May 2024

The American Red Cross opened a shelter May 29 for residents affected by extreme weather in Grand Saline. The shelter is located at the Grand Saline Elementary School at 405 Stadium Drive.

The Texas Republican State Convention was held in San Antonio May 2325 and was attended by 6,700 delegates from across the state. This convention is the largest political convention held in the U.S., even larger than the Republican or Democratic National conventions.

The severe weather that has moved through Van Zandt County since April 26, 2024, left many residents with property damage due to high winds and heavy rainfall. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is encouraging those impacted by the storm to report damage through its Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) Damage Survey.

Following a storm that produced heavy rain, high winds, and a loss of power to many areas May 28, Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese has issued the following ‘Declaration of Disaster.’ ‘Whereas, on the 28th day of May 2024, Van Zandt County, Texas, was in imminent threat of the occurrence of widespread and/or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from severe weather conditions countywide created by torrential rainfall, major flooding, and severe thunderstorms with high speed winds, hail, and tornadic activity over an excessive period of time affecting VZC by causing flooding and wind damage, as well as major infrastructure damage preventing access to, or the safe passage on many roadways, as well as residential and commercial electrical power and utility outages, thus creating a public safety hazard; and ‘Whereas, the VZC Judge has determined, based upon forecasts issued by the National Weather Service and local news media outlets, extraordinary measures must be taken to protect life, as well as protect or rehabilitate property, and are hereby ordered. ‘Now, Therefore, Be it Proclaimed by the County Judge of VZC, Texas: That a local state of disaster is hereby declared for VZC, Texas, pursuant to Section 418.108 (a) of the Texas Government Code.

There will be a new commissioner in Van Zandt County Pct. 1 next year as challenger Mitch Curtis defeated current VZC Pct. 1 Commissioner Chad LaPrade by a 2-1 margin, according to unofficial May 28 runoff election results released by the VZC Clerk’s office.

1948 – 2024 Services for Ronnie ‘Ron’ Kay Crumpler 75, of Canton were held Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Crossroads Church in Canton with Brother Mark Robinson officiating. Ron’s body was laid to rest at Holly Springs Cemetery in Martins Mill.

1957- 2024 Harold ‘Peanutt’ Smith, a beloved husband, dedicated father, and loyal friend, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. Married to his high school sweetheart, Cindy, for 47 wonderful years, Harold was a devoted father to Joshua and Tracy.

1943 – 2024 Services for Ronnie Tidwell, 80, formerly of Canton, were held Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Dickie Allen Funeral Home Chapel in Cushing with Rev. Nicholas M.

A number of Grand Saline High School Bass Association (GSHSBA) teams competed May 18, 19 at the Texas High School Bass Association (THSBA) State Championship Tournament at Lake Palestine. The GSHSBA had seven teams that qualified for the THSBA State Championship Tournament.