an elected official's (especially Lorie Moose's) personal life is not the business of anyone in this county as long as they perform their duties as they should. You yourself have complimented her many times on her performance as County Clerk. I see no valid political reason to mention anything pertaining to her personal life on a political website if it's not directly effecting her abilities to do her job and she is not abusing her power. I hope the citizens of this county will keep in mind they have the right to voice their opinions as far as the professional decisions and actions in this county but they don't have the right to comment on the personal matters of others, even if they are an elected official. I don't think Ms. Moose has ever referenced anyone's private business in public and don't think she ever will. Please keep in mind there are good people in this county, and they have a right to personal privacy, same as you!

Please DO NOT post my name

Editorial Comment:

First, let me state that I would agree with you if it was me who was making the statement. I have complimented her before, and will probably do so again as long as she does what is right, but....

This is a "Citizen Posting" just like yours, not an "Editorial Comment", and I do not, and will not edit Citizen Postings unless they are about a PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL, or BUSINESS, or have violated the rules of the website.

Elected Officials should live their private lives as clean as their Public Official lives, and if they don't, then they have no one to blame but themselves if a "VOTING CITIZEN" wishes to call attention to what they are doing. A person's private life is something that will show what they are as a Public Official, and they should always remember that. For that matter..... you might want to remember it also cause what they do in private should make you wonder what they are doing as one of your Public Official's controlling your tax dollars. If they have major problems with their private lives, (lets say drugs, heavy debt, or womanizing) then how can they be any better with their Official life. If their Official life is just a facade they put on in the morning to come to work, then the "Voters" should know about it. Such is Politics, and everyone knows that from what goes on in, and comes out of Washington D.C.. Believe it or not, Red River County is a part of the United States of America just as much as it is, and our County Officials as well as the General Public should wake up and realize that.

You have a right to post your opinion here just like everyone else, but don't shoot the messenger who is only delivering a message, and in this case, that is what I am!!

Thanks for participating and for your opinion, and you are always welcome,

Ernest Henslee

Click here and Read "Lets Talk about Taxes!!"

Citizen Opinion Concerning Previous Opinions!

2/27/2007

It looks like many of the the residents of Red River County are looking around and taking notice of what is going on around them, in particular, what their elected and appointed officials are doing. It just goes to show that you never know who is watching. From the barrage of letters it looks like many people are doing exactly that, watching their local and county officials very closely. (It's about time people began doing that isn't it?)

I've always heard that "Loose Lips Sink Ships" and there are certainly a lot of them. Big Egos love to talk and nondisclosure agreements only work when people honor them. It must be terrible to know that the person you piss off today can be the very same person that sinks your little boat tomorrow. Looks like the clique has a crack.

I, too, am disgusted with the appointment of officials instead of elections. Judging from the volume of letters on that subject, so are many others. And for those who haven't quite realized it yet,
"Come On People, Let the Records speak for themselves. It is all there in black and white" .

I believe we are intelligent enough to elect our own officials, don't you?

In closing I would like to say "Keep up the good work", there are more people that visit your web site than read the local paper.

Know that if they ever try and close you down, I would bet money that two sites spring up to take it's place.

Also:
I would be interested to know what other people think.
How can our political situation be fixed?
What changes should be made?
Will the murder of Al Peek ever be solved? How? or Why not?
Will the information on the disappearance of Jennifer Bench ever come to light?
What information do you have that you should share?

Please do not post my name

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Citizen Opinion on the Central Appraisal District!

2/26/2006

The RR Appraisal District needs to go back to school. Jan Raulston, you have been letting so much money slip through your hands it's not even funny. You have people owning property on the tax rolls that are more than able to pay their fair share of taxes and yet you give them all kinds of ag and homestead exemptions knowing they do not and have not ever leased out their property for cattle/hay, have never had cattle on their property and never will. Hell they don't even keep the pastures mowed for hay. You have deceased people that are still on the tax rolls with exemptions. I do know that when a person dies, the estate doesn't get these same exemptions. Yet one of the former elected officials has several pieces of property that has been handed down to them that continues to have these exemptions. Homesteads are just that. They are someone's primary home. Odd, this person has inherited about 3 different places and yet they all have homestead exemptions. Is this just an oversight???? Think not !!!!!!

