By Brad Kellar

Caddo Mills – A judge has again denied bond for a Caddo Mills murder suspect.

Randall Douglas Smith's bond was cut half from $1 million to $500,000 in late September, but in October denied a further reduction in the bond. Bond was again denied on Nov. 30 and then on Monday.

Smith remains in custody at the Hunt County Jail, and was indicted Friday for the reported shooting death of Gregory Poteet, also of Caddo Mills.

His defense attorney had filed another motion, claiming the defendant could make a $50,000 bond.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – The Commerce City Council Tuesday is schedule to address proposed changes to the City's Charter as part of its regular session agenda.

Members of the city's Charter Review Committee have recently been working to determine if any changes are needed to the charter, the document containing the rules and regulations governing how the City Council, city administration and related agencies do business.

By Scott Harvey

Greenville – A new feature with the City of Greenville's emergency notification system will allow citizens to add the phone number from the message sent to a cell phone contact list.

This will enable any citizen who may miss the intended call to dial the displayed toll-free number back and listen to the message. The number is 1-866-419-5000.

By Scott Harvey

Sulphur Springs – Sulphur Springs ISD trustees will hold their regular monthly meeting at noon Monday at the Administration building.

Members will hear administrative updates on school programs such as the High School's unacceptable accountability rating, progress reports on NO Child Left Behind, and a federal Head Start review.

By Brad Kellar

Quinlan – Authorities have arrested three Quinlan residents in a suspected methamphetamine distribution operation.

Taken into custody last week was 26-year-old Amada Michelle Kethcum and 32-year-old Jaclyn Rena Tuttle. A third suspect, Stephen Lewis Banniser, turned himself in to Titus County authorities and was transferred to the Hunt County Jail for arraignment on 13 felony drug counts.

All three remained in custody at last report.

By Scott Harvey

Mineola – A Mineola man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to burning down the city's historic Magnolia House, the childhood home of former Gov. Jim Hogg.

James Allen Vaughn is alleged to have been on a crime spree the night he set the fire. Investigators say Vaughn burglarized Harvest Acres Baptist Church, a building at Alba-Golden ISD, plus attempted to burglarize First Baptist Church.

By Brad Kellar

Hunt County – It's been a busy few days of filing for next year's political party primaries.

Among those filing for the Republican Party nominations in their respective officers were County Judge John Horn and County Treasurer Delores Shelton.

Incumbent Republican County Commissioner for Precinct 2 Ralph Green filed for re-election Friday. Herman Orange and Randy Wineinger have also filed for nominations on the Republican side. No Democrats have filed for the post.

By Brad Kellar

Wolfe City – Five people from across North Texas have been indicted on charges including engaging in organized crime and securities fraud.

Trial dates have not yet been scheduled although interim hearings are set for Tuesday for each defendant, all who have pleaded not guilty.

Donald Joseph Dean, of Tyler; Michael Day Lamont, of Frisco; Carl Tinsley Ratner, of Dallas; Kevin Michael Hays, of Euless; and Chad Michael Hays, of McKinney have all received indictments for engaging in organized criminal activity.

By Brad Kellar

Caddo Mills – The Hunt County Grand Jury on Friday indicted Randall Douglas Smith for the murder of Caddo Mills resident Gregory Poteet.

It was one of 65 indictments issued by the panel as it wrapped up its six month term of providing felony criminal cases for consideration by the 354 District Court. In January, a new grand jury will be empaneled for a six-month term.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Commerce Police are reporting the arrest of a Greenville resident, who had been committing thefts from residents within the city.

It was alleged the woman known as "China" had been targeting single Hispanic males who she would steal from after entrusting them to let her into their residence. The reports finds the victims are apprehensive to come forward because of embarrassment or that they may be in the country illegally.