May 2022

The Canton Eaglette softball program had history in its sights last week, needing a series win over the Gilmer Lady Buckeyes to clinch a first-ever Regional Quarterfinal berth. Despite a stiff challenge Canton would complete its mission, scoring a pair of thrilling victories to keep their postseason journey alive.

The Edgewood Bulldogs squared off against one of the top teams in the state last week, clashing with a Gunter Tiger squad that entered the postseason ranked second overall in the 3A classification this season.

The Fruitvale Lady Cats punched their ticket to the Regional Semifinal round in emphatic fashion last week, routing District 19-2A champions Gilmer Union Hill by a score of 18-1. Fruitvale was slated to take on District 18-2A champions Bloomburg at Longview ISD beginning at 7 p.m. May 13. The winner of the Fruitvale-Bloomburg contest will take on either Chireno or Chester for a chance to advance to the State Tournament. Courtesy photo

After six years of service, City of Van Administrator Charles West has announced his resignation to accept the position of city manager in Bulverde, Texas, located 25 miles north of San Antonio. West, who has worked for the City of Van since January 4, 2016, said that health factored into his decision to make the move south.

The Van Zandt County Commissioners Court met in an emergency session on Wednesday, May 4. In record time, the commissioners made a motion to accept a letter of resignation from Van Zandt County Sheriff Steve Hendrix, who submitted a letter of resignation to Van Zandt County Judge Don Kirkpatrick last week, stating that after “careful thought and prayer” he officially resigns as the sheriff for Van Zandt County.

The 8 Annual Canton Rotary Club Spelling Bee was held at the Van Zandt County Fair on March 31. The competition was open to any 4th, 5 or 6 grade student at a Van Zandt County school, public, private or homeschool.

On Sunday, May 1, a post surfaced on Facebook of an individual making threats of violence with a firearm catching the attention of Van Zandt County courthouse staff who in turn notified the Canton Police Department and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.

If asked to describe how they envision retirement, many professionals might reference travel, time spent with grandchildren and various recreational pursuits. Few, if any, would mention cognitive decline. However, cognitive decline poses a significant threat to aging men and women, especially during retirement.

Adults confront various age-related side effects as they transition from middle age to their golden years. Skin may begin to wrinkle and hair may turn gray, but those are just the visible side effects of aging. Many additional effects are unseen, but those changes can have a profound effect on adults’ quality of life.

Youth Services Librarian Jordin Shilling has released information regarding a new event held at the Van Zandt County Sarah Norman Library. According to Shilling, the library will be holding a ‘Build-A-Rama’ every Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. During the event, attendees have the opportunity to build anything they can think of with a huge number of Legos. The event is open to the public and is free. Courtesy photo