February 2026

Football fans attending games at Ken Autry Davis Field in Wills Point will notice something different for the 2026 football season as a new Jumbotron scoreboard will be in place. Trustee Dr.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Before the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court unanimous vote Feb. 11 on the VZC Green Energy Temporary Moratorium, VZC Pct. 2 Commissioner Cliff Williams shared his comments on why he was voting in favor of the moratorium.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com A resolution to temporarily halt all green energy projects in Van Zandt County while a permanent moratorium is considered was approved unanimously Feb. 11 by the VZC Commissioners’ Court during its regular meeting.

The two-time defending Class 2A, Division 2, state champion Martins Mill Lady Mustangs started their post-season run for a third straight state title in impressive fashion Feb. 16 as they dominated Lovelady, 100-19, in the bi-district round of the state playoffs.

susan@vanzandtnews.com The Wills Point Chamber of Commerce hosted a heartfelt luncheon bringing together community members to celebrate local achievements and honor the service of veterans, particularly Reverend Donald Tisdale, a World War II veteran who recently celebrated his 99th birthday.

The Tailwind Airpark Community Aviation Scholarship (TACAS) is scheduled for Feb. 21 from noon to 3 p.m.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com During their regular meeting Feb. 11, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court implemented an immediate 30-day burn ban for the second time this year.

“My name is Chad LaPrade and l am a proven conservative leader with a strong record of service to the people of Van Zandt County,” said Chad LaPrade. “My background includes not only 34 years and ongoing in the fire service here in Van Zandt County, but also my service as County Commissioner for Precinct 1 from 2021 to 2025, where I played an integral role on the Commissioner’s Court alongside County Judge Don Kirkpatrick and Commissioners Virgil Melton, Jr (Precinct 1), Keith Pearson (Precinct 3), and Tim West (Precinct 4).

“I was born in Grand Saline and graduated from Canton High School,” said Van Zandt County Pct. 2 Commissioner Republican candidate James Warrington. “I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 30 years, retiring at the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. During my military career, I completed two combat tours in Iraq, two combat tours in Afghanistan, and one humanitarian mission in Haiti.

Jan Box has announced her candidacy in the Republican Primary for Van Zandt County Pct. 4E Chair.