News

After initially deciding to be one of two school districts in Van Zandt County to remain open Monday, April 8 on Solar Eclipse Day, Grand Saline ISD Superintendent Micah Lewis informed the News through an e-mail April 2 that he has changed his mind and has made the decision to cancel classes that day. In his e-mail to the News, Lewis said that the decision April 1 by Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese to have ‘Declared a Local State of Disaster’ for VZC in advance of the solar eclipse for the time period of April 5-9 factored in his decision to close school April 8.

While the Total Solar Eclipse, a once in a lifetime event in Van Zandt County is taking place Monday, April 8, it will be pretty much business as usual for a number of area businesses. Among the businesses that will maintain normal operating hours April 8 will be the Van Zandt County Courthouse, with the exception of the four justice of the peace offices.

The public is invited to attend the unveiling of a bronze plaque commemorating the historic ‘Victory or Death’letter authorized by William Barret Travis at The Alamo in 1836. The event will take place at 10 a.m.

The Van Zandt News will publish, at no cost, one story and a photograph for each candidate that has filed to run in the Saturday, May 4 city and school elections in Van Zandt County. The information will be published in the News prior to the start of Early Voting on Monday, April 22.

Want to learn more about the opportunities and available agricultural services in Van Zandt County from NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Services) and the Soil & Water Conservations Districts? Come out to the VZC Farm Bureau Event Center, located at 220 Burnett Trail in Canton, for a special meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9.

Easter at Bright Star Baptist Church will begin at 9:45 a.m. Easter Sunday, March 31.

Elwood Baptist Church in Wills Point will be having their homecoming to mark 126 years since its organization in 1898 on Sunday, April 7. “We will be having brother Billy Smith to bring the morning message,” said a church spokesperson.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com A ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ was presented to Frances Hyde by the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court during their regular meeting March 27 on her retirement after 28 years of service as a part-time VZC Pct. 2 employee.

SUSAN HARRIS susan@vanzandtnews.com As the date of the eclipse approaches on Monday, April 8, it was pointed out during a recent Town Hall Meeting in Wills Point that it is crucial for businesses and residents to stay informed about the latest developments. Authorities will be closely monitoring the weather conditions and providing updates to the public.

On the morning of Friday, March 22, the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit removed 17 allegedly cruelly treated dogs from a property near Canton.