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The Grand Saline Public Library, housed in the former railroad depot. will look sharper and be safer following a donation from Union Pacific Railroad.

I-20 MBGF Improvements (Van Zandt, Smith, and Gregg counties) Limits: SH 19 in Canton E to MLK Blvd. in Longview Cost: $3.5 million Anticipated Completion Date: July 2022 SH 19 Super Two Widening & Overlay Limits: SH 243 (Canton) S 13 miles to Henderson County line Cost: $12.1 million Anticipated Completion Date: December 2023 Crews will be performing roadway widening operations northbound.

Postage rates will rise again on July 10. Periodicals published the week of July 11 will see rates rise between seven and 10 percent, First class stamps will become 60 cents for the first ounce and 57 cents for the second ounce. Forever Stamps purchased before July 10 can be sold at the old rate of 58 cents if available and can be used after the July 10 increase.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from June 21- 29. Basiel Paul Bennett Jr., 42, Palestine, arrested under warrant for unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Photos by Amandi Goldman.

Fire crews around Van Zandt County were busy throughout the week, battling major grass and brush fires as Van Zandt County remains under a Burn Ban as the Fourth of July nears. Extreme heat, drought-like conditions and windy days are the perfect storm for fires to begin in rural Van Zandt, with firefighters battling 100-plus acre fires with some of the fires not being able to be contained for several hours and requiring multiple agencies to help extinguish the fires.

A new Van Zandt County employee was introduced to the VZC Commissioners Court June 22 during its regular meeting. VZC Human Resource Director Jessica Deville introduced Emily Bettinger as the new Assistant VZC Human Resource Director.