July 2023

The Texas Education Agency released spring 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness results for end-ofcourse assessments. The results include assessments in Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History.

What is your family’s health history? This could be a life-and-death question, for which family research can provide some answers, according to La-Donna Garner, the speaker at the June 24 Van Zandt County Genealogical Society meeting. Family research is rewarding for a number of reasons: It can lead us to a deeper understanding of our ancestors, can entertain us with stories of family that we never knew.

The value of hobbies is undeniable. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that employees who engaged in creative hobbies outside of work were more creative on work projects and had a better attitude on the job, while a separate study published in Psychosomatic Medicine in 2009 reported that individuals who engaged in enjoyable leisure activities had lower blood pressure and a smaller waist circumference.

Former Van School Board President Scott Thomas thought his time as a trustee was over after 12 years of service in May but a recent vacancy on the board changed that plan. In a 6-0 vote during a special called board meeting June 26, the trustees appointed Thomas to return to the board to serve in Place 2.

DAVID KAPITAN sports@vanzandtnews.com Carrying a mission statement of “Equipping and engaging future leaders for the benefit of Van Zandt County”, Leadership Van Zandt County hosts an annual multi-session program Centered on leadership development, community study and involvement. An application deadline for those interested in participating in Class 5 of Leadership VZC has been set for 5 p.m.

An 82-year-old Ben Wheeler woman was killed as a result of a two-vehicle accident that took place during the early afternoon hours of June 29 along State Highway 64 approximately 12 miles east of Ben Wheeler.

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Aproposal to do a hand-counting of votes following the upcoming Nov. 7 General Election in Van Zandt County was tabled by the VZC Commissioners Brandon Barton was on vacation and not in attendance for the July 5 meeting.

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is proud to announce the launch of a new reporting system designed to combat illegal dumping and keep East Texas clean. The system, called RID – Report Illegal Dumping, is a simple and convenient way for residents to report instances of illegal dumping in their neighborhoods and communities.

1940-2023 James (Jim/Jimmy) David Key of Cibolo, Texas, passed away on June 9, 2023, at the age of 83. Family and friends attended a Celebration of Life service on July 1, 2023, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point..