Local Artist Headlines Street Dance on Mount Vernon’s Smokey Row
A street dance on Smokey Row featuring local artist Cole Scoggins Band at 7:30 pm, Saturday, September 19, 2015 will end a busy Homecoming Week for Mount Vernon. The dance is being sponsored by the Franklin County Cultural Preservation Society.
“One reason we formed this group was to pass on the next generation the knowledge and love of dancing, “said Stephanie Hyman, one of the organizers. “We prefer our kids learn how to dance in a family setting.”
Admission to the event is $10 per person. Children that are accompanied by an adult will get in free of charge.
Big Mama’s Kitchen will be serving grilled burgers, Frito pies with homemade chili, and desserts. Tacos and burritos will be available from 3 Brothers Mexican Grill. Snowcones, drinks, and popcorn will also be available.
Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, visit with neighbors and enjoy an evening of music in downtown Mount Vernon.
Smokey Row is located on Houston Street on the south side of the square. It is the street just east of the fountain parking lot.
(by Kellee Cannon, KSST intern)
Mount Vernon High School Homecoming Week
Friday night, September 18, 2015 will end a busy Homecoming Week for Mount Vernon High School students. Students decorated hallways with super hero, black out, jungle, and fire themes as part of a week-long spirit contest. Dress-up days have been going on all week with Neon Day, Warrior Day, Crazy Hat Day, Geek/Gamer Day, and Spirit Day.
Four seniors are competing for the title of Homecoming Queen. Nominees are Kara Hollingsworth, Tori Mitchell, Selena Romero, and Jamie Seawright. Junior Duchess is Bradyn Loy. Braylee Bills is Sophomore Duchess. Kristina King is the Freshman Duchess. The winner will be crowned during pregame ceremonies before the Tigers play the Lone Oak Buffaloes at Don Meredith Stadium.
Five members will be inducted into the Franklin County League of Honor during halftime ceremonies. Those being inducted will be Nancy Smith, Marilyn Elbert, Billy Jordan, George Wims, and Mike Harper.
The Tiger football team is looking to continue improving as they kick-off against the Buffaloes at 7:30 pm. Turnovers plagued the Tigers last week against Hooks. Tiger defensive players look to continue adding to their sacks and hurry stats this week. Offensively Trey Wickware led the Tigers with 7 carries for 64 yards.
Lone Oak has a good offensive and defensive line, but like the Tigers have been dealing with injuries according to Head Coach Dickey Meeks.
(by Kellee Cannon, MVHS Senior/KSST intern)
County Judge, City Mayor Declare Constitution Week September 17-23
In honor of Constitution Week, which begins Thursday, September 17th, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom and City of Sulphur Springs Mayor Kayla Price read and presented proclamations to Regent Barbara Cockrum and members of the Captain David Phillips Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution Thursday morning in the County Commissioners Courtroom.
Judge Newsom thanked those present to honor the constitution. He called the constitution the basis of our freedom and that it should not be changed, except by the people and for the people. The 228th anniversary of the signing of the constitution is honored on September 17, according to Newsom. In his proclamation, he admonished the people of Hopkins County to uphold the constitution.
Mayor Price stated it is of greatest importance that citizens fully understand the provisions and prinicples contained in the constitution inorder to preserve and protect it.
September 17, 2015, begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances. Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those inalienable rights to every American.
The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to (1) emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity; (2) inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and (3) encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
The United States of America functions as a Republic under the Constitution, which is the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people. This landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution. Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.
“Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document which is the safeguard of our American liberties,” states DAR President General, Lynn Forney Young. “We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to reflect on our heritage of freedom and come together to Celebrate America!”
DAR has served America for 125 years as its foremost cheerleader. In 1928, the Daughters began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, was commissioned to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is one of the only structures erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America.
Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has over 180,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 13 foreign countries. The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children, and programs for new immigrants.
Apprehended Fugitive Didn’t Want to Go to Prison
Joseph Thomas Tucker, 46, appeared for sentencing at Hopkins County Courthouse 8th Judicial District Court Wednesday. He was to be sentenced on charges for possession of a controlled substance over 200 grams but less than 400 grams. Tucker decided not to wait. According to District Attorney Will Ramsey, Tucker “decided he didn’t want to go to prison and just left.”
Tucker was apprehended in Franklin County. He is now in Hopkins County jail held on $100,000 bond forfeiture for the possession charge.
Stewsite Deadline Draws Nigh
Attention all returning stew cooks!
If you want the site you had last year, the deadline to claim that site is TOMORROW, September 18th!
Thank you!
Local Man, Talco Woman Arrested in Meth Find
A 59-year old Sulphur Springs man and a 52-year old Talco woman were placed under arrest after 134 grams of methamphetamine and 
$3400 in cash were found in the car they were in. They were stopped for a traffic violation at the 112 mile marker near Cumby on eastbound I-30 at around 8 a.m. Wednesday. Lawmen suspected illegal activity but the suspects refused to allow a search of their car. A police K-9 officer was brought to the scene and alerted on the trunk of the car. A search of the car produced the meth and money.