You need to get off your butt and do some real appraising. The law says that appraisals are to be fair. There is nothing fair about any of our taxes here in this county.

Remember little girl you was not elected, but you can still be taken out. It's time you get some real people in on the review board instead of goonies that want to keep the "click" satisfied. You are costing the county money everyday that you don't do your job properly.

You are one of the reasons our taxes are so high.

That office is sucking the county dry and yet the commissioners do nothing about it. Since Jan Raulston was not elected she thinks she has no one to answer to. Wrong...... If enough people will raise enough hell with her she'd do a better job.

Folks, let me tell you. When you get a paper in the mail from the Appraisal District before October, they are not sending this to you for a piece of butt wipe, read it,,,, it's telling you that your appraisals are going up. Call them and complain. This is the only way to keep our appraisals from going up.

Till Next Time,

Name Withheld

Citizen Opinion on the State of our County!

2/25/2007

After reading the latest updates today I would like to say I totally agree, Val Varley is a poor excuse for a county attorney. I know for a fact he will not respond to any charges that are brought against the ones that are in his lil chlick . You know as I was reading about punishment Leslie Nix husband got years ago, at least his case was heard and from what I've been told Clarksville Mayor Ann Rushing's nephew never went to court when he was involved over taking a computer, but I bet if there was anyone else involved with him they got punished? It was told Val Varley said there would never be a Kelty prosecuted as long as he was in office. Birds of a feather flock together.

You know if some good honest blood would ever come into office here and do what should have been done years ago our jail would probably be full with our own officials { do you think }? The Queen Bee and commissioner Ward are relatives too aren't they? Hasn't it also been talked that our now Sheriff and his wife met while on duty as a county employees? So much talk, like when Mr. Peek was murdered one of the men that ran for an office then told that he never went anywhere anymore but to work, and not even hunting? Same person was seen going in and out of the area where Mr. Peek was murdered. But I suppose he had an alibi taking Deer hunters into the area? Same person wears a gun still, and is a good ole boy paid by the tax payers.

By the way I read an article in the paper the other day that was concerning the Lake, and it gave Judge L. D. Williamson as being with E. D. C. Is he still a Judge, WAS THAT A MISPRINT or DOES IT JUST SOUND GOOD? This county is in desperate need of New Blood, open honest people to ever make a change for the betterment of our county. People worrying about our Taxes, what will it be if the New School is built? There's not enough students for a new school, and further more as people tried to tell the Mayor and councilmen before the wonderful loop around Clarksville was built how it would kill the businesses here but it was built. Now tell me it hasn't had an affect on this small town? Now they are reworking the Town square, for What? So some people can get their names printed in the paper. Sorta reminds me of a scripture I read the other day like "the outside of a cup may be clean that you can see but the inside is filthy."

There's no wonder why people that used to live here talk about Clarksville as Lil Dixie or Payton Place.

You know if it takes the person that murdered Alton Peek as long to Die as it has for the Murderer to be caught it will be a long drawn out horrible death won't it? God help us all .

Mr. Henslee, please keep up the good work and thank you so much for this Web sight you are a blessing to this county .

Name withheld by request :

Citizen Opinion, from Someone Who Knows our Appointed vs. Elected County Officials!

2/25/2007

They Ain't nothing but a bunch of crooks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Janice Gentry / District Clerk: She is one of the rudest people I know. She should not even be in the position to work for the public. She is definitely not a people person and does not know as much as she thinks she does. If people had of really turned out and voted this last election she would not be in there. Her and her husband have/had a construction company (3G Construction). Have they every paid personal property taxes? They have all these vehicles that have that logo on them and I know he is now in Iraq working, is there still a business here?

Leslie Nix / Tax Assessor: She's been in office for a while, but why is she there? She needs to be put out. We all remember about 10 - 15 years ago, her husband got busted for drugs. Didn't he just get about 10 years probation? That is a real good example of an elected official huh?

