By Scott Harvey

Cumby – A Cumby man has died from injuries sustained during a fire at his home early Monday morning.

Police discovered the fire after being dispatched to the home of Bernie and Joyce Murray following a 9-11 hang-up call.

Both were evacuated from their home on Commerce Street, and Bernie was transported to Hopkins County Memorial after CPR was administered at the scene. He died shortly afterwards.

The cause of the fire is believed to be a lit cigarette.

By Scott Harvey

Bonham – Bonham City Council member Wayne Moore is appointed to the position of mayor pro-tem.

Moore has been on the council for four terms and has previously served at the post.

The approval came Monday night after the oath of office was administered to H.L. Compton, who was recently appointed to serve out the remainder of former Mayor Pro Tem Brad Underwood's term.

Underwood resigned earlier this month to move to Denison, to be closer to his work at TAPS.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – The City of Greenville has a new police chief, effective today.

The City will host a reception for new Police Chief Daniel Busken at the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library. The event, which is open to the public, will run from 4-6 p.m. Monday.

Busken's appointment as Police Chief was announced in late August, and confirmed by the City Council earlier this month.

By Scott Harvey

– A plan by Atmos energy to replace decaying gas lines throughout the region will result in higher rates for customers.

Cities like Greenville and Commerce are scheduled to have hundreds of lines replaced over the next two years.

The Greenville City Council is scheduled Tuesday to consider whether the increased cost to replace the lines is appropriate.

The Commerce City Council approved the change in tariffs last week, which will increase rates for a typical residential customer by $1.40 per month.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – Trial beings this week for a Greenville man, charged with the murder of another resident last year.

Joshua William Lay has claimed he was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed Darryl Dwayne Feggett of Greenville in August of last year. The 25-year-old Lay has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder and remains in custody at the Hunt County Jail.

Jury selection is scheduled Monday morning in District Court.

By Scott Harvey

Paris – Paris Junior College is reporting a record enrollment this fall of 6,214. The figures represent the combined totals from their Sulphur Springs, Greenville and Paris campuses.

The fall numbers are a 31 percent increase over the last two fall semesters. Numerous students attend classes on more than one PJC campus.

By Scott Harvey

Paris – A Paris man is charged with murder in connection to the death of his 18-month-old child.

The Lamar County Grand Jury handed down the indictment against Darrell Wayne Hood Jr. last week.

Hood had reportedly brought his child to the Paris Regional Medical Center ER last month where the baby died.

Hospital staff noticed injuries they say were not consistent with being dropped and notified police.

Authorities say the baby was reportedly punched in the chest several times.

By Scott Harvey

Bonham – H. L. Compton is scheduled to take the oath of office during Mondahy's Bonham City Council meeting.

Compton was appointed earlier this month to serve out the remainder of Ward No. 3 Brad Underwood's term until next May.

Underwood resigned earlier this month to move his family to Denison and be closer to work.

Council will also consider the appointment of a mayor pro tem, a position previously held by Underwood.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Texas A&M University-Commerce will honor the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) throughout the 19th annual Veterans Vigil on campus from Nov. 4-6. The theme during the week is "ROTC: Past, Present and Future," and is part of the yearly dedication to a particular branch or section of the military who have served their country during times of military action.

Commerce, TX – The Texas A&M University-Commerce Coaches Show for Thursday September 23, 2010