March 2025

Combined operation shuts down major drug lab

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A combined operation between the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Team, DEA, HSI (Homeland Security Investigations), along with Hunt County Deputies shut down a major illegal drug operation in Van Zandt County.
Van Zandt County, state, and federal authorities worked together in shutting down a major illegal drug operation in VZC March 7. The exact location was not released by the VZC Sheriff’s Department since it remains an active investigation. Three suspects were taken into custody by federal officers. Courtesy photo

Blotter

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The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report for the time period of March 11-18. Trevor Paul Black, 33, Wills Point, Endanger to child, injury to child/elderly /disabled w inj.

Stolen vehicle report leads to arrest of wanted felon

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A wanted felon was stopped by Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Department patrol deputies resulting in additional charges being filed, according to VZC Sheriff’s Department Captain Pete O’Reilly. Deputy Juan Cortez took a stolen vehicle report on March 10.

Brief

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Bright Star Baptist Church, located at 6833 FM 1395, Wills Point, will be having Revival services March 30 through April 2 with Bro. Dennis Erwin preaching.

Mustangs recall state championship season

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What could be better than having one state basketball champion in Martins Mill this season? How about two state champions? Following the lead of the Martins Mill Lady Mustangs the week before, the Martins Mill Mustangs varsity boys’ basketball team brought home some state title hardware of their own March 6. For the second time this season, the Mustangs defeated two-time state champion, Lipan, 55-43, to win the Class 2A, Division 2, state championship game at The Alamodome in San Antonio for the boys’ first state title at Martins Mill since 1949.
For the first time since winning the Class 2A, Division 2, boys’ state basketball title March 6, members of the Martins Mill Mustang basketball team were back on campus March 18 to share memories of their memorable 36-1 season. It was the first boys’ basketball state title for Martins Mill since 1949 as they will be seeking back-to-back state titles next season like the Lady Mustangs accomplished this season. Photo by David Barber

Hudgens discusses upcoming City of Van bond election May 3

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City of Van Emergency Management Coordinator In February, the Van City Council held discussion and voted to call for a bond election for the purpose of replacing a decommissioned water well. The measure will be on the ballot for city residents on May 3, 2025, in conjunction with the regular city elections Water Well #3, which was drilled in September of 1984, has been in trouble since its inception when a casing fracture began allowing bacteria to enter the well.
Hudgens discusses upcoming City of Van bond election May 3

Ruby Williams

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August 5, 1936 - March 11, 2025 Services for Ruby Williams, 88, of Fruitvale, were held Monday, March 17, 2025, at Main Street Baptist Church with Pastor Glen Null and Bro. Homer Morgan officiating, under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home, Grand Saline.

Mary Nan Spears

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January 30,1936-March 16, 2025 Funeral services for Mary Nan Spears, 89, of Terrell was scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. Burial followed at Able Springs Cemetery.

Leah Brooke Cherry

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December 28, 1974 - March 16, 2025 Leah Brooke Cherry, 50, of Edgewood passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Canton, surrounded by the love of her family. Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Edgewood, with burial following at Small Cemetery.

Bobby Don Chitty

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July 16, 1947 - March 13, 2025 Services for Mr. Bobby Don Chitty, 77, of Grand Saline, were held Monday, March 17, 2025, at Riverside Mission Church, with Bro.