By Brad Kellar

Greenville – A Greenville woman has pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide in connection to the death of an infant in 2008.

Christina Rene Rodriguez was arraigned Thursday. An interim hearing in the case was set for December 21. Rodriguez was arrested earlier this month and was being held in the Hunt County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bond.

By Brad Kellar

Hunt County – The current edition of the Hunt County Grand Jury ends its term today of issuing indictments for consideration by the 354 District Court. Several recent criminal cases, including a murder and a bank robbery, may be reviewed by the panel.

They include the case of Caddo Mills resident Randall Douglas Smith, who's charged with the murder of Gregory Poteet, also of Caddo Mills in September.

By Scott Harvey

Miller Grove – A ranch rodeo is scheduled for this weekend in Miller Grove with proceeds to benefit Fran Christian Sparks, who is currently undergoing treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Friends and family are requesting a $5 admission charge to the event, with the money to go toward medical costs. Children six and under get in free.

By Scott Harvey

Ladonia – A number of events are scheduled in Ladonia this weekend to celebrate Christmas and the season for giving.

The "Giving before Getting" Christmas event features the city's annual parade, blood drive to honor all military personnel and their families, plus Toys for Tots gift donation, where participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or non perishable food item.

Ladonia Chamber of Commerce President Chris Porter says the event's theme was created with the idea of selflessness in mind.

Bobby sits down with The Morning Blend on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009.

Bobby Aikin Breakdown

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – The Greenville Board of Development will continue to operate under little change following a meeting Tuesday.

Three familiar names will continue as members of the board next year.

Current Board chairman Mike Taylor was re-appointed to the position Tuesday by the City Council, which will be his fourth consecutive term at the position. Steve Reid in Place 6 and Jerry Grady in Place 7, whose terms were schedule to expire this month were re-appointed also during Tuesday's meeting.

By Brad Kellar

Commerce – The City of Commerce has denied allegations raised in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a slain code enforcement officer.

The city claimed sovereign immunity from liability in its response filed last week to the suit from Donavan and Marissa Walker, the surviving children of Michael "Pee Wee" Walker. Attorney's Dan Kelly, of Austin, and Jim McLeroy of Sulphur Springs also said the city itself was not the responsible party in the suit.

A hearing was scheduled for Wednesday but reset.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – The Greenville City Council Tuesday approved an industrial development agreement with FSTI rather than annex the business into the city limits.

In exchange the company will make an annual payment to the city and provide other considerations.

Jarrod joins The Morning Blend on Wednesday, Dec. 9 to preview his appearance in Commerce that evening at The Club in the A&M-Commerce Sam Rayburn Student Center.

Jarrod Harris, Comedian

Farmersville – A Farmersville couple is forced to leave their home after the city decides their geo-thermal system which uses city water to heat their home, is illegally connected.

WFAA-TV reports Rex and Sherry Thain were approved of the connection 10 years ago by the former City Manager, but the new one doesn't approve. The city said it violates ordinances and the safe drinking water act.

Now the Thains have had to disconnect the device, which means no heat over the winter season.