News

Body City of Van Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Executive Director Tammy Weidman recently announced plans for the annual ‘June Jamboree Shop Van’ promotion.

Body davidb@vanzandtnews.com Representatives from the Van Zandt County Historical Commission were the guest speakers during the Canton Lions Club Luncheon May 20 at the Van Zandt Country Club.

Body davidb@vanzandtnews.com At the conclusion of their regular meeting May 20, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court held a workshop session to discuss two items. The first workshop item concerned drainage issues at the VZC Veterans Memorial facility in Canton.

Body The Fruitvale High School Graduating Class of 2026 held its graduation ceremony on May 22 at the FHS Auditorium with 24 seniors receiving their diplomas.

Body davidb@vanzandtnews.com United States Army Retired Col. Daniel Whitney served as the guest speaker May 25 during the Annual Memorial Day Program at the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial in Canton before a large turnout.

Body The Wills Point City Council voted in favor of setting a May 30, 2026 deadline for all work to be completed on the Rose Fountain. The fountain, also referred to as the Rose Monument, was damaged by an accident involving a vehicle in July 2024. See story on page 3A.

Body Early Voting for the Van Zandt County Republican Party and Democratic Party Runoff Elections scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, ended Friday, May 22, according to the VZC Clerk’s office.

Body The Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial Board of Directors recently released information about the 2026 Memorial Day Program scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the VZC Veterans Memo- rial, located at the intersection of State Highways 19 and 243 in Canton.

Body According to a press release from Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Department Captain Brandon Kilpatrick, a suspect was arrested following a standoff in the Wills Point area.

Body EDITOR’S NOTE: Meet Our Veterans columnist Phil Smith recently interviewed Wills Point Army Veteran Jeff Long about his military service inside the United States and overseas. “In high school, I joined the JROTC, the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps,” recalled Jeff Long.