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Public swearing-in ceremony for Carter set for May 22

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There will be a public swearing-in ceremony for Van Zandt County Interim Sheriff Joe Carter beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, in the VZC Courthouse, according to VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick.

VZ County man arrested on solicitation charge

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Jason Wilhelm Veihl, of Canton, has been arrested following a solicitation of prostitution operating conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety. CBS 19 issued an article regarding the arrest of nine people, eight of which are from East Texas. The arrests were made between Tuesday, May 17, and Wednesday, May 18.

Miss Texas visits with WPISD students

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Miss Texas 2021 Mallory Brooke Fuller visited Wills Point ISD campuses May 11, speaking with high school students specifically about mental health and suicide prevention. Fuller’s journey towards becoming a mental health advocate began in high school after losing a friend to suicide.
Mallory Brooke Fuller, who was crowned Miss Texas 2021, continued her community outreach efforts with a stop at Wills Point ISD May 11. Fuller’s presentations centered on the importance of mental health, dealing with emotions and suicide prevention. Courtesy photo

Van chamber award winners announced at festival

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During the Van Area Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Festival at the old Van City Park May 14, chamber award winners were announced. The winners were Tim Perry, ‘Citizen of the Year’; Ernie Burns, ‘Volunteer of the Year’; and Van Family Medical, ‘Business of the Year.’ The awards were presented by Pat Valentine and Mike Bowers of the Van Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Van ISD STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) bus made an appearance May 14 during the Van Area Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Festival at the old Van City Park. Tours of the bus were given during the festival.

Accident claims life of WPISD student

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The Wills Point community found itself reeling this week after a major a two-vehicle accident resulted in the death of a high school student and injuries to three others. According to a preliminary report issued by the Wills Point Police Department, local first responders were dispatched in the early evening hours May 17 for a two-vehicle accident in the location of Highway 80 and FM-2965.

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Buster Leavell stands before a downed 80-year-old tree after it was felled by strong spring storms on May 15. The tree is located at 32210 State Hwy.
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Selection process for new Van city administrator discussed

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The selection process involving the search for a new City of Van administrator led to plenty of discussion May 12 during the regular monthly meeting of the Van City Council. This was the first regular monthly council meeting since March as the April session was cancelled.

Foreign exchange students reflect on their year at VHS

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Moving to a new school district can present plenty of challenges and anxiety for a high school student transferring to a different town in Texas or even a different country. For five foreign exchange students attending Van High School during the 2021-’22 school year, moving to a school in a different country was just the beginning of many changes in their lifestyles.
Five foreign exchange students are about to end their 2021-’22 school year at Van High School. Standing with VHS Counselor Bill Giles, third from left, are left to right, Siraprapha Samanwong (Thailand), Elize Esangbedo (Germany), Leia Boudeau (France), Eva Gonzalez Roade (Spain), and Marta Lopez-Guanch (Spain). Photo by David Barber