News

A number of ordinances were reviewed, and some were revised during the regular monthly meeting of the Canton City Council June 20. Council members Cassidy Henderson and Randon Sumner were not in attendance.

Around 30 balloonists are set to take flight Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8 for the annual Tailwind Regional Balloon Festival on the west side of the First Monday grounds located off FM 859 in Canton. “The festival promises to be a spectacular event featuring a variety of activities including a 5K Glow Run, tethered balloon rides, live entertainment including Stoney LaRue on July 8, food vendors, a car show, and more,” said Tailwind Regional Balloon Festival Coordinator Austin Melton.

Event preparations for the annual July 4 celebration in downtown Canton are continuing as more information about the activities was recently released. The activities downtown, sponsored by the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, with a ‘Kids’ Bicycle Decorating Contest’ in two age divisions, ages 10 and under; and ages 11 and up. Medals will be awarded to the winners in each division.

Around 100 registered voters in Van Zandt County were given the rare opportunity to vote twice as representatives and equipment from two different companies were in attendance for the VZC Public Election Equipment Demonstration. The public event took place June 22 at the Canton Civic Center.

Join writers and authors of all levels for the 18th Annual East Texas Writers Guild Summer Conference on Saturday, July 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Canton Lions Club District 2-2X met Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at the Van Zandt Country Club with Lion President Tanya Watkins presiding. Lion Jimmy Strickland presented a necrology ceremony to honor Canton Lion Club members who have died during the past year. Members remembered the following Lions who served the community for many years with their time and love: Emma Fowler, Lester Godwin, Dan Flynn, Bob Hubbard and Betty Hannah. They will be missed.

For the 15th year in a row, the Van Zandt County Historical Commission has received recognition for their work from the Texas Historical Commission in Austin. Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese presented the state’s 2022 service award to VZC Historical Commission Chairman Elvis Allen during the regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court June 21.

Store-branded Mastercard and “buy now, pay later” choices give shoppers added flexibility. Atwoods Ranch and Home Goods announces the immediate availability of two new options for customers to pay for their purchases.

Blood donors are lifesavers for local patients who need transfusions. This includes children fighting cancer, mothers going through difficult childbirths, family members who require surgery, and grandparents with health issues, among many others in need.

What is your family’s health history? This could be a lifeand- death question, for which family research can provide some answers, according to LaDonna Garner, the speaker at the June 24 Van Zandt County Genealogical Society meeting.