News

“My name is Ryan Hanson, and I’m running Van Zandt County Pct. 4 Commissioner because I believe local government should be transparent, accountable, well-planned, and responsive to the people it serves,” said Hanson. “If you pay taxes, your voice matters and the government should never operate behind closed doors or without public input.

Christi Craddick was first elected to the Railroad Commission in 2012, and the voters of Texas have given her their endorsement and reelected her in every election since. She was raised in a strong conservative Texas family.

An All Candidates ‘Meet and Greet’ is scheduled from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Feb.

In October 2025, Republican Women of Van Zandt County (RWVZC) Members Amanda Gray, Jill Dutton, Lee Ann Risner, Heather Jepsen, Lori Reese, Courtney Roark, and Robin Sherwood attended the Texas Federation of Republican Women (TFRW) Convention in San Antonio.

On Saturday, Jan. 24, the SPCA of Texas’ Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit assisted the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office in the arrest of a man and woman who allegedly mistreated a dog on their property.

WINTER STORM.

I’ve got a good buddy that traveled up to Minnesota spend a few days ice fishing for walleye and spearing northern pike, yes spearing pike is a thing ‘up north’, using a multi-pronged spear that resembles a pitchfork. Anglers have specialized little portable ‘fish houses’ complete with heaters where they fish vertically through the ice during the dead of winter. I’ve never ice fished but think spending a few hours in a comfy tent with heater, dunking minnows or jigs for walleye would be a great way to spend a cold winter’s day. Being a devout fish cooker, I’d probably bring the essentials for a meal of very fresh blackened walleye.

Van Zandt Newspapers LLC welcomes all candidates who have signed up to run for a Van Zandt County or a statewide office in the upcoming March 3, 2026, Primary Election to submit a FREE announcement and a photo for publication.

Our Republican Club of Van Zandt County (RCVZC) has the unique privilege of hosting as the Keynote Speaker for our ‘Let Freedom Ring’ Gala the Lt. Governor of the State of Texas, Dan Patrick.

Unused and out-of-date prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication can now be safely disposed of at CHRISTUS Health locations in East Texas, thanks to a new drug take-back program. Located at the emergency centers at CHRISTUS Health in Athens, Canton and Lindale, the collection receptacles allow for safe disposal of drugs, no questions asked.