BackStory Brewery Opened Friday
A $1.8 million investment for by owner is now open. East Texas’ newest craft brewery, BackStory Brewery, is now open for business in the old Ice House at 211 Magnolia, Sulphur Springs, serving craft beers on tap. Friday evening, July 13th, one glitch in the Grand Opening did not hamper the fun of those attending the family friendly venue that will feature arcade games, pinball, pool tables, shuffleboard, corn hole, and giant Jenga. Due to a fault with the sprinkler system, the tap room was not open but patrons enjoyed the extended patio and service through the keg room doors. Some work continues in the outdoor space. However, that did not hamper an evening of fun for those attending the opening.
Those present enjoy the live music with Matt Dunn and Cole Risner, the cuisine of the food trucks and a corn hole tournament. A corn hole tournament Saturday will feature a cash prize, shwag giveaways, and more. The atmosphere is laid back and everyone is welcome. The staff is trained to help novices familiarize with craft beer and find a new favorite. Flights and tastes are available.
The venue will also be available for rental for private events with indoor and outdoor areas available. The venue can accommodate 20-2,000 people.
Taproom Hours: Thursdays 4pm – 10pm; Fridays 4pm – 10pm; Saturdays 12pm – 10pm; Sundays 12pm – 10pm
Current Beer Menu: Notta Hazy IPA (strong citrus flavor with zero IBU – 6.1% ABV); Strong Bock (6.9% ABV); Minivan Meltdown with Mango (IPA 8.1% ABV); Slice of Sunshine (California common steam beer – 5.4% ABV); Blonde (8.2% ABV); Hoppy Red (6% ABV); Hefty Lefty Barleywine (11.2% ABV); EBC’s 47 Old Ale (8.8% ABV)
Annual Senior Citizens Ice Cream Contest Provides Sweet Relief From the Heat
As always, a large crowd of Senior Citizens was on hand for the annual Ice Cream Contest at the Sulphur Springs Seniors Center to act as tasters and judges. And as they gathered, a crew of fourteen ice cream makers were bringing in their freezers full of prize-winning homemade ice cream which were lined up at serving tables. Karon Weatherman, assisted by the Hopkins County Marketers, handed out the bowls and spoons and at 2 pm sharp, she blew the starting whistle. There was a rush to get in line for samples of choices flavors, and in almost no time, the ice cream was gone and the vote was in. Here are the standouts in the 2018 Ice Cream Contest.
1st Place – John and Mary Ellen Little – Cherry
2nd Place – Edith Hankins – Peach Praline
3rd Place – Marci Gammill and Micca Sheedy – Abaccus Home Health – Banana Caramel Crunch
John and Mary Ellen Little, Cherry Ice Cream
Edith Hankins, Peach Praline Ice Cream
Team Marcie Gammill (pictured) and Micah Sheedy with Banana Carmel Crunch
Of course, all the rest were too good to leave out, so here are more winners!
Honorable Mentions:
Stacey Wetzel – CIMA Hospice
Shannon Almand – Untied Health Care – (Shown in Photo Stepahnie Wells) Chocolate Butterfinger
Kaci Berryhill and Debbie Jones – Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab – Vanilla
Yorri Massey – Cypress Basin Hospice – Buttermilk Plum
Joyce Bateman – Heritage Park Museum – Peach
Mack and Sandy Pitts – Strawberry Banana
Stacy Wetzel, Cima Hospice with Banana Ice Cream
Joyce Bateman, Heritage Park with Peach Ice Cream
Yorrie Massey, Cypress Basin Hospice with Buttermilk Plum Ice Cream
Kaycie Berryhill and Debbie Jones of SS Health and Rehab with Vanilla
Mack and Sandy Pitts, Strawberry Banana Ice Cream
Shannon Almand, United Healthcare, Vanilla
Incorporating Herbs Into Your Landscape
By Sharon Burnette – Hopkins County Master Gardener
When my husband and I moved to East Texas fifteen years ago, I looked forward to having a garden and especially an herb garden. At first my focus was growing herbs for cooking. Over time I learned herbs are found almost everywhere and have generally been defined as “the useful plant”. In addition to cooking, herbs are used for making scents and perfumes, aromatherapy, herbal healing in folklore and modern medicine, landscaping, attracting beneficial insects and deterring unwanted insects and wildlife. Because herbs hybridize readily, new varieties are created every year for specific markets or needs.
Using herbs in your landscaping requires assessing the location being considered as to whether you need low hedges and borders, background plants, tall plants, sunny or shade-tolerant plants, or ground covers. Different herbs can meet a variety of needs. The key to growing herbs, like any plant, begins with keeping the soil healthy. Successful gardeners are continually working to improve and maintain good soil by assessing the soil at least every planting season and then adding the necessary amendments. These amendments help to maintain desired soil depth (18 inches), fertility, microorganism health, and needed space between particles in soil for optimum air and water circulation. An excellent amendment is compost, whether homemade or commercial. Herbs require soil with good drainage—herbs left in standing water leads to root rot.
Annual herbs should be watered like any annual plants; for example, treat basil as you do other heat-lovers. Lavender, rosemary sage, and thyme grow best when leaves stay mostly dry. For best results water them at ground level. This is especially true with lavender which I discovered when the lavender in my vegetable garden was doing so much better than that in my flowerbeds. Difference being we use drip irrigation in the vegetable garden. The other herbs are a bit more tolerant.
Mulching will help conserve moisture and keep the soil cooler in the hot Texas summer months. However, don’t pile it up around 4-inch herbs; most small herb plants need good air circulation, or their stems will begin to rot. Especially pull back mulch when planting rosemary, lavender, sage and thyme. A better option for these Mediterranean natives is a layer of loose gravel which improves drainage and reduces stem rot. Gravel also reflects heat up into the plant’s dense center helping dry any wet leaves.
Herbs do need to be fertilized; however, be careful not to over fertilize herbs—it produces lavish overgrowth but diminished flavor. For example, over fertilization of some herbs, like mint and basil, increases flowering, reducing leaf production and flavor. Cutting off blooms before flowering will save more energy for leaves and maintain flavor. The best way to keep your herbs in shape is by using them and gently pruning often to avoid excessive leaf drop that produces bare, woody stems.
I enjoy continuing to incorporate herbs into our landscape. In addition to my herb garden, I have them in my vegetable garden, flowerbeds and container pots. Some of my favorite herbs are rosemary, basil, lavender, pineapple sage, and Mexican bush sage. Pineapple sage and Mexican bush sage bloom summer to early frost drawing both hummingbirds and butterflies. There are herbs to fit your every need!
Shadow Renaissance Festival : Major Fun, Fundraiser for Shadow Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center
Kris Cobb, Kim Cobb and Marion Cox, organizers of the first annual Shadow Renaissance Festival for Sulphur Springs, Texas
Organizers of the 2018 Shadow Renaissance Festival are over the top about the array of activities and attractions they will be bringing to the Hopkins County Civic Center complex on July 27-29. Featuring not only professionals jousting demonstrations, there will also be acts like a Falconer group with Birds of Prey, a flame performing troupe and a belly dancer troupe, the Pirate Magician, Ron Deeny Escape Artist and The Blacksmith Ogre. Other attractions will include a Dragon’s Lair with axe throwing and sword fighting, and the visiting Scottish Court of Scarborough Fair. Also on the grounds, local ATA members will host a Battle Ring with foam sword fighting activities for kids. The festival will cover the arena and outdoor grounds. The first day, Friday July 27 has free admission for the public. Tickets are on sale now for Saturday and Sunday indoor Jousting games and Nobleman’s Feast and professional outdoor attractions. Saturday and Sunday tickets are reasonably priced for all ages and range from $10 to $50. The $50 VIP tickets include Noblemen’s Feast, Jousting Games and all-day access to all the attractions. Advance sales on VIP tickets end July 22. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce, at One Stop Sign Shop and at shadowrenfest.com Additionally, advance tickets can be purchased on Friday July 13 at BackStory Brewery and on Saturday July 14 on Celebration Plaza.
