State Accepts Pilot Program for Hopkins County Voters
Hopkins County has been approved by the Texas Secretary of State for a pilot program that will allow county voters to cast ballots at any voting site in the county. Voting sites will also be reduced from 21 to 14. County Judge Robert Newsom commended County Clerk Debbie Shirley with enabling this change. Approval for the change began last summer to enable electronic voting allowing a registered voter to vote at any location in the county.
All of the county schools will have a polling place and eight places will be open inside the city of Sulphur Springs. Judge Newsom is especially glad that one may cast a ballot at the Courthouse and at the Regional Civic Center. To qualify as a place to vote, the location had to have adequate wi-fi service.
Having only 14 voting places as opposed to 21 will allow the county employ fewer election judges. Newsom called finding someone and qualifying them to serve as an election judge is becoming difficult.
Fountain Open Saturday; Repairs Not Complete
The fountain at Celebration Plaza will be open Saturday for the weekend according to City Manager Marc Maxwell. Work is underway for a stop-gap fix that will allow the fountain to be open for Saturday fun but not for the whole weekend. There are still parts on order for a complete repair.
One of the issues is the self-chlorination. That will have to be done by workers Saturday. Parts are expected to arrive Monday. Maxwell hopes to have the fountain up in a couple of weeks.
County Added to Disaster List; Seeks $3.6 Million
Hopkins County is one step closer to being eligible for disaster funds due to excessive rainfall and storms after recent action from the Governor. County Judge Robert Newsom said an amended proclamation issued by Governor Gregg Abbott includes Hopkins County as a disaster county making Hopkins County eligible for federal and state funds. Newsom said the application made last week reported the county as having received six to eight inches of rain. The county has requested over $3.6 million.
City streets and county roads in all four precincts have been greatly affected by recent heavy rains. Declaring the county as a disaster county, the count will be able to recover funds expended for cleanup and repair. Newsom said he was not sure how much the county would receive. Federal Emergency Management will be visiting the county to evaluate the losses.
Arrest of Brothers Clearing Burglary Cases in Five Counties
A little over a week ago, Collin County lawmen arrested two Hunt County brothers during an alleged burglary in progress. They were found to be in possession of a gun reportedly stolen from Hopkins County. After a week of investigation, Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies Dennis Findley and Charles Humphries continue to find stolen weapons and work to make addition county burglary cases against the pair.
Chief Criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum says when all is said and done the two men could be charged with the most burglaries in county history. Hopkins County investigators are also clearing up cases in four to five counties from Franklin to Collin County according to Chief Investigator Tatum. Most of the burglaries involve theft of weapons and jewelry. To date, 31-year old Perry Jeff Yates and 29-year old Stanton Wayne Yates, both of Commerce, have been charged with two counts of burglary of a habitation before Justice of the Peace B.J. Teer who set bond at $50,000 per count or $100,000 total for each man.
2015 Red, White and Blue Extravaganza
Tom Sellers, President of Alliance Bank and sponsor of the Independence Day Concert visited KSST to invite the entire community to the free once-a-year event. The 2015 red, white and blue extravaganza will be held on Saturday June 27 at 8pm on Celebration Plaza. In addition to the orchestra performance, a huge fireworks display is also planned. It’a a free event and a gift to the families of the community.
The event will be carried live on KSST Radio and seen in playback on Suddenlink Channel 18 TV.
Chamber Connection June 18th, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Congratulations Winners of the 14th Annual Texas State Champion Homemade Ice Cream Freeze Off
Winners in each division are as follows:
| Super Scoop Category: |
| Jo Alice McCue – 1st place, Banana Pudding |
| Carlie Penson – 2nd place, Fire & Ice |
| People’s Choice Award |
| Smiley Tooth Dentistry – Fruity Pebbles |
| Big Dip Novelty Other |
| Dakota Watkins – 1st Place, Candy Crush |
| Joy Allen – 2nd Place – Cookies & Cream Caramel Sundae |
| Henry Penson – 3rd Place, Pecan Pie |
| Big Dip Novelty Fruit |
| Tony Cotton, 1st Place, Black Cherry Walnut |
| Jo Alice McCue, 2nd Place, Strawberry Shortcake |
| Jo Alice McCue & Laquida Jennings,3rd Place, Rustic Apple Tart |
| Big Dip Fruit |
| Richard Allen, 1st Place, Peach |
| Carlie Penson – 2nd Place, Banana |
| Kim Bailey – 3rd Place, Strawberry |
| Big Dip Plain |
| Jo Alice McCue, 1st Place, Just Chocolate |
| Tony Cotton, 2nd Place, Vanilla |
| Tonya Ross, 3rd Place, Creamy Vanilla |
| Little Dip Novelty |
| Machelle Allen, 1st Place, Peanut Butter Nutty Bar |
| Bailey Allen, 2nd Place, Butterfinger |
| Crawford Johnson, 3rd Place, Rootbeer |
| Little Dip Fruit |
| Kyleigh Allen, 1st Place, Strawberry |
| Addison Bowers, 2nd Place, Banana |
| Jonah Foster, 3rd Place, Peach |
| Thank you to everyone who participated and to everyone who came out to enjoy a yummy bowl…or two…of ice cream. Also a very special thank you to all of our sponsors, board of directors, ambassadors and other volunteers! |
Thank you to everyone who attended the ribbon cutting for Blingin’ Crazy!
Blingin’ Crazy is your source for all things BLING! They specialize in creating cute CUSTOM boutique style vinyl bling clothing, and accessories to make you stand out in a crowd! So no matter who you cheer for, Sulphur Springs Wildcats, Como-Pickton Eagles, Yantis Owls, ANY SCHOOL , ANY SPORT, they’ve got you covered…. in Bling! MORE THAN JUST TEES! They know not everyone wants another tee shirt, come in and see their selection of shirts from sporty to dressy! Blingin’ Crazy can turn your idea into reality! Getting married? Stop by and see everything they have…from tees, champagne/wine glasses, koozies, caps and more, they have something for you! Embroidery coming soon! Angie Churchman, owner, would like to invite you to visit her store, located at 101 Bill Bradford Rd, Ste. 17.
Thank you to everyone who attended the ribbon cutting for ATA Martial Arts, Thursday, June 11.
What a great facility and we enjoyed demonstrations by some of their students. You are never too old. They have a champion black belt student that is sixty-five years old. They are hosting the Phoenix Rising ATA Regional Tournament in November. More than 600 Tae Kwon Do students and their families will be in Sulphur Springs for three days. For more information on their programs, please call 903-243-8767.
The Hopkins County Dairy Festival Ribbon Cutting, Friday, June 12th at Noon on the Square
kicked off the Dairy Festival and the World Championship Ice Cream Freeze-Off. They had a great turn-out. Thanks to all of you whom attended.
Hopkins County Historical Society presents Arts, Crafts & Collectibles Show & Sales, June 19-20th
Sign up now to participate in the Arts, crafts & collectibles show and sales, Friday, June 19th & Saturday, June 20th from 9am-5pm at Heritage Park. Any kind of craft is acceptable: quilts, fabric items, crochet, jams & jellies, stained glass framed photos, bath salts, handmade jewelry, wood crafts, health & wellness products. An outside 10×10 booth is $35 and an inside 10×10 booth is $50 with a very limited number. For more information, please call Joyce Bateman at 903-945-3308 or email her at [email protected]
Hopkins County Dairy Festival Recipe Contest, scheduled for Saturday, June 20th has been cancelled
Concert in the Courtyard at Hopkins House is Thursday, June 25, 2015 from 6-8 p.m.
Monty Tipps will be the musical entertainment, along with community bingo as well as complimentary refreshments!. While there, you may tour the remarkable community where seniors thrive. RSVP to Sherrie by June 23 at 903-439-1202. Hopkins Place, 890 Camp Street, Thursday, June 25 from 6-8 p.m.
