May 2022

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from May 11-May 18. Jacob K.

Property at Van Zandt County Wesley Chapel Cemetery has been damaged after an incident last week. Wesley Chapel Cemetery, located in Canton on Van Zandt County Road 2120 close to Wiley’s Gun Shop, is a Texas Historical Commission location, and the chapel on the property received significant damage.

Average gasoline prices in Texas have risen 12.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.97/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 28.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.30/g higher than a year ago. The price of diesel has risen 22.6 cents nationally in the past week and stands at $5.518 per gallon.

Voters in the City of Van elected a new mayor and one new city council member following results of the May 7 city election. Van Junior High School teacher Tammy Huff is the newly elected mayor of Van as she defeated current Mayor Don Smith, 255 votes to 189.

There were 42 people in attendance during the National Day of Prayer in Van Zandt County held Thursday, May 5. Pastors from multiple churches around the county helped lead the event. In the photo, the pastors place their hands on VZC Judge-elect Andy Reese as they pray. Pastors who attended include Victory Church Pastor Mike Burns, FBC Fruitvale Pastor Judd Frazier, Crossroads Church Pastor Mark Robinson, First United Methodist Church Pastor Adam Muckleroy, Grace Bible Family Church Pastor Dan Tarno, Lakeside Baptist Church Student Pastor Mickey Matlock, Lakeside Baptist Church Pastor Justin Howe and VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick. Due to heavy rain, the event was held in the VZC Court of Law Courtroom. Photo by Faith Caughron

Van Zandt County Judge Don Kirkpatrick announced that a public swearing-in ceremony for VZC Interim Sheriff Joe Carter will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, in the VZC Courthouse.

The Van Community Library had two special guests from Van ISD read to children attending StoryTime on Wednesday, May 5. The book Ribbit was read by VISD Superintendent Don Dunn and The Wonky Donkey was read by Mrs. Locket, VISD PEIMS Coordinator. Ribbit was about friendship, which just so happens to have been the Storytime theme the past few weeks. The book The Wonky Donkey, well, it’s about a wonky donkey. There is one week left before Van Storytime takes a small break and then the Summer Reading program will then begin. The next StoryTime is May 18 at 10 a.m. Courtesy photo

Requests for proposals regarding American Rescue Plan Funding projects received unanimous approval from the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court during its regular meeting May 11. Trott Communications Group Manager of RF Engineering Barry Black of Irving discussed two projects VZC is involved in regarding the use of American Rescue Plan Funding.

Having dogs around can be dangerous. When First Husband and I had a lot of dogs we were very careful. They could get out if we didn’t latch the gate properly, or we might be mauled filling the water tubs. It’s only when you have just a few that you become lax and don’t pay attention. Then disaster easily could strike.

Donald Gee Smith was born Oct. 24, 1934, in Longview, being the only son of Sam B.