June 2024

In a 4-1 vote, the Van City Council approved the purchase of radios for the police and fire departments to operate with the upcoming new Van Zandt County emergency radio system. The action was taken during the regular monthly meeting of the council June 13 as they approved a bid from L3 Harris, based in Melbourne, Florida, to purchase the radios for $155,000.

A resolution by the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court honoring the late VZC Pct. 2 Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr. was read by VZC Judge Andy Reese June 18 during the regular meeting of the commissioners’ court. The resolution reads as follows: ‘Whereas, the passing of a man of service and patriotism marks an important occasion for those he leaves behind which reminds them to gratefully recount the cherished memories and everlasting legacy of their colleague and friend; ‘Whereas, Virgil Melton Jr.

December 12, 1933 – June 15, 2024 Graveside services for Wanda “Sandy’ Collins, 90, of Fruitvale, are scheduled for 11 a.m., Monday, June 24, 2024, at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, Irving. Sandy passed away June 15, 2024, in Tyler.

The City of Van will be hosting its eighth annual Independence Day Celebration known as Freedom Boom from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at McMillan Park located at 712 East Main Street.

1964 – 2024 Larry Dean Pruitt was born October 13, 1964, in Fort Worth. He had been a resident of the Irving/Plano area for 25 years, formerly of Van.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Following much discussion, Semi-annual training for all election workers was tabled by the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court during its special meeting June 12. VZC Clerk’s Office Elections Division Coordinator Shannon Maddox spoke to the commissioners’ court.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in eight additional counties impacted by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 26.

The University of Texas at Tyler announced the students who were named to the spring 2024 Dean’s List. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must have completed 12 or more credit hours of undergraduate college- level credit in the awarding semester with a grade point average of at least 3.75.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from June 4-June 11. Jacob Alan Bullock, 22, Wills Point, terroristic threats against family/household.

Wallace Methodist Church will be hosting its annual picnic/ fish fry after church Sunday, June 23. The church is located at 151 VZCR 2501 in Canton.