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CHIEF BOWLES AND THE BATTLE OF THE NECHES

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The lives of Native Americans who were killed during the Battle of the Neches were honored during a special special ceremony held July 15. According to the American Indian Cultural Society, “The Texas Cherokee and 12 associated tribal bands, under the leadership of Chief John ‘Duwa’li’ Bowles, Chief Big Mush and six other Tribal Chiefs and Leaders were slain July 16, 1839. This massacre, by the Republic of Texas Army under the direction of President Mirabeau Lamar, took the lives of many innocent tribal men, women and children. The associated tribal bands on this land included: Cherokee, Shawnee, Delaware, Kickapoo, Quapaw, Choctaw, Biloxi, Ioni, Alabama, Coushatta, Caddo of the Neches, Tahocullake, Mataquo and possibly other groups.”
CHIEF BOWLES AND THE BATTLE OF THE NECHES

VZC Elected Officials Salaries proposal denied, 3-2

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In an unexpected move, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court voted 3-2 to deny a proposal regarding fiscal year 2024 VZC Elected Officials Salaries. The decision was announced at the conclusion of the July 12 court which was rescheduled due to a potential lack of a quorum for the originally regularly scheduled July 19 meeting.
Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese, second from left, discussed a proposal regarding fiscal year 2024 VZC Elected Officials’ Proposed Salaries through a power point presentation during the July 12 meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court. In a surprising result, Reese broke a 2-2 tie as he voted to deny the proposal. Photo by David Barber

VZC jail staffing issues discussed

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DAVID BARBER davidb@vanzandtnews.com Staffing issues at the Van Zandt County Jail were updated by VZC Sheriff Joe Carter during the July 12 meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court. The regular meeting was moved to July 12 due to a potential quorum issue for the regularly scheduled July 19 meeting.
Van Zandt County Sheriff Joe Carter updated the VZC Commissioners Court during its July 12 meeting on the current staffing issues at the VZC Jail. No action was taken by the commissioners’ court following Carter’s presentation. Photo by David Barber

Former Canton standout selected in MLB Draft

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DAVID KAPITAN sports@vanzandtnews.com The Canton Eagle baseball program has been among the best and most consistent in the area for decades, winning district titles and making lengthy playoff runs on an almost annual basis. That sus- tained success has included multiple players that have gone on to play collegiately.
Simon Miller capped his college playing career in dominant fashion, posting an 8-1 record with 11 saves and 81 strikeouts during the 2023 season. Photo courtesy of UTSA Athletics

Texas Education Agency releases STAAR results

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The Texas Education Agency released spring 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness results for end-of-course assessments. The results include assessments in Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History.
Texas Education Agency releases STAAR results