John Mark Dempsey

First United Methodist Church of Commerce senior pastor Valarie Englert discusses the popularity of recent best-sellers Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife  and Heaven is for Real:  A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven a

The Fred Douglas Elementary School building in east Greenville, no longer in use, has received status as a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark from the state Historical Commission, Carol Taylor, chairman of the Hunt County Historical Commission, says.  Black children attended the school in the days of segregation.  A local church, Carter Temple, now owns the building and hopes to convert it into a community center. 

David Caldwell with Senior Center Resources and Public Transit of Hunt County says his organization provides about 5,000 trips per month to people in Hunt County.  The transportation is provided for a small fee and is available to anyone.  The transportation service receives partial funding from the Hunt County United Way.  To request a trip, call (903) 454-1444.

Texas A&M University-Commerce associate professor of counseling Dr. LaVelle Hendricks says marijuana for sale on the street today is much more powerful than a generation ago, and so he is skeptical of calls for legalization, decriminalization and medical marijuana.  Dr. Hendricks also warns again of the danger of a new synthetic drug called "krokodil."

Pud Kearns with Housewarmers of Greenville scans the upcoming calendar of Greenville events, which include the Rotary Club Chilifest on Thursday, February 27 and a concert performance by country music legend Loretta Lynn on Friday, February 28.

Commerce businessman Dick Latson, an officer with Commerce Community Cares, says the charitable organization has raised around $20,000 for ten local groups in 2014: Commerce Emergency Corps, City of Commerce Parks & Recreation, Commerce Public Library, Commerce School Health Services, Commerce Public Library, Commerce Literacy Program, Commerce Food Distribution, Commerce Food Pantry, Girl Scouts Troop 5706, and Girl Scouts Troop 5306.

A&M-Commerce College of Business and Entrepreneurship development director Wyman Williams is speaking to civic groups and others about the history of the University going back to Mayo College, as the 125th anniversary of the University approaches this fall.  One endeavor that has been announced is the Brick Garden Project.

Pud Kearns of Housewarmers of Greenville is also the driving force behind "Shattered Dreams," a super-realistic program at Greenville High School February 18-20 that will make the risk of driving while intoxicated apparent to GHS students.  The event includes a simulated crash at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 18; a memorial service for "victims" at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 19; and a trial of the driver accused of drunken driving at 7 p.m.

A&M-Commerce assistant professor of Theatre Kelly Switzer is teaching a class in puppetry this semester and her students will present a program for children at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, February 20 in the Performing Arts Center. 

David Caldwell with Senior Center Resources and Public Transportation of Hunt County says his organization delivers between 500-600 meals a day to the homes of senior citizens, about 116,000 in all last year.  The organization is funded in part by the Hunt County United Way.