January 2025

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) invites the public to submit nominations for its annual Regional Service Awards program honoring the achievements of individuals and organizations that make a positive contribution to the quality of life in the East Texas Region. Nominations are for service recognition during 2024.

Submitted by Dwayne ‘Doc’ Collins, Republican Club of Van Zandt County President and Suzanne Duke, Republican Club of VZC Vice-President The Republican Club of Van Zandt County has announced their keynote speaker for their Jan. 27 meeting.

President, Republican Club of Van Zandt County On Tuesday, Jan. 14 at the State Capital in Austin, the swearing in of the 89th legislature took place.

March 15, 1983- January 14, 2025 A celebration of life for Robert Little, 41, of Kemp was held Friday, January 24, 2025, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. Robert passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

July 15, 1953 - January 9, 2025 Services for Mr. Woodrow ‘Woody’ Wylie Joslin, 71, of Grand Saline, were held Monday, January 13, 2025, at Main Street Baptist Church with Bro.

July 24, 1930- January 19, 2025 Funeral services for Alba ‘Babe’ Bryson, 94, of Wills Point were held Friday, January 24, 2025, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time.

March 20, 1939- December 27, 2024 Sylvia Marie Shawgo, 85, of Wills Point passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024. She was born on March 20, 1939, in Smith Falls, Ontario Canada, to the late Lloyd and Mary Blatherwick.

July 28, 1934 - January 16, 2025 Services for Ouida Mae Williams, 90, of Mesquite were held Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Eubank Funeral Home with her grandchildren Kimberly Houston, Jeff Van Meter, and Derek Buchanan presenting messages and memories in her honor. Interment was in Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.

July 7, 1937 – January 7, 2025 Funeral services for Lynda Lee Byrd, 87, of Wills Point, were held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home. Visitation was held one hour prior to service time.

March 21, 1942 - January 10, 2025 It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Hagan Henry Chandler III, beloved husband, dad and granddad. Hagan left us on January 10, 2025, at the age of 82.