May 2026

National Day of Prayer celebrated in VZC

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com Several area Pastors prayed about various topics May 7 during the 75th Annual National Day of Prayer Ceremony. The program was held inside the Van Zandt County Court at Law Courtroom located on the second floor of the VZC Courthouse in Canton.

WPHS Tennis State Qualifiers recognized

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The Wills Point ISD Board of Trustees saw a changing of the guard May 11, welcoming two new board members following the conclusion of the May 2 election cycle. Prior to introducing the newest members of the board and administering the various oaths of office associated with the post-election process, the board opened its session with a special recognition for Tennis State Qualifiers Brooklyn Dixon and Wyatt Harper.
Wills Point High School State Tennis Qualifiers Brooklyn Dixon and Wyatt Harper were recognized during the regular monthly meeting of the Wills Point School Board May 11. The duo traveled to San Antonio May 7, 8 for the state tournament after outlasting a talented Panther Creek team in the Regional Tournament April 21. Photo courtesy of WPISD Board of Trustees Facebook page

Van PD among law enforcement involved in pursuit

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Through a Facebook post, the Van Police Department shared the following information about a pursuit they were involved in that resulted in the arrest of three suspects May 9. ‘In the early morning hours of 05-09-2026, officers were made aware of a pursuit from the Heath Police Department (Rockwall County).

Current Game Room ordinance discussed during workshop

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com An overflow crowd May 6 at the Van Zandt County Courthouse witnessed a marathon four-hour regular meeting session of the VZC Commissioners Court where the main topic of discussion centered around the current VZC Game Room Regulations.
Kate Keierleber of the Wills Point ISD Education Foundation was among a number of speakers during an extended workshop session to discuss the 2022 Van Zandt County Game Room Ordinance. The workshop was held during the regular meeting of the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court May 6. No action was taken by the commissioners’ court regarding the ordinance. Photo by David Barber

Fatal hit-and-run accident being investigated by DPS

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Investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are seeking the public’s help in a fatal hitand- run accident that happened May 8 in Van Zandt County. A pedestrian was hit around 11:30 p.m.

Steadham presented with service plaque by council

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Former Edgewood Mayor Stevan Steadham was presented with a plaque of service in recognition of his 10 years as mayor during the regular monthly meeting of the Edgewood City Council May 11. The plaque was presented to Steadham by newly elected Mayor Louis Dunn.
Former Edgewood mayor Steve Steadham was presented a plaque of service for his 10 years serving as mayor. Presenting the plaque was newly elected mayor Louis Dunn.  Courtesy photo

Early Voting begins May 18 for runoff elections

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Early Voting for the Van Zandt County Republican Party and Democratic Party Runoff Elections scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, will begin Monday, May 18, according to the VZC Clerk’s office. There will be only one week of Early Voting which will take place from 7 a.m.

Fred A. Banning

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March 28, 1930-April 24, 2026 Fred A. Banning was born in Des Moines, Iowa, to Joseph Lester and Pauline Doyle Banning, the fifth of six children.
Fred A. Banning

Bette Fletcher Baker

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February 16, 1928-April 24, 2026 Bette Fletcher Baker passed on April 24, 2026, at the age of 98. She was born on February 26, 1928, in Mexia to B.Y.
Bette Fletcher Baker

VZC DA candidates Curry, Schmidt participate in forum

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Incumbent Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney Tonda Curry and challenger Richard Schmidt were in attendance April 27 to participate in a Political Forum sponsored by the Republican Club of Van Zandt County (RCVZC) at the VZC Farm Bureau Event Center in Canton.
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