Scott Harvey

PLANO - The University flag at A&M-Commerce is at half staff Wednesday in honor of James L. “Jim” Toler, who died February 18 in Plano after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

SULPHUR SPRINGS - Like most major employers, a company downsizing not only means a loss in jobs but a major hit to the local property tax roll.

COMMERCE - The City of Commerce is the latest Hunt County entity to sign off on a draft transportation plan that will guide the region for the next few decades.

FANNIN COUNTY - The whereabouts of an escaped inmate from Fannin County were still unclear as of Wednesday morning after the man apparently took off in a county employee’s vehicle the day before.

The Boles, Cooper, Dodd City, Ector, Paris, Saltillo and Trenton boys basketball teams have all advanced to the Area Round of their respective class by winning their bi-district matchup Tuesday night.

Bonham, Clarksville, Roxton and Yantis each had a bye in the first round.

Teams that failed to advance Tuesday night were Greenville, Honey Grove, Leonard, Royse City, Sulphur Bluff and Wills Point.

The Area Round of the high school basketball playoffs takes place February 23-25. 

FANNIN COUNTY - A Fannin County Jail inmate remained on the loose this afternoon after he reportedly escaped a work detail Tuesday morning. 

COMMERCE - Texas A&M University-Commerce is reporting another increase in enrollment for the spring semester, marking an all time high for this time of year. 

FANNIN COUNTY - The Fannin County woman found deceased along the side of Highway 11 Sunday morning has been identified. 

COMMERCE - Commerce ISD Board of Trustees Monday took time to recognize the Lady Tiger basketball team, who finished Bi-district Champions in 3A. The Tigers defeated Gainseville 57-46 on February 13 to claim the honor.

COMMERCE - Officials at Texas A&M University-Commerce have scheduled three public hearings to address a proposed increase in designated tuition for the 2013 and 2014 academic year.