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SUSAN HARRIS susan@vanzandtnews.com As the date of the eclipse approaches on Monday, April 8, it was pointed out during a recent Town Hall Meeting in Wills Point that it is crucial for businesses and residents to stay informed about the latest developments. Authorities will be closely monitoring the weather conditions and providing updates to the public.

On the morning of Friday, March 22, the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit removed 17 allegedly cruelly treated dogs from a property near Canton.

The Van Zandt County Citizen Sheriff Academy Program (CSAP) provides you with an opportunity to experience the real world of law enforcement and what it is like to be a VZC sheriff’s deputy. It is designed to help the public better understand the mission, operations, and functions of the VZC Sheriff's Office, heighten community awareness, and im- prove communications between the VZC Sheriff's Office and the communities it serves.

The 2024 Van Zandt County Fair Pageant was recently held and the results were as follows: The ‘Ad Sales Winner’ is Casey Conway. Scholarships: 2nd Overall Points in all six categories and a $100.00 scholarship winner is Brooklyn Peoples.

Van ISD Superintendent Don Dunn made it official March 25 during the regular monthly meeting of the Van School Board that the school district will cancel classes Monday, April 8 due to the Solar Eclipse event. Board member Michael Johnson was not in attendance.

One of the most highly anticipated events of the spring in Van Zandt County resumes March 25-30 with the annual VZC Fair at the VZC Fairgrounds in Canton. Admittance to the grounds will be $5.00 per car and $1.00 for walk-ins.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com An agreement between Van Zandt County and the Animal Protection League of Longview was unanimously approved by the VZC Commissioners Court during its regular meeting March 13. The contract was approved following a presentation by Animal Protection League Director Sheila Phillips and a recommendation by VZC Pct.

Texas recorded a new all-time low number of hunting-related accidents across the state, according to the 2023 Texas Hunting Accident Report. A new record low of 10 non-fatal hunting-related accidents and one fatality were reported in 2023.

Katie Parker still gets nervous just crossing the street. Eight years ago, a careless driver plowed into her and her dog, Riley, while they were out for a jog. Parker was hit with such force that she was thrown more than 60 feet. Riley, a Great Dane, was killed on what was supposed to be a pleasant morning jog.

Canton ISD Superintendent Brian Nichols released a statement March 19 about the school district’s decision to cancel classes Monday, April 8, due to the total solar eclipse. “Canton ISD has made the decision to cancel classes Monday, April 8 in anticipation of the total solar eclipse,” emphasized Nichols.