News

Following a recommendation by Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney Tonda Curry, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Jan. 5 to reapply for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant to fund the Victims Assistance Project for the 2022-’23 term.

The Edgewood Economic Development Corporation, along with Bulldog Pharmacy in Edgewood, have teamed up together to present a mural to the citizens of Edgewood. Bulldog Pharmacy Pharmacist Holly Randolph and her husband, Jake, said they hope the mural can help connect the community.

With the upcoming March 1 Texas Primary Election looming on the horizon the republican and democratic parties of Van Zandt County are busy planning events leading up to the election. A democratic candidate caravan will be making a stop in Van Zandt County on Saturday, Jan.

The Red Bird Kitchen in Edom held a pre-opening event, before officially opening to the public. Owners of The Red Bird Cafe Octaviano and Rocio Otero hosted Edom Mayor Barbara Crow and City Council members Jennnifer Stamper, Lee Shukts, Keith Rowe, and Denise Baskind, their guests, and representatives from the Edom Area Chamber of Commerce ,including Mary and James Wilhite, Beth Brown, Shanna Thtendyle, Blackmon, and Jan Blackmon and others at their new restaurant.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Offi ce released the following arrest report from Dec. 21-29.

My sister always made a cheese ball for her daughter (my beautiful niece) at Christmas. Now that my sister has passed away, I am taking on the cheese ball duties, and hope I can measure up! KC (my niece) is thankful for my efforts and can’t wait to taste it. Try it yourself, and let me know what you think.

2 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese at room temp 1 package EITHER dry Italian dressing or Ranch dressing 2 green onion stalks, chopped fine (both green and white parts) 1 bunch garlic (the whole bulb, not just one clove) ½ cup finely chopped pecans OR 1 tsp finely chopped parsley 1 small jar chopped chipped beef Olive oil for drizzling With a sharp knife, cut off the very top of the garlic bulb. Drizzle with a little olive oil.

2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese at room temp 1 small can crushed pineapple, well drained ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped ½ tsp almond or vanilla extract ½ cup crushed almonds or pecans Mix all ingredients together except the nuts and form into a ball. Roll ball in nuts and chill until firm, several hours or overnight.

Lake Tawakoni State Park will host its annual First Day Hike event from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Organizers stated, “Start your new year off right with a self-guided hike at Lake Tawakoni State Park! Set your intentions for the new year with a mindful hike or just enjoy the first day of 2022 with a peaceful walk. Be sure to stop by the park headquarters afterward (open until 4:30 p.m.) to claim your first day hike sticker!” The event is free with park entry ($5 per person aged 13 and up).