By Associated Press

– Charlie Wilson, the former U.S. congressman from east Texas, died Wednesday at the age of 76.

His funding of Afghanistan's resistance to the Soviet Union was chronicled in the book and movie "Charlie Wilson's War."

A hospital spokeswoman in Lufkin says Wilson died of cardiopulmonary arrest.

Wilson represented the 2nd district in East Texas in the U.S. House from 1973 to 1996.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Texas A&M University-Commerce continues to make progress in improving the physical nature of campus.

Earlier this semester, officials announced plans to provide a chilled water loop and stadium seating, and recently completed installation of safer, more pedestrian friendly crosswalks.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – As of Wednesday, three candidates for the Commerce City Council had thrown their hats into the ring, two of which are currently serving.

Mayor Quay Throgmorton is currently unopposed in seeking his second straight term at the post, while Douglas Rohrabaugh is challenging Incumbent Billie Biggerstaff for City Council Place 2. Place 4, currently held by Bob Monday, is also up for voter approval. Monday has not yet indicated if he'll be seeking another term.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – Charges of aggravated robbery and organized crime in Hunt County have been dismissed.

Brianna Shelby Bangston was one of two indicted last year in an alleged armed holdup at a Greenville apartment complex.

She had pleaded not guilty and was scheduled to go to trial Monday. But prosecutors filed a motion asking for the charges to be dropped after the complaining witness in the case requested they be dismissed.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – There could be some new changes to the Greenville city charter this spring. On Tuesday, Charter Review Committee Chairman Gerry Morris presented 13 proposed recommendations on how to change the city's governing document.

The items range from correcting a list of typographical errors in the existing Charter to giving the Mayor a seat on the Greenville Electric Utility System (GEUS) board of trustees and increasing the annual transfer of GEUS revenues to the city's general fund from 3 percent to 5 percent.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – A hero is honored in Greenville.

Ronnie Johnson received a standing ovation during Tuesday night's City Council meeting for saving the life of a man whose pickup had become submerged in the pond at Graham Park.

Mayor Tom Oliver read from a proclamation honoring Johnson for his effort.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Now available at the Commerce ISD website are nomination forms for the district's inaugural Hall of Honor class.

In December, the CISD School Board gave Superintendent Blake Cooper the go ahead to appoint a selection committee who will choose two students from CISD, one student from Norris School and two faculty/staff members.

Committee members are to remain anonymous and have been members of the community for ten or more years. All inductees will be honored during this fall's homecoming football game.

By Associated Press

– The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has set up a hotline for tips on who's responsible for a string of Texas church fires ruled arson.

The federal agency on Tuesday announced people wanting to offer information can call: 888-ATF-FIRE.

The Texas Department of Public Safety also said arson tip calls would be answered at 903-675-0061, or 0062. DPS says a $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the identity of the arsonist.

By Scott Harvey

– Authorities have increased a reward for information into a string of church fires in Texas.

At least eight churches, seven in east and one in central Texas have occurred since January 1. All eight have been ruled arson. The DPS is now offering $25,000 on the identity of the arsonist.

By Scott Harvey

Fannin County – A Fannin County woman is to appear in court Thursday on allegations of animal mistreatment.

In August, Ector resident Kim Dotson had dozens of horses and donkeys seized from her property and turned over to the Humane Society.

Dotson was allowed to keep six healthy horses but supposed to keep them in good condition. But last week, Bells Police found two of those horses in worse condition - thin and emaciated - and seized those as well.