News

It will be another busy summer coming up at the Van Zandt County/Sarah Norman Library in Canton June 3 through July 17 as the 2026 Summer Schedule was recently released. The theme of this year’s Summer Reading Schedule will be ‘Unearth a Story.’ There will be a Summer Reading Kickoff Party scheduled from noon to 4 p.m.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Beginning January 1, 2027, Van Zandt County will have a new VZC Criminal District Attorney and a new VZC Pct. 2 Commissioner following results in the May 26 Republican Party Runoff Elections.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com A resolution approving the formation of and participation in a Sub-Regional Planning Commission with Smith County pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 391, was tabled by the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court May 20 during its regular meeting.

Families looking for activities to keep themselves busy and entertained during the summer months will have plenty to see and do during the months with three major events planned at Jack Lester Park in Wills Point over successive weekends.

The 10th Annual Van Freedom Boom, celebrating America’s 250th birthday, continues to be in the planning stages. The event will be held from 6-10 p.m.

The Wills Point High School Class of 2026 made the transition from high school seniors to high school graduates May 22, participating in commencement exercises at Ken Autry Davis Field. The final location of the ceremony was in flux throughout most of the week leading up to the night with weather forecasts showing a high likelihood of rain.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Weather turned out not to be an issue on May 22 as partly cloudy skies greeted those in attendance for the Van High School Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony at Van’s Memorial Stadium.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com A total of 32 graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas May 21 during the Martins Mill High School Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony at O’Neal Weaver Gymnasium.

Edgewood High School senior Hallie Erwin is among the recipients of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s (NET RMA) 2026 Linda Thomas Memorial Safe Driving Scholarship, which recognizes Northeast Texas students promoting roadway safety awareness through essays and community leadership.

The Edgewood High School Class of 2026 crossed the stage May 22, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another during commencement exercises held in the high school gym. The ceremony, which lasted just under an hour, began with seniors entering the gymnasium to the traditional strains of ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ in front of a packed house that included family, friends, district staff and administrators.