July 2024

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Offi ce released the following arrest report from July 9-July 16. Montie Travis Austin, 43, Grand Saline, possessing a controlled substance.

Texans should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after Hurricane Beryl. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) assistance using names, addresses, and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

EXIT Realty Pro is pleased to announce that Naomi Paye and Robert Snell have joined its growing team of dedicated real estate sales professionals. EXIT Realty Pro, located at 1445 South Buffalo, Canton is a proud member of EXIT Southeast’s rapidly expanding network of independently owned and operated brokerages across the region.

The Van Zandt County Texas A&M Club held their Howdy Party Saturday, July 13, at the Van Zandt Country Club in Canton. In A&M Club tradition, Howdy Parties are held each summer to welcome the recent high school graduates and recognize them as they prepare to begin their life as an Aggie and head off to Aggieland.

The Van Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that it has been selected for the 2024 ‘Best of Van Award.’ The award is given annually to outstanding Chambers of Commerce that have made significant contributions to local businesses. “We are thrilled to be recognized once again for our commitment to providing exceptional service to our business members and community,” said Pat Valentine, President of the Van Area Chamber of Commerce.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Members of the 2024 Van Zandt County Salary Grievance Committee were selected during a drawing held as part of the July 11 regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court. Two options were presented by VZC Judge Andy Reese to the commissioners’ court on how the selection of the VZC Salary Grievance Committee members would take place.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com During the 50-minute open session of their July 11 regular monthly meeting, the Van City Council discussed potential changes to the city’s personnel policy amendments. The discussion about personnel policy changes took place following the decision by former Van City Manager John DeSha to terminate Van Police Chief Melissa Davis July 1.

November 16, 1945 – June 30, 2024 Joyce Lee Horner, 78, of Terrell passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Joyce was born on November 16, 1945, in Water Valley, MS, to Linda Bryan Moorman and Alberta Hayles Moorman.

June 21, 1941 – July 5, 2024 Shirley Ann Williams passed away on July 5, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on June 21, 1941, in Dallas to Alma Frances Bolden and Sims Edward Young, A memorial service to celebrate Ann’s life and legacy was held July 12, 2024, at the Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home Chapel in Edgewood..

February 6, 1941 – June 30, 2024 A celebration of life for Patricia Ann Reaves, 83, of Arlington is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, July 22, 2024, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point.