The Commerce Journal Features

Extensive renovation project a labor of love

2012-05-12T05:59:00-05:00

In today’s age of instant gratification, it is not often that an individual spends three years on a single project to make sure it is done correctly. But that’s exactly what Jeff Krzypkowski did as completed his master’s degree in school psychology at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Scroggin to retire after 37 years of service at high school

2012-05-05T05:08:52-05:00

Commerce High School will say goodbye to long time educator Steven Scroggin at the end of this school year. For 37 years, Scroggin taught senior-level government and economics, both regular and AP levels, and enjoyed his time at CHS.

Commerce Emergency Corps acquire new building, offer same services

2012-04-20T15:56:44-05:00

The Commerce Emergency Corps (E-Corps) has served the citizens of Commerce and Hunt County as first responders for more than four decades, dating back to their foundation in 1958. For the first time they have acquired a building in downtown Commerce to serve as a central hub for responding to emergency calls.

Pulling his own weight

2012-04-12T05:48:00-05:00

Commerce High School junior Cortez Crosby is an intimidating figure at first glance. A powerful athlete who both anchors the Tiger’s defensive line and leads their powerlifting squad, he is a mass of muscle and brawn who routinely outlifted heavier competitors from larger schools this spring.

Students take over airwaves

2012-03-23T13:46:48-05:00

While 88.9 KETR has a variety of both locally produced and nationally syndicated programing, one of their most unique shows has a distinctively student-centered approach. Lions After Dark, a late night program run and hosted by Texas A&M University-Commerce students, has established itself as a KETR staple. Hosted by Gaby Estrada, Jasmine Trejo and Chris Mangual, Lions After Dark centers around Top 40 radio singles and interviews with students and local organizations.

Local couple creates ‘A Space’ for artists, students on square

2012-03-20T12:20:18-05:00

The square in downtown Commerce recently got a little more colorful, thanks to “A Space,” an art gallery that is the brainchild of Ashley and Paul Bryan. With a new exhibit every month and a variety of workshops and meetings planned, A Space will provide Commerce with an artistic rendezvous.

University program looks to ‘break barriers’ for local farmers

2012-02-17T15:44:43-06:00

The Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Agricultural Sciences, in conjunction with the Texas Agri-Life Extension Service and the Hopkins County Professional Agricultural Workers Association, is in the second year of a three year USDA grant that is funding a beginning farmer and rancher development program. The program, named Breaking Barriers, provides community-based workshops on agriculture and agribusiness, specifically for the Hispanic farming community of northeast Texas. Initially, the program focused on training Hispanic farmers on how to develop a business plan for farm operations in Hopkins County. The program’s focus is now shifting, according to project director and A&M-Commerce Associate Professor of Agricultural and Family Education Dr. Bob Williams.

Thornton prepares to open up sports academy in Commerce

2012-02-03T15:57:15-06:00

New businesses continue to spring up in Commerce and the most recent, Monster Sports Academy, intends to provide both entertainment and traning to Commerce youth. Lance Thornton, who co-owns and manages the Academy, has taught baseball in Commerce for the past six years and saw the need for an indoor facility for both select teams and individuals simply looking for something to do in Commerce.

College Corner Cafe provides a taste of Austin in small town Texas

2012-01-06T14:55:49-06:00

Step into the College Corner Cafe, a recently-opened restaurant located at Lee and Mayo Street, and the first thing you’ll notice is the music memorabilia. There are hundreds of pieces guitars, pictures, album covers and more- framed and hung on almost every square inch of space in the restaurant.

Developer looks to turn former hotel into student housing

2011-12-27T15:40:15-06:00

Change has been a constant in Commerce over the past year, and it looks like 2012 will begin the same way. A developer has purchased the old University Inn on Highway 25/50 and is transforming it into hospitility-based student housing facility with 60 rooms, a coffee house, restaurant, billiards room and more.