News

Members of the Myrtle Springs Fire Department, Canton Fire Department and Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office rushed to contain a vehicle fire along Interstate 20 July 15. Early reports indicate that a truck being towed blew out a tire, which subsequently sparked a fire that would consume the truck and spread to nearby grass. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Photo by Nick Gibbons/The County Eagle

During an unusual noon time meeting July 12, the Canton City Council heard a report on the city’s drone program as part of their special called session. Canton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bud Sanford presented the update to the council members through a power point presentation.

The projected fire risk for much of the state remains high according to the most recent projections by the Texas A&M Forest Service published July 18. Local departments have been stretched thin throughout the summer despite the implementation of a 90-day burn ban by county commissioners.

The office of Texas State Comptroller Glenn Hegar released its latest monthly sales tax revenue last week indicating that, for the second consecutive month, six out of seven local entities had posted sales tax revenue gains when comparing against the same period from the previous year.

A bid for the awarding of a contract regarding a downtown sidewalk project was approved by the Canton City Council during a special called noon meeting July 12. The council members awarded a contract to Carr Construction regarding the Dallas Street (State Highway 64) Sidewalk Project following a presentation by Canton City Manager Lonny Cluck.

Average gasoline prices in Texas have fallen 17.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.20/g July 11, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 45.0 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.36/g higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has declined 8.5 cents in the last week and stands at $5.65 per gallon.

Local fire departments have been kept busy in recent weeks, answering dozens of calls despite the implementation of a 90-day burn ban by Van Zandt County Commissioners at their June 22 meeting. VZC Fire Marshal Sean Davis spoke candidly about the risks facing residents at the time explaining, “As we head into July and August, the conditions do not look favorable for us.

Canton Bridge Club Results Bridge results for July 5 are: First, Bonnie Magee and Charles Ford; Second, Elaine Dorsey and Barbara Bradford; Third, Gloria Rowland and Judy Adams. Bridge results for July 8 are: First, Judy Adams and Gloria Rowland, Second, Rosemary Mize and Carol Garza;; Third, Barbara Bradford and Jo Booth.

A change in the criminal history clause of the Van Zandt County Game Room Ordinance received unanimous approval from the VZC Commissioners Court during its regular session July 6. The action by the commissioners’ court was taken following a presentation by VZC Criminal District Attorney Tonda Curry.

Dozens of hot air balloons lit up the night sky in Canton last week during the annual Tailwind Regional Balloon Festival July 8-9. Despite blistering temperatures, the event was bigger than ever this year, attracting attendees from across the state in the thousands. Those who attended were treated to a car show, vendors, food, a kid’s play area, concerts, a 5K run, the popular balloon glow, tethered rides, and more. Additional photos on 9A. Photo by Ashley Knowles