May 2025

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Tommy Forgue was approved as the new Van Zandt County Veterans Service Officer May 21 by the VZC Commissioners Court during its regular meeting. Forgue, who will be succeeding Harry Fontenot on June 1, was introduced to the commissioners’ court and those in attendance by VZC Pct.

January 26, 1943 – May 19, 2025 Jerry W. Whitton, born in the Whitton community on January 26, 1943, left this earth on May 19, 2025, from his home where he was cared for.

August 17, 1940 – May 23, 2025 Services for Peggy Weddle Stacy, 84, of Aransas Pass, Texas, were held Friday, May 30, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Fruitvale, with Bro. Gary Vaughn officiating, under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home, Grand Saline.

August 25, 1937 – May 15, 2025 Mary Vernell was born in Canton to Samuel Vernon Gay and Mary Lee (Pierce) Gay. She is preceded in death by her parents, her oldest son, Charles Fleete Cope, and her husband, Robert Charles Cope.

June 2, 1951 – May 23, 2025 A gathering of family and friends to honor the life of Louis ‘Sonny’ Hammonds, 73, was held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. Sonny was born on June 2, 1951, to the late Louis M.

It was standing room only May 15 for the Martins Mill High School Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony as a number of residents turned out to support the graduates at the O’Neal Weaver Gymnasium, The hour-long ceremony began with the graduating class entering the gymnasium during the ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ processional.

Governor Greg Abbott announced May 15 that the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $10,000.00 for information leading to the arrest of Trevor McEuen, who failed to appear for his court date while out on bond for capital murder. The Texas Department of Public Safety has added the suspect to their 10 Most Wanted Fugitive List.

With the help of a number of law enforcement agencies in the investigation including the Canton Police Department, a Jefferson man has been found guilty of federal sex trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

Yvonne Trent

The Trump administration’s border policies are saving and rescuing the lives of unaccompanied alien children (UACs). Contrary to mainstream narratives driven by Fake News media, President Trump and Secretary Noem are prioritizing safety, security, and humanity for vulnerable minors.