News

Following the tornado that hit Van Zandt County April 4, Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese released the following statement to Van Zandt Newspapers. “The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that an EF-0 tornado touched down Friday, April 4, 2025, in Van Zandt County southeast of Grand Saline during the time period of 3:173:30pm,” said Reese. “The tornado had a path length of nine miles and a path width of 75 yards with maximum winds of 80 MPH. There were reports of approximately 10 homes that were damaged to some extent and many downed trees.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com With several friends and relatives in attendance at Dairy Palace, Canton resident and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Hall of Famer Frank Cook received a special honor on his 88th birthday.

susan@vanzandtnews.com The Canton Lions Club gathered at Ole West Bean and Burger on April 2 at its regular luncheon meeting to honor the rich history of the Van Zandt County Poor Farm, coinciding with the celebration of 175 years of Texas independence from 1836 to 2011.

A young 13-year-old cancer patient from Houston who became nationally known during U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address earlier this year was named as an ‘Honorary Deputy’ in the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Department during a special ceremony April 4 in Canton.

Canton city officials and Canton Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board members and staff were among those in attendance April 7 on a cool, windy day for a Groundbreaking Ceremony to expand the Canton Industrial Park.

On a front-page cutline in last week’s issue, it was stated that the Dinner on Main Street event was one of the chief fundraisers for the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce. The event was actually one of the chief fundraisers for Canton Main Street, not the chamber. The Herald regrets the error.

Texas Bank and Trust has announced promotions of two officers in its Van Zandt County branch locations. Kristi McLemore has been promoted to assistant vice president and operations manager in Texas Bank and Trust’s Canton branch and Maranda Strickland has been promoted to administrative officer and operations manager in the bank’s Van branch.

The Republican Women’s Club of Van Zandt County will be staying busy during the month of April. On Saturday, April 12, the organization will be involved with the Women’s League Garage Sale.

St. Justin’s Episcopal Church will be celebrating Holy Week Services next week.

Van Zandt County Aggie Club President Tim Burke has announced that Muster 2025 will be hosted by the VZC A&M Club starting at 6 p.m. Monday, April 21 at The Old School Museum located at 701 North Green Street in Grand Saline.