December 2022

Retiring VZC elected officials, employees recognized

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com Recognitions were at the top of the agenda for the final regular Van Zandt County Commissioners Court meeting of 2022 featuring several retiring VZC elected officials and employees.
Retiring Van Zandt County Judge Don Kirkpatrick received an appreciation plaque from the VZC Commissioners Court during its regular meeting Dec. 21. The plaque was presented to Kirkpatrick by VZC Pct. 2 Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr. on behalf of the commissioners’ court. Kirkpatrick will leave office on Dec. 31 prior to new VZC Judge Andy Reese taking the oath of office on Jan. 1. Photo by David Barber

Eaglettes pick up two district wins

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The Canton Eaglettes kicked off their district slate this past week with two thrillers, narrowly escaping both to begin the most important part of their schedule 2-0. Canton would open their district slate on Tuesday, Dec.
Head Coach Troy Carrell talks to his team during a timeout in Canton’s one-point victory over Mabank on Friday night. Photo by Lianna Reid

Lady Tigers ace district tests

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sports@vanzandtnews.com The Wills Point Lady Tigers hit the most important stretch of their season last week, officially opening District 14-4A play with games against the Caddo Mills Lady Foxes and Farmersville Lady Farmers.

American Carp Society’s 2022 Mill Creek Cup held

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Nov. 10-13 saw the fourth annual Mill Creek Cup tournament for The American Carp Society being held in Canton, and once again this great city over-delivered with great hospitality, local support and encouragement.
Anglers came from 12 different states to compete in the Mill Creek Cup, which is quickly becoming a desired location for carp anglers across the country. Courtesy photo

Planning a fishing trip to Saskatchewan

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As a young boy, I read about fishing up in remote lakes up in northern Saskatchewan for big northern pike, walleye and arctic grayling. I’d read all about the shore lunches, the cry of the loon, and battles with big northern pike. Several years ago, I experienced Canadian wilderness fishing for the first time and since have made several return trips. I also think many folks get “boggled” down with what they perceive to be a complex travel itinerary and deem the trip “up north” to fish too expensive and complicated. Just like fishing in the states, there is a wide assortment of options; everything from camps that offer fully guided fishing in a lodge with chef to do it yourself operations I’ve always been a do-it-yourselfer, regardless what outdoor endeavor I am partaking in but a trip up to the wilds of Canada requires a bit of help. I guess it’s possible for someone in tip physical condition to actually spend a month or so and reach these isolated fishing lakes but few have the physical conditioning, skills or time for a completely DIY fishing trip up in the north country. But I’ve found an economical way to gain access to a fun filled 5 days of fishing without having to take a second mortgage!
Fishing on a wilderness lake in Canada is something every avid angler should experience at least once. Luke shows off a big northern pike he landed in northern Saskatchewan. Photo by Luke Clayton

Tigers earn split ahead of holiday break

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sports@vanzandtnews.com The Wills Point Tigers squared off against a pair of familiar opponents last week, clashing with both Gilmer and Van after playing both teams previously during tournament action.
Blake Marical and the Wills Point Tigers will close out the first half of their season in the weeks ahead, hosting Kaufman Dec. 20 before competing at the Leonard Tournament Dec. 28-30. Photo by David Kapitan

Blotter

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The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from Dec. 14-Dec.

Departments respond to possible barn fire

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Members of the Terrell Volunteer Fire Department, Terrell Fire Department and Ables Springs Volunteer Fire Department all made their way to a Goss Lane property this week after receiving a call for a possible barn fire in the area.
Three departments, including the Terrell Volunteer Fire Department, Terrell Fire Department and Ables Springs Volunteer Fire Department, responded to a fire call on Goss Lane Dec. 18. The fire was contained with 24 minutes of the departments’ arrival with no major injuries reported. Photo courtesy of TVFD Facebook page

Biologists stress testing harvests for Chronic Wasting Disease

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With the recent discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Kaufman County, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists are stressing the importance of testing harvested deer taken this hunting season to curb the spread of this deadly disease.