News

Due to the loss of a major water well source, the City of Van announced July 5 that Stage Three of the city’s Drought Contingency Plan is being implemented, effective immediately. “Stage Three of the Drought Contingency Plan is being implemented due to the unexpected loss of a water well source along with summer drought conditions within its service area,” said City of Van Public Works Director Kevin Johnson.

Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney Erleigh Norville Wiley and the Terrell Police Department announced the convictions of Bianca Newman, Justin Prox, Darrius Hubbard, and Anthony Holliman in the Pizza Hut murders July 6.

A change in the criminal history clause of the Van Zandt County Game Room Ordinance received unanimous approval from the VZC Commissioners Court during its regular session July 6. The action by the commissioners’ court was taken following a presentation by VZC Criminal District Attorney Tonda Curry.

Residents living in and around the Canton can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. Canton Senior Citizens Center will host this community event on 7/8/2022. The site is located at 200 Groves St in Canton.

A new nine-hole disc golf course has made its way to the Trinity Valley Community College campus for students and the community to enjoy. On Saturday, June 25, a new aspect of RecSports came when TVCC Recruiter Colby Calhoun, assisted by the Lunar Disc Golf Club, installed a nine-hole disc golf course on the south side of campus stretching from the park to the Fine Arts Building.

The Grand Saline Public Library, housed in the former railroad depot. will look sharper and be safer following a donation from Union Pacific Railroad.

I-20 MBGF Improvements (Van Zandt, Smith, and Gregg counties) Limits: SH 19 in Canton E to MLK Blvd. in Longview Cost: $3.5 million Anticipated Completion Date: July 2022 SH 19 Super Two Widening & Overlay Limits: SH 243 (Canton) S 13 miles to Henderson County line Cost: $12.1 million Anticipated Completion Date: December 2023 Crews will be performing roadway widening operations northbound.

Postage rates will rise again on July 10. Periodicals published the week of July 11 will see rates rise between seven and 10 percent, First class stamps will become 60 cents for the first ounce and 57 cents for the second ounce. Forever Stamps purchased before July 10 can be sold at the old rate of 58 cents if available and can be used after the July 10 increase.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from June 21- 29. Basiel Paul Bennett Jr., 42, Palestine, arrested under warrant for unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Photos by Amandi Goldman.