John Mark Dempsey

Carol Taylor, chairman of the Hunt County Historical Commission, relates the story of J.D. (Duke) Jernigan, Jr., grandson of Commerce co-founder William Jernigan, who received acclaim as a star aviator during the Great Depression.  He made a cross-country flight for Texaco towing a glider, and later became a top executive with the company. An historical designation is being sough for the home of Duke Jernigan's family on Bonham Street in Commerce.

Kim Saenz, director of the Hunt Regional Emergency Centers in Commerce and Quinlan, says they're providing coronavirus testing to people who turn up at the emegency centers, although there are places in Hunt County better suited to provide testing for people without symptoms, such as the office of their personal physician or minor-care or urgent-care facilities.

Dan Semprini, coordinator of fitness and well being at the Morris Recreation Center at Texas A&M-Commerce, says the MRC is open again for individuals who want to exercise.  But Dan says there are many ways to stay fit at home and on your own.  The MRC offers a number of virtual exercise classes at Active Anywhere.

Sarah Latham, Rains County Agrilife Extension Agent, discusses a recent chart produced by the Texas Medical Association, and shared on the Rains County Agrilife Facebook page, that shows the relative probability of catching the coronavirus from various activities.  Sarah also comments on a perennial summer problem in Texas, avoiding ticks.

Carol Taylor, chairman of the Hunt County Historical Commission, relates the story of Lt. Truett Majors, the U.S. Army Air Corps pilot who died on Dec. 8, 1941 in the Japanese attack on the Phillippines, and for whom Greenville's Majors Field Airport is named.

Sharon Feldt of Sulphur Springs, our books commentator, says Northeast Texas native Reavis Wortham's latest novel featuring the Texas Ranger Sonny Hawke, "Hawke's Fury," maintains the humor and action of the previous Hawke books.  Wortham is from Paris.  Sharon also reviews two books by East Texas author Maryann Miller,

Dr. Kent Montgomery, head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at A&M-Commerce, reflects on recent stories about the U.S.

Alice Reese, Herald-Banner movie reviewer, says the Majestic 12 movie theater in Greenville has reopened along with Cinemax theaters in Dallas.  Alice discusses the top streaming movies, including the no. 1 movie, "Bad Boys for Life."

Enola Gay Matthews, long-time KSST radio broadcaster, recently received the "Yellow Rose of Texas" honor from the governor's office. The honor is presented to Texas women for exceptional community service, and is the "highest award bestowed to women by the Texas governor."   Jalinna Jones of Commerce won the honor in 2015.

Byron Taylor, president and CEO of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, discusses plans for the city of Greenville's Fourth of July fireworks show, which has now been postponed because of the coronavirus threat.  The annual Park Street Fourth of July parade has been cancelled.  Byron also discusses the "Forward Greenville" survey, that is seeking opinions from citizens on the future direction of the city.

Carol Taylor, chairman of the Hunt County Historical Commission, recently wrote about natural remedies used by Native Americans, in the context of the search for ways to treatment the coronavirus.  Carol says the Native Americans observed how animals used plants in developing natural remedies.  Blackberries were often used.

Commerce ISD superintendent Charlie Alderman discusses the planning for students to return to school on August 4, under the guidelines announced by the Texas Education Agency.  Mr.

Emily Glass, co-owner of The Venue at Two-Nineteen in downtown Sulphur Springs and former mayor, discusses the near-completion of a newly constructed section of State Highway 11 between Sulphur Springs and Commerce.  Traffic is being allowed on the new roadway, but caution is recommended because of loose gravel.  The new stretch of highway has been built to avoid some of the curves on Highway 11 near Sulphur Springs and to avoid what is considered a dangerously narrow bridge.

Sarah Latham, Rains County Agrilife Extension Agent, offers tips for safe and efficient outdoor grilling of meat, with summer here.  The demand for grills, along with other outdoor home equipment, has risen as people kept indoors because of the coronavirus threat feel the urge

Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, associate professor of counseling at Texas A&M-Commerce, says the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitee of the University will host a town-hall webinar, "What Should White America Do to Improve Race Relations," at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday (June 23).  It will be a Zoom discussion and the link will be on the University web page.

Commerce Mayor Wyman Williams says city revenues from sales taxes and property taxes are holding up pretty well during the coronavirus crisis.  The mayor says the city got a good audit report recently, that will help in the recruitment of new city manager.

Carol Taylor, chairman of the Hunt County Historical Commission, says a proposal to receive designation of a house at 1705 Bonham Street in Commerce as an historical site is being sought from the Texas State Historical Commission.  The house originally belonged to J.D. Jernigan, son of William Jergigan, one of the co-founders of Commerce.

Steve Killian, superintendent of Cooper Lake State Park, says the park is now taking reservations for new overnigh- camping visits.  When the park opened again to camping, only campers with existing reservations were being allowed.  It is still recommended that you make camping and day-use reservations online.  Also, Steve says the Lone Pine Boat Ramp at the Doctor's Creek unit is open again after repairs.

Alice Reese, Herald-Banner movie critic, reflects on stories of the beginnings of a comeback for drive-in movies as a result of the coronavirus.  Also, Alice discusses new movies and other programs coming out during the month of June on Netflix.

Bert Cooper, director of Community Seeds of Lone Oak, says free food will be distributed to anyone who wishes to have it from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday (June 13) at Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville.  Also, Bert reflects on the death of George Floyd and the events that have ensued since then.  Community Seeds is a faith-based charitable organization.

Sarah Latham, Rains County Agrilife extension agent, says volunteers in Rains County have made more than 1,000 face marks for medical personnel.  Agrilife has provided tips for keeping face masks clean.

Jeremy Gamez, our personal technology commentator and the Interim Chief Information Officer of Texas A&M-Commerce, responds to an article asserting that working from home will be the "new normal" for many people after the coronavirus shut-down.

Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, associate professor of counseling at Texas A&M-Commerce, relates plans for a Zoom town-hall meeting on "What Does It Mean Today to be Black in America" at 1 p.m. today (Monday, June 8).  Dr. Hendricks will moderate the discussion with A&M-Commerce faculty, staff and students.  A&M-Commerce President Dr.

Pud Kearns with Housewarmers of Greenville relates plans for a George Floyd peaceful protest march at 3 p.m.

Hank Pickering, a supporter of the Northeast Texas Trail from Wolfe City, says the NETT has seen more visitors during the coronavirus crisis.  About 23,000 visitors to the trail were recorded in Paris during the month of April, about four times the average number, Hank says.  "Tame the Trail" on Saturday, June 13 will bring supporters of the Trail out to perform clean-up activities in Wolfe City.

Cynthia Beacom, Hunt County Master Gardener, recommends the "Texas Superstar" pentas, a flowering plant that provides continuous color and is a favorite of butterflies.  Texas Superstars are designated by Texas A&M Agrilife as plants that are especially well-suited to the Texas climate.  Cynthia also discusses the