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Toys for Tots campaign begins in Texoma

Last Updated: 5:31 PM 12/02/08 - It's that time of year again. See how your donation of a new, unwrapped toy can bring smiles to the faces of Texoma's children this holiday season. Click on Full Story for details. (Full Story)
Eye on Education: Admission cuts

Last Updated: 11:18 AM 12/02/08 - State budget cuts mean public universities will be accepting fewer students than in years past. CBS News' Bill Whitaker has more in our Eye on Education report. (Full Story)
Living Lean After Thanksgiving

Last Updated: 11:00 AM 12/02/08 - Fitness expert Jimmy Rosser from Nautilus Sport & Fitness was in studio to show you how pop squats can jump start shedding those Thanksgiving pounds, and nutritionist Tori Park shows you how to turn those Thanksgiving leftovers into a healthy salad. (Full Story)
The Power of Prayer- Conner's Story

Last Updated: 10:06 AM 11/25/08 - It's been over two years since little Conner was severely injured in a wreck that killed his father and brother. This morning we look at how far this little guy has come. He's now kicking and moving his arms, even though doctors said it wouldn't be possible. (Full Story)
Cooking with Cathy: The Thanksgiving Bird

Last Updated: 10:42 AM 11/26/08 - Every year, Chef Cathy Zeis and our Lisanne Anderson prepare a turkey. They've shown you how to prep the bird for the oven. Now it's time to show you how to cook it and serve it.
(Full Story)
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Tax break rescinded for Carter Co. clergymen Save Email Print
Posted: 6:21 PM Jun 3, 2008
Last Updated: 6:33 PM Jun 3, 2008
Reporter: Robin Beal
Email Address: robin.beal@kxii.com

A | A | A

CARTER COUNTY, Okla. -- Clergymen in Carter County are now required to pay property taxes on their privately-owned homes, after a decision was handed down late last week by the county equalization board. Robin Beal reports.

The issue has sparked controversy in recent weeks, as county tax assessor Kim Cain raised questions about a long-standing practice in Carter County to provide property tax exemptions for homes owned by religious leaders themselves.

Parsonages, or homes owned by churches, are not subject to the new policy. The churches simply allow the minister to live there. This deals with privately owned homes.

Carter County had been the only county in the entire state of Oklahoma to exempt professional ministers from having to pay taxes on their personal homes, but it hasn't always been that way. The exemption was first offered in 1996.

Now, the official decision from the county equalization board says if you're a pastor, and you own your own home, you now have to pay taxes on that home.

"In the Attorney General's opinions that I got it to me clearly stated that what should be exempt was the parsonages and not the personally-owned home by the pastor," Carter County assessor Kim Cain says.

Cain says this new taxation policy is expected to bring in around $35,000 each year.

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Posted by: Mork Location: Ork on Jun 5, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Jesus likes Ceasar Salid?

Posted by: Mom Location: Oklahoma on Jun 4, 2008 at 03:03 PM
It is about time. Most ministers are given a housing allowance anyway. They should have to pay taxes just like everyone else.

Posted by: boo-boo Location: ardmore on Jun 4, 2008 at 08:55 AM
I agree with ardmoreite. For too many years this town has been run by folks with only their own best interests in mind. I have been waiting for years for these bad eggs to retire and fade away (of course they made sure their pockets were well padded with hard working peoples money before they left). Now maybe we can start enjoying our city the way it was intended.

Posted by: Anon Location: Ardmore on Jun 4, 2008 at 08:11 AM
When Jesus was asked about his view on paying taxes, he said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s." Matthew 22:21. I'm not sure what he had to say about the subsequent whining that ensued.

Posted by: ardmoreite on Jun 3, 2008 at 08:07 PM
It amazes me that the exemption was legal to begin with...anyone that has lived in the Ardmore area for any length of time knows exactly who was the assessor at that time...and what his motivation was..

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In The Community
Help spread holiday cheer to Texoma's seniors

Last Updated: 3:39 PM 12/01/08 - Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with The Area Agency on Aging, The Sherman Dialysis Center and local Home Health companies to collect names of Seniors in need this holiday season. These are Seniors who might not get a Christmas otherwise. (Full Story)
Toys for Tots campaign begins in Texoma

Last Updated: 5:31 PM 12/02/08 - It's that time of year again. See how your donation of a new, unwrapped toy can bring smiles to the faces of Texoma's children this holiday season. Click on Full Story for details. (Full Story)
Senior Beware

Last Updated: 2:30 PM 11/24/08 - Lindsey Pledger Bolin, the Ombudsman for the Area Agency on Aging of Texoma, works with the nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Grayson, Fannin, and Cooke County. She takes an active role as an advocate for the seniors’ rights and quality care and resolves residents’ complaints in their facilities. She spoke with Nicole Holt on First News at Noon. (Full Story)
Local church collecting gift-filled shoe boxes for kids for the holidays

Last Updated: 11:48 AM 11/18/08 - SHERMAN, TX ― The holidays are right around the corner and local churches are asking for donations so that children will receive gifts this holiday season. Hagerman Baptist Church is accepting donations of gift-filled shoe boxes. (Full Story)
The Buzz: What's Happening In Texoma
Our community happenings page is updated every day. Click on 'Full Story' for more. (Full Story)
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