News

davidb@vanzandtnews.com For the second time, the State Comptroller’s Office recognized the City of Van with a ‘Transparency Star Award.’ After receiving a ‘Transparency Star’ award from the state in the category of ‘Traditional Finances,’ the City of Van received another ‘Transparency Star’ award, this time in the area of ‘Open Government and Compliance.’ Van is the first city inVan Zandt County to receive ‘Transparency Star’ recognition from the State Comptroller’s Office. “The City of Van has worked tirelessly to be the best we can be,” pointed out Van Mayor Tammy Huff.

Republican United States District 5 Congressman Lance Gooden welcomed those in attendance for a Town Hall Meeting June 6 at the Van Zandt County Farm Bureau Event Center in Canton. Story on 3A.

The SPCA of Texas, through generous funding from an anonymous donor, is offering $5,000 as a reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of any individual(s) who has perpetrated the animal cruelty crime of abandoning 10 newborn puppies at a car wash in Van.

A month-long emphasis on promoting shopping in Van that involves the awarding of cash prizes was highlighted June 11 during the Van Area Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon downtown at The Movie House.

At the beginning of the Van Zandt Commissioners Court meeting June 12, Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese shared information regarding service arrangements for VZC Pct. 2 Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr. who was killed in an accident on FM 279 near Edom June 3.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com During an emergency session called by the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court June 3, the process for reporting damage caused by recent storms in VZC was discussed. Ken Bell from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) met with the commissioners’ court to go over the process through a power point presentation.

Van Zandt County has had three ‘Disaster Declarations’ in the last two months. I have been asked by several people why do we declare a disaster and what is the purpose.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Retired Army Col. John Norwood of Ben Wheeler was the guest speaker May 27 during the annual Memorial Day program at the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial in Canton.

After being postponed June 4 due to inclement weather conditions, the Van Area Chamber of Commerce will be having its Quarterly Luncheon from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, downtown at The Movie House.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff ’s Office released the following arrest report from May 28-June 4. Micheal Glen Baker, 52, Quinlan, assaulting and injuring a family member.