July 2022

Survey responses shared with board

3 years ago By David Barber

Results of a recent Van ISD employee online survey taken by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) were released June 16 during the regular monthly meeting of the Van School Board. Cheryl Hoover, representing TASB, went over the survey results during a power point presentation to the trustees.

Campmeeting set for July 11-15

3 years ago By From Staff Reports

The 25th Annual East Texas Baptist Campmeeting Revival is scheduled for July 11-15 at the Canton Civic Center in Canton. With an average nightly attendance of nearly 1,000 people, this Campmeeting Revival is one of the largest annual weeklong religious gatherings in East Texas.

The Campmeeting will be hosted by the music group, The Erwins. Courtesy photo

Assistant HR Director Bettinger introduced to court

3 years ago By David Barber

A new Van Zandt County employee was introduced to the VZC Commissioners Court June 22 during its regular meeting. VZC Human Resource Director Jessica Deville introduced Emily Bettinger as the new Assistant VZC Human Resource Director.

INFERNO

3 years ago By Britne Hammons

Fire crews around Van Zandt County were busy throughout the week, battling major grass and brush fires as Van Zandt County remains under a Burn Ban as the Fourth of July nears. Extreme heat, drought-like conditions and windy days are the perfect storm for fires to begin in rural Van Zandt, with firefighters battling 100-plus acre fires with some of the fires not being able to be contained for several hours and requiring multiple agencies to help extinguish the fires.

South Van Zandt Fire Department provided an aerial image of a grass and brush fire that took two departments and many hours to control and extinguish. Photo Courtesy of South Van Zandt Fire Dept.

Van council talks options on seat vacancy

3 years ago By David Barber

Filling a current vacancy on the Van City Council led to lots of discussion among the remaining council members during a special called meeting June 23. The vacancy on the council was created when former Van Mayor Pro-Tem Amanda Davis announced her resignation at the end of the council’s regular monthly meeting June 9.

Van School Board announces resignations, hirings

3 years ago By David Barber

Following a closed-door executive session at the end of their regular monthly meeting June 16, the Van School Board announced the following employee resignations and new hirings which were as follows:

Van Freedom Boom held June 25

3 years ago By News Staff

Photos by Amandi Goldman.

Blotter

3 years ago By News Staff

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from June 21- 29. Basiel Paul Bennett Jr., 42, Palestine, arrested under warrant for unauthorized use of a vehicle.

USPS announces postage rates to change July 10

3 years ago By News Staff

Postage rates will rise again on July 10. Periodicals published the week of July 11 will see rates rise between seven and 10 percent, First class stamps will become 60 cents for the first ounce and 57 cents for the second ounce. Forever Stamps purchased before July 10 can be sold at the old rate of 58 cents if available and can be used after the July 10 increase.

VZ County construction updates released

3 years ago By News Staff

I-20 MBGF Improvements (Van Zandt, Smith, and Gregg counties) Limits: SH 19 in Canton E to MLK Blvd. in Longview Cost: $3.5 million Anticipated Completion Date: July 2022 SH 19 Super Two Widening & Overlay Limits: SH 243 (Canton) S 13 miles to Henderson County line Cost: $12.1 million Anticipated Completion Date: December 2023 Crews will be performing roadway widening operations northbound.