News

Steve Killian, the complex superintendent at Cooper Lake State Park, discusses the opportunities of the park, which in effect is divided into two separate parks, the South Sulphur Unit on the south side, and the Doctor's Creek Unit on the north side.  Because of the lake's status as a U.S.

Lonnie Plunkett with Commerce Lil' Angels comments on the "Christmas in July" event at 6 p.m. tonight (Monday, July 22) at Mugs in downtown Commerce.  Those who attend are asked to bring a toy as a Christmas gift for a child.  They'll be eligible to win gift cards from participating businesses.

Luke speaks with Lake Tawakoni guide Tony Pennebaker this week about the catfish action on the lake this summer, and landing some perfect for the fryer.

Catching and eating “Fryer” size catfish

by Luke Clayton

I was well into my twenties before I set down to a platter of catfish fillets. I was raised eating catfish either fried whole or cut into ‘steaks’. My Dad probably didn’t even know what a ‘fillet’ was. Had he known, I’m positive he would have considered the practice of filleting a waste of good fish!

Alice Reese, Herald-Banner movie critic, finds the new computer-generated animation of "The Lion King" astonishing, and enjoys Disney's remake of the enmormously popular 1994 version of the movie, despite some carping from a number of other critics.  Alice says her favorite movie of the summer so far has been "Yesterday," the fantasy featuring the Beatles' music in a world that has somehow forgotten the Beatles.

Commerce Mayor Wyman Williams says the council will be holding meetings over the next several weeks to receive public comments on the proposed "neighborhood empowerment zones," intended to encourage improvements in some Commerce neighborhoods.  The public meetings will be Tuesday, July 23, at the Abundant Life Assembly, 803 Chestnut St.; Tuesday, July 30, at Commerce City Hall; and Tuesday, August 13 at the Norris Community Center, 1007 Ross St., all at 6 p.m.  Also, a new state law allows tax incentives that m

Carol Taylor, chairman of the Hunt County Historical Commission, says her mentor Dr. Jim Conrad, former Texas A&M-Commerce archivist, was "an historian's historian."  Dr. Conrad recently passed away, and a memorial ceremony for him will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday, August 10 at the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Greenville. 

Sharon Feldt of Sulphur Springs, our books commentator, reviews a novel by Texas author Ann Weisgarber, "The Glovemaker," set in Utah during the 19th Century, when a woman is confronted with agonizing personal choices.  Sharon is also editor of the regional magazine "Fencepost," and discusses the new edition.

Jack Neal, executive director of the Northeast Texas Trail, is joined by Steve Killian, the director the Cooper Lake State Park, who recently hiked the entire length of the trail from Farmersville to New Boston.  Jack  and Steve discuss the characteristics of the trail in different locations along the way.

This week, Luke takes you to Lake Tawakoni to fishing for 'frying size' channel catfish with guide Tony Pennebaker (903-474-3078).

Velvete Womack, our wellness commentator, discusses the importance of dreaming to our well-being, and ways to sleep better, "perchance to dream."  Velvete is the owner of Balanced Newtrition in Rockwall, a

Pud Kearns with Housewarmers of Greenville discusses summer events, including the Greenville Family Theater's presentation of "Beauty and the Beast," Friday and Saturday, July 12-13 and 19-20 in the Greenville Municipal Auditorium.

Texas A&M-Commerce associate professor of counseling Dr. LaVelle Hendricks says he's participating in the planning for a program to promote civility at the University, at the behest of A&M-Commerce president Dr. Mark Rudin. Dr. Hendricks is also planning an event for Saturday, August 31 to promote good relations between the Commerce Police and students

After a solemn ceremony, Dallas city and police officials unveiled a sculpture honoring five police officers killed in a sniper attack in downtown Dallas three years ago.

Wayne Bowman, Hunt County Master Gardener, shares some tips for starting fall gardens.  Beans, corn, peppers, and potatoes, among others, need to be harvested before the first frost, which comes around November 12.  Cabbage, lettuce and onions may survive a light frost.  Carrots, beets, carrots, spinach and kale can survive a heavy freeze, Wayne says.

Luke discusses his recent articles on a old snapping turtle and a brand new revolutionary fish hook.

OLD TIMER OF THE CREEK 

by Luke Clayton

Commerce Chamber of Commerce manager Paul Voss discusses a number of news businesses opening in Commerce, including two barbecue restaurants, the Commerce Bistro, on Highway 24, and Not Just Barbecue, on east Culver Street.

Toni Deaton of the First Presbyterian Church of Commerce says the fifth annual Summer Creative Arts and Music Program (SCAMP) will be presented Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12.  It's a morning camp for children entering the first through sixth grade.  Registration is limited to 30 children.  Call 903-886-3783 or email fpc@fpc-commerce.com in inquire.

Pud Kearns with Housewarmers of Greenville comments on the day-long series of events taking place in honor of the Fourth of July in Greenville, starting with the Firecracker 5-K at 8 a.m., followed by the Park Street parade at 10 a.m. and a program of patriotic songs at the Kavanaugh United Methodist Church on Park Street 11.  The city's Bottle Rocket Bash starts at 6 p.m.

Emily Glass brings us up to date on the latest developments in the Sulphur Springs, including a new location of Los Mochis Restaurant, familiar to Commerce Tex-Mex fans, in the downtown area.  And Emily says the Sweet Grind, a coffee shop that also sells ice cream and candy, has recently opened downtown.