April 2022

Sam Deen is a former Army Captain and 2006 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served as a rifle and then scout platoon leader in the 3rd brigade, 1st Infantry Division. He deployed to the Pech and Korengal River Valleys in 2008 and 2009.

School boards and city councils throughout Van Zandt County will participate in the May 7 General Election with multiple openings across the municipalities and school districts governing seats. There will also be two constitutional amendments that voters will notice on the ballot; the first to authorize legisature to provide for the reduction of the amount of limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes for general elementary and secondary public school purposed on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled, and the second on increasing the amount of a residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school taxes from $25,000 to $40,000.

The Cotton Judging Team at Edgewood High School, consisting of of L. Ragnes, J. Ambuehl, N. Sims and E. Lamborn, are headed to state competition. Students are tasked with doing a written test and judging physical samples each of bolls, plants, seeds and lint. Courtesy photo

Following the ceremony recognizing Van Zandt County as being debt-free, the VZC Commissioners Court held its regular meeting April 13 in the VZC District Courtroom. VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick recognized VZC Auditor Sandy Hill for her efforts in helping to make VZC debt-free.

A number of resignations and new employees were announced by the Van School Board following their closed executive session at the end of their regular monthly meeting April 18. The trustees announced the resignations of teachers Erica Norman and Celeste Jones, and instructional technology specialist Amy Moffatt.

On Sunday, April 10, 2022, Cindy Hayes Conrado of Canton, reunited joyfully with The Lord. Cindy was born May 27, 1964, to Timothy Alden Hayes and Linda Beth Ramsey and lived 57 vibrant years.

Graveside services for Jimmy Don Joslin, 81, of Grand Saline, were held Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Woodside Cemetery. Mr.

Funeral services for Geneva Thompson Slatton, 76, of Wills Point, were held Friday, April 22, 2022, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. Burial followed at Sand Flat Cemetery in Grand Saline.

Memorial services for Brad Lamont Thompson, 44, of Wills Point, were held Saturday, April 16, 2022, at St. Mark CME Church in Wills Point. Services were under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from April 12-20. Seth Edward Adkins, 22, Grand Saline, injury of child/elderly/disabled with intent of bodily injury and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.