News

Stehsel retires after 24 years

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After 24 years of unwavering commitment to the ABC Room, Sharon Stehsel is stepping down leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly impacted the lives of countless at-risk children in Van Zandt County.
Sharon Stehsel is stepping down after 24 years of commitment to the ABC Room, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly impacted the lives of countless at-risk children in Van Zandt County. Photo by Susan Harris

Hudgens named as interim city manager in Van

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com City of Van Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Hudgens was named as the interim Van City Manager by the Van City Council following a closed executive session at the conclusion of the council’s Aug. 8 regular monthly meeting.

First Day of School

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All seven Van Zandt County school districts have started their 2024-25 school year. Wills Point ISD was the first school to report on Aug. 8. Martins Mill ISD returned to class Aug. 12. Fruitvale entered the classroom on Aug. 13. Canton ISD, Edgewood ISD, and Grand Saline ISD began their school years Aug. 14 and Van ISD started Aug. 15.
Courtesy photo

Public hearing on proposed budget set for Aug. 14

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The Van Zandt County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing on the proposed VZC budget for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14 in the VZC Courthouse Courtroom, Room 204.

Van ISD renews policy regarding homeschool UIL participation

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com Following a brief open and closed session, the Van School Board approved a number of items during their regular monthly meeting July 29. Trustees Nathan Daniels and Brian Horton were not in attendance.
Van ISD Director of Business/Finance Danny Morrow presented the 2024-25 proposed tax rate July 29 during the regular monthly meeting of the Van School Board. The proposed tax rate was approved 4-0 by the trustees. Photo by David Barber

VZC Historical Commission recognized by state

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For the 15th year in a row, the Van Zandt County Historical Commission was recognized for their efforts as they were presented with the ‘Distinguished Service Award’ (DSA) for 2023 by the Texas Historical Commission (THC).
For the 15th consecutive year, the Van Zandt County Historical Commission received recognition for their work by the Texas Historical Commission. Presenting the 2023 ‘Distinguished Service Award’ (DSA) to the VZC Historical Commission was VZC Judge Andy Reese. Photo by David Barber

Wind Point Park, past and present

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This past week, I had the opportunity to take a step back in time to Wind Point at Lake Tawakoni. Over four decades ago, I remember fishing here from the bank near the end of the point with a buddy and catching a bunch of catfish.
Charles Glasscock has been catching catfish at Wind Point Park for more than 50 years, using ‘Big Yellow,’ the long distance casting rod he built back in 1959. Photo by Luke Clayton

‘American Pickers’ to film in Texas during October

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The ‘American Pickers’ are excited to return to Texas! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel’s hit television series throughout Texas in October 2024. ‘American Pickers’ is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on The History Channel.
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