By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Texas A&M University-Commerce will increase the designated tuition by $10 per semester hour for FY 2010.

The increase follows last week's decision by the A&M System Board of Regents to cap increases in tuition and mandatory fees at all system universities to either 4 percent of FY 2009 rates, or $150 per semester, whichever is greater.

By Scott Harvey

Texas Governor Rick Perry Thursday signed a bill officially welcoming two new independent universities to The Texas A&M University System.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas and Texas A&M University-San Antonio each have passed enrollment benchmarks set by the legislature to qualify for stand-alone status. The former system centers had been part of Tarleton State University and A&M-Kingsville, respectively.

This Day in History: Wednesday, May 27, 2009.

This Day in History

This Day in History: Wednesday, May 27, 2009.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Crews have broken ground for the new drive-thru Braums, to be built in the Commerce shopping center along Highway 50.

Last month, the City Council awarded the ice cream and dairy store chain a conditional use permit to build the new facility, which is currently located along Culver St.

The building will include the businesses' traditional fresh market and food and dining area, covering a total of approximately 5,700 square feet. The project should be complete by the end of the year.

By Scott Harvey

Lamar County – Lamar County Judge Chuck Superville intends to place the county under a state of disaster, after storms earlier this month caused upwards of half a million dollars in damage.

Major flooding in the southern portion of the county has left roads deteriorated and bridges impassable, forcing the closure of several roads frequently traveled by school buses and other motorists.

By Scott Harvey

KETR Newscast 5-27-09

No reported damage from Tuesday's storms; New rules adopted for eight liners in Greenville; Action delayed in allowing alcohol in Greenville parks; No foul play suspected in Bonham fire that killed three; Lamar County Judge to declare state of disaster following May 2 storms; Wood County town evacuated following tire fire.

By Scott Harvey

The threat of severe weather hovered over a portion of the region Tuesday night; and so far no reports of any major damage.

Clusters of slow moving storms were capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Penny size hail was also a possibility.

Hunt County for a short while was under a severe thunderstorm warning, but the storm quickly weakened and the warning cancelled.

By Scott Harvey

Hawkins – Thousands of tires ordered removed years ago are burning in an abandoned East Texas lot. Flames from the fire in Hawkins in Wood County are giving off a toxic smoke that's forced the small town's evacuation.

There were no reports of injuries involving the estimated 150,000 tires ablaze at the site.

Hawkins ISD Superintendent Dan Rose says schools closed yesterday due to the fire. Jarvis Christian College are to resume there today.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – Action is delayed in allowing alcohol in Greenville parks. The City Council chose Tuesday to table an item that would allow the consumption of alcohol in the city's park system on certain occasions.

Parks and Recreation Director Colby VanGundy had proposed allowing the drinking of alcohol at the Wright Park Golf Course and during special events. But he stressed during Tuesday's meeting that the proposal would not be a blanket approval of alcohol use in the entire park system.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – Eight liners in Greenville have some new rules to follow.

The amendment to the city's code of ordinances establishes licensing, permitting and procedures for the game rooms, while prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in any location which has one or more of the devices. The Council agreed to exempt non-profit fraternal organizations such as the Elks Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion from the rules regarding alcohol, but not the rules concerning the licensing and permitting of the games.