December 2025

Darlene Elizabeth McGill

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September 15, 1944 – November 27, 2025 Services for Darlene Elizabeth McGill, 81, were held Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton with Bro. Mike Middlebrooks officiating.
Darlene Elizabeth McGill

‘The Santa Experience’

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Children from all over Van Zandt County visited the Van Zandt County/Sarah Norman Library Dec. 1 in Canton for ‘The Santa Experience.’ Santa Claus made a special appearance to find out from the children what they wanted for Christmas and to see who was going to make his ‘nice’ list and his ‘naughty’ list.
The Santa Experience

Deceased adult male found on interstate

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According to Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Department Captain Brandon Kilpatrick, a body was recently found on Interstate 20 in VZC. “On Sunday, November 23, 2025, at approximately 2:36 p.m., deputies with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, along with Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers, responded to a report of an unresponsive adult male located on Interstate 20 westbound near mile marker 519,” said Kilpatrick.

VZC commissioner arrested on two separate charges

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According to the Van Zandt County Jail website, Van Zandt County Pct. 1 Commissioner Mitchell James Curtis, 57, was arrested and booked into the Van Zandt County Jail at 8:49 a.m.

Children visit VZC/Sarah Norman Library for ‘The Santa Experience’

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Christmas was on full display Dec. 1 at the Van Zandt County/Sarah Norman Library as children from all over VZC got their chance to visit with Santa Claus. A number of other Christmas related activities, including parades, took place in Grand Saline, Van, Edgewood, and Wills Point Dec. 6 with Canton having its Christmas Parade and Festival Saturday, Dec. 13.
Children visit VZC/Sarah Norman Library for ‘The Santa Experience

Bulldogs eliminated by Arp in state football playoffs, 49-28

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com A long night got even longer for the Edgewood Bulldogs as their remarkable varsity football season came to a close at the hands of the Arp Tigers, 4928, in the Class 3A, Division 2, Regional Semifinal played at Van’s Memorial Stadium.
Edgewood Bulldog captains approached the center of the field for the pre-game coin toss Nov. 28 as the Bulldogs faced Arp in the Class 3A, Division 2, regional semifinal contest at Van’s Memorial Stadium. The game featured a three-hour plus lightning delay in the third quarter. Edgewood’s season came to a close with a 49-28 loss to Arp to finish its season at 10-3. Photos by Billy York

Blotter

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The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from Nov. 11-25.

CORRECTION

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A recent article listing the candidates that had signed up for the March 2026 Primary Election had a couple of errors. Deborah Decker is the candidate for Van Zandt County Precinct Chair for Pct.

Grand Saline Police Report

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Calls for Service 11/24/25 Suspicious Activity / Grand Saline. Citizen Assist / 534 E Garland. Public Service / Grand Saline. 11/25/25 Burglary / 401 E Garland. Information / 534 E Garland. Code/Animal Complaint / Main St. Code/Animal Complaint / 1022 W Wolfe. 11/26/25 Welfare Concern/Check / Oleander/Hwy. 80. Alarm Call / 133 W Frank. Gunshots / 407 E Frank. Public Service / Grand Saline. 11/28/25 Welfare Concern/Check / 100 W Frank. 11/30/25 Assist Other Agency / Grand Saline. Code/Loud Music or Noise / 209 E High. Code/Loud Music or Noise / 209 E High. Disturbance (verbal) / 1208 N Spring.