May 2022

We are closing out the last week of the school year on a high note. On Monday and Tuesday, May 23 and 24, the kindergarten, first and second grade classes from Grand Saline Elementary took a field trip to the library. They learned how to use their library cards, about the activities we are having this summer, and how to read to win prizes this summer. We are starting out this week with 219 new library card holders in Grand Saline.

Jack Clifton Kellam was born on Sept. 23, 1936 in Colfax to James Clifton Kellam and Sybil Dowell Kellam. Jack spent his childhood in Colfax. He attended Van High School where he enjoyed playing football for the Van Vandals, graduating in 1955. He continued to support the sports programs at Van Independent School District, serving as the President of the Vandal Booster Club for many years. Jack was awarded as Van ISD’s Distinguished Alumni in 2014. He remained close with his high school football friends and organized a reunion every year for the 1950s Van High School football teams.

Services for Barbara Kuykendall Rodgers, 81, of Forney, were held Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at Bartley Funeral Home with the Rev. Jerry Griffin officiating.

A proclamation calling for Flag Day and Flag Week to be celebrated in Van Zandt County in June was approved unanimously May 25 by the VZC Commissioners Court during its regular meeting. Carrie Woolverton of the VZC Historical Commission read the proclamation calling for Flag Day to be recognized on Tuesday, June 14, and Flag Week to be observed during the week of June 12.

The city of Wills Point will once again serve as the central hub for area Juneteenth activities, playing host to the largest Juneteenth celebration in the area June 18. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Food giveaway set East Oak Street Church of Christ will hold a food giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 4 at the church, located at 508 East Oak Street Edgewood.

A 50th wedding anniversary celebration will be held honoring Bobby and Mary Williams at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 4. The celebration will be held at Serenity Springs, 3865 Farm-to-Market 858, Ben Wheeler. The celebration is given by their children and guests are asked not to bring gifts.

Funeral services for Pedro “Pete” Vasquez, 69, of Edgewood were held Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral home in Wills Point. Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery in Edgewood.

Services for Peggy Lynn Scott, 74, of Terrell, are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 2, 2022, at Allan Fuller Funeral Home.

JoAnn Stoll, 77, of Wills Point passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2022. JoAnn was born Sept. 24, 1944, to Elvin Henderson and Bonnie Flemming in Greenville. She was a member of Miracle Faith Baptist Church and dearly loved her grandchildren.