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.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – Live Oak Professional Center in Commerce now has doses of the H1N1 vaccine available.

The vaccine will be distributed Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and again Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be an administration fee of $5 and those receiving the service will be required to fill out a screening form.

Total Care Pharmacy and Wal-Mart in Commerce were also reporting to have the vaccine.

By Scott Harvey

Van – District 2 Representative Dan Flynn is calling for the U.S. Army to charge Major Nidal Malik Hasan with taking the life of an unborn child.

Flynn has joined with thirty of his conservative colleges in the Texas Legislature regarding the issue, in light of reports that Private Francheska Velez was pregnant when she was shot and killed by Hasan at Fort Hood on Nov. 5.

Hasan is already charged with thirteen counts of premeditated murder.

By Brent Lyday

Commerce – This Saturday's commencement speakers at Texas A&M University-Commerce are Michele Bobadilla and Iris Lancaster.

Bobadilla is an assistant provost for Hispanic student success at The University of Texas at Arlington and Lancaster serves as a visiting instructor at Texas Southern University.

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – The Commerce School Board will meet in regular session today in the High School Library.

Among the items listed on the agenda is a possible budget amendment and consideration of a possible revision to the district's cell phone policy.