July 2022

Traffic eastbound along Interstate 20 in Kaufman County was brought to a standstill following a fatality incident involving a box truck July 26. According to preliminary information made available by the Texas Department of Public Safety, a box truck was traveling eastbound just west of FM 429 just before 5 p.m.

Funeral services for Melba Joyce Wantland, 89, of Mesquite, were held Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the Mesquite Church of Christ, located at 400 W Davis St, at Laurel Oaks Memorial Park. Melba passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

Cities across Texas have endured record temperatures this summer, and it’s not solely the weather that’s to blame. Developed areas often experience higher temperatures than nearby rural areas when green spaces are replaced with roads, parking lots and large buildings that retain more heat during the day than natural landscapes.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller reminded Ag producers about the suspension of size and weight requirements on vehicles involved in agricultural activities they can take advantage of due to the drought and heat wave.

The temperatures here in Van Zandt County are taking a toll on plants and humans alike during this extreme heat we have all been experiencing in East Texas. Our office has been receiving numerous calls about residents’ concerns of how the hot temperatures and drought conditions are impacting plants and trees in our area. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Melisa Rhodes of Van Zandt County says there are some steps we can take to help our plants and trees survive this current weather trend.

The most recent White Deer Landing/Autumn Point Acres Neighborhood Crime Watch Meeting was held at the Chapel of the Lake Church July 16. Sheriff Joe Carter of the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office was the guest speaker at the event, speaking with attendees about his own background in law enforcement and answering questions from the NCW members. Attendees of the meeting included Steven D. Stewart, Doyle Marsh, Jerry Marsh, Norman Irvin, Loretta Sanford, Diana Moreland, Patsy Provence, Ray Willis, Phyllis Gersic, Floyd Gersic, Sheriff Joe Carter, Mario Martin, Paul Hood, Jason Musolino, Pastor Doug Erickson, Jacquelyn Vanderwind, Pete Cook, Jerry Roe, Johnny Stanbrough, Carroll Provence, James Brown and John Womble. Courtesy photo

Clayton Conway, Sammy Gunter, Brian Cummins, Kevin Wilkerson, Sandy Scheu, Ernie Ward, and Gregg Beverly of Van Zandt County were among the more than 400 farmers and ranchers from across the state who gathered in Marble Falls recently to discuss rural broadband, feral hog control programs, legislative updates and other issues important to agriculture at Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) annual Summer Conference.

Church to host food giveaway East Texas Street Church of Christ, located at 508 E. Oak St.

Governor Greg Abbott encouraged Texans to remain vigilant during increased wildfire activity this week as the State of Texas continues ongoing coordinated wildfire response efforts through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Critical fire danger and widespread drought conditions have resulted in multiple wildfires continuing to burn across Texas, including the Chalk Mountain Fire in Somervell County and the 1148 Fire in Palo Pinto County. Both fires have caused local officials to issue voluntary evacuation orders for residents.

Funeral services for Jesse Epperson, III, 61, of Wills Point, were held Friday, July 29, 2022, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. Burial followed at Small Cemetery.