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davidb@vanzandtnews.com The Consent Agenda received unanimous approval from the Van Zandt County Commissioners’ Court during its regular meeting July 30. The Consent Agenda included the following items: Approval of the reading of the minutes from the July 16 commissioners’ court meeting; Approval of VZC bills for payment and ratified as submitted; Approval of Fiscal Year 2025 Line Item Transfers; Approval of Monthly Reports submitted by various offices and departments of VZC government to be entered into the minutes of the commissioners’ court as a matter of record; Approval of the June 2025 Financial & Investment Report of the VZC Treasurer’s office to be entered into the minutes of the commissioners’ court; and Approval of the Proposed Installation of Pipe and/or Utility Lines on VZCR 2426, VZCR 2414, and VZCR 2403.

Debra Johnson, representing the Van Zandt County Historical Commission, was the guest speaker July 30 during the weekly Canton Lions Club Luncheon at Van Zandt Country Club. Johnson was introduced by those in attendance by Canton Lions Club and VZC Historical Commission Member Heather Haimes.

According to Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney Tonda Curry, the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the developers of a lithium battery storage facility being built south of Canton has been extended through Friday, Aug. 29 by VZC District Judge Chris Martin of the 294th Judicial District.

The Canton community came together for a night of music and celebration at the annual Summer Street Dance, a free event presented by the Canton Main Street Program. The popular street dance took place on Saturday, Aug. 2, on Buffalo Street in downtown Canton.

During their regular meeting July 30, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a proposed three percent salary increase for all VZC elected officials and employees. “According to Local Government Code 152.013(b), we have a whole series of things we have to do in select order by law,” pointed out VZC Judge Andy Reese to the commissioners’ court and to those in attendance.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work in Van Zandt County during the week of July 25. Please remember, work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues.

According to Wills Point Police Department social media, the Wills Point Police Department arrested 25-year-old Eli Joshua Steele of Terrell in connection with multiple felony charges related to child exploitation.

According to Van Zandt County Sheriff’s social media, a traffic stop by the VZC Interdiction Team on July 9 led to the discovery of over two pounds of methamphetamine and the arrest of a local man. During the routine stop, officers developed reasonable suspicion of criminal activity while interacting with the driver, identified as 36-year-old Aaron Chad Sales.

On July 21, the Canton School Board held its monthly school board meeting focusing on various updates and plans for the upcoming school year. The meeting commenced with a prayer for wisdom and guidance in the decisions to be made, emphasizing the importance of community support.