Lorie Moose / County Clerk: She's been in office for a while, and she was not appointed. She was elected because the lady that was going to run against her was talked out of it. She is a very nice person, has worked in that office for a very long time and knows a lot about different areas of that office. Recently divorced, talk is that the reason she divorced was not because her hubby had a problem with prescription drugs but because he was about to find her out. (Money)

Val Varley / County Attorney: Do I honestly need to say anything? He's the sorriest excuse of an attorney there is. Talk is he does not conduct himself very professionally in the courtroom (using profanity). With all his affairs he's had in the past and now he's involved with his secretary, Janice Gentry's sister. (Hmmmm. District Clerks sister works for County Attorney, isn't that a conflict somehow ? )

Shirley Anderson / Auditor: Now here we have a very professional lady that knows money. She knows how to hide it very well. Since she's a Mary Kay salesperson, does she pay any taxes on her inventory?

David Barnett / Commissioner: Now here is the prize. Wonder how long it will take before there is a sexual harassment suit filed against him.

Here are just a few of our fine officials. Doesn't this make a county proud.

Name withheld by request

Citizen Opinion on High Taxes and the Reasons the County Government is doing it!

2/25/2007

This is a subject that I could talk about for weeks. Since the county is in business for making money, what better way than to continue raising our taxes. With all the money (about 2 million) that the county has setting in a bank, why do they keep going up on our taxes? Well I'll tell you.....Because the commissioners we have up there keep listening to Shirley Anderson. She keeps telling them that the county doesn't have enough money in case something happens (some kind of disaster). Well folks, that's what the federal government is for. When something drastic happens, they step in and declare a state of emergency and help with funding.

The county keeps going up on taxes to help fund the Appraisal District, and we know what they're doing with the money that they are over charging the entities. They are pocketing it and want to build a fine new building with NEW furniture, computers and copiers. They don't want to help save the taxpayers any money.

The county keeps going up on taxes because there is no one to put a curb on each office's spending. Each office has a budget and believe me they spend every dime that is budgeted. Does any of the commissioners ever look at the PO's that they sign off on and question anything? NO why should they it was in the budget. Let them spend all they want to.

The county keeps going up on taxes because they have a problem with waste. They have too much spending and wastefulness. If you've ever gone to a county auction you can look at the waste. How many computers, copiers, file cabinets and just general office supply furniture do you see? Folks this is waste. This is your money being managed.

The county keeps going up on taxes because they don't know what "conserve" means. Notice the next time you walk into a county office, what's the temperature like? In the summer it's always very very cool, and the winter you never see anyone with a sweater on. It's the counties money let them pay the bills. That's why the electricity bill for the courthouse alone is $5,000.00 + in the winter. Lets keep all the lights on 24 / 7 so the people that live here can see all its glory.

It would be interesting to know how much is spent in 1 budget year on the utilities and office supplies.

True we have commissioners, and their job is county business. Not a one of them ever questions the spending going on. That's why the taxes keep going up.

How do we stop all this nonsense?

First get some commissioners in there that will question some things, Second combine the County Tax Office and Appraisal District so there will be someone that has to answer to the public. Janet Raulston is her own boss. She doesn't have to keep the public happy cause she is not elected. She is appointed. Consolidate these two offices. Third do away with the County Treasurer and her assistant. This is double doing it. Fourth put a lock on the thermostats, turn the lights off at night, take out all the radios, desk fans and anything that is not a must. Your not gona die in the summer if it's 110 outside and the inside temp is 75. One other way to save a little is to let someone be over the ordering of the food at the jail, instead of the one that does it now. He's taking more home to his family than what is staying at the jail.

These are just a few reasons our taxes are so high, and a few simple solutions that would help in the costs of running this county.

Name withheld by request.

Citizen Opinion on County Taxes, Spending, and Elected Official Responsibilities and Actions!

