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UT Tyler announces Honors Scholars

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The University of Texas at Tyler recently recognized nine high school seniors as 2025 Honors Scholars. Each student has been awarded a $40,000 scholarship and accepted into the UT-Tyler Honors College.
Three Martins Mill High School seniors received surprise visits recently from UT-Tyler. Reese Hataway (third from right) and Anna Zimmerman (third from left) were named as 2025 Honors Scholars and have been accepted into the UT-Tyler Honors College. Another MMHS senior, Ruthie Mein (second from left), received a $2,000 per year scholarship from UT-Tyler. Courtesy photo

Proposed $145 million bond election tabled

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com Following much discussion before a standing-room only crowd during its regular meeting Feb. 12, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to table a proposed $145 million Bond Election until at least November.
Van Zandt County resident Tom Duke voiced his opposition to a proposed $145 million Bond Election for May 3 to build a new VZC Jail and a new VZC Sheriff’s Office during the regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court Feb. 12. The commissioners’ court later voted to table any bond election until at least November. Photo by David Barber

Blotter

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The Van Zandt County Sheriff ’s Office released the following arrest report from Feb 04, 25 through Feb 12, 25. Lisa Darlyn Barnes, 46, Chestnut Mound, Tennessee, Driving while intoxicated.

‘MAGA GALA’ event set for Feb. 28

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The Republican Club of Van Zandt County has announced that tickets are available now for the club’s ‘MAGA GALA’ event scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at Victory Life Church located at 16040 State Highway 64 in Ben Wheeler.

Proposed new VZC Courthouse facility plans presented

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com Plans for a proposed new Van Zandt County Courthouse facility at the location of the old Paul Michael building in Canton were presented during a Town Hall Meeting Feb. 3 at Edom City Limits.
Wade Thompson of Government Capital Securities, the financial advisor for Van Zandt County regarding a proposed new VZC Courthouse facility, was in attendance Feb. 3 for a Town Hall Meeting held at Edom City Limits. Thompson discussed what effect the proposed project would have on taxpayers in VZC. Photo by David Barber

New jail, sheriff’s office topics of potential bond election

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davidb@vanzandtnews.com With the prospect of a bond election looming possibly as early as Saturday, May 3, a Town Hall Meeting was held Feb. 3 at Edom City Limits to discuss the need for a new Van Zandt County Jail facility as well as a new VZC Sheriff’s Office facility.
New jail, sheriff’s office topics of potential bond election

Bachtel returning to EHS as new Head Football Coach

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In a press release from Edgewood ISD Superintendent Kristin Prater received by the News Feb. 5, Edgewood High School is thrilled to announce the appointment of former EHS Head Football Coach Kevin Bachtel as the new Head Football Coach, Coordinator of Collegiate Recruitment, and Assistant athletic director.
Edgewood ISD recently announced that former Edgewood High School Varsity Football Coach Kevin Bachtel (far right) will be returning to the school to lead the Bulldog football program. Bachtel will also serve as the EISD Coordinator of Collegiate Recruitment, and Assistant Athletic Director. Courtesy photo

Money files prenatal Equal Protection bill

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Texas District 2 State Representative Brent Money recently filed House Bill 2197, which provides equal protection under the law to preborn babies in Texas. Over a dozen House colleagues co-authored the bill within the first hour of filing.
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