June 2026

Following their closed executive session at the conclusion of their regular monthly meeting May 18, the Van School Board announced personnel resignations and recommendations. The trustees approved the resignations of the following personnel: Sam Harvey, Van High School Assistant Principal; Jennifer Barker, teacher; Abby Doring, Van ISD Communications Coordinator; Taylor Gattis, teacher; Kalen Hansen, Van ISD Network Administrator; Elizabeth Harvey, teacher; Caitlann Wiggins, teacher; Lacey Flores, teacher; Danyale Jones, teacher/ coach; Austin Fleming, teacher/coach; Sunni Jo Ruiz, teacher; Natalie Brown, assistant principal; and Ashton Carpenter, teacher/coach.

Columnist I’ve been a devout hunter and eater of wild pork for a long, long time. I’ve pursued wild porkers in remote river bottoms of East Texas and the brush country of South Texas and just about everywhere in between.

“In 1994, I volunteered for the Navy,” recalled Ginger Pickett of Canton. “I talked to some of my friends and most of them were stationed in one place and I really wanted to see the world.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from June 2-9. Droby, Dylan Colton, 27, Mabank, DWI W/OPEN ALCOHOL CONTAINER.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Retired Texas Ranger and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper Kenny Ray of Grand Saline delivered a power-point presentation on ‘Your Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)’ to those in attendance June 3 during the weekly Canton Lions Club Luncheon at Van Zandt Country Club.

During a workshop session as part of their regular meeting June 3, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court discussed the possibility of VZC being involved in a new County Assistance District Tax program being offered through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com During their regular meeting June 3, the Van Zandt County Commissioners’ Court unanimously approved Flag Day and National Flag Week Proclamations. The proclamations were read by VZC Judge Andy Reese and read as follows: ‘Whereas: On June 14, 1777, Congress issued a proclamation adopting the flag of the United States of America; and ‘Whereas: June 14 was officially designated by Congress as Flag Day in 1949, and the week containing June 14 as National Flag Week designated in 1969; and ‘Whereas: The President of the United States signs a proclamation each year recognizing Flag Day and National Flag Week; and ‘Whereas: It is fitting and proper to show our honor and respect for the Flag of the United States of America, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary; ‘Now, Therefore: I, Judge Andy Reese, by virtue of the authority vested in me as County Judge of Van Zandt County do hereby proclaim June 14, and June 14 through 20, 2026, as Flag Day and National Flag Week and encourage all citizens to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by displaying the American Flag.’ The motion to approve the proclamations was made by VZC Pct.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com A presentation on Martins Mill High School’s involvement in the Region VII Education Advising Framework program highlighted the regular monthly meeting of the Martins Mill School Board June 9.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Two Van Zandt County employees were recognized for their years of service in VZC during the regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court June 3. VZC Human Resources Coordinator Emily Bettinger was recognized for her five years of service by VZC Human Resources Director Jessica Deville.

1939-2026 Betty Jo (Pratt) Brown, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, rancher, and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, public service, and principled leadership. She was 86 years old.