Independence Concert and Fireworks Time Changed 30-Minutes Due to Rain
The annual Independence Concert will begin at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1st. The event is delayed 30-minutes to allow for thunderstorms to move out of the area. The annual Independence Concert set for Celebration Plaza downtown Sulphur Springs.
Plan to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating and claim your favorite place on Celebration Plaza for listening to the music and watching the fireworks. This year, there will be numerous restaurant vendors set up on the south side of the square with concessions, in addition to keeping their restaurants open for diners. A musical salute to Veterans will start at 8:30 p.m., followed by a program of our country’s most beloved patriotic and classical works, overtures and marches. At dark, a huge fireworks display will delight the audience. Be sure and arrive early and watch for signs and barricades marking traffic and parking limitations, as a safety precaution.
This will be the 26th annual concert, and as always, the celebration is free and open to the public to enjoy. However, the concert is not free to put on. In fact, expenses run between $30,000 -$40,000 which includes the cost of hiring professional conductor and musicians. Underwriters, sponsors and private donors are committed to providing the world-class event. Symphony League members also pitch in by holding a major fundraiser Radio and TV Auction each Autumn which provides about half the cost of the concert. Individuals who would like to become donors or join the Symphony League as members can also sign up at the KSST table and/or will find a sign-up table for that. Watch for Symphony League members around the KSST broadcast tent, where sign-ups for free American flag kits will also be going on. In addition to the live radio broadcast of the concert, the event will be recorded for playback on Channel 18 TV and added to the playback archive of previous concerts.
No Receipt for Stolen Property
A Waxahachie man attempted to return an item to a business on South Broadway in Sulphur Springs without a receipt. However, the item was found to be stolen from a Tractor Supply Store in Greenville. A records check by Sulphur Springs Police showed Tyler Ray Michka, 23, to have prior charges for theft.
Michka is in Hopkins County jail charged with Theft of Property less than $2,500 with Two (2) or More Previous Convictions, a State Jail Felony. He is being held on a $10,000 bond.
These Days in History: What Happened on the Days Leading up to July 4th?
By Savannah Owens
Most people know July 4th marks the United States’ independence, but did you know that on July 1st-3rd in 1863, also marked a turning point for a different war? That’s right, the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War. Here’s a closer look at the significance of July 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
July 1st-After a victory at Chancellorsville, Confederate General Robert E. Lee brought his troops further North in an attempt to invade the Union. Additionally, “a Confederate division under General Henry Heth marched into Gettysburg hoping to seize supplies, but finding instead three brigades of Union cavalry.” What followed was the beginning of the Battle of Gettysburg.
July 2nd- Some of the most serious fighting in the battle occurred. “After three hours, the battle ended, and the total number of dead at Gettysburg stood at 35,000.” But that number would continue to grow in the next day.
July 3rd-Confederate General George Pickett lead his famous “Pickett’s Charge”-an attack in an attempt to get to the center of Cemetery Ridge, where Union General George Meade and his troops was stationed. Union soldiers did not back down, and instead caused Confederate lines to break. “In less than an hour, more than 7,000 Confederate troops had been killed or wounded.”
“Both armies, exhausted, held their positions until the night of July 4, when Lee withdrew.”
Many people consider the Battle of Gettysburg the turning point in the Civil War. To put the number of casualties in in perspective, according to government archives, 58,220 US soldiers lost their lives from 1955 to 1975 in the Vietnam war. In the three days of battle at Gettysburg, Union and Confederate casualties would be over 51,000 killed, wounded or captured in what became the largest battle ever fought in North America. It is difficult to know the true numbers killed at Gettysburg as over 10,000 soldiers were listed as missing and medical care given the wounded was primitive at best. It is said that amputated limbs were stacked in heaps and buried together. Many animals were lost as well – with estimates of over 5,000 horses and mules killed.
“On November 19, 1863, President Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address during the dedication of a new national cemetery at the site of the Battle of Gettysburg. The Civil War effectively ended with the surrender of General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia in April 1865.”
For more history and information on the Battle of Gettysburg click here or here and for information on the Vietnam war casualties click here.
Severe Weather Alert
Significant weather advisory for Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Delta, Southeastern Collin and Fannin Counties has been issued at 12:07 a.m. until 1:15 a.m. At 12:07 Doppler Radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Dallas to east of Paris. Movement of the storms was east at 35 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph, cloud to ground lightening, and torrential rainfall are possible in this line of storms. Localized flooding is possible. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. Do not drive into flooded areas.
