July 2025

Governor Abbott announces Special Session agenda

10 months ago By News Staff

On July 9, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation identifying 18 agenda items for the upcoming Special Session that begins at noon on Monday, July 21. “We delivered on historic legislation in the 89th Regular Legislative Session that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” said Governor Abbott.

DOWNRIGGING: Deadly technique for big fish

10 months ago By Luke Clayton

My first experience with using downriggers for stripers and hybrid stripers occurred 30 years ago. I was fishing with a very experienced guide that specialized in using downriggers, a very effective method of trolling lures at a specific depth using a heavy metal ball to maintain the proper depth.

Lake Tawakoni guide Omar Cotter with a chunky hybrid striper caught last week. Downrigging or trolling with deep diving plugs with trailers is producing well now for both hybrids and white bass. Photo by Luke Clayton

Meroney named ‘Outstanding Performer’ at state contest

10 months ago By Kyle White

Band Director and Dual Credit Professor, Grand Saline ISD and Tyler Junior College On Monday, May 26, Justin Meroney of Grand Saline High School performed at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC) held in Pflugerville where he earned a first division Gold medal.

Meroney named ‘Outstanding Performer’ at state contest

Kevin T Searcey

10 months ago By News Staff

March 14, 1962 – July 7, 2025 Kevin T Searcey was born on March 14, 1962, and passed away on July 7, 2025. He lived in Wills Point.

Mark Thompson appointed to Van Council

10 months ago By David Barber

Following a closed executive session July 10, the Van City Council voted to appoint Van resident Mark Thompson to serve as the Place #5 city council member. The Place #5 seat had been vacant since Ernie Burns was elected as mayor on May 3 in the city election.

During the regular monthly meeting of the Van City Council July 10, Gene Keenon of Republic Services (left) presented a $1,000.00 donation check to the Van Fire Department. Accepting the check for the fire department was new Van Fire Department Chief Jeremie Thompson. Photo by David Barber

Traffic stop leads to arrest of Rolling Oaks man

10 months ago By News Staff

Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger released the following information to Van Zandt Newspapers L.L.C. July 15 regarding a recent traffic stop and arrest in VZC: “On July 3, 2025, Narcotics Investigators conducted a traffic stop on a Gold Buick in the Rolling Oaks Subdivision that was occupied by James Chandler Groessel. During the investigation of the traffic stop, Narcotics Investigators Investigator’s requested assistance from the Greenville Police Department K9 unit to conduct a search around the vehicle to help confirm the presence of illegal narcotics. The K9 alerted the investigator’s to the presence of illegal narcotics, resulting in a search of the vehicle. During the search, heroin and methamphetamine were located inside the vehicle. The VZC Pct. 3 Constable’s Office also assisted in the investigation.