News

Grand Saline Chamber of Commerce Executive Director As we approach the end of the school year, the Grand Saline Chamber of Com- merce is excited to host our ‘Teacher of the Year Luncheon’ at noon on Friday, April 10, at the Chamber Pavilion to honor the outstanding educators who make a difference in the lives of our students every day.

Planning for the 10th Annual Van Freedom Boom celebration received a monetary boost during the March 12 regular monthly meeting of the Van City Council. Republic Services Municipal Services Manager Gene Keenon of Kilgore was in attendance to announce that the city’s sanitation company was presenting a donation check totaling $1,500.00 to the City of Van to be used in their preparations for the June 27 event at McMillan Park.

The Edom Historical Society will be meeting from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at the Edom Museum.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com During the regular meeting of the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court March 13, VZC Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer announced that the 30-day burn ban would be rescinded, effective immediately.

As voting results began to pour in on a pivotal Republican Primary Election Day March 3, Texas District 2 State Senator Bob Hall held a watch party that buzzed with excitement and anticipation. With the atmosphere electric, Hall took a moment to reflect on the status of his campaign and the issues that drive him as a leader.

Three days after being recognized for her 45 years of service to Wills Point ISD, friends and family of Susan Pace are now remembering the life of an individual for her dedication to the children of the school district and in the community.

DAVID BARBER davidb@vanzandtnews.com Two Van High School seniors were honored with scholarship awards March 10 during the first Van Area Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon of 2026 downtown at The Movie House. Tatum Horton was recognized as the Van Oil Queen as she received a $1,200.00 scholarship from the Van Oil Queen Pageant.

Van Zandt County Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Herbert Dunn added another job title as he was sworn in March 10 as the new City of Wills Point Munic-by Wills Point Mayor Mike Jones following a closed executive session by the Wills Point City Council during its regular monthly meeting.

Maintenance and grounds employees received special recognition from the Wills Point School Board during its regular monthly meeting March 9. Wills Point ISD Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Student Services Brian Clements expressed his appreciation to the employees as he spoke to the trustees.

Friends of the Grand Saline Library Secretary A review of the past year and an announcement of plans for the coming year were made at the January annual meeting of the Grand Saline Friends of the Library.