Marion Cox, co-Director at Shadow Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center, knows that Renaissance Fairs are very popular through the Springs and Fall seasons in Texas, but are not typically held in the summer. She says that sponsor donations are entirely funding this major event for the community, and that is why they are passing along the free day on Friday and discounted admission for the rest of the weekend. Proceeds from ticket sales will be used for operating expenses, expansion and the Literacy program introduced in 2017. Shadow Ranch is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of kids and adults with disabilities and/or debilitating situations in their lives and to make a positive difference in the lives of our staff, volunteers and community. Find out more about the riding center on Facebook or shadowranchtrc.blogspot.com
CANHelp Plans Back to School Fair for All Hopkins County Students, Families
The 2nd annual Back to School Fair for all Hopkins County students and families is set for Friday August 10, 2018 inside the Hopkins County Civic Center. Between 3 pm and 6 pm, in addition to distribution of backpacks and school supplies, there will be free food and drinks, entertainment, school physicals and vision checkups and haircuts. There will be play activities outside for kids too. There will also be free health screenings for all ages. Booths space is available for any organization to display information to the youth population of Hopkins County. Booth space is free, but deadline to reserve space is July 23. The annual free event is put on by CANHelp and participating sponsors.
CANHelp Director Shanna Martin says that for several years, a local Pack the Bus Drive for school supplies was held, but that event morphed two years ago into this fun fair which also covers the same needs…providing backpacks and school supplies for Hopkins County students in need.
If you are the parent of a student in need of a back pack or school supplies, apply now at CANHelp. Qualifying families will have packets reserved for them at the Back to School Fair on August 10.
If you would like to help provide school supplies, help is needed. You can donate school supplies, you can donate as little as $20 to pay for one packet, or you can donate any amount you like. Individual, business and corporate sponsorships are needed. Contact CANHelp at 903-885-9797, stop by the 613 Gilmer Street offices, or check the CANHelp FAcebook page for more information.
Shanna Martin, Executive Director of CANHelp in Sulphur Springs, Texas
Corrected: Local Man Arrested for Marijuana and Ecstasy Possession
With window tint darker than the legal limit, a 2008 Lincoln Towncar was stopped by Sulphur Springs Police. However, the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and warrants for the arrest of the driver led to more than just a traffic ticket.
In the vehicle the officer located marijuana and, according to Lt. Mark Estes with the Sulphur Springs Police Department, Ecstasy (MDMD) at a Felony 3 level. Kwadarius Sharard Timmons, 26, of Sulphur Springs was arrested on the two warrants for Fail to Maintain Financial Responsibility and for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams, a Felony 3.
Two Arrested in Buford Park for Illegal Substances
July 13, 2018 – When a vehicle pulled into Buford Park and the headlights of the vehicle were shut off, the Sulphur Springs Police officers approached and made contact. Officers noted a large glass water pipe used to smoke marijuana in plain view. A probable cause search located three large clear baggies containing a green leaf like substance believed to be marijuana. A black box was located in the vehicle containing two additional glass pipes used to smoke methamphetamine and a clear plastic bag containing a crystal like substance believed to be meth.
Aaron Michael Krahn
Arrested were Donald John Casey, 17 of Crawford, TX and Aaron Michael Krahn, 19, of Sulphur Springs. Both are charged with Possession of Marijuana less than 2 oz in a Drug Free Zone and Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram in a drug free zone, a Felony 3.
John Donald
Democrat Krantz Calls Congressmen Childish
Democratic nominee, US House of Representatives TX04, Catherine Krantz (D-Emory), running against incumbent Rep. John Ratcliffe, (R-Heath) issued this statement today:
After yesterday’s embarrassing display of ineffective government for over 10 hours in front of the world, I like so many Americans was left wondering what in the world has gotten into the GOP? I even questioned my decision to run for office, as who would want to work with these childish men? It is time to get some adults in government. Time to elect leaders who actually want to govern.
I don’t even understand the GOP strategy with these Congressional hearings. Even if they could somehow discredit 100% this particular investigator, how would that change the fact that a bipartisan committee of our own government has already declared undeniable evidence of interference in our elections. That an ongoing special investigation has already determined – at the very least – that the inner circle of our president has been and continues to be comprised of morally questionable folks with long histories of questionable business dealings and influence peddling, that has led to multiple indictments. No amount of circus theater will change that.
