COMMERCE – Commerce City Attorney Jim McLeroy is expected to release findings this week to council members concerning an investigation of possible monies owed.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – Jonathan Wade Purcell, of Cumby, is to face a tentative trial date of February 21 on the charge.

Purcell was alleged to have allowed a male child to cross U.S. Highway 69 numerous times while he and a female victim fought on Oct. 22.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – A Commerce teenager has pleaded not guilty to assaulting two police officers while rollerblading through the city's Wal-Mart.

17-year-old Michael Don McGinnis received two indictments in the case for the April 19 incident.

During a hearing last Thursday, McGinnis entered the not guilty plea and a judge set a tentative trial date for May 2.

By Brad Kellar

Texarkana – A state appeals court has affirmed the capitol murder conviction and life prison sentence for Brandon Dale Woodruff, of Royse City, for the 2005 murder of his parents.

The Six District Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in the case in October during a special session in Bonham.

Their decision was handed down on Friday. Woodruff was found guilty in 2009 for the slaying of his parents, Dennis and Norma Woodruff.

By Scott Harvey

Austin – As the colder weather makes for sometimes dangerous road conditions, motorists are encouraged to prepare their vehicles before the next winter storm hits.

Long before the temperatures outside began to fall TxDOT maintenance crews were installing, servicing and calibrating the vehicles and heavy equipment needed to keep the roadways clear in preparation for snow and ice.

By Scott Harvey

Sulphur Springs – The Sulphur Springs City Council Tuesday is scheduled to discuss the approval of a second reading prohibiting truck traffic downtown, among other items.

The change in truck routes falls in line with the city's current conversion from one-way traffic to two-way traffic through the square.

The layout will be similar to the block of Main Street that was renovated two years ago, and is being designed to promote more business and pedestrian traffic downtown, rather than just thru traffic.

By Scott Harvey

Gilmer – Former Sulphur Springs resident Miguel Espinal-Gomez is to serve life in prison without parole, following a plea deal recently reached.

The 26 year old Gomez, an illegal immigrant from Honduras, admitted to fatally stabbing 36 year old Danny Clark and Clark's 35-year-old paraplegic wife, Sabrina in Gilmer earlier this year.

District Attorney Billy Byrd said the victims' families agreed to the plea bargain.

By Scott Harvey

– The City of Greenville has been selected as a National Award Winner for its participation in the 27th Annual National Night Out (NNO) program.

The National Association of Town Watch issued the designation, for the event that took place on August 3rd.

This year's event involved 37 million people from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U. S. territories and military bases worldwide. Greenville placed 28th for cities with populations of between 15,000 and 50,000.

By Scott Harvey

Quinlan – An entire herd of 75 white tail deer on a private ranch near Quinlan were to be killed off Monday by state officials due to their supposed threat to wildlife and livestock.

Game wardens say the captive and privately bread whitetail deer could be infected with chronic wasting disease, which is similar to mad cow disease. There have been a handful of cases in other states.

By Scott Harvey

Bonham – It's being called a bittersweet ending for Fannin County Sheriff Kenneth Moore who, on January 1, will resign from his post after six years if office.

In an interview with KXII-TV, Moore said that while he has enjoyed his time as sheriff, he is leaving because he has been unable to get his deputies what he calls a "living wage," a goal he set out for himself when he took over.

According to Moore, starting pay at $23,000 a year is unacceptable.