Lifestyle

The current inflation rates are concerning for consumers preparing to begin their back-to-school shopping as students and parents gear up for the upcoming school year. According to the National Retail Federation, 84 percent of consumers expect higher prices this year, particularly for clothing and school supplies. To help combat increased costs, many consumers are spending more time comparatively shopping online for the best deals on necessary items. The Better Business Bureau reminds back-to-school shoppers interacting with digital marketplaces to be wary of online purchasing scams and to carefully evaluate the legitimacy of an online seller before paying for advertised products.

Even if high gas prices are draining your budget, don’t fall for this scam. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker has received reports that scammers are tempting drivers with phony gas station gift cards in an attempt to steal credit card details and other personal information.

The Neches River Chapter NSDAR met in Canton July 14. Chapter member Patricia Thibodeau gifted a Lantern for the chapter to Vice Regent Rose Ann Ward. The chapter has received Lantern Status from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Canton PD made the following arrests and responded to the following incidents from July 12 to July 18: Arrests: Haley D. Brown, 25, Terrell, criminal mischief.

The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society will have its regular monthly meeting on Saturday, July 23 at 2 p.m. at the Van Zandt County Library (317 First Monday Lane in Canton). The program for the meeting will be the history of the Texas Rangers law enforcement agency, presented by Kenny Ray, a native of Van Zandt County who is also a retired Texas Ranger.

The Canton Senior Citizens held a luncheon July 4. The day was filled with food and games, with the menu consisting of pulled pork sandwiches and fixing. “We played games and had a wonderful time. I would like to remind seniors living in Canton or the surrounding area that they are invited to join in on the fun every Tuesday from 1-4 p.m. at the Canton Senior Citizens Building located at 200 W. Groves St., Canton.” said Sherrie Treadwell, one of the organizers of the event. Courtesy photos

The Canton Lions helped to take care of the animals in the Canton Animal Shelter as their service project for May. Members made donations throughout the month and the board of directors voted to donate $250 for shelter use. Service chairman Sandra Giles met shelter manager, Ladeeania Jones, and Animal Control Officer, Paula Bates to buy 50 lb. bags of dog food. Courtesy photo

Photo by Faith Caughron Photo by Faith Caughron Photo by Faith Caughron Photo by Faith Caughron Photo by Faith Caughron Photo by Faith Caughron Photo by Ashley Knowles Photo by Faith Caughron Photo by Tiffany Hardy Photo by Ashley Knowles.

The Castillian Lodge #141 AF & AM in Canton held an officer installation on Monday, June 22. From left to right are front row, Ed Cozart-Chaplin, Pete Rose-Senior Deacon, Jim Fuller-Tiler, Doug Harrison-Worshipful Master, Ryan Sumner-Junior Warden, Chuck Ecord-Secretary, Ernie Simmons-Marshall; back row, Jack Bickel-Junior Steward, Jimmy Strickland-Senior Warden, David Harmon III-Senior Steward, Jason Morris-Treasurer, Sandy Sims-Junior Deacon and Kent Bocook-Master of Ceremonies. Attendees and their families were also treated to dinner as part of the installation. Courtesy photo

Jack Kuhl recently flew solo for the first time at Van Zandt County Regional Airport and became the third generation of pilots in his family tree. Pictured here with his grandfather, Billy De Shazer (private pilot) and father, Daniel (commercial pilot). Jack is a junior at Canton High School and plans on becoming a commercial pilot following his training at Code 1 Flight Training. Courtesy photo