Never call or respond to emails from people claiming to be associated with credit cards/financial institutions. Latest phishing attempt claims possible fraudulent activity on Discover Card and asks card holders to call 877-866-2808. If receiving such an email always call 1-800-Discover (the real 800 number and check out the situation.)

Upcominng Battles for J'ville

69 Relief Route Environmental Impact Study

Neches River/Fastrill Hearings
- settled

Schaumberg and Polk has resumed sending out requests to go on property, take soil samples, etc for environmental studies for 69 relief route.

Oral arguments are expected to begin the first week of January in the city of Dallas and the Texas Water Development Board's appeal to overturn a district court ruling made in early September. The new case will be heard in the Fifth District Court of Appeals of Texas.

Phone the House and Senate FREE9

1-866-340-9281 - Ask for a staffer when operator answers.

Dangers of Electronic Car Locks

With the holidays approaching, thieves are targeting cars in lots. Robbers are able to use a device that clone your security code when you lock your doors on your car using your magic keys locking device.. Always lock your car manually to avoid this vulnerability.

Cherokee county Appraisal District

500 Block El Paso Street

View increase in property taxes for the 500 block El Paso Street. You will need to scroll to bottom of page.

Outing Annoying Calls from 1-800-346-4990

My sister who is both on the national do not call list and her state list is being called repeatedly by someone asking to speak to some one she does not know. Unfortunately she shares the same last name as the person they are calling. She suspects caller works for s a collection agency.

The FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) regulates the types of conduct used by collection agencies in collecting debts.

What Types Of Conduct Are Debt Collectors Forbidden To Use?\

Calling you at unusual times or places (earlier than 8 a.m. or later than 9 p.m.). Contacting you at times or places known to be inconvenient to you, such as at work.
Telling people about your debt.
Threatening you with violence.
Using false statements or giving false information about the legal status of your debt.
Harassing you with continuous telephone calls.
Using obscene language.
Calling and not telling you who they are.
Using postcards or return addresses that identify the debt collector.

It is interesting if you are the debtor you are protected. As a non-debtor shouldn't we be granted the same privileges? Although she has returned their calls more than once telling them they have the wrong number she continues to receive calls.

Proposed Relief Route Change

According to the Jacksonville Daily Progress Sunday, March 26 , "The route was recently “slightly changed” to satisfy a land owner in the northern section of the route, Ross said. The alteration will be presented before the Jacksonville City Council for approval in the near future."

Wonder who has the pull to get relief route changed? Obviously not most of the home owners affected.

View Proposed TTC-69 Corridor Study Area Map

Note this map includes Cherokee County

Citizens Against 69 Relief Route Presented Opposition Letters to City Council, Feb. 14, 2006 and to County Commissioners.

Citizens Against Proposed 69 Relief Route presented over 100 opposition letters from the business community to the Jacksonville City Council and Mayor in their regular meeting, Tuesday, February 14, 2006 at 6:00 p.m, Norman Acitivity Center.

Both Tolly Wildcat and Lois Bolton addressed the council. Ms. Bolton's speech to the council included the following:

First I would like to mention the dark cloud that is still over all the real estate in the path of this proposed route for Hwy 69. This cloud causes a loss for the county and the city tax base as well as a decrease in value for the landowner. The opposition is not just from people that will be affected by this Route if you will review the petition there is signatures with address from Rusk, Maydelle, Troup, New Summerfield, Alto as well as in the city of Jacksonville and outside the city. At this time I would like to present to the Mayor and the Council 102 business letters signed by business women and business men most of the business are on N Jackson and S Jackson St. This makes a total of 283 letters signed by citizens and business people. In addition to these letters we have collected an additional 28 signatures on the petition for a total of 626 names on the petition

Jacksonville Daily Progress Story.

69 Relief Route Environmental Map

Environmental Map now available for viewing at Jacksonville City Hall.

Double Whammy to those in 69 Relief Route Path

With Cherokee County residents reeling from potential loss of property due to US 69 Relief Route, they are now being hit with with increased property tax bills. One resident on Toll Smith Rd whose property is in jeopardy reported an 85 percent increase.

