Abbott: Flooding death toll now at 135
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Gov. Greg Abbott said late last week that the statewide death toll from the catastrophic flooding in the Hill Country stands at 135, and the number of persons missing has dropped to three.
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VZC traffic stop results in major drug bust
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According to Van Zandt County Sheriff’s social media, a traffic stop by the VZC Interdiction Team on July 9 led to the discovery of over two pounds of methamphetamine and the arrest of a local man. During the routine stop, officers developed reasonable suspicion of criminal activity while interacting with the driver, identified as 36-year-oldAaron Chad Sales.
Traffic stop leads to arrest of Rolling Oaks man
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Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger released the following information to Van Zandt Newspapers L.L.C. July 15 regarding a recent traffic stop and arrest in VZC: “On July 3, 2025, Narcotics Investigators conducted a traffic stop on a Gold Buick in the Rolling Oaks Subdivision that was occupied by James Chandler Groessel. During the investigation of the traffic stop, Narcotics Investigators Investigator’s requested assistance from the Greenville Police Department K9 unit to conduct a search around the vehicle to help confirm the presence of illegal narcotics. The K9 alerted the investigator’s to the presence of illegal narcotics, resulting in a search of the vehicle. During the search, heroin and methamphetamine were located inside the vehicle. The VZC Pct. 3 Constable’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Mark Thompson appointed to Van Council
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Following a closed executive session July 10, the Van City Council voted to appoint Van resident Mark Thompson to serve as the Place #5 city council member. The Place #5 seat had been vacant since Ernie Burns was elected as mayor on May 3 in the city election.
GS Creek project discussion draws large crowd
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susan@vanzandtnews.com On the evening of July 15, the Canton City Council convened for a crucial meeting that attracted a large assembly of concerned Grand Saline Creek Reservoir residents. With Mayor Lou Ann Berry absent, as she was in Austin for a meeting advocating against commercial water well drilling in Anderson and Henderson Counties, the responsibilities of presiding over the meeting fell to Mayor Pro-Tem Blake Fowler.
Meroney named ‘Outstanding Performer’ at state contest
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Band Director and Dual Credit Professor, Grand Saline ISD and Tyler Junior College On Monday, May 26, Justin Meroney of Grand Saline High School performed at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC) held in Pflugerville where he earned a first division Gold medal.
DOWNRIGGING: Deadly technique for big fish
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My first experience with using downriggers for stripers and hybrid stripers occurred 30 years ago. I was fishing with a very experienced guide that specialized in using downriggers, a very effective method of trolling lures at a specific depth using a heavy metal ball to maintain the proper depth.
