May 2025

Linda Martinez

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August 1, 1951 - Tuesday, May 6, 2025 A memorial service for Linda Martinez, 73, of Wills Point was held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Hiett’s Ly-Brand Funeral Home. The family received friends one hour prior to the service.

GS native Chris Tomlin inducted into TJC Ovation Society

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Grand Saline native Chris Tomlin, a Grammy-winning Christian recording artist and a 1992 graduate of Tyler Junior College, was inducted May 1 into the Tyler Junior College Ovation Society, in recognition of his achievements in the arts.
Grand Saline native and Christian recording artist Chris Tomlin (middle) was recently inducted into the Tyler Junior College Ovation Society. Pictured with Tomlin were left to right, Dr. Juan E. Mejia, TJC president and CEO; Miranda Sewell, TJC director of alumni relations; Dr. Cheryl Rogers, former TJC music professor and administrator; and Mitch Andrews, TJC vice president for institutional advancement. Photo by Francie Hodges

Retiring Edgewood ISD Superintendent looks back at career

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com After a successful 32-year career in public education, Edgewood ISD Superintendent Kristin Prater expressed that she is ready to focus on the next chapter in her life and that is retirement.
Kristin Prater

Vietnam Veterans honored during ceremony

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Plan ‘B’ was implemented on Wednesday, April 30 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and to honor Van Zandt County Vietnam Veterans. Due to severe storms, the planned ceremony at the VZC Veterans Memorial was moved inside to the VZC Farm Bureau Event Center in Canton.
Nine Van Zandt County Vietnam Veterans were recognized for their service to their country April 30 during a special ceremony on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The ceremony was moved from the VZC Veterans Memorial to the VZC Farm Bureau Event Center in Canton due to rain. Photo by Faith Caughron

Search continues for fugitive

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Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger along with deputies from the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and multiple other agencies were in the area of State Highway 80 east of Grand Saline May 5 looking for Trevor McEuen.

Final results from May 3 elections released

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com Final results from the Saturday, May 3, city and school elections held in Van Zandt County were released. Election Day voting was held May 3 in the City of Grand Saline, the City of Van, Fruitvale ISD, Grand Saline ISD, Canton ISD, Wills Point ISD, and the City of Wills Point.

Senior fitness group honors memory of oldest member

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com A senior citizen group that meets regularly at Anytime Fitness in Canton took time to honor the memory of their senior member April 12. Liston Barber of Martins Mill, the oldest member of ‘The Old Timers Club’ senior citizen fitness group, passed away March 17 at the age of 99.
Tony Barber of Fort Worth, right, the son of the late Liston Barber of Martins Mill, received a trophy and medal from ‘The Old Timers Club’ Promoter David Marlowe during a special recognition held in memory of their oldest club member April 12 at Anytime Fitness in Canton. Photo by David Barber

National Day of Prayer Ceremony held

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese and several area Pastors led in prayer during the 74th Annual National Day of Prayer Ceremony held May 1 in the VZC District Courtroom in the VZC Courthouse.
National Day of Prayer Ceremony held

VZC Aggie Muster Ceremony held April 21 in GS

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The Van Zandt County Aggie Club held their 2025 Aggie Muster Ceremony Monday, April 21 at the Old School Museum in Grand Saline. There were 27 Aggies and 16 guests in attendance, some coming from as far away as Kansas.
The 2025 Aggie Muster Ceremony was hosted by the Van Zandt County Aggie Club April 21 at the Old School Museum in Grand Saline. A total of 27 Aggies and 16 guests were present. Aggie Muster is an event held annually to remember and honor the Aggies that have passed away during the previous year. Courtesy photo:

Briefs

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There will be a property tax appraisal protest workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.