Beyond the embarrassing partisan posturing, I am most disgusted at the flagrant misuse of our Congress, when we do in fact have real problems to address. I have an inbox full of messages from our Congressman’s constituents asking me for help on issues that are most definitely within the realm of his duties as a Congressman. He has a reputation for being unavailable and unhelpful. They come to me asking for help with Veterans affairs, disability issues, safety concerns, hospital closings and medical health concerns – all very real concerns affecting the residents of District 4. They all tell me the same thing: They reached out to the Congressman and he did not help them. Now we know why: he is too busy playing games in Washington to do his job. Time for a change, time to clean house in November, time for a government that is willing to get to work.
Tira News: July 13th 2018
By Jan Vaughn
Tira residents who have an interest in serving on the Tira City Council have until 5:00 p.m. on August 20, 2018 to file as a write-in candidate for the November 6th election. For more information, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, Tira City Secretary. My phone numbers and email address are at the end of the column and my mailing address is 776 FM 1536, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482.
An informational meeting was held at the Tira Community Center on Monday afternoon, July 9th, concerning the possibility of certain fire fighting equipment lowering the insurance rates of the community residents. Tira Mayor, Powell Vickery, reported that Hopkins County Fire Chief, Andy Endsley, County Judge Robert Newsom, and Commissioner Danny Evans were on hand to give the presentation and answer questions. John and Shawn Martin were there representing the Tira Volunteer Fire Department and they shared information on a fire truck that meets the specifications. Several community residents and Tira council members attended the meeting.
Powell, also, shared that the LED lighting has been installed at the Tira Community Center.
Our daughter, Tiffany, and grandchildren, Kenden and Jaidyn, and Chip and I spent a few days at Holly Lake Resort for the 4th of July holiday. We drove there on Tuesday evening and stopped at Verona’s Italian Cafe at Lake Fork for dinner on the way. On Wednesday morning, we watched the decorated golf cart parade, and then enjoyed the fireworks display over the lake that night. We stayed until Friday afternoon and had fun playing mini golf, shuffleboard, swimming, and playing games.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected]
Evaluating Tree Health By Mario Villarino
The impact in our landscapes of hot and dry weather can be seen not only during the current seasons but for years to come. Trees, a significant landscape asset of your garden tend to reveal the drought effects YEARS after the actual drought takes effect. Many weather effects can be noticed right away specially if those are caused by storms or snow. Drought effects, in the other hand, are hard to evaluate until the next spring season. At times, the use of an arborist are recommended in highly valuable trees. An arborist is a specialist in the care and cultivation of trees. Hiring an arborist can be a prudent investment in the health and longevity of your trees, and helps to insure that weak or aging trees do not become a liability.
Arborists may be called upon for the following:
- Selecting an appropriate tree for a site and climate.
- Planting trees.
- Pruning to improve shape of tree, removed dead or weakened limbs, clear limbs from other structures and power lines, increase light penetration.
- Administer proactive plant health care to fertilize, aerate, and protect against pests and disease, among other activities.
- Provide emergency care to trees that have been injured in storms, or those that are posing active risk to other structures or people on the property.
- Removing weakened trees that are beyond a therapeutic course of care, determined a risk, or are an impediment. Arborists can help determine if a tree needs to be cut down, and have the expertise and equipment to carry out the removal safely.
As advised by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, consider the following when selecting an arborist:
- Check for membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).
- Check for ISA arborist certification.
- Ask for proof of insurance and then phone the insurance company if you are not satisfied. A reputable arborist carries personal and property damage insurance as well as workers compensation insurance.
- Check for necessary permits and licenses. Some governmental agencies require contractors to apply for permits and/or to apply for a license before they are able to work.
- Ask for references to find out where the company has done work similar to the work you are requesting.
- Get more than one estimate, unless you know and are comfortable with the arborist. You may have to pay for the estimates, and it will take more time, but it will be worth the investment.
- Don’t always accept the low bid. You should examine the credentials and the written specifications of the firms that submitted bids and determine the best combination of price, work to be done, skill, and professionalism to protect your substantial investment.
- Be wary of individuals who go door to door and offer bargains for performing tree work. Most reputable companies are too busy to solicit work in this manner. Improper tree care can take many years to correct itself and, in some cases, it can never be corrected. Are you willing to take that risk with your valuable investment?
- Keep in mind that good arborists will perform only accepted practices.
- Get it in writing. Most reputable arborists have their clients sign a contract. Be sure to read the contract carefully.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
