News

During a workshop session as part of their regular meeting June 3, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court discussed the possibility of VZC being involved in a new County Assistance District Tax program being offered through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com During their regular meeting June 3, the Van Zandt County Commissioners’ Court unanimously approved Flag Day and National Flag Week Proclamations. The proclamations were read by VZC Judge Andy Reese and read as follows: ‘Whereas: On June 14, 1777, Congress issued a proclamation adopting the flag of the United States of America; and ‘Whereas: June 14 was officially designated by Congress as Flag Day in 1949, and the week containing June 14 as National Flag Week designated in 1969; and ‘Whereas: The President of the United States signs a proclamation each year recognizing Flag Day and National Flag Week; and ‘Whereas: It is fitting and proper to show our honor and respect for the Flag of the United States of America, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary; ‘Now, Therefore: I, Judge Andy Reese, by virtue of the authority vested in me as County Judge of Van Zandt County do hereby proclaim June 14, and June 14 through 20, 2026, as Flag Day and National Flag Week and encourage all citizens to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by displaying the American Flag.’ The motion to approve the proclamations was made by VZC Pct.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com A presentation on Martins Mill High School’s involvement in the Region VII Education Advising Framework program highlighted the regular monthly meeting of the Martins Mill School Board June 9.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Two Van Zandt County employees were recognized for their years of service in VZC during the regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court June 3. VZC Human Resources Coordinator Emily Bettinger was recognized for her five years of service by VZC Human Resources Director Jessica Deville.

In a continued show of support for educators, Wills Point Ford celebrated its third consecutive year of honoring a local ‘Teacher of the Year’ with a brand-new vehicle. The annual initiative, which began as a way to recognize the dedication and impact of educators in the community, has quickly become a highly anticipated tradition.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com ‘Are Newspapers Still Relevant?’ was the topic of a presentation made by three members of the Van Zandt Newspapers L.L.C. team June 2 during the Van Area Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon.

The Wills Point Police Department will once again roll out the red carpet to members of the local community during the week ahead, hosting their signature Back the Blue outreach event for the 10th consecutive year on June 12-13.

Grand Saline will be having a ‘USA 250th Red, White & Blue Family Festival’ event from 2-10 p.m. Saturday, June 27.

The Texas A&M AgriLIfe Extension Office in Van Zandt County has announced that there will be a ‘Calling All Caregivers’ car seat check event in both Wills Point and Grand Saline later this month. “Join us for a no-cost, no judgement, car seat check for all children from soon to be born up to 12 years old,” said an event spokesperson.

Morton Salt in Grand Saline is offering a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the Morton Salt mine. The raffle drawing is sponsored by the Grand Saline Chamber of Commerce and the Morton Salt Company.