By Brad Kellar

Greenville – As energy usage is nearing record highs for the state, the same is true for Greenville's electric utility system.

The official high temperature at Major's Field Municipal Airport hit 104 degrees Monday, after hitting 106 degrees Sunday. A heat advisory remains in effect through Wednesday evening.

Greenville's Utility System Monday hit a peak demand for electricity of 112 megawatts, just one megawatt shy of the all-time peak of 113 megawatts, set in 2006.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – As of Tuesday morning, early voting for the Commerce ISD's tax ratification election set for August 14 had totaled 64 votes.

The district is seeking approval of a 13 cent tax rate hike to fund a nearly $700,000 budget shortfall. Failure to pass the item would result in staff reductions.

According to Administrative Assistant Bonnie Hunter, voting during the first few days averaged 20 people, with Monday's turnout less than 10.

By Brent Lyday

Commerce – Texas A&M University-Commerce will host the third annual Harvey Martin Classic on Sept. 11 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The excitement surrounding the 2010 game is becoming apparent as the Lions prepare for their matchup against Angelo State at 5 p.m. in the historic stadium.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – The City of Commerce Tuesday night is scheduled to show its support of an appeal recently made by Hunt County Judge John Horn regarding the elimination of a position with the County's AgriLife Extension Program.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service has announced plans to eliminate the position of a 4-H Agent, effective Oct 31.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – A Greenville man has received two indictments for aggravated assault. The charges were two of 41 total indictments issued Friday by the Hunt County Grand Jury.

Tony Ray Lynn Clark is alleged to have injured a male and female victim in March.

Police were called to reports of a shooting near the intersection of Bois d Arc and Hemphill Streets. The two victims, 20 and 21 years of age, received treatment for minor injuries.

By Scott Harvey

Texarkana – Changes have been ordered in the lawsuits filed by Ryan Crostley and Shannon Finley, who are seeking millions in damages after being charged with the murder of a Paris man, before being cleared on all counts six months later.

The plaintiffs contend Lamar County, District Attorney Investigator Chris Brooks, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Stacy McNeal and special prosecutor Toby Shook caused false imprisonment and were involved in malicious prosecution that damaged both Finley and Crostley.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – Greenville residents may soon be able to watch City Council meetings on television.

The Council is not only looking into the possibility of broadcasting the meetings on the local cable channels, but also streaming the sessions on the City's website.

The idea was presented during last week's all day council retreat.

Greenville currently posts identical bulletin board formats on its two government access channels.

By Scott Harvey

Richardson – More shakeup in the Lone Star Conference, as two more North Division teams have announced places to withdraw from the league.

In a statement issued Sunday, LSC Commissioner Stan Wagnon said he's been notified that Northeastern State University and the University of Central Oklahoma will be leaving the conference.

Per LSC membership policy, the withdrawal shall become effective June 30, 2012.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – The Commerce community stands to benefit from the implementation of a new software system to Channel 3.

The service, operated by the City and the Texas A&M University-Commerce Radio/Television Department, is looking to purchase a more up-to-date program that will provide information like weather, community events and emergency notifications in a faster and more attractive manner.

By Scott Harvey

– The Cities of Commerce and Sulphur Springs look to pass a law Tuesday evening restricting the sale of the controversial product K2.

Both city councils last month passed first readings restricting sale of the product to anyone under the age of 21.

Commerce is also prohibiting the product's sale within 1,000 feet of protected areas such as schools, parks and churches; while Sulphur Springs is looking to create a 1,500 foot buffer.