July 2022

Mary Olive Mills Huddleston of Bearden, Arkansas, formerly of Wills Point, passed away July 2, 2022, in Bearden, Arkansas. Funeral services were held Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home Chapel in Wills Point.

Paul (PJ) John Walukas III was born July 3, 1983, in Kaufman, Texas, to Paul John Walukas, Jr. and Lisa Diane Turner Gavin.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released spring 2022 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) results for Grades 3-8. The results include exams in mathematics and reading for grades 3–8, 5th and 8th grade science, and 8th grade social studies. This year’s STAAR results show across-the-board improvements in all grades and subjects from 2021, with significant gains in reading.

The City of Van Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Van Area Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored a Business Network Reception June 30 at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Van. Among those in attendance were left to right, Van Area Chamber of Commerce President Pat Valentine, City of Van EDC Director Tammy Weidman and Fairfield Inn by Marriott General Manager Deanna Terry.

By the time people reach their fiftieth birthday, many have begun to imagine what their life in retirement may look like. Though data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates the number of people working into their 70s increased significantly during the first two decades of the twentieth century, the vast majority of professionals still call it a career sometime during their 60s.

Each year, children get heat stroke or die from being left unattended in a hot car, but a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service passenger safety expert says there are ways to avoid tragedy. Bev Kellner, AgriLife Extension traffic safety project director, said as temperatures increase, so does the likelihood of heat stroke and death for children left alone in a vehicle.

The 2022 Texas hay production outlook appears in doubt due to high fertilizer prices and widespread drought, said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Joe Paschal, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, Corpus Christi, and Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension forage specialist, Overton, said dry weather, high temperatures and reduced inputs like fertilizer have inhibited warm-season grass production across much of Texas.

Kids ages 8-13 recently spent a week exploring the wonders of medical science in Pre-Med Academy, part of Tyler Junior College’s extensive list of STEMrelated summer camps. “The main objective of this camp is to inspire young students to investigate and pursue careers in medicine through TJC and beyond,” said Natalie Wade, TJC anatomy and physiology instructor and camp coordinator.

The Van Zandt County Library is now hosting a Chess Club. The Chess Club will meet and play every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Whether you are beginner or expert, we welcome you to join us at the library in Canton,” organizing officials stated. Courtesy photo

Jillian Barber, a BBA Management major from Canton, was named to the Spring 2022 Dean’s List at LeTourneau University. The Dean’s List recognizes students who have achieved a grade point average between 3.50 and 3.99 for the semester.