News

Dr. Nick Patras, director of the Texas A&M-Commerce Counseling Center, says while at home waiting out the coronavirus, it's important to maintain a normal routine, of waking at a certain hour and doing the usual things necessary to prepare the the day.  Dr. Patras says many students are finding it difficult to be back at home with parents and siblings after becoming accustomed to a certain amount of independence while away at college.

Pud Kearns with Housewarmers of Greenville says the Hunt Regional Health Care web page features a link to a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) self-checker for the coronavirus, which will help determine if you have symptoms of the illness.

Cynthia Beacom, Hunt County Master Gardener, says perennials are economical and relatively easy to manage in the garden.  She says one of her favorites is the purple coneflower.  She says other colors of the plant don't work as well for her.  She also recommends Jacob Cline bee balm (which attracts bees) and John Fanick phlox (which attracts butterflies). 

Bert Cooper, the director of the faith-based organizaton Community Seeds in Lone Oak, says they are helping about four times as many people than usual during the coronavirus crisis.  Those in need of help with food, housing or other issues may call (903) 634-5673.  The "incubator kitchen" that Community Seeds has been building for some time to allow people to prepare "homemade" food for sale is complete, but unable to open because of the virus situation.

Lori Cope, director of CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) of Hunt County, says CASA is conducting its visit of children in foster care by video conference calls while stay-at-home orders are in effect.  Also, CASA is continuing to provide training of new volunteers via online programs.  April is "Chila Abuse Prevention Month." 

Hunt County Historical Commission chairman Carol Taylor discusses the existence in the 19th and earl 20th centuries of the "pest (for pestilence) house" in many communities, where people with highly contagious diseases were taken to be treated.  In her blog, she writes about a pest house in Virginia where the mortality rate decreased from 50 percent to 5 percent.  Greenville had a pest house where wealthy businessman Tom King went to recover from smallpox.

In today's show, Cameron Brinkerhoff with Airforce Airguns (www.airforceairguns.com) joins Luke and discusses shooting modern day air rifles. Luke also shares some tips on traveling on hunting and fishing trips during the current restrictions created by the Coronavirus. 

Alice Reese, Herald-Banner movie critic, says while many movies scheduled for release have been put on hold by the coronavirus threat, some are being released for online viewing.  One she highly recommends that would have opened in theaters this weekend is the romance "Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always," although the cost will be a pricy $20.

Commerce Mayor Wyman Williams says he is concerned that some young people, with school not in session because of the coronavirus threat, are congregating in groups and not observing the social-distancing recommendations to stop the spread of the virus.  Also, the mayor says Commerce citizens are lagging behind the state average in completing the 2020 Census, and he's

Cynthia Beacom, Hunt County Master Gardener, says gardening is an excellent activity for people who are forced to stay home because of the coronavirus.  Gardening can burn up to 300 calories an hour.  On another topic, Cynthia says crepe myrtle bark scale is becoming a problem.  It is not fatal to the trees, but reduces their blooms and covers the trunks with a dark scaly substance.

In an effort to keep up with coronavirus and COVID-19 developments around the region, this blog will be kept during the crisis. A statistical account of COVID-19 cases in the KETR listening area and local restrictions in place can be found here. This blog will be kept in reverse chronological order, with newest entries at the top.

Last updated, April 15, 3:09 p.m.

Commerce Chamber of Commerce manager Paul Voss says the chamber has a Facebook page called "Commerce To Go" that provides information on take-out food services offered by Commerce restaurants. Paul says the city's businesses have risen to the occasion during the coronavirus crisis.

A campfire visit with Luke this week. We're talking about the white bass run in creeks  and rivers i the area as well as the upcoming turkey season.

Commerce ISD superintendent Charlie Alderman says the cancellation of school due to the threat of the coronavirus was accompanied by the cancellation of many events involving students, including the Commerce High School robotics team, coached by Earvin Larry, going to Iowa to compete in a national contest.  The superintendent says students will not be required to take the STAAR test this year because of the virus situation.

Dr. Dale Funderburk, Texas A&M-Commerce economics professor, discusses the effect of the coronavirus on the economy.  Dr.

Kaylie Daniels, Texas A&M-Commerce Athletics nutitionist, says most of the tips she provides to Lion athletes would also be helpful to average people.  Kaylie says it's important not to try to make too many changes at once.  Making steady, gradual changes works best.  March is National Nutrition Month.