News

Commerce ISD Superintendent Charlie Alderman reflects on the the recently announced state accountability ratings, in which the district received an overall rating of B, up from last year's C rating,  and Commerce High School received a B, but the Commerce Middle School received an F rating and A.C. Williams Elementary received a D.  Alderman says the district and the high school ratings are multi-faceted, while the middle school and elementary ratings are based on a single-day of testing.

Kim Saenz, director of the Hunt Regional Emergency Centers in Commerce and Quinlan, comments on Hunt Regional's recent regognition for its 100 percent performance in the Hospital Preparedness Program conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This week, Luke visits with his lifelong friend Mike Ford. Mike was the star quarterback for SMU back in the 80's. Today, Mike and his wife Lori own and operate the Rio Rojo Rancho (www.riorojorancho.com) in northwestern Red River County.

This is North by Northeast, conversations that matter to Northeast Texas. On today's episode we discuss Reimagine Commerce. It’s an ambitious proposal designed to make Commerce a better place to live and work. Much of the plan involves a redesign of some of the town’s thoroughfares and that part has inspired some opposition as well as support.

Steve Killian, superintendent of the Cooper Lake State Parks, discusses upcoming events in the park, including "Critter Corner" at 4 p.m. Fridays at the South Sulphur Unit, where children will learn about an animal that lives in the park, and Archery lessons, at 6 p.m. Saturday (September 14) and Saturday, September 28, also at the South Sulphur Unit.

Dr. Karri McCreary, veterinarian and co-owner of the Greenville Animal Hospital, reflects on a New York Times article on caring for aging pets.

Commerce-based musician and music producer Brad Davis comments on his current activities, including a new bluegrass recording of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

Donna Tavener, president of the Commerce Thalian Culture Club, previews the club's 50th annual auction at 6 p.m. Saturday (September 14) at Sand Hills Country Club.  The auction will raise thousands of dollars for youth-oriented services organizations in Commerce.  One of the many items being auctioned is a 36-inch Blackstone Griddle Station.

Pud Kearns with Housewarmers of Greenville previews September events, including the Greenville Theatre Works presentation of  the frantic comedy "Noises Off" at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium Friday-Sunday (September 13-15).

This week, Luke is joined with his friend Randy Douglas, manager of the Dale River Ranch (www.daleriverranch.com) and the topic is deer hunting. The Dale River Ranch in located adjacent the Brazos River a few miles from Palo Pinto, Texas and offers a family atmosphere for enjoying the outdoors.

Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, associate professor of counseling at Texas A&M-Commerce, has received the D. Frank Davis Professional and Community Outreach Award in Addiction Counseling from the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals.  September is Recovery Month and at 7 p.m.

Derek Price, author of the nationally syndicated "Cargazing" column seen in the Herald-Banner and the Commerce Journal,  reflects on the list of discontinued cars for 2019, including the iconic Volkswagen Beetle.

Pud Kearns with Housewarmers of Greenville says 1970s Greenville Lions football great Ricky Simmons will speak at 9 a.m. Thursday at Greenville Middle School on his triumph over drug addiction and imprisonment.  Simmons played college football at the University of Nebraska and in the USFL.  He will sell and sign copies of his book, "The Explosion of Redemption."  Also, Pud discusses Food Truck Friday at the Greenville Sports Park at 6 p.m. Friday.

Sarah Latham, Hunt County Agrilife Extension agent, says Agrilife will offer a weekly Chronic Disease Self-Management program starting at 10 a.m.

The executive director of the Northeast Texas Trail, Jack Neal, and trail supporter Hank Pickering of Wolfe City discuss the news that the NETT has earned more than $1.1 million in grants from Texas Parks and Wildlife for improvements to the trail.  As part of that, Wolfe City received $200,000 for improvements to the 1.6 miles of the trail in its city limits.

This week, Luke visits with his longtime friend Capt. Mike Williams (www.galvestonfishingguides.com) and gets a current update on fishing on the upper Texas Coast. Cooler weather triggers the annual bull redfish run, trout fishing is at it's best and the  fall flounder run is just ahead.

Carol Taylor, chairman of the Hunt County Historical Commission, relates the history of the Hopkins County town of Cumby, as a "rip roarin'" Wild West cattle town known as "Black Jack Grove."  The town celebrates "Black Jack Grove Day" each year on the second Saturday in May.

Steve Killian, superitendent of the Cooper Lake State Parks, discusses the beautiful photographs and videos of the park that have recently appeared on Facebook, and well as several upcoming activities at the South Sulphur and Doctors Creek units.

Dr. Karri McCreary, co-owner of the Greenville Animal Hospital, reflects on an article warning against misinformation found online related to pet care.

Hunt County Master Gardener Wayne Bowman comments on strategies for watering lawns and flower beds in the hot, dry late summer weather.  Wayne says grass will retain water better if the lawn mower is set at a higher level.

This week's guest is Lake Tawakoni guide Tony Pennebaker with Thunder Cove Guide Service. Tony has learned that trophy size blue catfish can be caught during late summer and he and his clients have been boating some big ones on freshly caught shad. Late fall and winter is traditionally the big blue season but Tony has tapped into a summer bite that will have many catfish anglers rethinking how they fish for the big ones.

Commerce Mayor Wyman Williams discusses plans for the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone that is being declared east of Park Street between Maple and Bishop Streets, providing tax incentives for home owners to renovoate their homes.  And the mayor says the city of Commerce recieved a check worth more than $500,000 from the Upper Trinity Regional Water District this week, as the result of renegotiating a contract with the water district.  The city agreed to make a change in a flaw in the contract that was unfavorable

Kim Saenz, director of the Hunt Regional Emergency Centers in Commerce and Quinlan, and Stacy Stevens, director of surgical services with the Hunt Regional Medical Center, discuss the new Mako robtic system for knee surgeries at the Greenville hospital.