News

Van Zandt County JudgeAndy Reese announced recently that there will be a public election equipment demonstration beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Canton Civic Center., located at 800 Flea Market Road in Canton. The demonstration is open to all registered voters in VZC.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Department office is mourning the loss of a deputy who was killed in a two-vehicle accident June 11 on State Highway 198 near the Phalba Community in VZC. According to VZC Sheriff ’s Department Deputy Erin McLeaish, on Sunday, June 11, at approximately 4:14 p.m., Sgt.

A proclamation designating the week of June 11 as ‘Flag Week’ and Wednesday, June 14, as ‘Flag Day’ in Van Zandt County were approved in a 3-0 vote by the VZC Commissioners Court during its regular meeting June 7.

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.

A ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ was presented to Van Zandt County Sheriff Joe Carter from Canton Lions Club President Tanya Watkins following Carter’s guest appearance June 7 during the club’s regular weekly meeting at the Van Zandt Country Club. A presentation of stuffed animals from the club was also presented to Carter and the VZC Sheriff’s Department during the meeting. See story on 8A.

Treasures from the past were featured in a horseshoe sculpture that was officially unveiled by the City of Canton during a special outdoor ceremony June 9 near downtown Canton. The sculpture, meticulously crafted by Van Zandt County artist Jon Wiley Keen, was unveiled during the ceremony at the intersection of State Highway 64 and Grand Saline Street.

Activities for the 2023 Summer Reading Program at the Van Zandt County/ Sarah Norman Library in Canton were recently announced by library officials. The theme of this year’s Summer Reading Program is ‘All Together Now: Unity, Friendship, and Kindness.’ Those attending the activities are asked to RSVP at 903-567-4276.

In a 3-1 vote, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court approved a request to transfer funds totaling $118,650 from the VZC Sheriff’s Department’s lapsed salary funds to building maintenance and purchase of equipment for the sheriff’s department.

Kristen Washington has filed to run as the Democratic candidate to fill the vacancy for State Representative, House District 2. Cerrie Drake-Terry will serve as her Treasurer. A Special Election has been called for November 7, 2023 to fill the vacancy created by Bryan Slaton.

Governor Greg Abbott named Kathleen Jackson as the interim Chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). The PUC regulates the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implements respective legislation, and offers customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints.