May 2026

The Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial Board of Directors recently released information about the 2026 Memorial Day Program scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the VZC Veterans Memo- rial, located at the intersection of State Highways 19 and 243 in Canton.

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.

Early Voting for the Van Zandt County Republican Party and Democratic Party Runoff Elections scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, ended Friday, May 22, according to the VZC Clerk’s office. There were two locations for Early Voting including the VZC/Sarah Norman Library in Canton and The Movie House in Van.

According to a press release from Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Department Captain Brandon Kilpatrick, a suspect was arrested following a standoff in the Wills Point area. The information from Kilpatrick was as follows: ‘On Friday, May 15, 2026, deputies with the VZC Sheriff’s Office responded to the 600 block of Van Zandt County Road 3832 regarding a verbal disturbance in progress.

The Grand Saline Indians are one win away from a trip to the Class 3A State Softball Championship Game with an overall record of 32-10. To get to the state title contest, they will have to defeat the 25-5 Coahoma Bulldogettes in a one-game playoff in the state semifinal round. The game against Coahoma was scheduled for a 6 p.m. start Saturday, May 23, in Graham. Results of the state semifinal contest were not available at press time. See next week’s issue for more information.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com During their regular meeting May 6, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court discussed three workshop items that resulted in no action being taken. The first workshop item involved the number of radios needed for each Road and Bridge Precinct as installation of the new emergency radio system continues.

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.

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.

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.

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.