Commerce Mayor Wyman Willimas says not only should citizens conserve electricity as much as they can to minimize the rolling blackouts, he says it's also important to save water, because the city would be put in a difficult position if a major fire had to be put out. And so, he also warns citizens to be careful not to use hazardous methods of heating their homes, overusing extension cords or using gas cooking stoves for heating.

During Black History Month, Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, professor of counseling at Texas A&M-Commerce, discusses major African-American figures in the history of the University, including Dr. D. Arlington Talbot , the university's first black professor, and Ivory Moore , its first black administrator, and the long-time mayor of Commerce. Also discussed is James Thrower, a former Lion football and track athlete, who later played for the NFL's Detroit Lions, and became the owner of many McDonald's

Herald-Banner movie critic Alice Reese ranks "Nomadland" with Frances McDormand as her no. 1 movie of 2020. The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association extended the eligiblity for the best movies of the year into February, and Alice ranks two new movies, "Judas and the Black Messiah" and "The Mauritanian," among her top 10 movies of the year.

Dr. Kent Montgomery, head of the Physics and Astronomy department at Texas A&M-Commerce, says it is a particularly good time to be viewing Mars in the southwest sky this month (Februrary 2021), but Mars will continue to be very visible through the spring. Dr. Montgomery reflects on the Artemus Program , NASA's plan to send astronauts back to the moon within the next few years.

Pud Kearns with Housewarmers of Greenville relates a number of Valentine's weekend events in Greenville, including all-day activities at the Uptown Forum in downtown Greenville on Saturday, and a performance by the Glenn Miller Orchestra at the Texan Theater on Sunday. Also, Women in Need is holding a virtual "Chocolate Indulgence" event through Valentine's Day.

Northeast Texas economist Dr. Dale Funderburk reflects on a story that Texas has moved up to the ninth greatest economy in the world , comparing the state to countries. Texas moved ahead of Canada and South Korea, in the new report.

Autumn Johnson, director of Campus Recreation at Texas A&M-Commerce, reflects on an article on the benefits of exercise that says, even if you do less than the minimum recommended amount of exercise, it still does good for you. It can also help with your mental well-being and sleep, among other benefits.

Judy Rudoff, representing the "Souper Bowl of Caring," says area residents are invited to bring cans of soup to Mugs in downtown Commerce Saturday (Feb. 6). The donations will be given to the Lion Food Pantry for Texas A&M-Commerce students and their families.

Steve Killian, superintendent of the Cooper Lake State Park , says a pond at the South Sulphur Unit of the park has been stocked with trout. "Kid Trout Fishing" will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (February 6), and starting Sunday, trout fishing will be available to everyone. Also, Steve says the park will be hiring part-time summer employees soon, including a college intern.

Frances Dalbey, outreach specialist with Hunt Regional Healthcare, reminds us that February is "Heart Month," as presented by the American Heart Association . Heart disease remains the no. 1 health threat to Americans and is the no. 1 killer in the world. In honor of Heart Month, Friday (Feb. 5) is "Wear Red Day."