July 2025

According to Wills Point Police Department social media, the Wills Point Police Department arrested 25-year-old Eli Joshua Steele of Terrell in connection with multiple felony charges related to child exploitation.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Following their regular monthly meeting July 14 and a special called meeting July 18, the Wills Point School Board voted 6-1 to allow homeschool student participation in extracurricular activities in Wills Point ISD beginning this school year.

Once again, the Van Zandt County Historical Commission has been recognized for their outstanding work by the state as the Texas Historical Commission has named the VZC Historical Commission as the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for 2024.

DAVID BARBER davidb@vanzandtnews.com Near the beginning of their regular meeting July 16, the Van Zandt County Commissioners’ Court received good news from Christus EMS concerning the placement of an ambulance full-time in VZC Pct. 2.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com At the conclusion of their regular meeting and following a closed executive session July 16, a workshop was held by the Van Zandt County Commissioners’ Court as VZC Judge Andy Reese presented an update on the status of the new P-25 emergency radio system currently being installed.

Republican Club of Van Zandt County President The Republican Club of Van Zandt County will have as our guest speaker, Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger. Our meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society will have its regular monthly meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at the VZC/Sarah Norman Library located at 317 First Monday Lane in Canton.

Gov. Greg Abbott said late last week that the statewide death toll from the catastrophic flooding in the Hill Country stands at 135, and the number of persons missing has dropped to three.

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According to Van Zandt County Sheriff’s social media, a traffic stop by the VZC Interdiction Team on July 9 led to the discovery of over two pounds of methamphetamine and the arrest of a local man. During the routine stop, officers developed reasonable suspicion of criminal activity while interacting with the driver, identified as 36-year-oldAaron Chad Sales.