News

Moving to a new school district can present plenty of challenges and anxiety for a high school student transferring to a different town in Texas or even a different country. For five foreign exchange students attending Van High School during the 2021-’22 school year, moving to a school in a different country was just the beginning of many changes in their lifestyles.

Doc Collins, President of the Van Zandt County Republicans, released the following information regarding the April meeting of the VZC Republicans: The April Van Zandt County Republican Club meeting was a training session for the delegates who will represent the VZC Republican Club at the state convention in Houston in June. We not only had delegates from our county but also from the counties of Kaufman, Rains, Hopkins and Henderson. The meeting was conducted by SREC Committeewoman Jerry Fisher and was aided by our SREC Committeeman Donny Wisenbaker and the VZC Republican Club County Chair Lance Lenz, Regional Director of the Texas Republican Party Troy Jackson, State Senator Bob Hall and State Rep Bryan Slaton. Plumb Hero Photo by Faith Caughron

Spring is well into bloom and while Cherry Creek and the Old City Lake are both great parks, have you ever stepped foot into the park at Mill Creek Reservoir? Down Arnold Paul Road, you may be surprised to find a city park that offers a completely different experience compared to the other two parks. At Cherry Creek Park you will find a very kid-friendly park which has an awesome playground and paved walking trail all connecting to Old City Lake Park, which offers recreation opportunities of all kinds such as baseball, tennis, soccer, and basketball. At Mill Creek Lake Park you will find an experience that satisfies the outdoor enthusiast.

Sheryl Braxton, a veteran’s widow, middle, who is raising her grandkids ages 2, 4 and 5, received a van with the help of Help 4 Heroes USA organization. Presenting the van to Braxton are left, Ron Gowin and far right, Sarah Clayton of State Farm.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from May 11-May 18. Jacob K.

Property at Van Zandt County Wesley Chapel Cemetery has been damaged after an incident last week. Wesley Chapel Cemetery, located in Canton on Van Zandt County Road 2120 close to Wiley’s Gun Shop, is a Texas Historical Commission location, and the chapel on the property received significant damage.

Average gasoline prices in Texas have risen 12.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.97/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 28.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.30/g higher than a year ago. The price of diesel has risen 22.6 cents nationally in the past week and stands at $5.518 per gallon.

Voters in the City of Van elected a new mayor and one new city council member following results of the May 7 city election. Van Junior High School teacher Tammy Huff is the newly elected mayor of Van as she defeated current Mayor Don Smith, 255 votes to 189.

There were 42 people in attendance during the National Day of Prayer in Van Zandt County held Thursday, May 5. Pastors from multiple churches around the county helped lead the event. In the photo, the pastors place their hands on VZC Judge-elect Andy Reese as they pray. Pastors who attended include Victory Church Pastor Mike Burns, FBC Fruitvale Pastor Judd Frazier, Crossroads Church Pastor Mark Robinson, First United Methodist Church Pastor Adam Muckleroy, Grace Bible Family Church Pastor Dan Tarno, Lakeside Baptist Church Student Pastor Mickey Matlock, Lakeside Baptist Church Pastor Justin Howe and VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick. Due to heavy rain, the event was held in the VZC Court of Law Courtroom. Photo by Faith Caughron

Van Zandt County Judge Don Kirkpatrick announced that a public swearing-in ceremony for VZC Interim Sheriff Joe Carter will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, in the VZC Courthouse.