News

In July, the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas (ATAT) hosted its annual Professional Development Conference for teachers of agriculture, food and natural resources in-person at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi.

Rob Toups, retired Band Director of Canton High School, was installed into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame during ceremonies held in conjunction with the annual Convention of the Texas Bandmasters Association meeting in San Antonio July 23.

The Republican Women of Van Zandt County hosted a training on election integrity in conjunction with the Leadership Institute. David Ferguson presented 40 attendees with strategies in planning to run an organized, focused campaign.

Midway Church of God, located at 17470 East Highway 64 in Ben Wheeler, has announced that they will be hosting their 2022 Women’s Conference beginning at 6 p.m. Aug.

First Baptist Church of Canton will host the Resist the Drift marriage conference from Focus on the Family. “Many couples have a good marriage but often feel they’re drifting apart,” Pastor Mike Roberson says. “Resist the Drift helps couples recognize those areas where they feel disconnected and then gives them action steps to rebuild the connection and strengthen their marriage.”

The Van Zandt County 4-H Club concluded its 2021-‘22 year with their annual awards banquet at the First Baptist Church in Canton gymnasium July 22. The evening began with a welcome by Council President Johnathon Goode, the Pledge of Allegiance to the USA and Texas Flags presented by Addison Jacobs, the 4-H Pledge by Payton Roberts, followed by a meal and slide show.

Van Zandt County Constable Precinct 2 Heath Burton stands at attention with a salute along Interstate 20 to pay his respects to Lorenzo Bustos, a 29-year-old Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy who lost his life in the line of duty during the early morning hours of July 29. Bustos was reportedly in the midst of a traffic stop when he was struck by a drunk driver subsequently identified as 21-year-old Daniel Nyenze Nyabuto of Grand Prairie. Nyabuto has been charged with intoxication manslaughter. Other Van Zandt County first responders also paid their respects as Bustos’ body was being transported. Photo by Nick Gibbons/The County Eagle

For the 14 th year in a row, the work of the Van Zandt County Historical Commission has received state recognition from the Texas Historical Commission. The announcement was made by VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick as he presented VZC Historical Commission Chairman Elvis Allen with a 2021 Distinguished Service Award certificate from the state commission during the regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court Aug.

Local fire departments were once again pushed to their limits last week, battling large grass fires in and around Van Zandt County. The largest of the fires, located along Highway 198 near FM 1651 Aug. 2, included responding units from South Van Zandt, Canton, Whitton, Mabank, the Texas Forest Service and other first responders. Officials continue to stress that Van Zandt County is under a burn ban, and any outdoor work that could potentially start a fire should only be conducted with extreme caution. Photos by Nick Gibbons/The County Eagle

As millions of Texas children head back to school, the Texas Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to stay focused and drive safe in and around school zones and bus stops. This includes adhering to a new Texas law that requires drivers to stop and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.