September 2025

VHS student FFA BBQ team recognized by school board

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com During their regular monthly meeting Sept. 15, the Van School Board recognized the accomplishments of the 2025 Reserve National Champion FFA (Future Farmers of America) BBQ Team as members of the Van High School team received ‘Vantastic’ awards from Van ISD Superintendent Don Dunn.
The Van High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) BBQ Cooking Team known as ‘The Grill Sergeants’ were recognized by the Van School Board Sept. 15 during its regular monthly meeting for being named as the 2025 Reserve National Champion FFA BBQ Cooking Team. Van ISD Superintendent Don Dunn (far left) presented each team member with a ‘Vantastic’ award. Team members included left to right, Austin Coffelt, Weston Proctor, Langston Welch, and Boyd Welch. Photo by David Barber

Agenda items dealing with budget, tax rate tabled

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com Agenda items dealing with the adoption of the Van Zandt County budget for Fiscal Year 2026, the 2025 tax rate, and ratifying the property tax increase reflected in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget were all tabled unanimously by the VZC Commissioners Court during its regular meeting Sept. 10.
Van Zandt County Elections Administrator Shannon Maddox discussed the need to consolidate Voting Precincts 2B and 2C for the upcoming Nov. 4 General Election. The polling location for Precincts 2B and 2C will now be at the Old Bethel Baptist Church for the Nov. 4 election only. Photo by David Barber

New Salvage, Wrecking Yard Ordinance adopted

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Following a public hearing, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court unanimously adopted a new Salvage and Wrecking Yard Ordinance during its regular meeting Sept. 10.
Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer discussed the proposed new Salvage and Wrecking Yard Ordinance for VZC during the Sept. 10 regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court. Following Palmer’s presentation, the commissioners’ court unanimously approved the new ordinance. Photo by David Barber

Constitution Day celebrated in VZC

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The 238th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution Sept. 17 was celebrated with a special noontime Constitution Day program on the northside steps of the Van Zandt County Courthouse in Canton. The program featured speakers and recognition of student essay award winners. Also featured was the performance of the Van High School Choir, under the direction of Gage Rice, as they led those in attendance in the singing of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and ‘America the Beautiful.’ The program was hosted by the Republican Club of Van Zandt County. For more information and photos, see next week’s issues of the News, the Canton Herald, and the Wills Point Chronicle.
Photo by David Barber

Jeanne Ann Lea

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November 19, 1949-September 10, 2025 A Memorial Service for Jeanne Ann Lea, 75, of Grand Saline, was held by the church and family Saturday, September 13, 2025, at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Mineola.

Casey Jones

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January 17, 1970 – September 15, 2025 A memorial service for Casey Jones, 55, of Canton will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. A visitation was held Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Doyle Dean Lynch

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November 5, 1951 – September 7, 2025 Services for Mr. Doyle Dean Lynch, 73, of Wills Point, were held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Bartley Funeral Home in Grand Saline.

Willie Jo Sessions Stephens

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January 24, 1929- September 12, 2025 Willie Jo Sessions Stephens, 96, went home to be with the Lord on September 12, 2025, in Tyler. She was born on January 24, 1929, in Murchison to Willie Lee Sessions and Winnie Ellen Shelton Sessions.
Willie Jo Sessions Stephens