December 2025

Several Vandals selected to All-District Football Team

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The District 7-4A, Division 2, All-District Football Team released recently includes several members of the Van Vandals. Coach Jared Moffatt’s Vandals finished their 2025 season with an overall record of 7-5, a runner-up finish in District Championship Game.

Tigers, Eagles well represented on All-District Football Team

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The Wills Point Tigers and the Canton Eagles were well represented on the District 6-4A, Division 2, All-District Football Team that was recently released. Coach James Boxley’s Wills Point Tigers concluded their season with a 3-7 overall record and a 1-4 mark in District 6-4A, Division 2, play.

Speed limit adjustments on Van street approved

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Following a lengthy discussion during its regular monthly meeting Dec. 11, the Van City Council approved recommended speed limit adjustments on South Bois D’Arc Street.
Jesus Aguilera (right) was introduced by Van Police Chief Eric Doering as the newest Van Police Department officer Dec. 11 during the regular monthly meeting of the Van City Council. Aguilera comes to Van after previously working for the Marshall Police Department. Photo by David Barber

Tom Duke running for VZC Republican Party Chair

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Tom Duke has announced his candidacy for the Republican Party Chair of Van Zandt County, outlining five Core Commitments that will guide his leadership: strengthen our local Republican Party, equip our local leaders, unite around shared principles, recruit the next generation, and protect the integrity of our elections.
Tom Duke running for VZC Republican Party Chair

Around Town

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Dec. 31: Forney NYE Ball Drop.

Van Police Report

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Van Police Department Blotter for the week of Dec. 9-16: Calls for Service 12/9/2025 Van Inn / Van, Tx Animal Call / 561 S Bois DArc, Van, Tx Warrant Service / 113 West Main Street, Van, Tx Information / Van, Tx Select / Van, Tx Disorderly Conduct / 199 Alabama, Van, Tx 12/10/2025 Disorderly Conduct / 199 Alabama, Van, Tx Warrant Service / 640 Circle Dr Apt 62, Grand Saline,Tx Agency Assist - Law Enforcement / 279 Oak Place,Van, Tx Attempt To Locate / Fm 16, Van, Tx Motorist Assist / Ih20 Eb Mm 542, Van, Tx Motorist Assist / Ih20 540 Wb Exit, Van, Tx Abandoned Vehicle / Ih20 E 540 Exit Ramp, Van, Tx 12/11/2025 Burglary / 159 Privat Road 8519, Van, Tx Burglary / 159 Pvt Rd 8519, Van, Tx Motorist Assist / Kansas St, Van, Tx Agency Assist - Law Enforcement / 22392 Fm 16W, Van, Tx Information / 130 Alaska St, Van, Tx 12/12/2025 Agency Assist – Ems / 266 Vemont St, Van, Tx Select / Van, Tx Assistance / 575 N Maple, Van, Tx 12/13/2025 Agency Assist - Ems G a t e way / Gateway, Van, Tx Information / 1081 N Walnut, Van, Tx Agency Assist – Other / I20 West Mm538, Van, Tx Agency Assist - Law Enforcement / North Florence St, Van, Tx Assault / 410 Florence, Grand Saline, Tx Select / Van, Tx Agency Assist – Other / Gateway, Van, Tx Theft / Van, Tx Information / 1221 South Oak Street, 1221 South Oak Street, Van, Tx Motorist Assist / Old Loves, Old Loves, Van, Tx Locked Out / 1221 South Oak Street, 1221 South Oak Street, Van, Tx Information / Carwash, Carwash, Van, Tx 12/14/2025 Agency Assist – Ems / 1012 E Pennsylvania 815, Van, Tx Welfare Concern / Gateway, Gateway, Van, Tx 12/15/2025 Information / Gateway, Gateway, Van, Tx Criminal Trespass / 133 Fm 314, Van, Tx Pennsylvania, Van, Tx South Maple Street/ West Main Street, Van, Tx Disturbance / Old Loves, Old Loves, Van, Tx 12/15/2025 Select Van, Tx 12/16/2025 Criminal Trespass / 133 Fm314, Van, Tx.

Grand Saline Police Report

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Grand Saline Police Department Blotter for the week of Dec. 9-15: Calls for Service 12/9/25 Assist EMS / 307 VZCR 1820 Assist with Fire / 12749 FM 17 Welfare Check / Grand Saline 12/10/25 Welfare Concern/Check / Bradburn Nursing Home Warrant Service / Grand Saline Property Damage / 110 W Frank Public Service / 113 N Green 12/11/25 Disturbance (verbal) / 1638 VZCR 1803 Welfare Concern/Check / 401 N Collier Code/Animal Complaint / 408 N Waldrip Code/Animal Complaint / 1807 W Frank Public Service / 113 N Green Assist Fire Department / FM17/ FM1652 12/12/25 Assist W/Medical Alarm / 602 N Oleander Assist FD W/Lift Assist / 602 N Oleander Animal Complaint / 522 W Patterson 12/13/25 Assist W/Escort / Stadium Dr Assault Family Violence / Grand Saline 12/14/25 Welfare Concern/Check / 325 West Hickory Suicidal Subject / Grand Saline 12/15/25 Assist Fire Department / 202 Collier Assist Fire Department / 1015 High.

Author discusses how to be a better manager and leader

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In an interview with author Todd Roberts, he discussed a world where employee engagement is at an alarming low. Roberts, a seasoned manager and leadership coach, has stepped up to share his insights through his first book titled ‘How to Be a Great Manager Leader.’ After over 32 years in management, Roberts’ journey from a part-time supervisor to a leadership coach is both inspiring and informative.

Free candidate announcement, photos to be accepted

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Van Zandt Newspapers LLC welcomes all candidates who have signed up to run for a Van Zandt County or a statewide office in the upcoming March 3, 2026, Primary Election to submit a FREE announcement and a photo for publication.

Wreaths Across America event held Dec. 13

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The United Daughters of the Confederacy, Confederate Rose Chapter, in Mabank hosted a Wreaths Across America event Dec. 13 at Elm Grove Cemetery in Van Zandt County. Along with presenting several historical Texas Cemetery designations from the State of Texas that their chapter worked on.
Wreaths Across America event held Dec. 13