News

Wills Point PD sets sights on new facility

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The Wills Point City Council covered plenty of ground during their most recent monthly session, gathering for nearly two hours April 14 to discuss a wide range of topics that included regular reports from department heads, a review of the recently concluded 2024-’25 audit report and a look at potential long and short term issues with the community center.
Wills Point Police Chief Aaron Long delivered a presentation centered on the department’s pursuit of grant funding during the April 14 city council meeting. The grant funding would go towards the construction of a new police department facility, replacing the current structure located on North 5th Street. Photo by Faith Caughron

Resolution approved by VZC Commissioners Court

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com A resolution to authorize the filing of a grant application with the Texas Historic Commission Courthouse Preservation Program was approved by the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court during its regular meeting April 22.

VZC Aggie Muster 2026 Ceremony held April 21

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The Van Zandt County Aggie Club held their 2026 Aggie Muster Ceremony Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Old School Museum in Grand Saline. There were 37 Aggies and 23 guests in attendance.
The 2026 Aggie Muster Ceremony was hosted by the Van Zandt County Aggie Club April 21 at the Old School Museum in Grand Saline. Aggie Muster is an event held annually to remember and honor the Aggies that have passed away during the previous year. ‘A Roll Call for the Absent’ was held and a candle was lit for each Aggie that was remembered during the event. Courtesy photo

Motions approved following closed executive session

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com Following a closed executive session at the conclusion of their regular meeting April 22, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court approved three separate motions. The commissioners’ court approved a motion by VZC Judge Andy Reese to move $600,000.00 from the contingency account to jail maintenance and repairs.

VZC Judge candidates participate in Political Forum

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com Incumbent Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese and challenger Jeffrey Whitworth were in attendance April 27 to participate in a Political Forum sponsored by the Republican Club of VZC (RCVZC) at the VZC Farm Bureau Event Center in Canton.

Briefs

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Bridging the Gap of Van Zandt County and New Life Home Healthcare of Wills Point are at work bringing the Baker Clinic in Wills Point back to life. “Thanks to a generous gift from New Life Home Healthcare, Bridging the Gap now has the opportunity to transform this space into something our community truly needs,” said a Bridging the Gap spokesperson.

Blotter

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The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from April 21-28. Estavane, Francisco, 43, Wills Point, UNLAWFULLY CARRYING A WEAPON, EVADING ARREST/ DETENTION W/VEHICLE W/PREVIOUS CONVICTION OR SBI.

New hires announced by Fruitvale School Board

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A lengthy agenda greeted the Fruitvale School Board members during their regular monthly meeting April 23. New hires were announced by the school board members which included the following: Buddy Winstead, junior high principal; Anna Perritt, HRE teacher; Dawain Dover, secondary teacher; John Knowlton, music teacher; and Courtney Houser, HRE teacher.

Early Voting begins May 18 for runoff elections

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Early Voting for the Van Zandt County Republican Party and Democratic Party Runoff Elections scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, will begin Monday, May 18, according to the VZC Clerk’s office. There will be only one week of Early Voting which will take place from 7 a.m.

RCVZC hosts Political Forum for runoff elections

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com With Early Voting beginning Monday, May 18 for the Tuesday, May 26 Van Zandt County Republican Party Runoff Elections, the Republican Club of Van Zandt County (RCVZC) hosted a Political Forum April 27 for all of the VZC runoff election candidates.
Republican Club of Van Zandt County (RCVZC) Members Patty Gallagher (left) and Sandra Plaster served as the panel asking questions of the candidates during the RCVZC Political Forum April 27 at the VZC Farm Bureau Event Center in Canton. Candidates in the May 26 runoff election for VZC Judge, VZC Criminal District Attorney, VZC Pct. 2 Commissioner, and VZC Pct. 4 Commissioner participated in the forum. Photo by David Barber
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