By Scott Harvey

– A report from the U.S. Census Bureau finds area counties responding to the government's questionnaire fall in line with the national average.

As of Monday, the participation rate was 34 percent nationwide.

Area counties either equaling or exceeding that rate by one or two percentage points were Hopkins, Fannin, Lamar and Wood counties, with Rockwall County posting the region's highest participation rate at 37 percent.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – More changes are expected this week to traffic along Interstate 30 in Greenville. Motorists are about to have a new way of exiting onto U.S. Highway 69 and/or Business Highway 69D.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced a new exit ramp is scheduled to open Tuesday, weather permitting.

It will impact how westbound drivers are able to access the highway, which is also referred to as Joe Ramsey Boulevard and Moulton Street.

By Brad Kellar

Commerce – Aggravated assault indictments have been returned in connection to a New Year's Day shooting in Commerce.

25-year-old Carlos Anthony Mahr, of Garland, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing bodily injury.

Alice discusses newly released movies, like How To Train Your Dragon

Alice Reese reviews limited release films, including How To Train Your Dragon, Chloe, and City Island.

Host Scott Harvey welcomes guest Mandy Griffith to discuss internet safety among students. Our Friday feature explores the benefits of Angel Food Ministries in the region.

The Lead: Friday, December 11, 2009

By Brend Lyday

Commerce – Gail Johnston, Texas A&M University-Commerce associate library director, has been appointed to the Texas Library Association Leadership Development Committee by president-elect Maribel Castro. She will begin her three-year term on April 17.

"We are very proud that Gail Johnston has been asked to serve in this statewide effort," said Dr. Dan Jones, A&M-Commerce president. "Her appointment is yet another indication of the fact that the faculty and staff of A&M-Commerce are leaders in their profession."

By Scott Harvey

Troup – Another incendiary device has been located in an east Texas mailbox, bringing the count to more than 20 across the region in the past couple of weeks.

The latest incident was reported in Troup, located near Tyler.

A postal worker reportedly found the suspicious device, which is being described as crudely-made pipe bomb. The Post Office, nearby city hall and Methodist church were evacuated.

The ATF is now investigating the incident.

By Scott Harvey

Paris – The local economy took another hit Thursday, as Sara Lee Bakery Group announced plans to lay off more than half its employees at its Paris plant later this year.

The Paris News reports approximately 260 employees will lose their jobs, but a specific time frame for their release was not given.

This comes on the heels an announcement by Smackers', who plan to close its Folgers plant in Sherman next spring, leaving 100 people out of work.

By Brad Kellar

Quinlan – A baseball bat is alleged to have been used in an assault in Hunt County.

Steven Bryan Wells, of Quinlan, pleaded not guilty Thursday to a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The incident in question took place in May 2008.

Wells was the subject of an indictment issued sealed in February by the Hunt County Grand Jury. He was alleged in the indictment to have struck another man with a baseball bat during the incident.

An interim hearing has been set for April 21.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – A not guilty plea is heard in a felony criminal mischief case where a vacant Greenville hotel and multiple vehicles were damaged.

18-year-old Christopher Gutierrez, of Greenville, was arraigned on the charge Thursday in the amount of more than $1,500, but less than $20,000.

According to the indictment, Gutierrez removed two sections of roof tiles from a building at 2612 Washington Street in Greenville in June, 2008 and then struck four motor vehicles with the tiles.