News

On July 27, 2023, North Texas VA Health Care System, in cooperation with Veterans Benefit Administration, hosted a Summer VetFest to inform Veterans, their families, and survivors about the PACT Act and encourage them to apply for the health care and benefits they have earned.

Hazardous driving conditions in and around two Canton area spots took center stage last week with State Senator Bob Hall sending a letter to the Texas Department of Transportation in Austin July 14. “I write to request that Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) take prompt action to remedy dangerous traffic conditions at two locations along state highways in Canton, Texas: the exit where IH-20 and State Highway 64 intersect northwest of Canton and State Highway 243 near the west entrance to the Walmart Supercenter,” explained Hall.

Drivers continue to choose to go too fast on Texas roads, making speed the number one contributing factor in traffic crashes. That’s why TxDOT is partnering with law enforcement on the “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign to urge motorists to slow down.

White Deer Landing held its Neighborhood Crime Watch Meeting at the Chapel of the Lake Church on Saturday, July 15. The guest speaker was Jill Dutton, a candidate for the vacant Texas District 2, House of Representatives seat. Dutton introduced herself, shared her background, and explained her position on various issues facing the citizens of District 2 and Texas before answering questions from the Neighborhood Crime Watch members. Eighteen people attended the meeting including Diana Moreland, Pete Cook, Mario Martin, Judy Kelsey, Floy and Crystal Yates, Chuck and Julie Hoey, James Brown, Lorinda Stewart, Michel Kellar, Jerry Marsh, Larry Marsh, Pastor Doug Erickson, Valerie Parent, Monette Baldwin, Steven Stewart and Melinda Hardin.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from Jul. 11-Jul.

Mabank Police Officers responded to a reported shooting July 13 in the 1400 block of Pharm Hills Road in the city. When officers arrived, they found a adult male with an apparent gunshot wound to the head inside the residence according to a release from Mabank Police Department posted on social media.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Following a closed executive session at the end of their regular monthly meeting July 13, the Van City Council approved the appointment of Van Zandt County Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Scott Shinn as the new City of Van Municipal Judge.

Laura Hooker was looking for a less expensive activity for her three children to enjoy and combined with their love of flowers, a new business opportunity opened its doors for her family as well as other families in the area to enjoy.

Scholarship opportunity.

sports@vanzandtnews.com The Texas State Comptroller’s Office delivered its latest monthly sales tax revenue report to local cities last week, reporting mixed results when comparing against collection totals against the same month from the previous year.