News

The other side of the tracks and the hole, these are just a few of the things that the Norris Community of Commerce has been negatively referred to over the years. This community is a constant story of difficulties, coming together, and overcoming obstacles. Since the 1890s this community has been home to a large African American population. Several institutions and groups are critical to the story of the Norris Community. Among these are the Mt. Moriah Temple Baptist Church, the Norris School, and the Norris Community Club. 

When researching my last article on the Ladonia Square I came across the City of Ladonia website and noticed something interesting on the about section of the city. The second paragraph begins by stating that “The future of Ladonia involves the building of Lake Ralph Hall…” The text goes on to describe how the lake will bring in new economic opportunities to Ladonia, but will it?

Carol Taylor, chairman of the Hunt County Historical Commission, recently wrote a blog essay looking back at Greenville and Hunt County at Christmas, 1920, 100 years ago, as described in the Greenville Evening Banner.  Children gazing in shop windows at wondrous toys was one of the major activities, as portrayed in "A Christmas Story."

Tim McMurray, Texas A&M-Commerce athletic director, discusses the challenge of scheduling and playing basketball games as the coronavirus pandemic continues.  Games will be played with only athletic department staff and family present before at least January 16.

Commerce ISD Superintendent Charlie Alderman says the school board has agreed to begin a study of possibly building a new Commerce Middle School.  The board will determine whether the school district's financial position will allow a bond issue, among other factors.  The existing middle school building was built as Commerce High School and opened in 1968.   Also, the superintendent says the Commerce schools will not reopen until Tuesday, January 12, which he hopes will allow enough time following the holidays to avoid another

Judy Rhodes joins Luke this week to talk about the education and support of women learning about all aspects of an outdoors lifestyle.

Sharon Feldt of Sulphur Springs, our books commentator, reviews the work of Commerce author Brian Dowsley, who has added two new novels to his "Gallactice Pathfinder" series, "Vegeance" and "Tears of Ethan."  Sharon also discusses the work of Houston author Dr

Commerce Mayor Wyman Williams says the City Council has approved a notice of intent to issue Certificates of Obligation and other actions to prepare for up to $3.5 million in street improvements and rehabilitation of the city's water and wastewater plant.  The mayor says the projects are possible because the city has retired other debt and is a very good financial position.

Lori Cope, the director of CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) of Hunt County, says the organization that supports children in foster care is concerned that the moratorium on evicting renters from their homes ends December 31, and that it will put more children into situations that may send them into foster care.

Steve Killian, the superintendent of Cooper Lake State Park, says the park will hold its annual "Winter Wonderland" Christmas lights celebration on Friday and Saturday night (December 18-29) at the Doctors Creek unit of the park.  The park will be filled with campers and they will decorate their cabins and trailers with holiday lights.

Kim Saenz, the director of the Hunt Regional Emergency Centers in Commerce and Quinlan, says so far the number of flu cases is down this year, possibly because so many people are observing precautions because of the coronavirus, as well as many people receiving the flu shot.

This week, Luke visits with Joe Henry, the executive director of Lake Of The Woods Tourism (www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com). Joe gives a great account of what it's like to enjoy winter ice fishing on one of the best walleye lakes in the world. Thinking of making plans for a fishing trip 'up north'?  Make sure and listen to this weeks show!

Alice Reese, Herald-Banner movie critic, says the Irish romantic comedy "Wild Mountain Thyme" has a lot in common with the classic John Wayne-Maureen O'Hara movie, "The Quiet Man," and in fact, was filmed in County Mayo, Ireland, as was the earlier film.  And Alice also enjoyed the Disney college-football movie, "Safety," based on true events at Clemson University.

Frances Dalbey, outreach specialist for Hunt Regional Healthcare, says the time is now to plan for your New Year's Resolutions.  Hunt Regional provides helpful resources for your planning.

Dr. Kent Montgomery, head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M-Commerce, says the convergence of Jupiter and Saturn, peaking on Dec.

Carol Taylor, chairman of the Hunt County Historical Commission, says Dean Hallmark is one of the young men from Greenville and the surrounding area who should be remembered on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.  Hallmark did not lose his life at Pearl Harbor, but he was one of the pilots on the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in 1942.  Like many, he had to ditch his plane, and he was captured and executed by the Japanese.  He was a member of the 1933 Greenville state championship football tea

Hunt County Master Gardener Wayne Bowman says December and January are good months to plant fruit trees in Northeast Texas, including peach, apple and plum trees.  Wayne recommends planting bare-root trees because they're cheaper.  He says trees may begin producing fruit within two or three years.

Luke gets a deer hunting update from his buddy Randy Douglas, manager of Dale River Ranch (www.daleriverranch.com) this week and recaps a hunt in far west Texas last week with Kenneth Tallent and Larry Weishuhn.

Paul Voss, Commerce Chamber of Commerce manager, relates plans for the Chamber's annual Christmas parade at 6 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 5).  The parade will take a new and longer route this year, starting at City Park and going south and crossing Culver Street.  It will then proceed to Sterling Hart Drive; Charity Road;  Monroe Street; Live Oak; Washington; Main Street in downtown Commerce; and back to City Park. Paul says this will allow more space for social distancing.

Amy Stark, with the Merry Marketplace for Missions presented by the First United Methodist Church of Commerce, says the annual event is going online this year because of the threat of the coronavirus.  Bidding on items -- many homemade -- will take place Wednesday through 3 p-m. Saturday (Dec. 3-5).  The event raises money for local mission projects of the church.

Pud Kearns with Housewarmers of Greenville says although Greenville will not have a Christmas parade this year, several events featuring Christmas lights will bring a festive feeling to the city.

Derek Price, writer of the "Cargazing" column that appears in the Herald-Banner and that is nationally syndicated, reflects on news that the price of used cars has sharply increased during the coronavirus pandemic.