June 2026

Newspaper reps speak during Van Chamber Luncheon

davidb@vanzandtnews.com ‘Are Newspapers Still Relevant?’ was the topic of a presentation made by three members of the Van Zandt Newspapers L.L.C. team June 2 during the Van Area Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon.
Van Zandt Newspapers L.L.C. Advertising Manager Karla Dunson discussed the topic of ‘Are Newspapers Still Relevant?’ June 2 as she spoke during the Van Area Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon downtown at The Movie House. Also representing Van Zandt Newspapers L.L.C. at the luncheon were Editor David Barber and Advertising Sales Representative Melody Tarno-Thompson. Photos by David Barber

10th annual Back the Blue event set

The Wills Point Police Department will once again roll out the red carpet to members of the local community during the week ahead, hosting their signature Back the Blue outreach event for the 10th consecutive year on June 12-13.

Car seat check event set for WP, GS in June

The Texas A&M AgriLIfe Extension Office in Van Zandt County has announced that there will be a ‘Calling All Caregivers’ car seat check event in both Wills Point and Grand Saline later this month.

Morton Salt giving away guided salt mine tour

Morton Salt in Grand Saline is offering a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the Morton Salt mine. The raffle drawing is sponsored by the Grand Saline Chamber of Commerce and the Morton Salt Company.

Edgewood’s Jistel and Thompson compete at State Championship

Huge shoutout to Edgewood Anglers and recent graduates Tyner Jistel and Terry Thompson. Tyner and Terry have fished with the Grand Saline High School Bass Anglers throughout their four years of high school, and they finished that chapter in a big way at the THSBA State Championship on Lake Texoma.
Edgewood’s Jistel and Thompson compete at State Championship

CATTIN’ THE RED

There’s something very special about river fishing. I grew up a few miles from the Red River in Red River County and have fond memories of bank fishing along the river.
Guide J.C. McCullough (left) and Luke with a big blue catfish last week from the Red River below Lake Texoma. Photo by Jeff Rice

GS Public Library announces program schedule

With a theme of ‘Books Are Only the Beginning,’ the Grand Saline Public Library has announced their regular events and activities. Books and Ballet, dance and storytime, will take place every Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Canton students collecting drinks, snacks for firefighters

For the sixth year in a row, Canton students Grayson and Alice will be in the parking lot in front of Shoe Sensations located at 301 State Highway 243 in Canton collecting bottled water, Gatorade, and individually wrapped snacks for the local volunteer fire departments of Van Zandt County.