By Scott Harvey

Sulphur Springs – For the second time this week, a fire has destroyed a Sulphur Springs structure.

This time it was the garage of a house on Woodside Lane, where the electricity has been cut off.

The fire is believed to have started because extension cords had been connected to the truck to provide electricity into the home, and likely overloaded.

A pickup inside the garage was also destroyed, but firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading into the house.

By Brad Kellar

Hunt County – A Mesquite man is found guilty of capital murder.

John William Trotman III was found guilty Wednesday in connection with the November 2007 death of Ryon Rhoden, of Greenville.

As prosecutors were not seeking the death penalty in the case, Trotman was automatically sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The jury deliberated for five hours Wednesday before returning the guilty verdict following a three-day trial.

By Scott Harvey

Celeste – Another area school has closed due to a high absentee rate, bringing the number of school closures in the region to five this week alone.

Celeste ISD has cancelled classes for the remainder of the week, including next Monday. The announcement comes a day after Campbell, Trenton and Como-Pickton ISD's announced closings because of high absenteeism. Boles ISD has been closed since Tuesday.

By Scott Harvey

Tyler – Tyler Police last night cancelled an amber alert for 13-year-old Erika Faith White, who had last been seen at a Richardson IHOP early Tuesday.

White, and her alleged abductor, 18-year-old Blake Austin Miller, were found early Wednesday evening in Fort Worth. Police say Miller has mental issues and is known to carry knives.

White was taken into protective custody and Miller was arrested on a kidnapping warrant issued by Tyler police.

By Scott Harvey

Tyler – Tyler Police have issued an amber alert for 13-year-old Erika Faith White, who was last seen at the Richardson IHOP at Central Expressway and Spring Valley Road early Tuesday.

White is reportedly in the custody of 18-year-old Blake Austin Miller.
Miller was described as a white male 5'-6" tall, 140 lbs., with brown hair and green eyes and severe acne. Erika is said to have blond hair and blue eyes, stands 5'-2" tall and weighs 105 lbs.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Commerce Police are reporting the recent arrest of two individuals for illegal narcotics following traffic stops.

48-year-old Ron Edward Reed was found in possession of two to four ounces of marijuana in a Drug Free Zone, or within 1000 feet of City Park. Reed's bond was set at $15,000.

A separate traffic violation led to the arrest of 33-year-old Martin Jimenez, of Greenville, who had apparently just spend time in jail the previous night.

Hear Scott Harvey's exclusive interview with Coach Schneider from October 7, 2009.

Darren Schneider, A&M-Commerce Men's Track and Field Coach

By Scott Harvey

Paris – A Paris man is charged with eight counts, five drug-related, following the issuance of a warrant and his arrest yesterday.

26-year-old Jermaine Deon Ellis is said to have fled police on foot before later found hiding in a shed. Upon arrest, Ellis was found to be in possession of less than two ounces of marijuana, and crack cocaine all in a drug free zone.

By Scott Harvey

Texas State Board of Education candidate visits Commerce; Commerce joins elite group as "StormReady" community; Testimony ends in Hunt County murder trial; North Texas man receives prison time in local forgery case; More area school districts closing due to flu absences; Paris High School Assistant Principal receives honor; Sulphur Springs ISD receives major grant; Fire destroys home in Sulphur Springs; New director named for Paris Junior College-Greenville campus.

By Scott Harvey

Sulphur Springs – A Sulphur Springs residence is destroyed Tuesday afternoon following a fire on West Oaks Circle.

No injuries were reported from the blaze.

Firefighters report the home was completely engulfed in flames upon arrival. A cause for the fire has not been determined.