Randall Scott Green and Jackqulyn Henery Erwin were charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
Justice of the Peace B.J. Teer set bond for each at $40,000.
Buford Park Pavilion Construction Brought to Halt
Awaiting Pavilion construction at Buford Park
The large pavilion project at Buford Park may be delayed for months according to City Manager Marc Maxwell. Maxwell told KSST News that the city was expecting to receive this week the laminated beams which would serve as support for the pavilion roof would not be received any time soon due to the closure of Arkansas Laminating. He called the beams a critical component for the structure being built by the city with local business donations and the fundraising efforts of the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class. The pavilion will occupy the location formerly occupied by the city swimming pool.
The city became aware that the beams would not be available when a phone call was placed to the manufacturer to confirm delivery this week. The city is now searching for another manufacturer. Maxwell stated the city is ready to pour the slab for the pavillion but a different manufacturer may need to build for a different sized slab. Work has been halted until a new supplier is found.
Maxwell said a bank had padlocked the location of the manufacturer.
Pavilion construction halted.
On September 9th the MagnoliaReporter.com updated a September 3rd posted article regarding the closing of Arkansas Laminating. In the article, it is stated that “Arkansas Laminating – the former Unit Structures – is closing after three years of operation. About 50 people will lose their jobs at the company on Shanhouse Drive.”
Magnolia attorney David Butler, one of the owners of ArkLam, confirmed the pending closure in a brief email to magnoliareporter.com .
There was no immediate word on any sale of the business to a new owner or on the disposition of its equipment.
The company manufactures and markets custom engineered laminated wood (southern pine and Douglas fir) products, including arches, beams, columns, trusses, 2-inch by 6/8-inch wood roof decking, and a variety of structural components.
ArkLam or Unit Structures laminated beams are found in office buildings, barns, schools, churches, parks and many other locations across the United States. One of its most famous installations is at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. A recent installation included 12 105-foot-long beams for the Urschel pavilion at Central Park in Valparaiso, IN.
Magnolia-based Arkansas Laminating, LLC announced in April 2012 that it has acquired the manufacturing assets of Unit Structures, LLC. Unit Structures, which had been based in Raleigh, North Carolina, encountered financial difficulties after a new owner and North Carolina management took over in February 2011. Arkansas Laminating did not assume any liabilities of Unit Structures other than certain customer contracts.
Arkansas Laminating was assisted in the transaction by lawyer Ronny J. Bell, of Bell & Boyd, P. A. Arkansas Laminating’s purchase of the manufacturing plant real estate was facilitated by Farmers Bank & Trust, Magnolia.
Shortly before the 2012 acquisition, magnoliareporter.com had reported that Unit Structures faced lawsuits from two different suppliers, who cited unpaid debts dating back to the middle part of 2011. The company’s history in Magnolia dates back to the 1950s and it has seen several owners.
The new company received a considerable amount of local and state aid to help it get on its feet.
Arkansas Laminating received a $380,000 grant from the State of Arkansas for new equipment and roof replacement. The Magnolia Economic Development Corporation contributed $35,000 toward the purchase of an air compressor.
Listed as owners of the company were Steve Whitehead, Kelvin Wyrick, Gary Burley, Mike Kinard, Steve Crane, Dinah Rhea, Tom Hall, Ryan Phillips, David Butler, R.M. Rodgers, Inc., and M.K. Binkley Construction Company.
Burley, who was active in the management of the former Unit Structures, is the chief executive officer.
Calls and email messages [from MagnoliaReporter.com] to Arkansas Laminating went unanswered. (ksstradio.com thanks Mike McNeill and magnoliareporter.com)
Wildcats Forfeit Sherman Win; Now 0-3 for Season
Sulphur Springs High School Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Greg Owens announced Thursday that due to a transcript discrepancy, the Wildcats’ football team played an ineligible player on September 4 at Sherman. He added the UIL had been notified and said the Wildcats will forfeit the Sherman game that the Wildcats won 20-17. The Wildcats season record will go to 0-3. Coach Owens said he took full responsibility for the oversight.
The Miracle Worker at Main Street Theatre
Photos by Joe McCorkle
Catch a weekend evening performance at 7pm, or a Sunday matinee at 2pm at 227 Main Street, downtown Sulphur Springs. Admission is $10 person. Make reservations at903-885-0107, or pay online at mainsttheatre.com
This is the 35th year anniversary of live community theatre by the Sulphur Springs Community Players.
Friday Meal-a-Day Driver Needed
Karon Weatherman, Director of the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and the Meal A Day Program, is looking for a new Meal A Day Driver for Fridays. If you are interested in giving about 1 hour of your time to take lunches to shut in Senior Citizens please call her at (903) 885-1661. This route is an IN TOWN route. You can also email her at [email protected].
