News

Canton’s new VFW post is moving closer and closer to chartering. On Thursday, April 14, Provisional Post Leader Dan Curtis spoke to 11 more local veterans about what the new VFW post can offer the veterans and this community. He mentioned that over 100 laws have been specifically written, distributed to members of congress, and passed into law supplying the current military the best support service of any military in the history of Mankind.

Spurred by the backing of Keep Wills Point Beautiful, artists Gary Holman and Tammie McKenzie spent the past week painting a mural on the south facing side of the building occupied by Robertson Electric Service. The mural, which includes multiple scenes, including the Texas flag, a Tiger, flowers and wildlife, recognition of the 1965 State Championship winning Wills Point football team and a thank you message to first responders and military personnel.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest report from April 12-20. Seth Edward Adkins, 22, Grand Saline, injury of child/elderly/disabled with intent of bodily injury and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

A number of resignations and new employees were announced by the Van School Board following their closed executive session at the end of their regular monthly meeting April 18. The trustees announced the resignations of teachers Erica Norman and Celeste Jones, and instructional technology specialist Amy Moffatt.

Following the ceremony recognizing Van Zandt County as being debt-free, the VZC Commissioners Court held its regular meeting April 13 in the VZC District Courtroom. VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick recognized VZC Auditor Sandy Hill for her efforts in helping to make VZC debt-free.

The Cotton Judging Team at Edgewood High School, consisting of of L. Ragnes, J. Ambuehl, N. Sims and E. Lamborn, are headed to state competition. Students are tasked with doing a written test and judging physical samples each of bolls, plants, seeds and lint. Courtesy photo

School boards and city councils throughout Van Zandt County will participate in the May 7 General Election with multiple openings across the municipalities and school districts governing seats. There will also be two constitutional amendments that voters will notice on the ballot; the first to authorize legisature to provide for the reduction of the amount of limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes for general elementary and secondary public school purposed on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled, and the second on increasing the amount of a residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school taxes from $25,000 to $40,000.

Sam Deen is a former Army Captain and 2006 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served as a rifle and then scout platoon leader in the 3rd brigade, 1st Infantry Division. He deployed to the Pech and Korengal River Valleys in 2008 and 2009.

My name is Mark Thompson, and I am running for the open Van City Council Place # 4 seat. I’m married to Lori, my wife of 44 years. We moved here from Central America in 2005 after seven years on the mission field with Mercy Ships. We have four adult children, all of whom have attended Van ISD. Our youngest both graduated from Van HS. We also have four grandchildren living here in Van.

In late December 2021, the Texas Department of Public Safety released information regarding a two-vehicle crash that took the life of a Van Zandt County teen Taylor Raper, 18, of Canton. According to reports, around 10:10 a.m., Friday, Dec.