Jan James Memorial Scholarship Tournament, Saturday, June 27th at SS Country Club
The Sulphur Springs Ladies Golf Association sponsors this annual tournament in Jan James’ name because she was such an advocate of ladies golf. Proceeds of this event will be designated for a senior on the Sulphur Springs High School girls’ golf team. Sponsor contributions are greatly appreciated! Sponsor sign or banner is only $50. For more information, please call Donna Gregory at 903-440-4798.
2015 Hopkins County Tomato Festival, Saturday June 27th on the Plaza at City Hall
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office presents the Hopkins county Tomato Festival, Saturday June 27th on the Plaza at City Hall. All Entries are FREE! They will have a tomato growing contest…classes: Cherry, Pear, Large Red & Goliath (biggest tomato by weight). They will also have a Tomato Recipe Contest…classes: Main dish, side dish & salsa. They will have 3 divisions…Children (ages 12 & under), Youth (ages 13-18) and Adult (ages 19 & up) Entries are due by 5:30pm and judging begins at 6:00pm.
Free Concert & Fireworks, Saturday, June 27th Downtown Sulphur Springs
The Independence Day celebration begins Saturday, June 27th at 8:00 p.m. at Celebration Plaza with the Northeast Texas Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Douglas Bakenhus followed by the Independence Day spectacular fireworks display that will begin at dark. Bring your lawn chairs. Concessions will be available. Contact 903-885-5614, the Department of Tourism for more information.
Resonate Kids and Family Life Church 1st Annual Race for the Future 5k June 27th
Family Life Church invites everyone to participate in the 1st Annual Race for the Future 5K, Saturday, June 27th beginning at 7am at Buford Park. $25 Early Registration (Includes t-shirt). $30 after June 19th (t-shirt is not guaranteed after 6/19). Medals given and prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall. Register at Fieldhouse Sports (Make checks payable to Resonate Kids,Inc.) or sign up online at www.GetMeRegistered.com/RaceForFuture5K. Timing done by Race Chip Timing. Packet pick-up on June 25th from 5 – 8 pm at Family Life Church 1400 Loop 301 Sulphur Springs, TX. Packet pick-up also available the morning of the race before the race begins. All proceeds will send underprivileged children to Resonate Kids Camp http://www.resonatekids.com/
Rock Creek Health & Rehab welcomes Denise McCarty as their new Marketing & Admissions Director. She can be reached at the office at 903-439-0107, Ext. 110, or her cell phone, 903-348-1486. Congratulations Denise.
Mike Pribble Memorial Plaque Dedication, Wednesday, July 1st at Noon at the Equine Pavillion
The Mike Pribble Rodeo was a staple for families in Hopkins County and surrounding areas over the 4th of July weekend for over 40 years. Thousands of visitors made their way to Sulphur Springs to participate in the parade and Grand Entry of this 4-5 day event. Memories of Mike Pribble standing on his head and roping 8 horses as they ran by and him doing the Texas Skip up and down the entire length of the rodeo arena fill the minds of many residents of this community. As his granddaughter, I am privileged to get to invite you to attend the unveiling of a beautiful bronze plaque that will grace the front of the Equine Pavilion so that hopefully his memory will live on for generations to come.. A Special thank you to Enola Gay, Charles Helm, Adam Teer, the County Commissioners and County Judge Robert Newsom for their diligence in making this dream for my family become a reality. Refreshments will be served at the unveiling!
The Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our newest members to the Chamber. They are:
North Texas Power Shopper-4043 Tracy Lane, Greenville, TX. 803-983-3325- Jeff Schollmeyer, Owner,
Marketing & Advertising Shopper
Joe’s German Restaurant ,575 County Road 3647,SS, 903-439-8226. Joe Boesel /Christine Zaehler, Owners first German Restaurant in Sulphur Springs. Grand Opening will be in August.
That’s all for now…have a GREAT week!
Mama Faye’s Plans July Opening in Sulphur Springs
Mama Faye’s BBQ, named the number one barbecue in Deep Ellum three of the last five years, is opening a location in downtown Sulphur Springs on Davis Street. Shane Shepard, Sulphur Springs Community Development Director, invited the owners of Mama Faye’s to visit the city as they sought an additional location. Then they met developer John Heilman. The decision to locate in Sulphur Springs followed quickly.
