News

Average gasoline prices in Texas have risen 12.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.97/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 28.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.30/g higher than a year ago. The price of diesel has risen 22.6 cents nationally in the past week and stands at $5.518 per gallon.

Voters in the City of Van elected a new mayor and one new city council member following results of the May 7 city election. Van Junior High School teacher Tammy Huff is the newly elected mayor of Van as she defeated current Mayor Don Smith, 255 votes to 189.

There were 42 people in attendance during the National Day of Prayer in Van Zandt County held Thursday, May 5. Pastors from multiple churches around the county helped lead the event. In the photo, the pastors place their hands on VZC Judge-elect Andy Reese as they pray. Pastors who attended include Victory Church Pastor Mike Burns, FBC Fruitvale Pastor Judd Frazier, Crossroads Church Pastor Mark Robinson, First United Methodist Church Pastor Adam Muckleroy, Grace Bible Family Church Pastor Dan Tarno, Lakeside Baptist Church Student Pastor Mickey Matlock, Lakeside Baptist Church Pastor Justin Howe and VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick. Due to heavy rain, the event was held in the VZC Court of Law Courtroom. Photo by Faith Caughron

Van Zandt County Judge Don Kirkpatrick announced that a public swearing-in ceremony for VZC Interim Sheriff Joe Carter will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, in the VZC Courthouse.

The Van Community Library had two special guests from Van ISD read to children attending StoryTime on Wednesday, May 5. The book Ribbit was read by VISD Superintendent Don Dunn and The Wonky Donkey was read by Mrs. Locket, VISD PEIMS Coordinator. Ribbit was about friendship, which just so happens to have been the Storytime theme the past few weeks. The book The Wonky Donkey, well, it’s about a wonky donkey. There is one week left before Van Storytime takes a small break and then the Summer Reading program will then begin. The next StoryTime is May 18 at 10 a.m. Courtesy photo

Requests for proposals regarding American Rescue Plan Funding projects received unanimous approval from the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court during its regular meeting May 11. Trott Communications Group Manager of RF Engineering Barry Black of Irving discussed two projects VZC is involved in regarding the use of American Rescue Plan Funding.

East Oak Street Church of Christ will hold a food giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 7 at 508 East Oak St., Edgewood..

Canton’s Kid Fish Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 14, on Two Acre Lake, located on Arnold Paul Road by the Canton Animal Shelter. Attendees are asked to bring their own tackle and gear this year, fishermen will be fishing for catfish. Hot dogs will be provided for those who attend. Fishing licenses are not needed for the event, as long as an adult has a child that they are helping fish.

Youth Services Librarian Jordin Shilling has released information regarding a new event held at the Van Zandt County Sarah Norman Library. According to Shilling, the library will be holding a ‘Build-A-Rama’ every Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. During the event, attendees have the opportunity to build anything they can think of with a huge number of Legos. The event is open to the public and is free. Courtesy photo

On Sunday, May 1, a post surfaced on Facebook of an individual making threats of violence with a firearm catching the attention of Van Zandt County courthouse staff who in turn notified the Canton Police Department and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.