Austin Bank launches new debit card program
      JACKSONVILLE- Austin Bank has unveiled a rewards program for its debit card users. The bank's debit card program launch comes at a time when debit card usage is on the rise across the country. "Consumers have discovered the ease and convenience of using debit cards for their daily lifestyle needs," said Vice-Chairman Jeff Austin III.
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Judge apologizes to Round Rock law firm for bribery claim
James Morris: 'I was wrong to have made such an allegation'
      Cherokee County Justice of the Peace James Morris, Precinct 3, who is also a Baptist preacher, has apologized to the law firm of McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen P.C. Judge Morris's apology was for allegations he made against the firm in a letter to the Texas Attorney General's office.
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Vigilance key to preventing grass fires
BY QUINTEN BOYD
      The entire county and surrounding area may be arid thanks to low rainfall totals, but as Independence Day approaches, there is no need for a burn ban in Cherokee County - just yet.
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Republican Club hosts July 4 picnic
      The Cherokee County Republican Club annual picnic will be Saturday, July 4 at Love's Lookout. State Sen. Robert Nichols and State Comptroller Susan Combs will be speakers. Sen. Nichols will speak at 1 p.m. and Ms. Combs at 1:30 p.m.
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County jail has new telephone number
      The Cherokee County Jail has a new telephone number for the public to call when inquiring about inmates. Due to increased calls for the jail, Sheriff James Campbell decided to have lines added to help lessen the load for the dispatchers who receive numerous 911 calls and many other types of calls on a daily basis 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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UM ARMY mends homes and strengthens hearts in Rusk
BY QUINTEN BOYD
      So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
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One wild ride
     PHOTO: QUINTEN BOYD This truck took an inadvertent side trip down a hill near the Weston Inn in Rusk. While the driver, John Ireland of Valley View, was inside the inn, the truck slipped out of gear and rolled away from its parking place near the entrance to the lobby. The truck then skidded and turned to the side, narrowly avoiding a parked car before jumping the curb and rolling down the hill into the creek near U.S. Highway 69. The truck landed with the front of the vehicle in the creek and the back wheels in the air. Three wreckers were needed to dislodge the truck. No one was injured.
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Concert benefits Good Sam, Ministerial Alliance
      The Texas Baptist All State choir and band will present a benefit concert at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the First Baptist Church, 372 Fourth St., Rusk. There will be no admission charge. An offering will be taken for the Rusk Good Samaritan and the Rusk Ministerial Alliance.
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Singletary Memorial Library has copies of Wall Street Journal
      Copies of the Wall Street Journal are available to patrons of the Singletary Memorial Library. A local citizen subscribed to the publication for the library.
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Post offices close early
INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY
      Several Cherokee County's smaller post offices will close early Friday afternoon in observance of the July 4 holiday. Scheduled for early closing are Alto, Gallatin, Maydelle, New Summerfield and Wells. Post offices in Jacksonville, Reklaw and Rusk will remain open all day and close at their regularly scheduled times.
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