April 2026

Bettie Smith

Body June 19, 1937 – April 6, 2026 Bettie Walker Lisby Smith, 88, of Edgewood passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, April 6, 2026. Bettie Ann Walker was born on June 19, 1937, in Tyler, Texas, to her parents, John Reagan Walker and Era Lee Walker.

Phyllis Howland

Body July 12, 1943 – April 1, 2026 Graveside services for Phyllis Howland, 82, of Rockwall were held Monday, April 6, 2026, in the Pavillion at McLendon-Chisholm Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point.

Caldwell recognized by commissioners during meeting

Body At the conclusion of the open session during their regular meeting April 7, the Van Zandt County Commissioners took time to recognize their VZC Commissioners Court Administrator.
Van Zandt County Commissioners Court Administrator Keegan Caldwell was recognized for her five years of service in VZC by members of the commissioners’ court. Shown with Caldwell were left to right; VZC Pct. 2 Commissioner Cliff Williams, VZC Pct. 4 Commissioner Brandon Barton, VZC Pct. 3 Commissioner Bobby Phillips, VZC Pct. 1 Commissioner Mitch Curtis, and VZC Judge Andy Reese. Photo by David Barber

Groundbreaking held for McDonald’s in Van

Body Representatives from McDonald’s were joined by members of the Van City Council, along with board members from the Van Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Van Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board and special guests in breaking ground on the new McDonald’s location...
Groundbreaking held for McDonald’s in Van

Big-rig chase covers three counties

Body Law enforcement from adjoining Kaufman and Van Zandt counties teamed with Gun Barrel City police April 4 to halt what authorities allege was a stolen 18-wheeler reported by dispatchers to have its engine running, with its driver fleeing northward out of Henderson County, GBC...

Political Forum scheduled for April 27 in Canton

Body Candidates in all four upcoming Republican Party Runoff Elections in Van Zandt County are scheduled to participate in a Political Forum scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, April 27, at the VZC Farm Bureau Event Center located at 220 Burnett Trail in Canton.

WP Tigers host annual Bluebird Relays

Body Van Zandt County track and field athletes representing Wills Point, Canton, Edgewood, and Van had their hands full last week, taking on a stacked field of top competitors from across the area while also racing, jumping and pole vaulting in relentless winds at the Bluebird Relays...
Gusty winds kept competitors in the pole vault on their toes throughout the Bluebird Relays at Ken Autry Davis Field. Photo by David Kapitan

Charges dismissed against VZC Pct. 1 Commissioner

Body davidb@vanzandtnews.com Charges against Van Zandt County Pct. 1 Commissioner Mitch Curtis have been dismissed, according to Kaufman County Chief Prosecutor Hillary Heisel, who was serving as the Special Prosecutor in the case.

One suspect at large in Kaufman shooting death

Body editor@terrelltribume.com One suspect remains at large after a shooting killed one person and injured another on Thursday, March 26. Kaufman County Dispatch received a report of a shooting in the area of County Road 103 in Kaufman County on Thursday around 10 p.m.