January 2023

Windle Dwayne Gaston

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1970-2023 A celebration of life for Windle Dwayne Gaston, 52, of Alba, was held on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at Mineola Church of Christ, with Jeremy Harrell officiating, under the direction of family and friends.

James Henry Lyons

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1957-2023 James Henry Lyons was born on July 5, 1957, in Wills Point, to parents L.K. Lyons and Leola Sanders Lyons.

James Lloyd King, Sr.

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1943-2023 Funeral services for James Lloyd King, Sr., 79, of Wills Point, were held on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home.

Harold “Lee” Hardin

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1959-2022 Harold “Lee” Hardin passed away on Nov. 10, 2022, at the age of 63, with his children by his side.
Harold “Lee” Hardin

Richard “Rick” Balluch

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1959-2023 Funeral services for Richard (Rick) Balluch, 63, of Wills Point, were held on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point.
Richard “Rick” Balluch

Tommie Nell Bratton Gray

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1937-2023 Services for Tommie Nell Bratton Gray, 85, of Tyler, were held 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at Bartley Funeral Home, Grand Saline.

Lady Mustangs off to fast start in district

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The Martins Mill Lady Mustangs kicked off their quest for another district championship and a spot in this year’s UIL Playoffs last week, taking on longtime rivals LaPoynor and Kerens in their first two District 19-2A games of the season.

Blotter

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The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from Jan. 3 -Jan.

Richardson erupts for 40 in Van win

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The Van Lady Vandals kept themselves in the thick of this year’s District 16-4A race last week, notching double-digit wins over both Mabank and Athens to stay within one game of chief rival Canton. The Lady Vandals first hit the court Jan.
Marisa Richardson filled the stat sheet against district-foe Athens, finishing with 40 points, five steals and three assists in a 7741 Van victory Jan. 10. Photo by Liz Hinch