News

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – Rehearsals have begun for "Smoke on the Mountain", the summer musical at A&M-Commerce. The comedy revolves around a Saturday night gospel sing at a rural church in 1938. The show will run Thursday through Sunday the first two weeks in July with a cast made up of area actors and musicians. Call the University Box Office at 903.886.5900 for more information.

By Kevin Jefferies

Hunt County – A burn ban is back in effect for Hunt County. A disaster declaration was issued yesterday by Hunt County Judge Joe Bobbitt implementing an immediate prohibition on burning and the use of rocket-style fireworks. Barbecue grills and cookers are allowed but most other types of outdoor burning are prohibited in all unincorporated areas of the county.

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – A man accused of carjacking in Commerce is being held in lieu of $50,000 bond for aggravated robbery. 43 year old Danny Coleman Roden is alleged to have approached a woman in the Commerce Wal-Mart parking lot Friday, displaying a gun and demanding the woman's vehicle. The woman was able to escape before Roden drove away.

Police say a pellet gun was found in Roden's possession when he was apprehended.

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – The Commerce ISD Board of Trustees reorganized in regular session last night. Debbie Akin remains President of the School Board, with Willie Blow as Vice President and Bob McLeroy as Secretary. The board also adopted a preliminary budget which reflects a tax decrease, according to Director if Finance Billy Myers.

By Kevin Jefferies

Hunt County – Hunt County officials were looking to benefit from recent rains, but with official rainfall measuring less than one-tenth of one inch, it looks as if a ban on outdoor burning may soon be called. Hunt County Fire Marshall Dorsey Driggers said the issue will be taken before the Hunt County Commissioners next Monday. He also said a ban on bottle rockets and aerial-themed fireworks is likely.

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – The Commerce Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a conference this week to discuss transportation issues in Northeast Texas. The conference is called Rails, Roads, and Runways and is designed to bring together the transportation interests in Northeast Texas, enhance local transportation, and support economic development. It is aimed at anyone interested in growth for the region.

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – The A&M-Commerce Planetarium is launching a schedule of Wednesday Matinees this week. "Larry Cat in Space" and "Secret of the Cardboard Rocket" are two of the child-friendly shows airing this summer. The matinees begin at 1:30 each Wednesday, with a feature show also playing at 2:30. Tickets are $3 and shows run each Wednesday through August 2nd. Visit www.tamu-commerce.edu for more information.

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – Fire broke out last night, threatening a Commerce apartment complex. A fire was reported at The Corners at Commerce Way apartment complex at 1900 Caddo Street around 8pm last night. Early calls indicated the entire complex was involved in the fire, but emergency crews found the fire limited to unit 201 of Building C.

The fire was quickly put out, though the apartment directly below did suffer some water damage. A young couple lived in the unit but was not home when fire broke out and no injuries were reported.

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – Buck's is coming back. Two Commerce natives are bringing back a Commerce favorite that closed its doors in 2002. Buck's BarBQ was a Commerce favorite for years, and Carl "Buck" Johnson, the grandson of the first "Buck" Johnson and original owner of Buck's BarBQ, and Len Stuart have been planning to re-open the establishment for over a year, recently finding a location along Live Oak Street becoming available.

The target open date for Buck's is July 1st.

By Kevin Jefferies

Paris, Texas – A recall petition for Paris City Councilman Tim Ray is being circulated. Ray called for the performance and possible termination of Paris City Manager Tony Williams to be considered by the council earlier this week; but over 200 citizens showed to the meeting with many showing their support for Williams and the item was tabled. Former councilman Jim Bell initiated the petition and gathered signatures at the meeting. 700 signatures from Paris voters are required to force a special election if Ray refuses to step down.