October 2021

Students from the Martins Mill Robotics Team helped open up the VZC Military Show on Oct. 16, with their “RoboJet”, the new mascot for the VZC Veterans Memorial. The replica F4-D Phantom Jet will be displayed at Veterans Memorial events throughout the year. The students also carried portraits of fallen soldiers. Photo by Phil Smith

With Halloween falling on a Sunday this year and with potential conflicts in the future surrounding the Oct. 31 date in general, the Van City Council approved a permanent date to celebrate Halloween downtown during their regular monthly meeting Oct. 14. Van City Council member Linzy Neal was absent from the meeting.

History was made during the Oct. 14 regular monthly meeting of the Van City Council as Melissa Davis was sworn in as the first female police chief in Van.

A ‘come and go’ retirement reception in honor of Molly Russell for 45 years of faithful service at First Baptist Church in Van is scheduled from 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at the church. Cards and notes are welcomed.

Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing various communities, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.

Bright Star Baptist Church of Wills Point will host a Trunk-or-Treat on from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 30, at the church located at 6833 Farm-to-Market 1395.

Local 4-H members will be trick or treating for canned and non-perishable food items. 4-H members will be visiting local neighbors to collect food items to be donated to the local food bank. Members will be out in the neighborhoods starting Oct. 22-25th to pick up items.

Services for Leota Riley were held on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at Pruitt Baptist Church. A graveside service followed at Union Chapel Cemetery with Pastor Mike Calhoun officiating. Family served as pallbearers. Visitation was at Hilliard Funeral Home

Mrs. Lynda Jo Wells Minatrea, 84, of Mineola, passed away Oct.

A memorial service for Brenda Wilburn Horrell, 69, of Canton, was held Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at Eubank Funeral Home with Bro.