TxDOT Responds to Evans Request for Highway 19N Safety Needs
On March 15, 2017, Commissioner Precinct 4 Danny Evans served as the catalyst for conversation between Hopkins County Commissioners and TxDOT regarding the dangers of driving State Highway 19/154 north of the city of Sulphur Springs. On that day, Evans told KSST News that the number of accidents resulting in death seem to be increasing. On March 21st, TxDOT District Engineer met with all the county commissioners to discuss safety enhancements and the speed limit on Highway 19 between FM 1537 (Mahoney Road) and FM 1536 (Tira Road), which included the intersection of 19 and FM 71 (at Birthright).
In a letter to Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom dated June 22, 2017 TxDOT responded that two speed studies have been conducted on Highway 19 at Birthright. The speed limit on Highway 19 is 70 mph except in Birthright, where the speed is reduced to 65 mph. According to the report during both studies most autos passing through the intersection were driving above the posted speed limit. They noted the speed limit would not be reduced based on the fact that drivers are not observing the posted limit by exceeding it.
Sulphur Springs Area Engineer Daniel Taylor, P.E., TxDOT did state in the letter that during the past three (3) years a high volume of accidents have occurred from Loop 301 north to FM1537 and from FM 71 north to FM 1536. The letter states, “Looking at the accidents individually, we determined that an inclusion of a passing lane will enhance safety through this section.” Project proposals for both locations will include passing lanes, left turn lanes at FM 1537 and FM 71, upgrading guardrail, and safety treating fixed objects.
Funding proposals for the project have been submitted for the 2017 Highway Safety Improvement Program. Under this program, the projects are submitted statewide and are ranked based on the cost of the projects and number of accidents. Taylor states in the letter that by late September his office should know if the projects have been accepted and funded.
Evans’ work in raising awareness regarding this project comes from his concern for traffic along 19 and based on the fact that he has lost a number of friends in accidents along the stated roadways. Evans said he has promoted this need for some time and is delighted that TxDOT is now moving forward. Although he will not seek re-election to the Precinct 4 post, he said this is vitally needed and that he will continue to promote the work.
Also in march of this year, KSST requested an accident report from January, 2011 to March 10th of this year regarding all types of accidents and results of such accidents on the stretch of the 19/154 highway between FM 1536 and FM 1537. We have yet to receive that report.
Food for the Fourth
Hamburgers lead the list for favorite 4th of July foods for Americans according to a recent survey. However, Texans have a different take. BBQ leads the Texans list for favorite food and a cookout or picnic is their favorite activity. The US favorites in the food category include: burgers first at 31%, BBQ at 25%, Hot Dogs 14%, Chicken 11%, with sides at 10%, and desserts at 8%. Activities include cookout/BBQ/Picnic 34.1%, watch fireworks 30.8%, hanging out in the water 13%, going to a parade 10.4%, hosting a party 6%, going shopping 4%.
Bodacious Bar-B-Q’s Owner Jay Isonhood sat down with KSST to talk about how busy his restaurant will be over the 4th of July holiday weekend. Isonhood said the increase of customers is around “30% to 40%”. Normally the store serves 200-300 customers daily, but on holidays Isonhood expects to have close to 500 orders. “On the 1st and the 4th I’ll get [to Bodacious] around 3:00 in the morning instead of 7:00 am. We usually sell out as early as 3:00 pm.”
Isonhood expects to be more busy on the 1st of July, since most people celebrate with the Independence Day Concert on the square. His best selling menu items in Sulphur Springs are: #1 Brisket, #2 Ribs, and #3 Turkey. Isonhood explained that different cities prefer different types of meat. “You can tell by talking to people what they prefer and know what big sellers will be.” Isonhood’s brother who runs a Bodacious out in Marshall’s best seller is ribs.
This year Jay plans on leaving a little earlier than usual to celebrate the 4th of July “because my wife is conducting the orchestra.” Patty Isonhood is the guest conductor at the Independence Day Concert.
The Isonhoods want their customers to know they are very patriotic: “Both of my grandfathers and my dad and uncle served in the military.” The Bodacious Staff also appreciates their customers. Jay continued “If there’s ever something not right, just find myself or Clint or Kim and we’ll make it right.”
