April 2022

Free coffee, donuts and pigs in blanket for all veterans and spouses are offered every Saturday morning from 9-11 a.m. at the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial office.

With the approval of the final debt payment by the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court, VZC officially became debtfree as a ceremony recognizing the accomplishment was held April 13 in the VZC District Courtroom.

Bryntlee Wilkerson, with VZ 4-H, won Grand Champion Steer purchased by Wills Point Ford, Wills Point Chevrolet, Tague Chevrolet, Cowboy Headquarters, JCN Excavation, P&W Welding, Hidden Oaks Cattle, S5 Construction, A1 Consulting, MJ Pipeline, Firehouse Land Services, Wagon Burner, First State Bank - Ben Wheeler. Photo by Faith Caughron

Under the direction of award-winning artist Julie Howard, the Edom Art Emporium brings a new energy to the Texas art market this month. With a grand opening set for on April 15, and a salon of artists, Howard looks to create a place for artists to experiment and play with their imagination.

Due to the upcoming major summer project at Van High School involving roofing and air conditioning improvements, a contingency plan is in place in case the start of the 2022-’23 school year at Van ISD is delayed.

If you’re a Texas voter who has cast your ballot by mail in recent years, you may have noticed some differences on your mail ballot materials this year. Voting by mail had substantial changes beginning with the March 2022 Primary Election. From changes in the application, to changes in the requirements on the Ballot Carrier Envelope, and finally, to new options for correcting a problem with your ballot, voting by mail is not the same as it was in the past.

My name is Tammy Weidman and I am running for the one-year term on the City Council. I have been a resident of Grand Saline for 19 years. My family and I moved here from the Metroplex We chose to move here to raise our children so that they would be more than just a number. I wanted everyone to know their name as an individual and for them to have many opportunities for extracurricular activities as well as volunteering. This town offered the quality of life that we sought.

My name is Mark Thompson, and I am running for the open Van City Council Place # 4 seat. I’m married to Lori, my wife of 44 years. We moved here from Central America in 2005 after seven years on the mission field with Mercy Ships. We have four adult children, all of whom have attended Van ISD. Our youngest both graduated from Van HS. We also have four grandchildren living here in Van.

The Van Lady Vandals hit a pair of speed bumps on their way to a potential spot in this year’s Class 4A UIL Softball Playoffs last week, dropping consecutive games to Mabank and Athens to fall to 2-6 overall in district with two games left to play.

Left, the Edgewood tennis program will be well represented at the Class 3A State Tennis Tournament after the girls doubles team of Meredith Baker and Gracie Cates placed first at the Regional Tennis Tournament, and the doubles team of Brooklyn McPherson and Tristin Smith placed second at the same event. Middle, the Wills Point mixed doubles team of Grayce Malone and Jacob Daniell punched their ticket to the Class 4A State Tennis Tournament by winning Regionals. Right, Sawyer Sewell and Kristyn Dunn of Wills Point won first overall in girls doubles at the Regional Tennis Tournament in Longview to secure a spot in this year’s Class 4A State Tennis Tournament in San Antonio April 26-27. Courtesy photos