By Scott Harvey

Commerce aggravated assault suspect seeking bond reduction; Campbell murder sentencing postponed; Sandwich shop may still come to Greenville; Commerce conducts first of five budget workshops Thursday; Fannin County selects tax assessor-collector; Number of pot plants descovered in Sherman.

By Brad Kellar

Commerce – A reduction in bond is being sought in a Commerce aggravated assault case.

29-year-old James Christopher Simpson remains jailed on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is now seeking to have his $55,000 bond reduced, an attorney appointed, or both. A hearing on the items are set for Thursday, July 23.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – A major project in Greenville is set to break ground today.

The Greenville Electric Utility System (GEUS) will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the company's new electric generating plant. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. outside the current GEUS Steam Power Plant on Power Lane.

By Brad Kellar

Campbell – Sentencing in a Campbell murder case is postponed.

A new sentencing date has yet to be announced for 31-year-old James Ray Brown, Jr., although a status hearing is set for August 3.

Brown had previously entered an open plea of guilty to one count of murder in connection with the shooting death of his wife. 28-year-old Avis Baker Brown was killed with a shotgun at the couple's residence near Campbell in October, 2008.

Brown is facing a maximum sentence of from five to 99 years to life in prison.

Principals for Commerce High School and Middle School sit down with The Blend.

Virdie Montgomery and Patrick Just

Principals for Commerce High School and Middle School sit down with The Blend.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – A ribbon cutting is scheduled in Commerce Thursday at the Healthy Glow Tanning Salon, located at 2540 Mangum in the shopping center.

The business provides tanning, retail clothing, jewelry, hair products and skin care products. DeAnn Ashley is the owner.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which takes place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – Loosemeat sandwiches may still be coming to Greenville.

It was about 12 months ago the Iowa-based chain Maid-Rite Corporation announced plans for opening its first outlets in Texas, specifically Greenville.

By Scott Harvey

Paris – One of two people arrested during yesterday's protest in Paris remained in jail as of Wednesday morning.

25-year-old Cory Turk was in the Lamar County Jail at last report. Turk, along with 18-year-old Billy Foster were both arrested and charged with disorderly conduct by language Tuesday. Foster was not in custody upon checking with a jail official.

According to Paris Police Lieutenant Danny Huff, no injuries ensued from the protest, which lasted from 10 a.m. to around 2 p.m. Tuesday.

This Day in History: Wednesday, July 22, 2009.

This Day in History: Wednesday, July 22, 2009.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – The City of Commerce has agreed to a change in tariffs with Atmos Energy Corporation, resulting in a 15 cent per month rate increase for the average residential customer.

The decision was approved Tuesday during the city council's regular session.