October 2024

susan@vanzandtnews.com In a world where law enforcement faces unprecedented challenges, Edgewood ISD Police Chief Jason Groom stands as a testament to resilience and dedication. With a career that has spanned both firefighting and policing, Groom’s journey is both inspiring and reflective of the changing landscape of public service.

susan@vanzandtnews.com Fruitvale Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tim Bierl shared his passion for firefighting and the challenges faced by volunteer departments in small towns. With six years of service under his belt, Bierl emphasized his motivation to help his community and grow the department.

susan@vanzandtnews.com Lonnie Smith, a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Myrtle Springs Fire Department, has served as a volunteer fire fighter for an impressive 38 years. His journey into firefighting began at a young age, instilled with a deep-rooted desire to help others, a value his family emphasized throughout his upbringing.

susan@vanzandtnews.com In a world where emergencies can strike at any moment, the role of a dispatcher is often overlooked, however, for Tessala Tucker, a dispatcher with the Canton Police Department, being a First Responder is not just a job; it’s a passion that has spanned over 11 years.

susan@vanzandtnews.com The heart of a community often beats strongest through its First Responders. One such individual making a significant impact in the Martins Mill area is Austin Davis, a dedicated firefi ghter and paramedic who has been serving since 2009.

After losing to state-ranked Lindale on the road Oct. 8, the Lady Vandals responded with a win over Mabank Oct.

In each advertiser’s space on this page is the name of two teams who will oppose each other in the coming week. You should circle the name of the team you believe will win in each ad. The person selecting the most correct games will be the winner. Winners each week will receive $50 worth of coupons redeemable at participating merchants’ stores or payable on bank loans only with participating banks. The coupons cannot be exchanged for cash or deposited as cash. Entries must be in Van Zandt News office in Canton by 4:30 p.m. Thursday preceding the games. In the event of a tie, the “Tie-Breaker” game will decide the winner. Correct winning team must be selected and person closest to winning margin is the $50 in coupons winner. In the event of a tie on the Tie-Breaker, the $50 worth of coupons will be divided equally among the winners. Limit two entries per family per week. Multiple entries must be submitted separately. Employees of Van Zandt Newspapers, L.L.C. and their immediate families are not eligible to participate. No photocopies will be accepted. Odds of winning is determined by number of participants. No purchase is necessary. The decisions by judges will be final. Contestants must be 18 years of age or older. We are not responsible for illegible or misdirected entries. Void where prohibited by law. Winners are limited to no more than two outright wins during the football contest season. All Coupons must be redeemed by 12/31/2024.

November 11, 1938 – October 14, 2024 A graveside service for Alta Rhea Thompson Westmoreland, 85, of Canton, was held Friday, October 18, 2024, at Haven of Memories with John Crow and Mark Robinson officiating. A visitation was held prior to the service at Eubank Funeral Home.

November 19. 1936 – September 7, 2024 A memorial service for Jimmie Watson, 87, of Canton, was held at 11 a.m.

October 21, 1957-October 7, 2024 Mark Steven Taylor, 66, of Edgewood passed away on October 7, 2024. Mark was born on October 21, 1957, in Dallas to Jack and Anna Lou Luttrell Taylor.