2/18/2007

Mr. Henslee,

I also have been doing a lot of observing as some others have, and really the truth of the matter is if the people of Red River County would go to commissioners court meetings as Mr. Elmer Caton asked all to do the day Mr. Harville was appointed County Judge and speak out, then perhaps the citizens would realize where the county's money is and how much is being spent that could be better managed. I feel each commissioner knows how much they are budgeted for and whether it includes cell phones, gas for personal use, etc. From what I have observed there are several things that could be changed to help reduce the county's cost considerably from gas to utility bills. The back door at the courthouse annex could be fixed to hold the warm heat inside in the winter and cold air in the summer, and thermostats locked on certain degrees and left alone .

As for Mr. Hausler, I really don't see where he finds time to do much of anything as much as I see him in the Courthouse Annex. One would think he works there rather than out doing what needs to be done ?

As you have said unless people are willing to give of their time to attend these meetings then what else do they expect? I know a lot of people have mentioned to me that they don't like to have to be on the agenda to be able to speak on a matter, and really all I can say to that is if you can't stand before your representatives and speak then why talk about it elsewhere? Talk is cheap! And making people put things on the agenda may be the the one thing that is truly done in order ?

I remember a statement Mr. Rufus Ward made of the reason R. R. County needs the New Lake was for a tax base, what have they been using for a tax base till now ? It just don't make sense to buy water from our local stores and it's bottled in Ft, Worth Tx. Will we be buying our water back ? He too uses county gas probably more than he should , expenses could be shortened a lot if all would be made to do so .

You know when I attended city council meetings I as others saw first hand how our city was then run and the same thing happened there, people got to where they would not attend and support their councilman because it seemed decisions had already been made before the meetings , and I can't say for sure as of today whether the city forgives or exempts industries from tax or not , but I did hear some people saying if people wanted to know why our taxes were so high look who all gets exempts. I am for any industry to come into our county and help provide jobs for people , but when we have been on the poverty level as long as our county has been and exempts for this one and that one. Where does that leave the ones that try so desperately to pay their taxes and keep their children in school? { PAYING OTHERS TAXES } MONEY HAS TO COME FROM SOMEWHERE }

When one really looks at our situation as to how much taxes each one pays makes you wonder why our governing officials have let it come to this ?

The question I would like an answer to, Has it been out of greed, power, pure stupidity?

I will say I truly hope the new appointed county Judge will be his own person and do what is best for our county by taking a firm stand and knowing what is right and what is wrong and do what is right without any favoritisms for the betterment of our county and the hard working people of the county .

Name withheld by request

Citizen Opinion on Precinct 4 Commissioner

Joseph (Bobble Head) Hausler

2/17/2007

I've been doing a lot of observing lately and wanted the good people of this county to know a few things:

First of all the people in Precinct 1 have a wonderful commissioner. Rufus Ward is the best person for that job. Sure there has been some controversy in the past, but it's not exactly as people have been hearing. He is not a crook by no means. This is a situation that has been blown out of proportion. I have to admit there are a few things that I do not agree with Mr. Ward on. One being his favoring the Marvin Nichols Lake.

This situations with Mr. Ward all came about when Commissioner Joseph Hausler went to the then Judge Powell Peek. Then He and the Judge went to Val Varley. Now I'm not a rocket scientist or someone that is in the "Click" but I don't understand why Joseph Hausler did this. At the time this all came about Joseph Hausler was going to school on county time to get his surveyors license. He was also working for Royce Hammett Surveying on county time, and helping people with their title work and helping the Appraisal District research deeds. During this time he was hardly ever doing "county" business. Only his business for personal gain.

Now my questions are:

Doesn't he know that everyone knows that he was the one that instigated this whole situation? Has he not been Abusing his Official Capacity?

According to the Texas Association of Counties a commissioners duties do not include any of the above. I can understand if you were doing this for the County's gain and not yours. I know that Hausler monitors this site regularly, and I hope he enjoys reading about all the good that he has done and is doing for Red River County. We all know that he will be running the county until Mr. Harville gets a belly-full, and sets him straight.

I encourage all the tax payers and active voters of Precinct 4 to open your eyes and get a good look at what you have put in a place to take care of your money. Looks like he has spent it very well this past couple of years.

Name withheld by request.

