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.

By Scott Harvey

– A slight drop in the national unemployment rate for July did little to curb figures from the Northeast Texas region, according to a report issued Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission.

The unemployment rate for July in Hunt County rose to 8.2 percent from 8 percent in June. The rate was 5.5 percent in July 2008. A total of 36,271 people were listed as employed in the county last month.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – The City of Greenville could be in favor of a new state law that limits cell phone use while driving in school zones.

Under the amended ordinance up for vote Tuesday, motorists would not be allowed to use their hand-held mobile device while driving through the city's school zones, starting next month. Cell phones would only be allowed for emergency purposes. Hands-free units would also be permitted.

By Scott Harvey

– Starting today, drivers are reminded to pay extra attention when driving near school zones.

As students across the region begin another school year today, flashing lights will once again be in effect to warn drivers and law enforcement plan to monitor the zones for speeding motorists.

Motorists should also remember to stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students.

You may want to plan for heavier traffic this first week of school as parents learn traffic patterns and drop-off points.

By Scott Harvey

– Federal regulators on Friday officially shut down Austin-based Guaranty Bank, the third largest failure of a U.S. bank this year and the 81st overall in 2009.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was appointed receiver.

Guaranty is the second-largest publicly traded bank in Texas, with about $16 billion in assets, according to its website. Guaranty's closest locations include McKinney, Garland, Richardson and Kaufman.

By Scott Harvey

Hunt County – Investigators are still working to determine what caused a fire that destroyed two homes in south Hunt County over the weekend.

Firefighters battled the blaze inside the Shawnee Shores addition for nearly five hours Saturday. There were no major injuries reported. Two firefighters were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Three construction projects in Commerce are on the path to completion, which will assist both local businesses and A&M-Commerce students.

Officials with Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores expect to be done in middle to late October. The new 5,700 square foot building along Highway 50 will feature a drive thru and the businesses' traditional fresh market and food and dining area. It is being constructed by Confederated Builders, based in Derby, Kansas.

By Scott Harvey

Wolfe City – Hunt County Commissioners on Friday unanimously approved two petitions for alcohol sales from Wolfe City residents.

Voters will now have the opportunity to vote for or against the measures on November 3.

The petitions are for the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only, and for the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders. 128 and 121 signatures were received for each petition, respectively. 119 were required for each.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – A few people have reportedly expressed interest in operating the Iowa-based Maid-Rite franchise in Commerce, according to a company executive.

The proposed location, at the corner of Monroe and Hunt St., is owned by Mike Oglesby with Oglesby and Associates. Oglesby has constructed space for two separate businesses there, and says one location could soon be occupied with a job-placement firm. The location also features eight new apartments, seven of which were filled as of Wednesday.