News

Wills Point teen killed in two-vehicle accident

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A two-vehicle accident that occurred along Highway 64 at approximately 5:30 p.m. July 3 claimed the life of a 17-yearold Wills Point resident according to information released by the Texas Department of Public Safety last week.

Blotter

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The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Offi ce released the following arrest report from Jul. 4-Jul.

LIFE CHANGING

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After hearing an announcement about an overseas trip on her college campus last year, Jillian Barber knew that touring Israel was going to be in her plans. Barber, who will be entering her senior year this fall as a business management major at LeTourneau University in Longview, traveled to Israel in May on a 12-day tour as she was part of a tour group that included 23 students and two teachers from the university.
A group of 23 students and two teachers from LeTourneau University in Longview recently returned from a tour of Israel. They are shown during a tour of Beit She’an. Among the students in the tour group was Jillian Barber of Canton, second from left, front row. Courtesy photo

Hansen captures ‘Hot Dog Eating Contest’ title again

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For the third year in a row, Joel Hansen, a resident of Canada, captured the overall title of being the ‘Hot Dog Eating Contest’ champion during the July 4 activities in downtown Canton. The fourth annual ‘Hot Dog Eating Contest,’ sponsored by Sonic, was among the activities that took place during the Fourth of July Celebration, sponsored by the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce.
Canton’s annual Fourth of July Celebration, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, included a hot dog eating contest. Joel Hansen would take the overall title for the third consecutive year during the event, finishing with 40 hot dogs eaten during the 10-minute contest. Photo by Faith Caughron

New reporting system for illegal dumping introduced

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The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is proud to announce the launch of a new reporting system designed to combat illegal dumping and keep East Texas clean. The system, called RID – Report Illegal Dumping, is a simple and convenient way for residents to report instances of illegal dumping in their neighborhoods and communities.

Hand-counting of votes proposal tabled

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Aproposal to do a hand-counting of votes following the upcoming Nov. 7 General Election in Van Zandt County was tabled by the VZC Commissioners Brandon Barton was on vacation and not in attendance for the July 5 meeting.
Van Zandt County Democratic Party Vice-Chairman Ann Nelson voiced her concerns during the regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court July 5 about a potential hand-counting of votes following the upcoming Nov. 7 General Election. A proposal on the subject was tabled by the commissioners’ court. Photo by David Barber

Accident claims life of Ben Wheeler woman

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An 82-year-old Ben Wheeler woman was killed as a result of a two-vehicle accident that took place during the early afternoon hours of June 29 along State Highway 64 approximately 12 miles east of Ben Wheeler.

Leadership VZC accepting applicants

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DAVID KAPITAN sports@vanzandtnews.com Carrying a mission statement of “Equipping and engaging future leaders for the benefit of Van Zandt County”, Leadership Van Zandt County hosts an annual multi-session program Centered on leadership development, community study and involvement. An application deadline for those interested in participating in Class 5 of Leadership VZC has been set for 5 p.m.

Scott Thomas returning to serve on Van School Board

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Former Van School Board President Scott Thomas thought his time as a trustee was over after 12 years of service in May but a recent vacancy on the board changed that plan. In a 6-0 vote during a special called board meeting June 26, the trustees appointed Thomas to return to the board to serve in Place 2.
Former board president Scott Thomas was sworn in as the newest member of the Van School Board during a special called meeting June 26. Thomas, serving in Place 2, fills the vacancy of former Place 2 trustee Mark McClanahan, who resigned from the board June 19. Administering the oath of office is Van ISD Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Sarah Hobbs. Photo by David Barber
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