News

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – Commerce citizens have long celebrated the Bois d'Arc tree and its fruits, and now may have another reason to be proud. Scientists have determined that Bois d'Arc apples may help combat Alzheimer's disease.

Natural chemicals called isoflavones help combat Alzheimer's, and may help lower risk of heart attack and cancer, ease menopause symptoms, and improve bone health. Isoflavones are found in very small quantities in soy, fruits, and vegetables; but are in abundant supply in Bois d'Arc apples.

By Kevin Jefferies

Sulphur Springs – Trial is expected to finish today for one man accused in the severe beating of a Sulphur Springs man. Marcus Wells was lured out to a remote location in November of 2004 and beaten severely by eight men. Wells survived severe head injuries that put him into a coma.

By Kevin Jefferies

Northeast Texas – Burn bans are still active throughout the area. Several area counties lifted burn bans temporarily, but had their firefighters called out to numerous grass fires. The entire State of Texas and northeast Texas in particular, is experiencing the worst drought conditions in years. In Lamar County, a burn ban was lifted, but reinstated just four days later after 12 wild fires were reported. Burn bans are on throughout Texas, and include Hunt, Lamar, Hopkins, Delta, and Fannin Counties.

By Kevin Jefferies

Hunt County – Voters will get the chance in May to decide whether to create two new communities in Hunt County; but if they do, there may not be anyone to govern them. The deadline for filing for local elections in May is today, and for the proposed cities of Floyd and Union Valley, not many have stepped up to become the first leaders of the proposed new communities.

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – A part of Alamo Street in Downtown Commerce will be closed starting today. From the west side of Park Street to the east side of Pecan Street, Alamo Street will be closed due to street reconstruction. The drop box for utility payments is also being removed during this time as a safety consideration. Residents can mail their payments to City Hall at 1106 Main Street in Commerce, or bring payments by during regular business hours.

Construction on Alamo Street is expected to last through August.

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – A part of Alamo Street in Downtown Commerce will be closed starting Monday. From the west side of Park Street to the east side of Pecan Street, Alamo Street will be closed due to construction of new city facilities. The drop box for utility payments is also being removed during this time as a safety consideration. Residents can mail their payments to City Hall at 1106 Main Street in Commerce or bring payments by during regular business hours.

Construction on Alamo Street is expected to last through August.

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – The new city facilities for Commerce are expected to be up in September. The new City hall and Fire/Police Complex have an expected completion date in late September. This would be a move-in date for the facilities. Concrete slabs were expected to be poured on the New City Hall site this week, and after about 10 days of curing, Commerce residents will see construction above ground.

By Kevin Jefferies

Honey Grove – A Fannin County woman is hospitalized after trying to prevent the abduction of her 5-year-old son. Shawna Case is in stable condition at Parkland ICU after her son's uncle and stepmother tried to take him from the mother's home in Honey Grove. Sheffield Hayden III and Angela Patterson are being held on $150,000 bonds each with aggravated assault, child endangerment, and aggravated kidnapping charges.

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – Services are tomorrow for Barry Willbern of Commerce. 73-year-old Willbern suffered a fall from a building in Commerce and died over the weekend. Willbern was recently honored by A&M-Commerce for the sculpture he created that has become a landmark on campus. The Arch was created in 1974 and sits near the Ferguson Social Sciences building and the Hall of Sciences.

A memorial service is scheduled for tomorrow at 11am at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10am.

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – Services are tomorrow for Barry Willbern of Commerce. 73-year-old Willbern suffered a fall from a building in Commerce and died over the weekend. Willbern was recently honored by A&M-Commerce for the sculpture he created that has become a landmark on campus. The Arch was created in 1974 and sits near the Ferguson Social Sciences building and the Hall of Sciences.

A memorial service is scheduled for tomorrow at 11am at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10am.