News

DAVID KAPITAN Any thought that the start of a new school year might trigger a massive jump in COVID-19 cases around Van Zandt County appears to have been put largely to rest with the Northeast Texas Public Health District reporting just 427 newly confirmed or probable cases since the end of the Aug. 4 reporting period.

DAVID KAPITAN The office of Texas State Comptroller Glenn Hegar delivered good news to county cities last week, announcing that six out of seven local entities had posted sales tax revenue gains when comparing against the same period from the previous year. Grand Saline finished the month as Van Zandt County’s lone outlier with collections dipping from $53,775.88 in September 2021 down to $51,821.83 in September 2022.

DAVID KAPITAN sports@vanzandtnews.com The lack of rainfall and extreme heat provided a challenge for water service providers across Van Zandt County throughout the summer months, prompting multiple cities to implement conservation measures in an effort to keep services flowing. Wills Point became the first domino to fall locally, issuing a notice to residents on June 23 that Stage 1 mandatory drought restrictions had been implemented due to ongoing and worsening drought conditions.

ETHAN ADAMS news@vanzandtnews.com The Van Zandt County Commissioner’s Court hosted a salary grievance meeting on Aug. 26, giving elected officials the opportunity to appeal their proposed salary for the upcoming year.

DAVID BARBER In a 3-0 vote, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court approved the proposed 2022 tax rate during its regular meeting Aug. 31.

Harrell Hydro Wash hosted a Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce AM Connections meeting Sept. 1 at the Pocket Park in downtown Canton.

DAVID BARBER davidb@vanzandtnews.com A number of proclamations received approval from the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court during its regular meeting Aug. 31.

EXIT Realty Pro in Canton has announced the addition of Lisa Burrows to its team of real estate professionals. “We’re excited to welcome Lisa to EXIT Realty,” says Mike Murdock, Broker/Owner of EXIT Realty Pro.

TxDOT is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work in the district during the week of Sept. 5, 2022. Work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention in work zones.

BRIAN CUMMINS Van Zandt County Farm Bureau Board Member Do you wonder if your hay is good enough to meet the nutritional needs of your livestock? You can find out if supplemental feeding will be necessary by participating in the Van Zandt Extension Beef/Forage Committee’s annual hay evaluation clinic. This is for produced or purchased hay.