By Brad Kellar

Hunt County – A new grand jury is expected to release more indictments this week.

The latest edition of the Hunt County grand jury begins its service Friday, as local prosecutors are scheduled to present evidence in felony cases for consideration by the 196th District Court.

The jury will begin a six-month term running through June, with hundreds of new indictments expected to be presented during the period.

The previous grand jury returned 359 indictments during its term between June and December of last year.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – Thursday's annual installation banquet of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and Board of Development is virtually sold out.

The Chamber's Darla Baker said Tuesday that only a handful of tickets remain for the event, which will feature a preview of the 2011 Super Bowl and the naming of Greenville's next "Super" Citizen.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Jury selection begins Tuesday in Wood County District Court for the murder trial of Justin Tad Payne.

He's charged with the 2007 murders of his wife and step-son, who were found shot to death at their home north of Quitman.

The crime was initially thought to be a murder-suicide. Prosecutors would later come to believe Payne killed his wife and framed his step-son by making it appear the boy had committed suicide.

By Scott Harvey

Bonham – Charges against a Fannin County man whose pit dogs attacked and mauled two people in 2008 have been dropped.

John Hardy Taylor reportedly had four pit bulls in the back of his truck when two of them jumped out and attacked 44-year-old Judy Pless and an 11-year-old girl who was riding her bike nearby. Both were flown to Dallas hospitals. The injuries were not life threatening.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – A Commerce business is hoping to retrieve its license after having it revoked following a New Year's Day shooting.

The City Council will hold a public hearing tonight regarding an appeal of a dance hall license at The Lodge.

By Brad Kellar

Hunt County – Two missionaries, who died from injuries sustained during last week's earthquake in Haiti, have ties to Hunt County.

Rev. Clinton Rabb once lived in Wolfe City and graduated from the high school, while Jean Arnwine had relatives who live in the Celeste area.

Arnwine was part of an assembly affiliated with Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas who were volunteering at a clinic in the village of Petit Goave (Go-Aahv). Although Arnwine was rescued from the site, she died of her injuries Friday.

By Scott Harvey

Tyler – Two more East Texas church have been heavily damaged by fire.

Firefighters battled a blaze at the First Church of Christ, Scientists in Tyler for several hours Sunday night. Saturday night's fire at Tyland Baptist Church in Tyler started in the church's sanctuary, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

There were no repots of any injuries from either blaze. AFT agents are helping to investigate all 7 of the recent church fires.

By Scott Harvey

Rockwall County – A former Rockwall County official is scheduled to be released from jail this week and begin his parole.

Former District Attorney Ray Sumrow was convicted of stealing government property in June, 2008 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Sumrow had served as district attorney for 22 years before resigning.

By Scott Harvey

Sulphur Springs – Bank officials and civic leaders in Sulphur Springs are teaming up in an effort to raise $25,000 for the people of Haiti.

Former Sulphur Springs Mayor Valanderous Bell, who now leads the Nehemiah Foundation, organized the effort called Hearts for Haiti.

Presidents of all five local banks, within 24 hours of the effort being organized, promised to handle donations from local businesses and residents for the American Red Cross.

By Scott Harvey

Emory – An East Texas man over the weekend killed after being run over on Highway 19 just south of Emory.

Reports show 27-year-old Dusty Gene Wilson, of Madisonville, was attempting to retrieve furniture that had fallen off his pickup when he was struck by an SUV. Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene.

No charges have been filed against the driver.