March 2022

Under close supervision from Van Zandt County Jail staff, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office started the new garden project last week. “One of our inmate trustee projects is planting a vegetable garden that will provide fresh vegetables for our inmates, teach them a skill, and also help to reduce the cost of our food budget.” VZC Sheriff Hendrix stated, “This is a win for all.

Accomplishments and challenges facing Van ISD were the focus of a presentation March 1 by Van ISD Superintendent Don Dunn during the Van Area Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Luncheon downtown at The Movie House.

The notion of relaxing on a beach all day in one’s golden years is still a retirement dream for millions of adults across the globe. But many individuals also harbor a desire to keep working after retiring. Whether it’s a volunteering gig or a parttime job retirees are looking for, certain qualities can make an opportunity uniquely suited to a post-retirement job.

The UT Health East Texas Sleep Disorders Center is opening a new center, located at 704 South Palestine St. in Athens, Monday, March 7.

Sophomore Kate Lindsey makes an entry pass into the post around the outstretched arms of a Stamford defender. The Martins Mill Lady Mustangs finished the 2021-’22 season with a 36-4 record overall and an appearance in the Class 2A State Semifinal. Team members included Braleigh Whitus, Makayla McLemore, Reese Hataway, Kylee Lookabaugh, Kate Lindsey, Launa Coker, Ruthie Mein, Mattie Burns, Libby Rogers, Jada Celsur and Baylee Valenzuela.

Home schooled children from Van Zandt County ranging from ages 6-10 years old visited the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial March 4. The group was given informational guided tours by Public Relations Director Phil Smith, Chairman Tim Pennington and VZC Memorial Volunteers Spencer Pennington, Andra Pennington and Jamie Bostick.

An amendment dealing with inter-district transfer students was added to the Van ISD District of Innovation Plan during the regular monthly meeting of the Van School Board Feb. 21.

Jeffery Lance Gurley, 56, is being held in Van Zandt County Jail in Canton and has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of child pornography and aggravated sexual assault of a child after being employed by multiple school districts throughout his teaching career.

What is better on a chilly winter’s day than a big bowl of just about any kind of soup, stew or chili? Chances are good if you hunt, you have some venison or wild pork in your freezer which can become the main ingredient for a tasty meal. Of course, domestic beef or pork is readily available at the grocery store if you’re fresh out of game meat but why pay the high price? There is no better time to hunt wild hogs than right now while the weather is still cool. I am about to tell you my method of making an awesome pot of Mexican soup and my favorite meat is lean wild pork. Venison works well also but pork is often used in Mexican soups and I always have a good supply on hand.

The Martins Mill Lady Mustangs and Edgewood Lady Dogs each hit the floor with a golden opportunity to advance to the UIL State Basketball Tournament in San Antonio. While Edgewood would come up just short, falling in the Regional Finals, Martins Mill qualified for the State Tournament for the 15 time in the last 17 seasons.