Luke gives and outdoors round up this week and Larry Weishuhn drops by for a visit.

By Scott Harvey

Austin – A Northeast Texas man has been appointed executive director of the Texas Democratic Party.

Bill Brannon, of Sulphur Springs, has been involved professionally in politics for more than 30 years and been part of more than 150 campaigns at all levels during that time. He currently serves as Deputy Political Director for Party Operations.

Brannon's appointment becomes effective July 1. Outgoing TDP Executive Director Ruben Hernandez will transition out at the end of July.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – Tuesday's unanimous vote also means crews will widen the roadway with concrete, rather than asphalt.

Approximately 5,000 vehicles use the thoroughfare every day, which runs between Jack Finny Boulevard and Wesley St.

Cumming Construction of Sulphur Springs was the lowest bidder on the project. The improvement plan is calling for a four lane, 48-foot wide roadway with curb and gutter and underground storm, sewer and drainage.

Work will likely begin this fall and take about a year to complete.

By Brad Kellar

Lone Oak – High fire danger has prompted one Northeast Texas city to issue a burn ban, despite the fact that no area counties have made the switch.

The City of Lone Oak on Tuesday enacted the emergency ban on outdoor burning as a result of the continued dry conditions. The ban affects all residents within the city limits and a half mile radius outside the city. A timetable for the ban is indefinite.

By Scott Harvey

Sulphur Springs – A missing person report from Sulphur Springs has authorities there searching for a 34-year-old woman, last seen on Thursday.

Melissa McVay Darling has blonde hair, green eyes and is approximately 5' 6" tall. Police have entered her information into national and state databases for missing persons.

The last time she was seen was at the Super Handy Convenience Store on College Street, adjacent to the First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs.

Commerce – After more than two years under Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection, the reorganization of Williams Motors in Commerce is complete. Company President and CEO Wyman Williams announced the business will now operate under the name Commerce Chevrolet Buick.

Don Morell and David Portell, who combined have nearly 50 years experience in vehicle sales, will now serve as the majority partner and managing partner, respectively.

By KETR staff

Delta County – Authorities have identified the body of a Delta County woman, found dead after a house fire in the Charleston Community early Tuesday morning.

The brick three bedroom home was reportedly fully engulfed in flames upon arrival by emergency crews.

According to Justice of the Peace Chuck Reed, who is also a fire captain, the body of 70 year-old Gloria Kirkpatrick was found after extinguishing the fire. Kirkpatrick, who lives alone, is the mother of two grown children.

By Scott Harvey

Bonham – A federal grant has enabled the Bonham Fire Department to purchase a new fire engine, without forcing taxpayers to suffer the brunt of the cost.

A $273,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency only required a five percent match from the city.

According to Fire Chief Brad Nichols, the station's old engine was in service for 20 years and the new engine will help save more work for firefighters and make a safer environment for them to work in, and residents to live.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – One of two suspects in the February murder of a Greenville man has pleaded not guilty. Bernard Dale Kelly Jr. entered the plea Monday.

His alleged co-actor, Tyrone Laron McCurdy, is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday. Both men remain in custody at the Hunt County Jail following their arrest for the alleged murder of Treybbian Leekey Nelson.

Another suspect, a juvenile whose name has not been released because of his age, has also been arrested in connection to the murder.

By Scott Harvey

Paris – The Lamar County Grand Jury has formally charged two men on separate murder charges after meeting last Friday.