By Brent Lyday

Commerce – The Texas A&M University-Commerce art department recently graduated its first class in the new master's of fine arts (MFA) in studio arts program with a communication arts concentration. The program has grown from zero students in 2007 to a projected 20 in the upcoming 2010 fall semester, and would be one of the largest terminal degree programs on campus and in Texas.

By Scott Harvey

– A recently composed list of the best small cities in America shows three North Texas cities in the top 25.

The list, created by CNN's Money Magazine, takes into account each city's crime rate, economy, entertainment options and aesthetic quality.

Coming in at number four was McKinney. Officials praised the city's downtown and citied its close proximity to Dallas as some of the reasons for the high ranking. Just down the road from McKinney is Allen, who placed 16th on the list. Rowlett was ranked 24th.

Host Scott Harvey speaks with Texas A&M University-Commerce's Dr. LaVelle Hendricks on the controversial substance K2. Our Friday feature focuses on the impact that the growth in DFW is having on our rural region.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – A local police department is seeking a second automatic license plate reader.

The City of Greenville already has one high-technology device capable of automatically reading the license plates of cars; and is seeking grant funding to help pay for another.

Interim Police Chief Scott Smith is hoping to obtain a grant to assist with paying for an infrared automated license plate reader, which will check the plates against criminal databases for stolen vehicles, wanted persons and more.

By Scott Harvey

Gilmer – The Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center in Winnsboro has opened a satellite office in Gilmer.

The center provides a safe haven for children to share their stories of abuse with counselors and investigators. Staff members work with law enforcement officials to aid with investigations.

The center serves eight area counties, including Delta, Hopkins, Rains and Wood counties; and has so far served more than 4,800 children between the ages of 2 and 17.

By Scott Harvey

Mt. Vernon – The FBI has joined law enforcement from East Texas in their investigation of an ATM theft from a Mt. Vernon bank.

The government agency will work with Franklin County and Upshur County deputies. Investigators say the theft is similar to a heist in Gilmer several months ago.

Security video at the bank shows the machine being pulled from its foundation by a chain, and loaded into a dark colored Tahoe SUV.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – A reduction in bond is sought for a series of drive-by shootings in the region.

Nicholas William Terry, of Dallas, remains in jail for allegedly firing on multiple houses in Campbell and Cumby in November.

Terry is seeking a reduction in his $100,000 bond on a charge of deadly conduct by discharging a firearm. He was placed into custody on June 8. A hearing concerning his body is set for Monday.

Terry has pleaded not guilty.

By Brad Kellar

Greenville – A Commerce man is facing trial this week on a charge of aggravated robbery in a reported hold-up attempt in the city.

25-year-old Eddie Charles Hines Jr. is alleged to have threatened to shoot and kill a man at a residence last June, unless the victim paid Hines his monthly rent.

Hines, however, is not associated with any property rental agency and the person he allegedly held at gunpoint is buying, not renting his home. Hines has pleaded not guilty.

Jury selection in his case begins Monday.

By Scott Harvey

Greenville – At approximately 6:10 p.m. on Saturday, the Greenville Police Department received a call of a shooting that had taken place on Texas Street.

A man was reportedly shot while driving a vehicle North bound on Texas Street by a Hispanic male who was walking South bound on Texas Street.

The victim drove to an address on Gordon Street where an ambulance responded and transported the victim to Hunt Regional Medical Center. The individual was treated and released.

By Scott Harvey

Greenville – At approximately 6:15 a.m. Saturday, all units with the Greenville Fire-Rescue Department responded to a structure fire in the 3200 block of O'Neal Street.

Firefighters arriving on the scene discovered a single-story frame house fully involved.

The fire had already vented through the roof of the home and flames were threatening homes on either side of the structure. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before it was extinguished.