News

davidb@vanzandtnews.com A success story from the Van Zandt County Youth Diversion Program was shared during the regular meeting Dec. 17 of the VZC Commissioners Court.

Van Zandt County Historical Commission Publicity Chairperson Linda Lantrip Mays of Van recently won first place from the Texas State Genealogical Society (TSGS) for the second volume of her history of the Van oil industry of the 1930s.

It was a busy year for Van Zandt County in 2025 as a number of political items and individual and group accomplishments were very much a part of what was happening. In a month-by-month review, the staff of the News takes a look back at the people and the events that made 2025 a special year to remember.

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com In preparation for their district realignment announcement scheduled for February 2026, the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) released their Reclassification and Realignment Conference Cutoff Numbers Dec. 16 for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years.

The Wills Point City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Dec. 8, addressing several key issues pertinent to the community and ongoing governance.

Two deceased people were found in the early morning hours of Dec. 15 by the Gun Barrel City Police Department (GBCPD), which was following up on a call for service at a residence in the Willowwood subdivision (which is located off Legendary Lane), according to GBCPD.

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Following a lengthy discussion during its regular monthly meeting Dec. 11, the Van City Council approved recommended speed limit adjustments on South Bois D’Arc Street.

Tom Duke has announced his candidacy for the Republican Party Chair of Van Zandt County, outlining five Core Commitments that will guide his leadership: strengthen our local Republican Party, equip our local leaders, unite around shared principles, recruit the next generation, and protect the integrity of our elections.