I have been told by more than one person who watches what is happening in our County Government during the week that Joseph has been, and still is working as a surveyor during the time that he is supposed to be working for his constituents. Since you have brought this up is he also using the taxpayers gasoline and transportation to do this private work? If he is, will someone if they see him out surveying take a picture of him with the county truck in the picture so that I can post it on the website. More than one person has complained of him doing this, but I do not have any confirmation or proof that it is really happening, (him driving the county truck doing surveying, we already know that he is surveying). This is why I have seen his crew in the last couple of years working this road so diligently!

I would also like to remind everyone that Hausler was appointed by Judge Peek vs. being elected by the people, so that is the reason he feels no connection to doing what is right for the people in his precinct! He is only interested in the facade that is keeping himself in position.

Ernest Henslee

Let's Talk about the New County Judge!

2/11/2007

I happened to have the pleasure of being in Bogata the other day doing some computer work, and the people I talked to asked me to give Judge Harville a chance. I agreed that I would. I asked what they knew about him, and the couple of people that I talked to did not know much except that he was an retired educator and that he had moved back to Bogata a short time ago. They were excited that the new county judge was from their town. I was disappointed because I always get lunch at BJ's 909 Restaurant, (the food is excellent) but they were closed while they were moving to their new location! My loss!

I understand somewhat where they are coming from. It is always kinda exciting when a person is elected (pardon me,) appointed from your town to a position in the government, even though it is the Red River County Government. The County Judge is the highest elected official in County Government. He actually steers the ship because he is responsible for the budgeting process, the running of the commissioners court, and the County Court at Law. He is the handy man in our County Government. All of the problems that cannot be solved elsewhere are laid on his desk for disposition and resolution. He is also responsible for the image of our County Government when he travels to Austin, etc.

The couple of people that I talked to in Bogata about Judge Harville asked me give Judge Harville a chance, and right now for the most part that is what I am going to do until I see how he performs. I would like to ask a few questions of Judge Harville, and give all of us something to think about.

Judge Harville seems to have a long career as an educator. I for one respect educators, because they are the first step in the building of our way of life. (They are not paid enough for what they do, if they are doing it right!) They teach our young children how to exist, and progress, and most of all how to learn. They give them the knowledge that it takes to succeed in life and, some of them aspire above the norm to achieve the magnificent accomplishments that makes America stand out above the rest!

I would like to examine Judge Harville, to talk to other people about him, the ones that grew up with him, and really knew him. I would like to scrutinize his accomplishments and his career, and listen to the grape vine. I would like to have had the choice that is afforded in other Counties in the State of Texas to cast my vote for the person I felt was the best for the position of County Judge. We voters are not accustomed or afforded the electoral process in Red River County. We pay our taxes, and 3 or 4 people to appoint our elected officials, rather than us as voters exercising our right to vote. Then we voters must discuss the abilities of the appointed one after the fact, without the ability to cast our ballot, or be afforded the representation that elections provide!!

So, after the fact I would like to talk about the credentials that Judge Harville has, and ask a few questions that have been put to me by my readers that have been left unanswered.

First I would like to look at his career as an educator.

1963 Bearden High School 1yr.

1964 Fordyce High School 1yr.

1965 - 1972 Dierks High School 7yrs.

1972 - 1983 Daingerfield High School 11yrs.

1983 - 1985 Gilmer High School 2yrs.

1985 - 1987 Gonzales High School 2yrs.

1987 - 1988 Linden Kildare 1yr.

1988 - 1989 Clarksville 1yr.

1989 - 2003 Henderson 14yr.

If I had been afforded the opportunity as a voter to decide who amongst the candidates I would have voted for, and I looked at this resume, I would have asked Morris, (now Judge) Harville why he moved around so much? I know that when an employer is presented with a resume, or job application that lists this many employers from a person whose career was in this time frame (1963 - 2003) that I would seriously question the applicant as to "why?". Teachers usually move for advancement, and I cannot see that much advancement listed in this resume. I would have to seriously question the underlying situations that caused so much movement between employers. I can see that there was advancement in the time he was at Henderson, but the rest of the time it seems as if all the moves were lateral moves, with no real advancement involved, and 6 of the 9 moves involve 2 years or less at the schools where he was employed. I would like for Judge Harville to answer that specific question. There are a lot of voters in this county who would like this question answered Judge Harville even though you are securely appointed, and even if it is after the fact. These people are your constituents, whether you were elected by them or not, and they are asking this question!! If I had been the 4 Commissioners, I would have sent a representative of the County Government to these schools and asked the question, "Why did Morris Harville leave your employment?" That's too easy though isn't it Commissioners? Maybe all of you know the reason, and it is one that leaves no room for doubt. Then again, maybe all of you know, and it is a bad one but just do not care! The people are waiting for an answer.

