January 2025

As your State Senator, I am eager to share key priorities for the 89th Legislature which uphold the foundational principles of the Texas Republican Party and address critical issues facing our state. From fortifying our power grid and securing the Southern border to ensuring election integrity and shielding our kids from harmful materials, the Texas Senate is committed to action.

Texas District 2 State Representative Brent Money released the following statement Jan. 15 regarding the Jan.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Catherine Gazda was introduced as the new Van Zandt County Auditor to the VZC Commissioners Court by VZC District Judge Chris Martin during the regular meeting of the commissioners’ court Jan. 13.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Another step toward the preparation for a potential bond election to be presented to the voters as early as May 2025 to construct a new Van Zandt County Jail and/or renovate the VZC Courthouse was taken Jan. 13 when the VZC Commissioners Court unanimously hired a financial advisor.

susan@vanzandtnews.com In the heart of East Texas, a family of dynamic entrepreneurs are transforming the small town of Ben Wheeler through their various business ventures. Chuck and Gretchen Partney, along with Melissa Burnett, have embarked on a journey that not only revitalizes local commerce but also fosters a sense of community.

Those interested in signing up to run in the city and school elections in Van Zandt County may do so now through Friday, Feb. 14.

Wills Point High School senior Cooper O’Neal was selected and played in the Native American All-Star Football Game that was held Jan. 7 at The Star in Frisco.

White-tail deer season wraps up this weekend (Jan 19) for North Texas hunters. Thanks to the muzzleloader and special youth season, hunting continues throughout the weekend of Jan 18-19 and then deer hunters have to wait until next fall to again take to the whitetail woods, but did you know that on many Texas ranches that are permitted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), deer can be harvested through February by special permit?

In a remarkable achievement, two talented students from Van High School have qualified for the prestigious 2025 Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) All-State Band. This honor comes after extensive auditions where more than 10,000 high school band students across Texas competed for a coveted spot in their respective All-Region bands.

The Van High School Journalism Department has announced that the 2023-2024 Vandalite yearbooks have arrived. With the theme ‘Me in Time,’ the yearbook hosts a personal photo on each cover, a handwritten letter from the student and a special QR code on the back cover.