Columns

Dear Editor, We don’t need a new jail. We need to pay more in salary to the jailers and deputies we currently have employed, and to attract new jailers to work here.

We at Van Zandt Newspapers are starting up a ‘Around Van Zandt County’ page every week to keep our readers in the know. This page will be dedicated to highlighting the vibrant and fun happenings in our community.

jackwelch1975@gmail.com Professional football continues to expand, providing better opportunities for players aspiring to compete at the highest level. In the United States, leagues such as the National Football League (NFL) and the United Football League (UFL) dominate the landscape, however, beginning this summer, the International Football Alliance (IFA) will enter the stage, adding another competitive platform for athletes.

Dear Editor: I am calling on the 89th Texas Legislature to pass HB 2171, which would require the playing of our state song, ‘ Texas, Our Texas’ after the national anthem at public K-12 sporting events. The 41st Legislature adopted ‘ Texas, Our Texas’ as the official state song, written by English immigrant William J.

Transparency and Accountability in theTexas House Transparency in the Texas House is one of my key priorities because it is the foundation on which good policy and protection of liberty must be built. Patrick Henry once wrote, “The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.” Since my Primary Election victory in March 2024, I’ve been focused on procedural reforms in the House that are necessary prerequisites to good governance.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com As we arrive at another Super Bowl Sunday today (Feb. 9), two things are for certain.

President, Republican Club of Van Zandt County The inauguration of President Donald J. Trump was witnessed by people all over the world. Three of us Van Zandt County citizens witnessed it in Washington, D.C. No, we were not in the Capital Rotunda.

President, Republican Club of Van Zandt County On Tuesday, Jan. 14 at the State Capital in Austin, the swearing in of the 89th legislature took place.

Dear Editor, Are you aware of the numbers of actual voters in the 2024 election? The 2024 General Election data, as compiled by the UF Election Lab, shows a U.S. Voting-Eligible Population (VEP) of 244+ million.

As your State Senator, I am eager to share key priorities for the 89th Legislature which uphold the foundational principles of the Texas Republican Party and address critical issues facing our state. From fortifying our power grid and securing the Southern border to ensuring election integrity and shielding our kids from harmful materials, the Texas Senate is committed to action.