These homeowners and landowners are stuck. They can not sell their land under cloud eminent domain.

Deadline for filing property tax protest is June 20.2005.

Citizens Protest Proposed 69 Relief Route
to Jacksonville City Council

About 75 Cherokee County residents voiced opposition to 69 Relief Route at the Jacksonville City Council meeting, Tuesday, March 8th.

Speakers voicing concern included:
Eric Penn of the Richards Law Firm, representing Bacon Auto Country; John Hauk of Olde Towne Antiques; Don Wood, resident of Rolling Hills Edition; Lois Bolton; Edie Brahear; Elaine McDonald; and Mark Ford of Charlotte's Web.

Eric Penn asked that the City Council to withdraw approval of the Relief Route until more info regarding economic impact on businesses and alternatives such as continuing the existing loop were perused.

Lois Bolton presented the Council with 170 letters protesting the Relief Route and a petition with more than 400 signatures.

Edie Brashear asked the Council to publish a full page map of the preferred relief route, meet with citizens of Cherokee County to answer specific questions regarding the route, and expand study done by Schaumberg and Polk, Inc. to include options other than this one option. View complete list of questions.

Information regarding Citizens against the proposed 69 relief route may contact

Edie Brashear – 903-586-2064
Lois Bolton - 903-586-8931

April 12, 2005, End Run by City Council

Concerned Citizens felt like second class citizens as they were diverted to special conference room to meet with Alan Ross of Schaumberg and Polk rather than having the city council members answer the questions given to the City Council at the March 8, 2005 council meeting. This format did not afford the citizens time to read the responses and hear from those from whom they sought input.

My read is council members want to distance themselves as far as possible from the issue. Apparently they do not want the buck to stop with them. Who wants to run for city council? SS

Council Responses

If opposed to the relief route and corridor plan

US 69 Relief Route Petition Information

If you have not signed a petition against the Relief Route or want more information call 903-586-2064 or 903-586-8931.

You can sign the petition at these businesses.

Guinn Plant Farm - HWY 69 South of Jacksonville, 8-5 Mon.-Sat.
Causey Portable Building - HWY 79 West of J'ville, 8-5 Mon.-Fri.
Women's Crisis Center Thrift Store - 700 E. Cherokee, 9-5 Mon.- Fri.
Olde Towne Antiques - 111 N. Bolton, 10-6 Thurs.-Sat., 1-6 Sun.
Lady Jane's Antique Mall - 202 E. Woodrow, 10-5 Tue.-Sat, 1-5 Sun.
Smith Auto Salvage - S. Bolton, 8-5 Mon.-Thurs., 8-12(noon) Sat.
Jacksonville Tool & Die - 1044 E. Loop 456, 8-5 Mon.-Fri.

Study Done by Schaumberg and Polk, Inc.
Consulting Engineer
111 N. Spring Ave.
Tyler, Texas 75702
Project Contact: Allen Ross, P. E.
Phone: 903-595-3913
Fax: 903-595-2093
E-mail Allen Ross

My Concerns Regarding 69 Relief Route

It will hurt downtown Jacksonville and existing businesses.
Due to the limited access plan, existing fast food, gas stations etc can not move to Relief Route and establish viable businesses.
It will divide peoples property in some cases making it difficult to go from property East to the Relief Root and that to West of Route.
It may not work to relieve traffic congestion. What citizens want is a loop which provides access to business to be developed along it. The limited access/toll road scenario may not significantly relieve traffic (localites will not want to use if it is a toll road) and will be inconvenient to use due to limited access.
It will cost an arm and a leg to build.
It will decrease the Cherokee County tax base.
It will deprive people of their land and housing.
It will result in a double expense and double loss of land. Even if relief route is built there is still a need for and desire for a loop. Why go to the double expense and double loss of land to build both a relief route and a loop when a loop would serve for traffic abatement and allow for commercial development?