April 2024

After initially deciding to be one of two school districts in Van Zandt County to remain open Monday, April 8 on Solar Eclipse Day, Grand Saline ISD Superintendent Micah Lewis informed the News through an e-mail April 2 that he has changed his mind and has made the decision to cancel classes that day. In his e-mail to the News, Lewis said that the decision April 1 by Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese to have ‘Declared a Local State of Disaster’ for VZC in advance of the solar eclipse for the time period of April 5-9 factored in his decision to close school April 8.

While the Total Solar Eclipse, a once in a lifetime event in Van Zandt County is taking place Monday, April 8, it will be pretty much business as usual for a number of area businesses. Among the businesses that will maintain normal operating hours April 8 will be the Van Zandt County Courthouse, with the exception of the four justice of the peace offices.

1943-2024 Memorial services for Frank Lee Churchwell, Jr., 81, of Grand Saline, are scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Main Street Baptist Church in Grand Saline with Bro.

1939-2024 Services for Edward Lloyd “Ed” Bradley, 85, of Alba were held Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Bartley Funeral Home, Grand Saline, with Dr. Ricky Bradley officiating.

1954-2024 Services for Mr. Bobby Royce Shaw, 70, of Canton, were held April 5, 2024, at Bartley Funeral Home, Grand Saline, with Bro.

The public is invited to attend the unveiling of a bronze plaque commemorating the historic ‘Victory or Death’letter authorized by William Barret Travis at The Alamo in 1836. The event will take place at 10 a.m.