City of Tuscola Cancels Fireworks Display

The City of Tuscola announced today that it has cancelled the community fireworks display originally scheduled for the evening of Friday, July 6^th due to the excessive heat and unusually dry conditions. All other scheduled events for the Sparks in the Park Festival on Friday, July 6^th and Saturday, July 7^th will take place as planned. Events include: live music, parade, food vendors, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, mud volleyball tournament, community pool party, downtown farmers’ market, American Legion pancake breakfast, 5K Run/Walk, and other miscellaneous activities.

“I love the fireworks every year, and I hate that we have been forced to make this decision. But, we have to come down on the side of caution,” explained Mayor Dan Kleiss. To complicate matters, Tuscola is currently without the benefit of its water tower during a repainting project. According to Fire Chief Steve Hettinger, “I would be concerned with the fire hazard just because of the dry conditions. With a diminished water supply, though, I think we really have no choice but to cancel.”

“Even though we have been forced to make this tough call for fireworks, there is still a lot to look forward to this weekend. With an increased number of activities in comparison to last year, we have fun events planned for all ages,” stated Carly McCrory of Tuscola Tourism.

At this time, the City of Tuscola has not set another date for fireworks. If they decide to do so, they will notify all media outlets.

For more information about the Sparks in the Park Festival on Friday, July 6^th and Saturday, July 7^th – including a schedule of events and registration forms – please visit www.point2tuscola.org. For questions about the event or for more information, please contact Tuscola Tourism at 217-253-2552 or email carly.mccrory@tuscola.org.

Watch for live updates this weekend on the City of Tuscola’s Facebook page (/cityoftuscola) and Twitter account (@cityoftuscola).

Sale Street Welcomes hotWire Networks as New Business

By: Colleen Lehmann
Tuscola Journal - Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Don't let all the debris removal at the west end of Sale Street -- courtesy of the Dotson Building demolition -- keep you from paying a visit to one of Tuscola's newest businesses.

Take a moment to admire the handsomely refurbished façade at 134 West Sale Street, where hotWire Networks is now -- as of Tuesday, February 21st,  2012 -- officially open for business. At least the service side of the network and computer consulting biz is ready to welcome customers. There will also be a retail sales showroom, featuring new computers and products, in the building at 132 West Sale Street that was purchased by business partners Adam Burwell and Eddie Boutilier and 
it will soon be remodeled for that purpose.

Adam Burwell, a resident of Homer, has owned and operated the computer business for over 12 years, and is very excited about making Tuscola hotWire's corporate home.

So what does hotWire Networks do? Just about everything connected with technology, says Burwell, who along with Zachary Wozencraft, started the company. While Burwell bought out Wozencraft, the founding partner remains as an "extremely essential, couldn't-do-it-without-him" employee. The two techies have 34 years of combined experience.

Says Burwell, "We are a communications and networking company; we offer computer consulting, Internet consulting, Web site development and hosting. We can help you with buying a new computer or servicing what you have. Come to us for upgrades on your used or new computers, tablets, and other devices. We offer Web site design and hosting, can help you out with business networking -- both wired and wireless -- and offer computer security surveillance and monitoring."

Not sure what your business needs in the way of technology ... just that it needs something? Burwell says hotWire can develop a technology plan of action tailored specifically to your needs.

hotWire Networks, which has operated out of Philo and Champaign in the past, includes clientele of all kinds -- retail businesses of all kinds, property management firms, contractors, even fraternities and sororities on the University of Illinois campus.

With the hanging of a newly-minted sign on Monday afternoon, hotWire Networks officially threw out the welcome mat on Tuesday morning. Hours of operation have tentatively been set for 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. To reach Burwell/hotWire Networks, just call 1-866-814-0770.

Watch for more information about hotWire Networks and its grand opening celebration, now in the planning stages.