Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order maintaining the prohibition of COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Texas. The order, issued Aug. 25, prohibits any government entity in the State of Texas to require a vaccine.

Aug. 31 is the final deadline for artists to apply for the $10,000 Marty Zewick Artist Award. The award is given in honor of the late artist Marty Zewick, a champion of the arts and one of the founders of the Edom Art Festival, a Texas event organized by artists now in it’s 49th year, as well as the Edom Craft Community. She was one half of the jewelry-making team Zeke & Marty, and was a lifelong creator and intimately knew the struggles of establishing and sustaining an art practice.

The Canton Eaglettes had to put in some extra time on the court last week, clashing with a talented Rusk squad that finished last season with a trip to the playoffs. Canton would ultimately prevail in the show down, storming back from a sluggish start to claim a five-set victory.

The Lady Vandal volleyball program rolled out the red carpet last weekend, welcoming teams from Lindale, White Oak, Mineola, Kilgore, Cumby, Bullard, Lone Oak, Timpson, New Boston, Mt. Pleasant and Carthage to Van for their annual home tournament.