April 2025

EDITOR’S NOTE: The News did not receive questionnaire responses and photos from candidates Charles Lacy, Bill Hunt, and Kolton Hill. .

Nicholas ‘Nick’ Haley, 41, and his wife, Shonda, have one child, Hannah Aaron. He is a graduate of Edgewood High School and the East Texas Police Academy. Haley is currently employed as a Wood County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputy.

Elijah Browning, 37, and his wife, Amy, have two children: Raynee and Ryker. Browning, a high school graduate, works as a sales representative for PR Equipment.

John C. Haverly, 66, and his wife, Peggy, have three children: John P.

Kobe Blue, 49, and his wife, Brittany, have three children. He is a graduate of Grand Saline High School and is employed in maintenance for the Grand Saline Housing Authority.

Melissa Jose, 29, is a graduate of Grand Saline High School and Tyler Junior College. She is currently employed at Salt Lickers in Grand Saline.

“I am Kathy Smith, and I am seeking the position of mayor on the Grand Saline City Council,” said Smith. “Having been born and raised in Grand Saline, I proudly attended Grand Saline High School. Following my retirement, I was afforded the remarkable opportunity to reside on the property that has been cherished by my family for over a century. I consider myself truly fortunate to live in the neighborhood and town where I grew up, surrounded by familiar faces. This is my home, and my roots run deep here.

Correspondent The 67th annual Van Zandt County Fair and Rodeo ended April 5 and was held in conjunction with the Junior Livestock Market Animal Shows. The market animal shows were held on Wednesday, April 1, and the Ag Mechanics competitions took place Monday, March 30.