Located on Commerce Street in the heart of the arts and entertainment district in Old East Dallas near Downtown Dallas, Mama Faye’s serves barbecue sandwiches and plates including pork ribs, pulled pork, beef, chicken and turkey. A large variety of side vegetables and various desserts are also on the menu.
The building where Mama Faye’s will be located will feature windows that open shutter-like and a roof-top deck for dining will be reached by a spiral staircase. The open windows will allow the barbecue aroma to fill the street. A stage in on the first floor of the restaurant will have a small stage which will feature Blues’ groups from the Dallas area.
Thursday, workers were building the concrete pad for the pit. The pit will be installed next week. Mama Faye’s will open in mid-July.
Hielman said that the building next door to Mama Faye’s will be remodeled to house Caps and Flasks, a pub. It, too, will have a rooftop deck.
KSST’s Doug Haston took a tour with builder John Hielman.
SSHS Athletic Booster Club Membership Drive Underway
The Sulphur Springs Wildcat Athletic Booster Club is recruiting current members for renewal and new members as well in a membership drive. Stacy Cody, Athletic Booster Club Member, said that the membership drive is an annual summer event. Boosters are acknowledged in the Wildcat program printed for Wildcat games and other venues.
Cody hopes to have all the membership moneys collected by July 10th. Membership levels include the State Championship $200, which includes a parking perk during football season. Other membership levels are also available from $10 for individual to $150. The booster club has 70 parking spaces available during football season. Parking spaces not purchased by state championship level sponsors will be sold after the membership drive.
To become a member of the athletic booster club, contact any member or Greg Owens, SSHS Athletic Director.
Why I Love Marching Band
Marching is more than just walking across a field. Marching while playing an instrument takes concentration and determination. Maintaining a 8-to-5 stride isn’t easy (That’s insider talk for taking eight steps each five yards).
When marching there are many things you have to pay attention to. For example making sure you’re an equal distance between two people. Being sure to start with the left foot, and always stay on tempo. Always maintain proper body posture and do not look at the ground and maintain a good focal point and keep your head held high… Be proud! It will take many hours of practice to master marching.
I’m have been a member of SSHS Wildcat Marching Band for 3 years. It was been a challenging experience. When I first started marching my freshman year I didn’t enjoy marching. If found it difficult, and it seemed pointless. We would practice for hours in the summer in the blistering heat. And the water breaks were not as frequent as everyone would have liked. We finished strong after each practice. We would learn and memorize each set carefully and always gave help when someone needed it. Eventually I got the hand of marching, started to love it, and wanted to keep on learning. I am 100% ready to start practice this summer. I owe it all to my band director Mr. Mac. He is the best band directer I have known.
Story by Molly Clegg, HS Intern
Search Continues for Murder Suspect
Public assistance is requested by the Sulphur Springs Police Department as they continue their search for the elusive Tilton Joshua Isaiah Mapps of Greenville, according to SSPD CID Sgt. David Gilmore. The 20-year old black male is considered armed and dangerous. Mapps is wanted in the shooting death of Jonathan Trahern Young, 26, of Sulphur Springs.
Gilmore thinks Mapps has connections not only in Greenville but in other areas of Hunt County as well as Dallas County. Texas Ranger John Vance, the U. S. Marshall’s office, and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety are assisting in the search for Mapps.
Previously, Gilmore has said, “We really need to get this subject in custody.” He said Mapps family members and associates of Mapps are not law abiding citizens and are assisting Mapps in eluding law officers.
The public is asked to assist in locating Mapps, who is considered armed and dangerous. Gilmore says Mapps is a black male, 5′ 10″ tall, 135 pounds, black hair and some facial hair like a mustache and goatee. Gilmore said few people in Sulphur Springs know Mapps, which has limited his apprehension.
The shooting took place June 8, at 2 a.m. Sulphur Springs Police Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call regarding a shooting in Pacific Park. Young was taken by EMS to Hopkins County Memorial Hospital where he died of multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses at the scene identified Mapps as the shooter according to SSPD.
