Hodge Chevrolet Coming to Sulphur Springs
Damp conditions and wet ground did not dampen the spirits of those present Thursday afternoon for ground breaking at the location of Hodge Chevrolet on Wildcat Way in Sulphur Springs. Jay Hodge, owner, stated that this had been a five year project that began with him working with his grandfather, James Hodge. He plans to open a family owned business with a family atmosphere as he establishes his dealership in Sulphur Springs. Hodge stated that as his grandfather helped him in establishing the start of the business, so he hoped to assist his grandchildren to begin their future work.
The 15,000 square feet building, to be constructed by Harrison, Walker, Harper of Paris, should be completed in September of this year.
He stated that the dealership would employ 20 people when it opened and would grow to 40 over time. Hodge thanked realtor Tim Kelty, the Chamber of Commerce, and General Motors as he spoke of his dealership.
Chamber of Commerce Bike Race Saturday
The Chamber of Commerce Bike Rally will be this Saturday, March 14, at 9A.M. on the Celebration Plaza. The Bike Rally will feature 10 mile, 27 mile, 37 mile, and 60 mile races. The Bike Rally was originally hosted by the Pilot Club.
“The Pilot Club, that’s an organization here, hosted a Bike Rally for six to eight years, and it grew every year” Kathy Williams, Chamber of Commerce Office Manager said. “They were having 500 to 600 bikers, and it just too big for that club to handle, so they quit and haven’t had a bike race in several years. Last year the Chamber took it over.”
The Pilot Club was an organization that worked to raise money for various organizations through many different projects and events, such as the Bike Rally.Alliance Bank will also be helping out by providing lunch for everyone involved in the Rally once it’s been completed. People from as far as Houston will be taking part in the Rally, with many local entries scheduled to participate. The race will include one unique group of entries as well.
“Normal bikers have really fancy and expensive bikes,” Williams said. “These five women, however, are going to do the 27 mile with little two-wheeled bicycles with no gears or anything. I just think that is unbelievable, and it’s just so exciting that they’re doing that. I think they’re good sports, it’s going to be fun to watch.”
Lady Cats’ softball team slugged their way to victory in their district opener, 13-8 over Longview Wednesday.
The Lady Cats’ softball team slugged their way to victory in their district opener, 13-8 over Longview Wednesday. The Lady Cats trailed 8-5 before scoring the game’s final 8 runs. The game was played at Mt. Pleasant due to wet fields in Sulphur Springs and Longview. The Lady Cats are 1-0 in district play and 7-2 for the season. They’ll travel to Marshall for a district game Friday at 6 p.m.
Intake Clinic for free legal services from Lone Star Legal Aid is on March 18 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Coming up at the Sulphur Springs Public Library, a Intake Clinic for free legal services from Lone Star Legal Aid is on March 18 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Then on April 11 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., the East Texas Writing Guild will have a Writing Workshop. Library Director Hope Cain is also proud of on-line services such as Espanol, drivers’ test prep, Texas Talking Books and Learning Express.
Taste of Home Cooking School returns to the Civic Center on March 31 at 7 p.m
The Taste of Home Cooking School returns to the Civic Center on March 31 at 7 p.m. Featured chef will be Jamie Dunn of Oklahoma City who will prepare ten recipes. All ingredients will come from Brookshire’s, the event sponsor. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Civic Center Box Office or on-line at www.hopkinscountyciviccenter.info. The event is expected to sell out.
CNB Mortgage Gutted, Ready to be Rebuilt
The CNB Mortgage Building on Broadway is being repaired and remodeled after severe storm damage. Dixon & Dixon, a custom home and commercial construction company, was called by CNB to carry out the job. The buidling is expected to be finished before the end of summer.
“It came as a result of a storm that had happened,” Jeff Haygood, Project Manager of Dixon & Dixon said. “With it, it was time to put it back the way it was or better; make it something that the CNB Mortgage people would be proud to operate in.”
The roof was torn off during a storm, resulting in flooding of the building. In the meantime, emplyees of the CNB Mortgage are relocated to a small office next to Jack-in-the-Box while construction lasts.
“So the building was dated, really in the look and shape of it,” Haygood said. “Now it’s going to be a more relevant and more attractive building. There has been pressure put on by the ladies that operate the office there. There was mention of the deadline of an employee’s wedding, but we’re going to do all we can to get it done by then.”
How “The Voice” Works
If you are like me, and haven’t watched “The Voice” before, you could be a little confused on how it all works and what is the next step. From Blind Auditions, to Battle Rounds and Knockout Rounds, then on to the “Live Performance” phase of the competition, it gets to be a little confusing on how a contestant is eliminated, and can be “saved” or “stolen”. Right now, Sulphur Springs’ own Hannah Kirby made it past the Blind Auditions being chosen for Blake Shelton’s team, then the very next episode was not chosen as the winner of the Battle Round between herself and Sarah Potenza, but “stolen” by Pharrell Williams to the dismay of Adam Levine, who was also wanting to “Steal” her. Even coach Christina Aguilera, was complimentary of her performance but ultimately did not try to steal her. Each coach has two steals available in the Battle Round, and then each coach has another steal available for the “Knockout Rounds”. The Battle Rounds continue Monday night as all of Sulphur Springs collectively hold their breath to see what is up next for Hannah Kirby. Then it’s onto the Knockout Rounds!!
If you would like to know more about how the show is structured, click on this link which will take you to the official “The Voice” website page that shows the timeline.. Click Here for Voice Info
Victim of Burglary of a Building Aids Sheriff’s Office in Arrest of Como Man
Local Sheriff’s deputies and criminal investigators were aided by the victim of a burglary of a building in Como, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Lewis Tatum. A 357 Chevrolet motor and a number of other items were taken from a building during the night. When the owner of the property discovered the loss, he notified law enforcement and was able to follow the trail left by the one who took the property. The motor taken was mounted on a pallet and wood splinters and tracks paved the way through Como to the building where the motor had been taken. Sheriff’s deputies received permission to enter from the owner of the building that now housed the motor. From information received there, they proceeded to the home of Walt Hux, age 51 of Como and found other items taken in the burglary in the bed of his pickup.
Hannah Kirby Performing in SS
Crossroads Music Company showcased Sulphur Springs native Hannah Kirby last August with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Bluegrass Band. We are hoping that Hannah will be able to show off her violin talents again soon. Watch for Hannah on upcoming episodes of “The Voice”. Until then, check out this video of her performance last August.
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Oxford Seeks City Council Seat
Former Sulphur Springs City Councilman Charles Oxford will seek the opportunity to serve the city again. Oxford will seek Place 3, currently held by Councilman Oscar Aguilar.
Oxford has compiled his own list of concerns for the city, which he says are based on talking with local residents. His first statement is that many in the city wish to “get rid of the city manager” and “why bother to vote because they are going to do what they want to do anyway.” Oxford said he has talked to 4,000 citizens, twice. Electing the major as opposed to the council picking the mayor is also on his list of grievances. Oxford also disagrees with the downtown facade grants, which he says total hundreds of thousands of dollars, given to privately owned, for profit commercial property improvement. Oxford said that many residents are not aware of the facade grants. City streets are also on his agenda. He says current efforts have not improved streets. He is calling for a 10-15 year plan to improve water and sewer lines. He thinks that all city elections should be held in one location to avoid confusion.
Regarding taxes, he wants to increase the sales tax instead of property taxes in the county and city.
The election for city council Place 3 will be conducted May 9.
