News

Following a storm that produced heavy rain, high winds, and a loss of power to many areas May 28, Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese has issued the following ‘Declaration of Disaster.’ ‘Whereas, on the 28th day of May 2024, Van Zandt County, Texas, was in imminent threat of the occurrence of widespread and/or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from severe weather conditions countywide created by torrential rainfall, major flooding, and severe thunderstorms with high speed winds, hail, and tornadic activity over an excessive period of time affecting VZC by causing flooding and wind damage, as well as major infrastructure damage preventing access to, or the safe passage on many roadways, as well as residential and commercial electrical power and utility outages, thus creating a public safety hazard; and ‘Whereas, the VZC Judge has determined, based upon forecasts issued by the National Weather Service and local news media outlets, extraordinary measures must be taken to protect life, as well as protect or rehabilitate property, and are hereby ordered. ‘Now, Therefore, Be it Proclaimed by the County Judge of VZC, Texas: That a local state of disaster is hereby declared for VZC, Texas, pursuant to Section 418.108 (a) of the Texas Government Code.

There will be a new commissioner in Van Zandt County Pct. 1 next year as challenger Mitch Curtis defeated current VZC Pct. 1 Commissioner Chad LaPrade by a 2-1 margin, according to unofficial May 28 runoff election results released by the VZC Clerk’s office.

An estimated 500 attended the annual Van All-Sports Banquet May 13 at the Van High School Cafetorium as a number of athletes were recognized with awards. Cannon Rainey and Tuff Arozemena received the ‘Best All-Around Male Athlete’ award while Landry Jones and Ava Hopson were selected as the ‘Best All-Around Female Athletes.’ Several athletes received scholarship awards during the banquet, and they were as follows: Van Youth Softball Scholarship: Maddy Medcalf.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from May 14-May 21. James Perry Ballard Jr., 20, Wills Point, driving while intoxicated.

A dedication ceremony for a Texas Historical Cemetery Marker was held May 19 at the Myrtle Springs Cemetery. The dedication was hosted by members of the Van Zandt County Historical Commission and the Myrtle Springs Cemetery Association.

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Whitton Community Center is holding its annual Homecoming on June 2, 2024. “We will gather for lunch and visiting at 1 p.m.,” said a spokesperson.

Due to recent severe weather conditions, Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese issued the following Declaration of Disaster for VZC May 16: ‘Whereas, on the 16th day of May 2024, VZC was in imminent threat of the occurrence of widespread and/ or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from severe weather conditions countywide created by torrential rainfall, major flooding, and severe thunderstorms with high speed winds, hail, and tornadic activity over an excessive period of time affecting VZC by causing flooding and wind damage, as well as major infrastructure damage preventing access to, or the safe passage on many roadways, as well as the potential of residential and commercial electrical power and utility outages, thus creating a public safety hazard: and ‘Whereas, the VZC Judge has determined, based upon forecasts issued by the National Weather Service and local news media outlets, extraordinary measures must be taken to protect life, as well as protect or rehabilitate property, and are hereby ordered.

Plans are being finalized for the annual Van Zandt County Memorial Day program scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, May 27 at the VZC Veterans Memorial in Canton.

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