I will say that I have heard a disgusting rumor, but as I have told so many of you that have called me, "I will not write or question anything that has no solid evidence to back it up, and this rumor so far is just a rumor and has no solid evidence." I do know that if I were the Judge, that I would respond to the question in the above paragraph to nip this in the bud now!! I also know that if I were a member of the Commissioner's court and I was told about this rumor before the appointment, which I am told that all of you were, that I would have done whatever was necessary to stop the rumor before I voted to appoint someone to the high office of "County Judge".

The Honorable Judge needs the support of the people, so that he can get on with the job of running the government. The rumors need to cease, and they need to cease NOW! We need to have a County Government that is operating for the people, and it cannot operate efficiently under a cloud!

There is another question as to why the Commissioners think that Judge Harville's resume as a coach, history and government teacher, without judicial or budgeting experience was better than Judge Whitehouse's, who has several years of judicial experience on the bench (and who has earned a great deal of respect not just from me but others), or Tommy Vandeaver's who has experience as a CPA, which highly qualifies him with regards to the budgeting process, or T.J. Higgins who was a Clarksville City Judge, and City Manager? What was it that you as Commissioners saw that makes Judge Harville stand out above the rest? The people, your constituents want to know!

If the Commissioner's had done what was right, and held a special election letting the voters decide who our next County Judge was going to be, things would probably be slightly different right now. Although by Commissioner Joseph Hausler's statement that "We don't want anyone who is going to bring industry and Jobs." and other Commissioners who stated they did not want anyone who was going to bring change to the face of this county, that Judge Harville fits right in because he clearly stated that he was not for change, and that he wanted to make the employees of the County Government's jobs better.

The old gripe of mine about appointed officials vs. elected officials still rings true, as is so easily demonstrated by the fact that The Honorable Judge Harville very conspicuously said nothing about making Red River County a better place for the people, or the voters, which make up the very largest group of constituents he is charged to represent.

Lets Talk about Taxes!!

I have been doing some checking and I want you to take a look at some of our surrounding counties tax rates! I am going to back up what I am telling you with the figures straight from the horses mouth with a link at the bottom of this page. These figures are from 2005, but I guarantee you that 2006 figures will be close to the same. These taxes are black and white facts, and not editorial opinion!

In 2005:

Lamar Counties tax rate was 0.4354

Bowie Counties tax rate was 0.309

Titus Counties tax rate was 0.265

Red River Counties tax rate was 0.67166

Lets take a look at Lamar County. They have great places to eat, and stores to shop at, and entertainment. What do we have in Red River County? Not very much! The western part of our county goes to Paris to shop. They also take the Paris News. What is it that we have that they don't have? 0.23626 higher taxes!!!

This means that for every $1,000.00 of valuation on your property you are paying $2.3626 more in taxes than they are paying for theirs!

Now lets take a look at Titus County. They have Mt. Vernon, and Mt. Pleasant. These are progressive towns with places to eat, shop and entertain. What do we have in Red River County? Not very much! The southern part of the county goes to Mt. Vernon, Mt. Pleasant or Paris to shop. What is it that we have that Titus County doesn't have? 0.40666 higher taxes!!! This means that for every $1,000.00 of valuation on your property you are paying $4.0666 more in taxes than they are paying for theirs!!

Now lets take a look at Bowie County. They have New Boston, a nice town, the county seat. They have a super Wal-mart, fast food places, Brookshire's and a progressive town. They also have Texarkana with all the great places to shop, eat, and entertainment. The eastern part of our county goes to New Boston or Texarkana to shop. They also take the Texarkana Gazette What is it that we have that Bowie County doesn't have? 0.36266 higher taxes!!! This means that for every $1,000.00 of valuation on your property you are paying $3.6266 more in taxes than they are paying for theirs!!

