June 2023

Daniel Ray Head

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1940-2023 Services for Daniel Ray Head, 83, of Tyler, were held on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Stewart Family Funeral Home. Burial was at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery in Tyler under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home.
Daniel Ray Head

FREEDOM BOOM

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The City of Van got a jump on Fourth of July, hosting its seventh annual Freedom Boom at McMillan Park June 24. The day-long event included familiar family favorites including live music, bounce houses, vendors, and an event-closing fireworks show that elicited “oohs” and “aahs” from attendees.
FREEDOM BOOM

Election equipment demonstration held

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Around 100 registered voters in Van Zandt County were given the rare opportunity to vote twice as representatives and equipment from two different companies were in attendance for the VZC Public Election Equipment Demonstration. The public event took place June 22 at the Canton Civic Center.
Donna Rakestraw of Canton was among around 100 registered voters in Van Zandt County that participated in the voting process June 22 at the VZC Public Election Equipment Demonstration at the Canton Civic Center. Two companies sent representatives and equipment to the demonstration as VZC continues the process of evaluating new election/voting equipment. Photo by David Barber

July 4 activities scheduled in Canton

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DAVID BARBER davidb@vanzandtnews.com Event preparations for the annual July 4 celebration in downtown Canton are continuing as more information about the activities was recently released. The activities downtown, sponsored by the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 5 p.m.

Homeschool students’ participation in UIL events approved

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After much discussion over the past few weeks and months, the Van School Board approved a new school district policy to allow homeschool students to compete in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities, academic and athletic, beginning with the start of the 2023-24 school year.
Van ISD Athletic Director Jared Moffatt shared his views on the possibility of allowing homeschool students that live in Van ISD to compete in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities. The topic was discussed during the Van School Board’s regular monthly meeting June 19. Trustees approved a new homeschool/UIL policy 5-1 during a special called meeting June 26. Photo by David Barber

Earl A. “Bud” Berry

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1942-2023 Earl A.” Bud” Berry, Jr., 81, of Edom, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife and daughters on June 21, 2023. Earl was born on March 1, 1942, to Earl Arthur Berry, Sr.
Earl A. “Bud” Berry

Christy Garner Kunisch

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1975 - 2023 We remember and honor the life of Christy Rachelle Garner Kunisch, who passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the age of 48. Arrangements were made under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home..

Judith Janeva Smith

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1938 - 2023 A funeral service was held for Judith Janeva Smith, 84, of Canton on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Eubank Funeral Home with Bro. Blake Matthews officiating.
Judith Janeva Smith

Balloon Festival set for July 7-8 in Canton

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Around 30 balloonists are set to take flight Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8 for the annual Tailwind Regional Balloon Festival on the west side of the First Monday grounds located off FM 859 in Canton.
Balloon Festival set for July 7-8 in Canton