March 2026

davidb@vanzandtnews.com During the regular meeting of the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court March 13, VZC Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer announced that the 30-day burn ban would be rescinded, effective immediately.

For nearly half a century, the Iranian regime has funded terrorism, killed American troops, and pursued nuclear weapons while chanting ‘Death to America.’ Despite this threat, too many American presidents drew symbolic red lines and issued warnings that Tehran never truly feared. The result was an emboldened Iran that attacked American interests and destabilized the region.

If you spend enough time around teams, organizations, or businesses, you eventually learn an important truth: not everyone in the locker room is pulling in the same direction. Some people show up to work every day with a different mission.

1941 – 2026 Frances Joanne Nichols of Canton passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on November 12, 1941, along with her identical twin sister, in Terrell to D.W.

1958 – 2026 A private family graveside service for Mike Higginbotham, 68, of Grand Saline, will be held at Sand Flat Cemetery, with Bro. Freddy Burdon officiating, under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home.

1944 – 2026 Funeral services for Stewart Lowell Cates, 81, of Edgewood were held Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point with Pastor Mike Roberson officiating. Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery.

1933-2026 A private burial for Jimmie McKnight, 92, of Richardson, formerly of Wills Point, will be held at White Rose Cemetery under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home. Jimmie Euell McKnight was born July 30, 1933, in Wills Point, Texas, to Robert Euell McKnight and Lucille Hand McKnight..

1936-2026 Helen Marie Matus lived a happy and active life for 90 years. She was born to Joe and Lillian Makovy on February 24, 1936 in Abbott.

1931 – 2026 Jaqueline “Jackie” Bernice (Shofner) Flanagan of Van was born on August 10, 1931 in Beaumont and passed into eternal glory on the 8th of March 2026, after 94 years of love and service to God, friends, and family. Funeral services for Jaqueline S.

As voting results began to pour in on a pivotal Republican Primary Election Day March 3, Texas District 2 State Senator Bob Hall held a watch party that buzzed with excitement and anticipation. With the atmosphere electric, Hall took a moment to reflect on the status of his campaign and the issues that drive him as a leader.