Is anyone beginning to get the picture about the Red River County JUST-US Appointed system of Government?

We have a lot of entertainment here. We have the "VV Express", and our great Sheriff's department and law enforcement. We have a progressive Just-Us system! They go out and solve crimes right and left, and Murders..... why they solve murders like no one has ever seen!! If you call them about some theft or such, my lord they race out to your place with lights and sirens blazing and take a report and get your property back to you right away, and if they can't get it back to you right away and don't like what you say, why then they will just threaten you with bodily harm or your life, because you pay $6.7166 per thousand dollars of valuation, and they will get away with it!!

We also have our fine county roads! Our Commissioners have the best heavy equipment like you have never seen, and they work their tails off making sure our county roads are the best!! When there is a disaster, they are there on the spot clearing the road so you can get into town. And if you call them about a huge limb in the road, they come right out and put it in the ditch in front of your house for you to pick up, because they don't have the time to do it!! We also have cheerful appreciative county workers, who love working in this county!! Yes folks, we do have entertainment.

We also have representation here. Our elected officials listen intently to the people!! Why our Commissioners Court is the most efficient Court in the State of Texas at appointing elected officials left and right! They are so fast and efficient at picking an elected official that they don't even have to look at a resume or have a discussion. They leap over the election process in a single bound and appoint someone that the clique can control in a heartbeat!! They can also keep our taxes higher than any other county around us!!

And lets not forget about travel. Why anyone "innocent" or "guilty" can be thrown onto the "VV Express and ridden down the RR County Tracks through the Just-Us System and get their ticket punched to the Big House whether they have a ticket or not!!

Are you entertained sufficiently yet!

Now lets get serious.....

The reason that this county has such high taxes and nothing to show for it is because our government does not listen to the people. They don't have too, because they have control of everything. They set the tax rate at $6.7166 per thousand and take our tax dollars and do (what is it that they do with our tax dollars?) The reason that they do not listen to us is because they have a strangle hold right around our throats. They appoint who they want into the positions that should be elected, and then those appointed officials that should be elected set a tax rate that is $2.3626 per thousand dollars of valuation higher than Lamar Counties rate, $4.0666 per thousand dollars dollars of valuation higher than Titus County, and $3.6266 higher than Bowie counties tax rate.

Is it serious enough for you yet?

Commissioner Joseph (Bobble Head) Hausler made the statement that they don't want business and industry in this county. Why don't they want it? Because industry and business will not stand for a bunch of thieves holding a gun to their heads for taxes, and you will!!! You have no choice. How do you get a choice? Right now all you can do is raise .... with your Commissioners and County Judge. I am working on something that may help, but right now it won't. But you...... that's right, you have to get involved. It is up to you as a citizen and voter to do something. I cannot do it alone. I would like to get some opinions from you the readers, about what is happening here. Also when I bring out what I am working on, everyone needs to be ready to get involved. If you don't....... it will remain the same at $6.7166 or more per thousand dollars of valuation on your property, and while every county around us is enjoying the progression of elected leaders, we will be still enjoying the regressive thinking of our appointed ones. So, do we make a change or just keep letting them do what they do best? Maybe we need a recall or two, or maybe three of some appointed leaders who won't listen. It can be done! Put some honest elected leaders into the positions, and we will find out where all of our money is going!

Was that serious enough for you?

I am still wondering what they are doing with all that extra money?

Do any of you see anything that we have that I am missing? If so, please e-mail me As Soon As Possible, and enlighten me!! Also, without industry and business, we can forget having anything in this county other than not very much and Higher Taxes and Valuation!

I almost forgot the proof. Click here to see it!

P.S. In the 1700's, I believe our founding fathers called this "Taxation without Representation" if I am not mistaken. Something else to also think about: They keep raising valuations on our property, which makes the taxes we pay even higher!! A significant double dip into your back pocket if you get my thought.

The new County Judge is:

Morris Harville, from Bogata!

I will say that this is a surprise, because I really thought that with all the Judicial Experience that Mark Whitehouse had that he would have made it, especially with Bobble Head, and Barnett in his corner. It would be interesting to know what experience the Honorable Judge Harville has that trumped Mark. I have been told that the Honorable Judge is a retired educator.

Congratulations to the

Honorable Judge Harville!!!

P.S. Remember, he was appointed, not elected.

I have also been informed that Mark Perkins has rescinded his application!

Royce Abbott Rescinds Application for County Judge!

Letter filed 2/5/2007 in the County Judges office

To: Red River County

Commissioners Court:

Gentlemen:

Since I am totally opposed to elective offices by appointment it would not be right for me to continue with this process.

I strongly believe that the voters of this county should be able to choose those who are charged with the responsibility of overseeing and managing our government.

I am sure you will agree that a decision made by the minds of many is stronger and more binding than one made by two or three.

With that in mind and after serious consideration I respectfully request that my application for the position of county judge be withdrawn.

Thank You

Respectfully

Royce Abbott

I would like to thank all of you for your Citizen Opinions on 2/4/2007. There were a record of 7 in less than 24 hr. I have had a great day today, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of you! I guarantee that citizen opinions make them nervous because that means people are beginning to talk out in the open! This is what this website is all about! Thank you again for your participation and support!

Ernest Henslee For your information 256 visitors were on the site Sunday!

Citizen Opinion from Patsy Guinn

2/4/2007

I would like to express my opinion after reading Mr. Abbott's letter, him being the honest God fearing person that he is. I for one can understand how concerned he is to know in his heart he is going against something he has been so devoted to doing what is right .

I will say this Mr. Abbott it takes a Big, Big Man to explain your honest opinion as you have and I thank you for that. We need more open honest people like yourself in this county. And I can say yes there may be some that will be disappointed should you win the Judge position and then not fulfill the position, yet people that have ever had the pleasure of knowing you wanted an honest person to be in the open position that you stand a chance to fulfill and I'm sure they will understand. Honest people as you need not worry over changing your mind when you feel this way your supporters will understand. Honesty and pure common sense goes a long way and this county seems to lack a lot of both.

I agree with other readers and ask this question : Why can't we change or create whatever that needs to be done in order to have the Judge's position an elected one ?

Patsy Guinn

Editorial Response

Patsy, First let me say thank you for your opinion, and your participation.

There is nothing in the law that says the Commissioners Court has to appoint the County Judge vs. an election. They could call a special election if they wanted too, but you can bet they won't do it! They don't have the money with all those millions of our tax dollars stuck into investments.

Citizen Opinion on Royce Abbott

2/4/2007

I know for a fact that Mr. Royce Abbott is a fine person. I worked in many newspapers around the Dallas area some 35 years Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, Plano, McKinney, Rowlett, Rockwall & Farmersville -- when he was with the Police Dept. at Wylie, TX and the Sheriff's Dept. in Collin County. Mr. Abbott was very well-known and highly respected, for his integrity, above all else.

My son-in-law, whose parents were Red River County natives, is a 24-year-veteran of one of the Police departments in that area. He knows Mr. Abbott & worked with him on several cases. My son-in-law said "If y'all can get Mr. Abbott in Red River County law enforcement, he will clean that mess up."

I returned to Red River County in 1995 to care for my terminally ill mother and am appalled at the crime that is so rampant here. Each Friday about 3:35 p.m., traffic picks up about 50 percent on my little country road & they are gone about 15 minutes, then back out drugs? I have reported this to authorities with tag numbers, etc. but it still goes on.

Our county law enforcement leaves a lot to be desired, but it's home here to me. I just hope the people of Red River County realize they have rights -- and please exercise them in the next election.
Sincerely,

Name withheld by request

Editorial Response

What law enforcement?

What Election?

Opinion of Concerned Red River County Citizen

2/4/2007

In response to Mr. Abbott's letter,

I don't think Mr. Abbott should rescind his application. I think his application should remain just to prove a point, and that point is-- the commissioners don't want anyone who may buck them in the future.

Concerned Red River County Citizen