News

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released Spring 2022 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) results for end-of-course (EOC) assessments June 16. The results include assessments in Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S History.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from Jun. 7-Jun.

June 25: The City of Van will host its sixth annual Independence Day celebration, dubbed the Van Freedom Boom, from 5-10 p.m. at McMillan Park (712 East Main Street) in Van. Events and activities will include bounce houses, vendors, a fireworks show and live music from the Luke LaPrade Band and the Teague Brothers Band. For more information, contact Van City Hall at 903-963-7216 or e-mail Van EDC (Economic Development Corporation) Director Tammy Weidman at tweidman@vantx.gov.

Courtesy photos.

In a unanimous vote, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court implemented a 90-day burn ban for VZC, effective immediately, during their regular meeting June 22. The 90-day burn ban proclamation, known as an ‘Order Prohibiting the Outdoor Burning of Combustible Materials’ was approved by the court following a presentation by VZC Fire Marshal Sean Davis.

A celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Locally Forged Farmers Market with 34 Edom Area Chamber of Commerce members and patrons enjoying a feast for the eyes with bright colors of honey, vegetables, handmade and dyed clothes, forged metal art and jewelry, home baked delights, macramé, and other gifts. All gathered for the new EACC member ceremony behind The Forge Bar & Grill in Ben Wheeler, on May 15.

Canton Police Department officers were involved in a hot pursuit through Canton on Saturday, June 18, leading to the arrest of Michael Tuff with charges of evading arrest or detention in a motor vehicle, a third-degree felony. According to the affidavit released by the department, officers were alerted that a stolen vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 20, passing the 514-mile marker. As the vehicle approached the 530-mile marker CPD officers got behind the vehicle and activated emergency equipment and the stolen truck pulled over to the shoulders as if he was going to stop. Officers observed an object fly from inside the vehicle out the passenger window into the grass just before the guardrail under FM 1255. Officers advised dispatch that something was thrown from the vehicle and then it merged back onto interstate 20 and accelerated away from officers.

Silver Spur Resort in Canton hosted Junior Fire Camp this past week. Firefighters Birdsong, Clark and Martin of South Van Zandt Fire Department were on hand to teach the campers all about fire safety, first aid, tools used in the fire department and also had hands on demonstrations of how to operate a fire hose. The camp was a fundraiser to benefit the Van Zandt County First Responders Fund. The camp is just one that Silver Spur has lined up for children during the summer months. For more information on camps at Silver Spur, call 903-420-1400. Courtesy photo

The City of Van recently released plans for their sixth annual Independence Day celebration known as Van Freedom Boom. Activities will take place from 5-10 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the new McMillan Park, located at 712 East Main Street in Van.

City of Van Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Director Tammy Weidman was the guest speaker June 7 during the Van Area Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon held downtown at The Movie House. “The Van EDC Mission Statement is as follows,” said Weidman, who was hired by the City of Van in February.