News

All over Texas, people are stepping up and trying to help the victims and residents of the recent flood tragedy. The members of the Texas Star Quilters Guild extend sincere condolences and prayers for all those affected and the First Responders who are still working so diligently.

According to the Van Zandt County Sherrif’s Department’s Facebook page regarding a significant drug-related operation, the VZC Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of James Chandler Groessel following a traffic stop in the Rolling Oaks Subdivision.

susan@vanzandtnews.com The Belief Center, affectionately referred to as a ‘beacon on the hill,’ is dedicated to offering hope and healing for individuals seeking a transformative change in their lives. Founded by Veda and Jerry MacGregor, the center operates as a public charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, providing essential support to those grappling with the effects of unresolved trauma.

Tim Ball Correspondent The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) held a soft opening in Athens on Saturday, June 28. Tom Lang, director of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens stated the event was open to contractors, departmental staff, and their families, retirees of the department, and their families.

My first experience with using downriggers for stripers and hybrid stripers occurred 30 years ago. I was fishing with a very experienced guide that specialized in using downriggers, a very effective method of trolling lures at a specific depth using a heavy metal ball to maintain the proper depth.

Texas A&M University Organic Chemistry Professor Jim Pennington presented the Texas A&M Chemistry Road Show to around 100 students in grades 3-12 July 1 at the Van Zandt County Farm Bureau Event Center in Canton. The program was co-sponsored by the VZC/Sarah Norman Library and the VZC Farm Bureau. The Texas A&M Chemistry Road Show was a lively event full of eye-catching experiments that sparked curiosity and learning as Pennington presented dramatic demonstrations and clear explanations.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is planning to conduct the fol-lowing construction and maintenance work in Van Zandt County during the weeks of July 14 and July 21. Please remember, work schedules are subject to change due to weather condi- tions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues.

Andrews Behavioral Health invites residents across five East Texas counties to participate in an important Community Mental Health Needs Assessment Survey. The results of this survey will inform future health programming, community outreach, and partnerships with local healthcare providers in our five-county service area to help strengthen mental health support across the region.

On July 9, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation identifying 18 agenda items for the upcoming Special Session that begins at noon on Monday, July 21. “We delivered on historic legislation in the 89th Regular Legislative Session that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” said Governor Abbott.

On Monday, June 30, newly elected officers for Masonic Lodge Castillian #141 in Canton were officially installed for 2025-26. The event was witnessed by family members, friends, and local Eastern Star Chapter members.