KSST took to the streets to find out how Sulphur Springs residents celebrate the 4th of July.
Emily Durig and family plan on celebrating with friends. Their 4th of July traditions includes cookouts, water fun, and fireworks. “Sometimes our Church family has a gathering that we go to!” Emily said. Her favorite 4th of July foods include “Anything on the grill-hamburgers and hot dogs, and watermelon!”
Rhonda Bechhold was out with her grandchildren Mackenzie and Nick. They plan on traveling to Canton before coming back for the the fireworks. Her typical 4th of July routine is “getting together with the family and cooking out, before meeting up for the firework show [on the square].” Her must have food for the holiday is “Bar-B-Q”.
Angela Curry and T. Singletary and Azariah were visiting the square from Austin, and talked about their 4th of July plans. They’ll be back in Austin for a softball tournament. Curry said a 4th of July tradition she had as a kid was “going to the fair”. Singletary’s traditions include “firecrackers, and eating Bar-B-Q with Family.” Azariah’s favorite 4th of July food is “Bar-B-Q”, which Curry and Singletary both agreed is the best kind of food for the holiday .
A & M Forest Service Urges Fireworks Safety, Outdoor Fire Safety
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As Texans from around the state make plans for the Nation’s Independence Day holiday, Texas A&M Forest Service urges vigilance with outdoor activities such as grilling, campfires and fireworks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, July 4th has the most fires reported than on any other day and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fire.
Recent rains in May and June have decreased some of the potential for catastrophic wildfires across much of the state. However, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful and stay safe this Independence Day.
“Though the rains have helped decrease wildfire potential, it has produced a lot of tall grass across the state this summer. It’s best to play it safe and avoid these areas if using fireworks; especially aerials,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head Tom Spencer.
Fireworks safety tips:
– Before you celebrate, always check with local government officials whether fireworks and outdoor burning are allowed in your county. Be sure to comply with all restrictions.
– Before using fireworks, read and follow all warnings and instruction labels.
– Use fireworks only under close adult supervision and in safe areas away from structures, dry grass and brush.
– Keep a hose, bucket of water and wet towels nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.
– Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.
– Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
A Thumbs Up for Fall Festival’s Activities Downtown
Fall Festival is an annual October event in Hopkins County. But that doesn’t mean that Fall Festival fun can’t be summer fun too! As a fundraiser, Festival board president Tracy Dennis and her committee are planning the “Splish Splash Water Bash” in downtown Sulphur Springs on Saturday July 15th., bringing a huge 28-foot-tall “Purple Crush” water slide and a 70-foot long Hawaiian Dual Slip n Slide. These will be set up on the north side of the downtown square in front of Alliance Bank, closing off that portion from traffic for the day. Kids age 12 and under can enjoy the bash for free, and kids age 13 and up will be charged $5 each. So, with the popular splash park theme already in place downtown, the day should truly be a “bash”!
Another summer event planned by the Fall Festival committee is a return appearance by Emerald City, voted “Best Live Party Band in Dallas”. This group has performed over 5,000 corporate events and 4,000 weddings in their 30-year touring career as a high-energy dance band that all ages love. The concert will be held in the Civic Center arena on Friday August 25 at 8 pm.
In September, the Fall Festival committee will feature another event new to Sulphur Springs, Caged Dodgeball. Local businesses, industries and organizations are encouraged to form teams, get into the dodgeball competitions, and compete for Best Costume/Uniform and Best Team Name titles. Cost to enter a team is $50. Play will take place in the area of the first block of North Davis Street.
The 48th annual Fall Festival is Hopkins County’s county fair. It’s is set for October 21-28, 2017 and will include a week of family fun, the Cover Girl competitions and the World Championship Hopkins County Stew Cook-off. For full details, phone Tracy Dennis at 903-243-1925 or email [email protected].
Aggravated Assault Of Co-Worker Involves Handgun
A dispute between co-workers at a residence on CR 3368 Thursday morning around 9 a.m. brought the attention of Hopkins County deputies. A small handgun and a partially empty box of ammunition was located in a consensual search. The weapon had been displayed during an altercation between the parties the previous night.
Following a statement by his co-worker, Jorge Jaramillo, 37, of Saltillo is in Hopkins County jail charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a Felony 2, and is being held on a $30,000 bond.
