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The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from March 17-24. Hamilton, Cornelius, 50, Wills Point, DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE, W/PREVIOUS CONVICTION, SUSPENDED W/O FINE RESOLUTION.

MMISD trustees recognize ‘Students of the Month’

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‘Students of the Month’ for March were recognized by the Martins Mill School Board during its regular monthly meeting March 23. The ‘Students of the Month’ at each campus were Itzel Padron and Ruben Ramirez, elementary; Victoria Jordan, junior high; and Madison Damuth, high school.

WPISDEF Gala raises more than $465,000 for classrooms

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The Wills Point ISD Education Foundation (WPISDEF) hosted its annual gala recently and left no doubt that the community’s dedication to its schools is stronger than ever. Thanks to generous bids, spirited fundraising and the tireless efforts of dozens of volunteers, the event raised a record-setting $465,000, all earmarked to enrich Wills Point ISD classrooms.
Pat Green, Texas country legend and three-time Grammy nominee, headlined the Wills Point ISD Education Foundation 2026 Boots, Buckles & Bling Gala. Photo courtesy of the Wills Point ISD Education Foundation

Four individuals named to VISD Hall of Fame

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com During the regular monthly meeting of the Van School Board March 23, four individuals were announced as the 2026 Van ISD Faculty and Staff Hall of Fame inductees. The announcement was made by Van ISD Superintendent Don Dunn.
Van ISD Director of Curriculum/Accountability Karla Rainey presented her monthly curriculum report March 23 during the regular monthly meeting of the Van School Board. In her report Rainey discussed the OER (Open Education Resources) Transition Plan for Bluebonnet Learning which was later approved by the trustees. Photo by David Barber

Jeane wins at Metch Memorial Livestock Show

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Wills Point High School senior Preston Jeane won his first buckle in his career showing pigs at the eighth annual Metch Memorial Livestock Show held Saturday, March 14 at the Van Zandt County Fair Grounds in Canton.
Preston Jeane earned his first career buckle showing pigs March 14 during the eighth annual Metch Memorial Livestock Show held March 14 at the Van Zandt County Fair Grounds in Canton. The Wills Point High School senior will be showing his pig at the VZC Fair during the week of March 30 through April 4. Photo by Faith Caughron

MEET THE VETERANS

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the beginning of a new monthly column in the News called ‘Meet Our Veterans,’written by Phil Smith, U.S.N.R. (1969-75), Veteran, Author, and TV host.
Dr. Jack Hetzel

RCVZC President reacts to Primary Election results

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susan@vanzandtnews.com During an energetic Election Watch Party on March 3 at the Blackwell House in Canton, Republican Club of Van Zandt County (RCVZC) President Doc Collins shared his insights and reflections on the recent Republican Primary Election results.

Fighting for the USA 250 years ago

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Neches River Chapter, NSDAR Publicity Chair Ignatius Nathan Gann left his family’s farm in Halifax County, Virginia to fight for freedom. He was 17 years old.

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The Van Zandt County Genealogy Society is having a free beginners’ workshop on March 28 from 2-4 p.m. at the VZC/Sarah Norman Library located at 317 First Monday Lane (FM 859) in Canton.
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