Local Interest

One hundred years ago today, Jesse Washington, an eighteen-year-old African-American man, was burned at the stake in Waco.

John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, announced today that Dr. Ray M.  Keck has been appointed Interim President at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Keck succeeds Dr. Dan Jones, who served as President at A&M-Commerce from 2008 until he passed away April 29.

Since 2001, Dr. Keck has served as the fifth president of Texas A&M International University in Laredo, where he worked closely with Dr. Jones, who served as provost from 2003 until his presidential appointment at Commerce.

Texas A&M University-Commerce Provost and Vice President Dr. Adolfo Benavides sent the following email to A&M-Commerce faculty and staff this morning:

Quoting the book of Ecclesiastes, Commerce ISD superintendent Blake Cooper writes, "I believe that the time for my season of leading Commerce ISD is coming to a close."

In a letter addressed to the CISD Board of Trustees, District Staff, students, and the community of Commerce, TX, and delivered at the April 18th regular meeting of the Board, Cooper indicated that he will be resigning his position effective this summer, "for the purpose of retiring from my current work in education."

The Broadcast Education Association has named KETR's Blacklands Café among the top faculty-produced long-from radio programs in this year's Festival of Media Arts competition.

KETR continues its winning tradition in the annual Texas Associated Press Broadcasters award contest, which recognizes local news efforts by broadcast stations which subscribe to The Associated Press.

In this year's contest, the winners of which were announced on Monday, KETR won 11 awards among Division B radio stations. That grouping includes all Texas stations outside of the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio urban markets.

KETR's winners this year include:

State Representative Gary VanDeaver recently visited Texas A&M University-Commerce to check on the implementation of the Institute for Competency-Based Education, an initiative funded by a special appropriation of  $1,487,000  that he helped pass in the 84th legislative session. This project addresses the need to find alternative, affordable ways to deliver high-quality education to students, including working adults.

Texas A&M University-Commerce signed an articulation agreement with Eastfield College on Dec. 17, 2015. The agreement allows students from Eastfield College to begin their college careers before transferring seamlessly to A&M-Commerce or its approved off-campus locations, according to program offerings.

Saturday, Dec. 12 is the date for the annual Enloe Christmas Parade. Crowds are always entertained by the assortment of floats. Parade lineup is at 4 p.m. on the lot across from the community center.  Parade begins at 4:30 p.m.  Dinner and Christmas Party begin at 6 p.m.

The Delta County Chamber of Commerce's annual lighted parade boasted several award winning floats this year.

“It was perfect weather. We appreciate everyone who helped make it all possible,” said Kathy Houchins, Delta County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Chairwoman of event. “Santa was able to ride on top of the Cooper Fire Truck and the Cooper High School Mighty Maroon Marching Band and the Delta County Sheriff’s deputies in the Humvee helped lead the way to the Square filled with people waiting and watching… I know the fire fighters were excited about this year’s ‘Star Spangled Hero Christmas’ theme.”

2015 has been an exciting year on Notably Texan!

Texas A&M University-Commerce has created a task force to make recommendations for implementing Senate Bill 11, a measure that would allow the carrying of concealed handguns on campus.

The task force, composed of faculty, staff and students will host a campus forum during a University Community Update on Wed. Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at the main campus in Commerce, Texas. Students, faculty and members of the community will be able to ask questions and provide feedback to the task force during the forum.

Texas A&M University-Commerce student Taylor Mefford, a radio and television major, was recently named the first place winner of the radio portion of the Freedom of Speech Public Service Announcement Contest.

2015 Chiggerfest held in Cooper, Texas was filled with many events around the Square and at the City Park from mechanical bulling riding to live bull riding. Guests enjoyed a sun-filled day on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The Pecan Fest was a great success Saturday, Oct. 10 with perfect weather.

The community appreciated all the new people that have moved to Pecan Gap for helping and giving support. 

Texas State Representative Dan Flynn surprised Jalinna Jones, Texas A&M University-Commerce First Lady, with the Yellow Rose of Texas Award today at the Lt. General Claire Lee Chennault Historic Monument Dedication luncheon.

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