News

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.

Dec. 31: Forney NYE Ball Drop.

Van Police Department Blotter for the week of Dec. 9-16: Calls for Service 12/9/2025 Van Inn / Van, Tx Animal Call / 561 S Bois DArc, Van, Tx Warrant Service / 113 West Main Street, Van, Tx Information / Van, Tx Select / Van, Tx Disorderly Conduct / 199 Alabama, Van, Tx 12/10/2025 Disorderly Conduct / 199 Alabama, Van, Tx Warrant Service / 640 Circle Dr Apt 62, Grand Saline,Tx Agency Assist - Law Enforcement / 279 Oak Place,Van, Tx Attempt To Locate / Fm 16, Van, Tx Motorist Assist / Ih20 Eb Mm 542, Van, Tx Motorist Assist / Ih20 540 Wb Exit, Van, Tx Abandoned Vehicle / Ih20 E 540 Exit Ramp, Van, Tx 12/11/2025 Burglary / 159 Privat Road 8519, Van, Tx Burglary / 159 Pvt Rd 8519, Van, Tx Motorist Assist / Kansas St, Van, Tx Agency Assist - Law Enforcement / 22392 Fm 16W, Van, Tx Information / 130 Alaska St, Van, Tx 12/12/2025 Agency Assist – Ems / 266 Vemont St, Van, Tx Select / Van, Tx Assistance / 575 N Maple, Van, Tx 12/13/2025 Agency Assist - Ems G a t e way / Gateway, Van, Tx Information / 1081 N Walnut, Van, Tx Agency Assist – Other / I20 West Mm538, Van, Tx Agency Assist - Law Enforcement / North Florence St, Van, Tx Assault / 410 Florence, Grand Saline, Tx Select / Van, Tx Agency Assist – Other / Gateway, Van, Tx Theft / Van, Tx Information / 1221 South Oak Street, 1221 South Oak Street, Van, Tx Motorist Assist / Old Loves, Old Loves, Van, Tx Locked Out / 1221 South Oak Street, 1221 South Oak Street, Van, Tx Information / Carwash, Carwash, Van, Tx 12/14/2025 Agency Assist – Ems / 1012 E Pennsylvania 815, Van, Tx Welfare Concern / Gateway, Gateway, Van, Tx 12/15/2025 Information / Gateway, Gateway, Van, Tx Criminal Trespass / 133 Fm 314, Van, Tx Pennsylvania, Van, Tx South Maple Street/ West Main Street, Van, Tx Disturbance / Old Loves, Old Loves, Van, Tx 12/15/2025 Select Van, Tx 12/16/2025 Criminal Trespass / 133 Fm314, Van, Tx.