September 2021

The Van Zandt County Commissioners met Sept. 1, adopting the Van Zandt County budget for Oct.

Not surprising, the 2021-2020 school year has kicked off to a rocky start. School is back in session in Texas, but some have been forced to return to virtual learning or close altogether because of a resurgence in COVID cases. Also not surprising, is what appears to be education administrators’ lack of preparedness for this unfortunate but not unexpected setback. I feel for the educators who are navigating this persistent uncertainty with care and professionalism. I also feel for the families and students who are the most affected each time public education must change directions. The losses are piling higher every day. I salute you all.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages everyone to drive safely as they celebrate the unofficial end of summer during the long Labor Day weekend. The Texas Highway Patrol will be increasing enforcement from Sept. 3 through Sept. 6, looking for people not wearing their seat belts, speeders, people driving while intoxicated and drivers who fail to follow the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law, among other traffic violations.

William Marshall Doughty, 67, of Greenville, Texas, passed away Aug. 26, 2021, in Greenville. William was born Aug. 4, 1954, in Fulton, Kentucky to the late Fred Dwayne Doughty and Rosetta Musser Doughty.

Jewelle Jackson, 90, of Wills Point, Texas, passed away Monday morning, Aug. 30, 2021, in Mabank, Texas.

Verner Lee Davidson was born Feb. 10, 1925, in Edom, Texas to the late Clinton Irving Davidson and Addie Mae Hobbs Davidson.

Mike Koonce, 68, of Lindale, passed away Aug. 24, 2021, at his home in Lindale.

Services for Michael Goodson, 70, of Edgewood, were held Aug. 8, 2021, at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton with Bro.

Robert N. Rhodes, age 80, passed away on Aug. 23, 2021, at his home in Tyler, Texas, in the loving care of his wife and three daughters. Robert was born in Dallas, Texas, on June 15, 1941. He was the son of Jesse and Jewel Rhodes, of Van, Texas. Robert grew up in Van, graduating from Van High School in 1959. He attended Tyler Junior College from 1959 to 1961, then continued his education at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1963, followed by a master’s degree in 1964.

Loron passed away on Saturday, Aug, 28, 2021, at his home. Floyd Loron Creech was born on Jan.