March 2023

Smith, McPherson take Superlative honors

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The Edgewood Lady Dogs have been the class of the field in District 12-3A in recent years, dominating the field on their way to numerous lengthy playoff runs. That stretch of dominance continued into the 2022-’23 season as Edgewood went a perfect 12-0 overall to top the field in a district that also includes Commerce, Prairiland, Emory Rains, Grand Saline, Paris Chisum and Lone Oak.

Grand Saline Indians sweep past Prairiland

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The Grand Saline Indians aced their first test of District 12-3A play this week, tangling twice with the Prairiland Patriots in a home-and –home series. Grand Saline would win both contests, getting off to a strong start in their chase for a spot in this year’s postseason.

Vandals excel at home tournament

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The Van Vandals rolled out the red carpet last week, playing host to teams from across the area for this year’s Van Tournament March 9-11. The Vandals would acquit themselves well over the three-day event, going 3-1-1 overall.
Austin Johnson kept the Kemp offense at bay March 10, striking out nine Yellowjacket batters in a 5-0 Van win. Photo by Liz Hinch

Indians compete at Region 3 Division 3 Meet

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The Grand Saline powerlifting program made its way to Arp March 10, squaring off against some of the top 3A programs from across the area at this year’s Region 3 Division 3 Meet. The Indians would more than hold their own at the event, qualifying two lifters for the Class 3A State Meet while finishing sixth overall out of 34 competing teams.
Caleb Amaya and Alex Salazar will represent the Grand Saline athletic program at the Class 3A State Powerlifting Meet in Abilene March 24-25. Amaya finished second overall in the 220 lb. weight class at the Regional Meet in Arp March 10 while Salazar easily led the field in the 275 lb. weight class. Courtesy photo

Blotter

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The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from Feb. 28-Mar.

Henderson County accident claims life of local man

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A Ben Wheeler man was killed in a multi-vehicle accident that occurred along FM 315 approximately 6.5 miles south of Chandler in Henderson County according to a release issued by the Texas Department of Transportation March 6.

Julia Ann Day Brinkley

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1936-2023 Julia Ann Day Brinkley was born on Nov. 18, 1936, to Albert Orion Day and Viola Sawyer Day.
Julia Ann Day Brinkley

Charles Ray King

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1948-2023 Funeral services for Charles Ray King, 74, of Edgewood, were held on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point, with Eddie Paul Stanley officiating. Burial was held at Small Cemetery.

Tracy Duane Taylor

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1968-2023 Our hearts are aching as we announce that Tracy Duane Taylor, son, brother, father, friend, has departed this world too soon. Duane was 54 years old when he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his home, on March 2, 2023.
Tracy Duane Taylor

Laura Lemons

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1976-2023 Laura Lemons, 47, of Edgewood, passed away on Feb. 27, 2023, after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer.