By Brent Lyday

Commerce – The Texas A&M University-Commerce equine program recently welcomed two high quality Thoroughbreds, "Tricky Prospect" and "Directs Unique One," thanks to the generosity of Mary Bonham. Bonham recently donated the horses in an effort to enhance educational opportunities for deserving students at A&M-Commerce. Both horses are known for their prowess on the racetrack, with one being a very rare white stallion.

"The Adventures of Dooner Manley"

By Scott Harvey

Savoy – A homecoming reception was held Saturday in Savoy for 13-year-old Dayton Daniel, who was accidentally shot by his brother last month.

Authorities say Dayton was passing through the hallway at his house when a gun in another room was accidentally discharged, sending pieces of the buckshot into his stomach and hand. Dayton's 16-year-old brother was cleaning the gun in his bedroom, when it accidentally fired.

By Scott Harvey

Texarkana – An appeals court has ordered a new trial for 19-year-old Aaron William Hart, of Paris, convicted of sexual assault and indecency with a child.

The ruling came down Friday by the 6th Court of Appeals in Texarkana.

Hart, who is mentally challenged, was sentenced to 100 years in prison in February 2009 on the five counts.

District Judge Eric Clifford stacked the sentences, bringing out criticism of the court system's handling of a boy with a mental capacity of a 5-to-6 year old and an IQ of 47.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – The Highway 34/Wesley Street overpass project in Greenville is expected to cause major delays this week.

The Texas Department of Transportation is encouraging anyone planning to drive across the bridge Tuesday to consider an alternate route.

TxDOT announced Friday that the agency and its contractor plan to place concrete beams on the new turnaround bridge on the east side of overpass. The process will require temporary stoppages of traffic on Interstate 30 throughout the day.

By Scott Harvey

Fannin County – Three people have been arrested and a fourth subject is sought following a reported vandalism at the Sam Rayburn school in Fannin County.

The group is alleged to broken building windows as well as the window of a school vehicle, resulting in between $2,000 - $3,000 in damage.

KXII-TV reports the group may be responsible for a recent arson at a former church building. They were arrested Friday night near Lake Fannin after trying to flee from sheriff's deputies. No names have been released.

By Scott Harvey

Fannin County – Three people have been arrested and a fourth subject is sought following a reported vandalism at the Sam Rayburn school in Fannin County.

The group is alleged to broken building windows as well as the window of a school vehicle, resulting in between $2,000 - $3,000 in damage.

KXII-TV reports the group may be responsible for a recent arson at a former church building. They were arrested Friday night near Lake Fannin after trying to flee from sheriff's deputies. No names have been released.

By Brad Kellar

Commerce – A major improvement project along Highway 11 near Commerce is scheduled to begin soon.

The $4.2 million project runs a quarter mile north of State Loop 178 to a quarter mile north of the Hopkins County line.

The purpose of the contract will be to widen Highway 11 to 64 feet, with curb and gutter and storm sewer. No new right of way will be required for the effort.

The project will include a realignment of the State Highway 11 and State Loop 178 intersection and the installation of a flashing beacon.

News Director Scott Harvey speaks with Incumbent Mayor for the City of Commerce Quay Throgmorton. Elections are May 8.

Candidate interviews: Quay Throgmorton

By Scott Harvey

– Several area counties exceeded the national and state average for participation on the U.S. census forms.

Collin, Hopkins, Kaufman, Rockwall and Van Zandt counties all show at or above the 73 percent national rate.

Rockwall County experienced the biggest participation among area counties at 77 percent. Delta and Rains counties were among the lowest in the region. The state participation rate was 69 percent.