May 2026

Grand Saline High School FFA (Future Farmers of America) Vice-President Bryson Richey served as a special guest speaker May 13 during the weekly Canton Lions Club Luncheon at the Van Zandt Country Club.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Barbara Crow’s decision to first run for mayor of Edom did not come overnight. Looking back, Crow said that she began thinking about it 10 years before she actually signed up to run against the incumbent in May 2001.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Van Zandt County along with Stewart Hay & Cattle of Edgewood will be hosting a Pond Management Field Day Friday, May 29, at 10192 FM 859 in Edgewood. The cost of the event will be $35.00 per person, cash or check only.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Over 300 citizens from Van Zandt County and beyond were in attendance May 18 for a Town Hall Meeting hosted by the Republican Club of VZC (RCVZC) at the Canton Civic Center with the program primarily focusing on the topic of ‘Sharia Law and Constitutional Intrusion.’

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Participation from the City of Van in the Film Friendly Texas program was a topic of discussion May 14 during the regular monthly meeting of the Van City Council. Van City Manager Jeff Hudgens and City of Van Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Executive Director Tammy Weidman discussed the advantages of the city being involved in the state program.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Under warm and sunny skies May 13, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Hall Chevrolet GMC dealership location on State Highway 19 near Taco Bell in Canton. “Hall Chevrolet GMC is proud to announce the groundbreaking of its new, state of the art dealership facility in Canton,” said Hall Chevrolet GMC Owner Pam Hall.

Two members of the Edom City Council submitted their resignations during the regular monthly meeting of the council May 14. “The council accepted the resignation of council member Denise Basking with many thanks for her years of service,” said Edom Mayor Barbara Crow.

The Wills Point City Council voted in favor of setting a May 30, 2026 deadline for all work to be completed on the Rose Fountain. The fountain, also referred to as the Rose Monument, was damaged by an accident involving a vehicle in July 2024. See story on page 3A.

The likelihood that Wills Point will see an addition to its local dining scene increased significantly May 12 with council members unanimously approving an item that is expected to clear a hurdle for Southern Multifoods, LLC. to acquire land within the city.

Bringing healthy summer meals to Van ISD children ensures kids have a healthy vacation and return to school ready to learn, according to Van ISD Child Nutrition Director Misty Purkey. “This summer, Van ISD will connect children 18 and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old with healthy, no cost summer meals,” said Purkey.