FEMA turns down emergency aid for Delta County

Texas A&M University-Commerce professor of economics Dr. Dale Funderburk says raising the minimum wage has the very visible effect of helping many people immediately, but the longer term effects --  which he believes include fewer jobs in the economy -- are harder to see and measure.

Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau director Milton Babb says the recent fund raiser at Landon's Winery for a public art project in downtown Greenville was a major success, raising more than $18,000, and ensuring that the project will go forward.  It'll be located on the side of the Armstrong Appliance building on the southeast corner of the courthouse square.   Also, construction of the new Splash Kingdom water park on Interstate 30 in Greenville has begun.

The Texas Education Agency has approved new high school graduation requirements under House Bill 5, which take effect this fall.  Commerce ISD superintendent Blake Cooper says the requirements give students more flexibility in choosing "endorsements," similar to college majors.  In particular, students who are more inclined toward vocational education will find expanded opportunities.

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.