News

LAKE FORK- Back in the day, the drill for a crappie fishing trip went something like this: Pull up to a tree with limbs above the water, secure the boat, drop minnows down through the limbs and either catch crappie or spend 30 minutes trying and then move on to the next likely spot.  Those days are long gone for Lake Fork guide Seth Vanover and other anglers savvy in the use of their “Livescope”, the latest innovation for seeing what’s below the surface of the water.

Dr. Bob Johnson and Dr.

Paul Voss, manager of the Commerce Chamber of Commerce, says the chamber will assist businesses in applying for the federal loans that have been made available.  He says the council can help businesses apply online, and has packets that contain the information needed to apply.

Dr. Kent Montgomery, head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M-Commerce, discusses the last "super moon" of 2020, also known as the "flower moon," which appears this week.  It will be at its largest rising in the east at about sundown Thursday evening (April 7).

Byron Taylor,

This week, Larry Weishuhn (aka Mr. Whitetail) joins Luke and the topic is hunting in far west Texas.

Kim Saenz, the director of the Hunt Regional Emergency Centers in Commerce and Quinlan, discusses the steps involved when a person is tested for the coronavirus.  She says Hunt Regional is now able to test individuals for antibodies.  Kim says all visitors to Hunt Regional facilities receive a brief medical check-up when entering the building to see if they may have coronavirus symptoms.

Herald-Banner movie critic Alice Reese recommends four films for on-demand, stay-at-home viewing during the coronavirus crisis:  "The Confirmation," "Moon," "Lean on Pete" and "Locke."  Alice says don't expect movie theaters to open until mid-summer despite the guidelines announced by Gov.

Jeremy Gamez, our personal technology commentator, says Zoom, the company that has become so popular as a provider of video conferencing technology, has run into some problems with "Zoombombing" in which unwanted participants interrupt meetings.  Jeremy says Zoom is working to improve its security, and provides some advice for Zoom users to avoid uninvited participation.  Jeremy is employed by the Texas A&M-Commerce Division of Bu

Dr. Dale Funderburk, Texas A&M-Commerce economics professor, says Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to restart the Texas economy, limiting many businesses to 25 percent capacity in their buildings, seems a reasonable move.  But Dr. Funderburk says it is impossible to know if 25 percent is too large or too small as the state attempts to balance the health and the economic risks.

Commerce Chamber of Commerce manager Paul Voss says he is delighted with the response of Commerce buisnesses and citizens to the coronavirus crisis.  He says people are volunteering to help each other, and local restaurants offering take-out and delivery service are doing good business.

In this final installment of a podcast series dedicated to the Texas A&M University-Commerce 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, Dr. Mark Rudin takes time to spell out the thinking behind the four foundational principles laid out in the plan.

They include commitments to be:

• Transformative
• Innovative
• Inclusive
• Sustainable

A transcript of the discussion, recorded in early February 2020, is below.

Charlie Alderman, superintendent of the Commerce ISD, says he, other administrators and the school board are considering several options for the Commerce High School graduation ceremony, which is currently still scheduled for May 22.  Charlie says one option is an online, virtual ceremony, but he hopes it will be possible to have an actual, in-person event.  Also, various plans are being discussed for the CHS prom, although it may be a privately organized affair this year.

Pud Kearns with Housewarmers of Greenville reminds Northeast Texas residents to complete the U.S.

Commerce Mayor Wyman Williams says the city will take the lead of Gov. Greg Abbott and the Hunt County Commissioners Court as local businesses prepare to reopen after the coronavirus shut down.  The mayor says he agrees with the cautious approach shown by the state and the county in returning to work.