By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Commerce High School students have reversed a three-year trend by exceeding the state average ACT composite scores.

The average score of 21.4 topped the state's 20.8 average. The last time CHS surpassed the state average was 2005.

The ACT consists of curriculum-based tests of educational development in English, mathematics, reading and science designed to measure the skills needed for success in first year college coursework.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – A Greenville street will be changing directions. For the first time in more than 50 years, motorists will soon be able to drive in either direction on Crockett Street.

The Greenville City Council is scheduled Tuesday to convert Crockett, which is currently one-way westbound, to two-way operation.

By Scott Harvey

– Parents now have more time to meet new vaccination requirements.

The deadline to get three new vaccines required by the state has been extended to October 1, meaning no one should get kicked out of class for not having them.

The Department of State Health Services says the vaccines under the deadline extension are only varicella or chicken po9x, tetanus or TDAP and meningococcal. This mostly affects kindergartners and seventh graders.

By Scott Harvey

Collin County – A man on death row for a slaying almost 19-years ago in Collin County is ruled mentally impaired.

The two-to-one decision by the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals means Eric Lynn Moore will not be executed.

The 42-year-old Moore was one of four men convicted for the 1990 robbery and slaying of a 54-year-old woman in her home in Prosper.

Two of the convicts were sentenced to death. Kenneth Eugene Bruce was lethally injected five years ago for his part in the crime.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – A Greenville woman has pleaded not guilty to endangering a child.

46-year-old Pamela Renee Payne is alleged in April to have possessed methamphetamine in the presence of a child less than 15 years old. A tentative trial date in the case has been set for December 7.

On an unrelated felony charge, Payne is alleged to have stolen a number of items from the Greenville Wal-Mart last year. A trial date in that case has been set for Monday.

By Scott Harvey

Wood County – A Wood County judge has awarded custody of 60 recently seized cats and four dogs to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Texas.

Authorities last week found the animals without food and water on a property owned by Lenda Pazdan, near Mineola.

She's alleged to have abandoned the pets on the property for close to two weeks. Criminal charges against Pazdan are pending.

The animals are now being evaluated for potential adoption at an SPCA facility in McKinney.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – The Commerce ISD School Board on Tuesday is scheduled to meet in special session to discuss and consider action on its current sex offender policy.

The meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. in the CISD Administration Office, 604 Culver St.

The item was brought before board members earlier this year, the result of which was a split decision in favor of keeping the policy as is, and to do a better job of enforcing it.

The current policy is as follows:

By Scott Harvey

Sulphur Springs – Two public hearings are scheduled today in Sulphur Springs regarding the city and school district's proposed tax rate.

The city council will meet at noon both Monday and Thursday at 125 South Davis St. The city has proposed a tax rate of $.44 per $100 valuation, which is the same rate as last year. The city council, however, is required to hold two public hearings, as property values overall increased by 1 percent in the city.

This Day in History: Monday, August 24, 2009.

This Day in History

This Day in History: Monday, August 24, 2009.

By Scott Harvey

KETR Newscast 8-24-09

Investigation underway in south Hunt County fire that destroyed two homes; Construction projects nearing completion in Commerce; Greenville to vote for/against cell phone ban in school zones; Motorists asked to be aware of school zones as students return to class beginning today; Unemployment figures; Sulphur Springs council and school district to hold public hearing on tax rate.