News

Emily Glass, vice president of the Alliance Bank in Sulphur Springs and the city's former mayor, says the City Council has started a series of meetings to determine the city's vision for the future.  Among other things, Emily says the city needs more and affordable housing.  And Emily says the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce has opened a new headquarters on the downtown square in Sulphur Springs.

Mr. Whitetail Larry Weishuhn joins Luke once again this week for some campfire talk.

Wayne Bowman, Hunt County Master Gardener, says now is the time to plant bluebonnet seeds if you want them to pop up next spring.  He says a good place to buy them is the U.S. Department of Agriculture office, at 5522 Highway 224 on the northeast side of Greenville.  In this program, we talk about fall gardening for vegetables and perennials.

Judy Woods, representing the Greenville Symphony Series, says season tickets and indvidual concert tickets are on sale for three performances of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in the Greenville Municipal Auditorium during the 2019-20 season.  It will be the 46th season of DSO performances in Greenville, with performances set for Friday, November 15; Thursday, February 20; and Saturday, May 20.

Commerce Chamber of Commerce manager Paul Voss comments on plans for this year's Bois D'Arc Bash, starting Friday night and continuing through Saturday night in dowtown Commerce.  Rising country-music performer Chris Colston is the headlining musical act Saturday evening.  It is the 34th annual Bois D'Arc Bash.

Sandra Miller with the Honey Grove Chamber of Commerce relates plans for this year's Davy Crockett Festival in the Fannin County town of Honey Grove, located between Paris and Bonham.  The festival is in honor of the fact that legend holds that Crockett visited the Honey Grove area upon entering Texas on his way to the Alamo, and wrote home to Tennessee about the honey bees he found there, encouraging others to move to Northeast Texas.

Dr. Karri McCreary, co-owner of the Greenville Animal Hospital, discusses on ways to help pets deal with stress.

Steve Killian, superintendent of the Cooper Lake State Park, reflects on the role of park rangers, which for Steve includes living in the park.  Many park activities are scheduled at at the South Sulphur and Doctor's Creek units, including a Boot Camp and BBQ at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 28, and a Water Science program at 2 p.m., Sunday, September 29 at the South Sulphur unit, and a live music program and dance at Doctor's Creek, Saturday evening, October 5.

Luke visits with his long time friend Larry Weishuhn aks "Mr. Whitetail" on today's show.

Next week is Banned Books Week! On today's North by Northeast, we preview the annual event and talk about related topics with Texas A&M University-Commerce's Sarah Northam and Karen Roggenkamp! Northam is Head of Research and Instruction Services at James G. Gee Library and an Associate Professor in the Department of Literature and Languages. A&M-Commerce undergraduate Britt Beatte also joined in.

Tony Ramey spent more than 15 years in Nashville as a hired songwriting gun. Eventually the music industry changed and it was time for a change of scenery, and now he and his family call Northeast Texas home.

Cynthia Beacom, Hunt County Master Gardener, says fall is great time to plant perennial flowering plants, such as phlox and lantanta, and also to plant bulbs, such as daffodils.  Planting in the fall will allow perennials to establish their roots during the winter months, and bulbs will sprout and blossom in the spring.  Cynthia enjoys spider lillies, which are planted from bulbs, but hard to find.  She recommends ordering through "The Bulb Hunter,"

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.