Commerce – Commerce Independent School District administrators celebrated Tuesday as the much-awaited accountability ratings were released by the Texas Education Agency.

With increased scores on the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills), the District maintained its Academically Acceptable rating but increased Commended Performance in all areas to Recognized and Exemplary levels.

By Scott Harvey

Sulphur Springs – Brian Chadwick Martin has pleaded guilty to seven counts of online solicitation of a minor. He's opted to have a jury determine his punishment.

Martin's trial began Tuesday in Sulphur Springs, where he also entered not guilty pleas to two counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer.

By Scott Harvey

Quitman – The East Texas man arrested earlier this year for cruelty to animals has been extradited back to Louisiana.

Damon James Heynen was arrested when authorities seized nearly 80 snakes from his property in Quitman.

Heynen, who was originally arrested under the name David Beauchemin, is also wanted on 21 felony warrants for animal cruelty in Louisiana. Wood County authorities say his charges in Texas remain open.

By Scott Harvey, Brad Kellar

Greenville – Dozens gathered Tuesday night in Greenville to remember the life of two-year-old Brandon Herrera, an alleged victim of abuse found dead Sunday.

Authorities have charged Herrera's caregivers, 23-year-old Arturo Vega and 22-year-old Gabriela Ortiz, both of Campbell, with murder.

Pastor Steve Lawson spoke of hope during the event.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – It is unlikely the Grand Jury will be considering any indictments regarding the capital murder charges filed against Arturo Vega and Gabriela Ortiz, involving the death of two-year-old Brandon Herrera, given the short time frame.

However, three other homicide cases are awaiting consideration.

They include Noel Woods, of Wills Point, who is currently out on bond in the alleged Christmas Eve shooting death of Alexander Bugg, also of Wills Point.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – Capital murder charges have been levied against 23-year-old Arturo Vega and 22-year-old Gabriela Ortiz in the death of a young boy.

Two-year-old Brandon Herrera was found dead Sunday near Campbell, having reportedly suffered from blunt force trauma. Authorities say autopsy results are pending but preliminary results could be available by the end of the week.

The two suspects are being held in the Hunt County Jail in lieu of $2 Million bond each.

By Staff reports

Greenville – Authorities Tuesday morning were still working to charge the caregivers in connection to death of a two-year-old boy, found Sunday in the back of a vehicle.

A 21-year-old male and female told authorities they were transporting Brandon Herrera to a local hospital, but Hunt County Chief Deputy Joe Knight says the child had been dead for some time after receiving massive blunt force trauma.

By Scott Harvey

Bonham – The Grayson County College campus in Bonham does not have the traffic they need to pay for the cost of classes.

The school reports that only three full-time students are currently enrolled.

GCC says they will remain in the Rayburn Collegiate Center until the end of their lease in March of 2012. They will continue to offer GED, adult Basic Ed and small business services until end of their lease, and then hope to offer classes in Bonham High School.

By Scott Harvey

Hunt County – The Texas Department of Transportation has teamed with A.K. Gillis & Sons for the restoration, widening and grading of FM 1568 from just east of Highway 24/50 to FM 3218. The contract was let for $958,299.46.

They will start setting project barricades and signs and begin work Wednesday, with an anticipated completed date of January 2012.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – The Commerce ISD on Monday approved an increase to the cost of school breakfast and lunch for the upcoming school year, as required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

The Act requires schools to provide the same level of support for students not eligible for free or reduced price meals as they provide for students who qualify for free or reduced price meals.