News

The Mesquite Police Department confirmed that four individuals from Terrell were killed, including two Wills Point High School students, and three other people were injured following an accident on Interstate 20 near Mesquite early New Year’s Day morning.

While new Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer will not officially begin his duties until Jan. 22, he is already on the job.

In preparation for a potential bond election to be presented to the voters as early as May 2025 to construct a new Van Zandt County Jail and/or renovate the VZC Courthouse, the VZC Commissioners Court unanimously approved a resolution during a special called meeting Jan. 2.

Eight out of nine re-elected and newly elected Van Zandt County

Following his swearing-in ceremony Jan. 1 in the Van Zandt County District Courtroom, new VZC Sheriff Kevin Bridger released the following statement: “I am proud to represent the law enforcement professionals of VZC and to be your sheriff,” said Bridger. “I know this is where our citizens raise their families, educate their children, worship, and need to feel safe in all they do. VZC is my home, and I pledge to protect that which we all hold dearest, our homes, businesses, and families. I am here to make VZC a safer place to call home. I will earn your trust and look forward to working with all citizens, county commissioners, other law enforcement agencies, and our district attorney’s office in making VZC the greatest place to call home.”

Five outgoing Van Zandt County elected and appointed public officials were recognized for their years of service Dec. 31 during the regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crews are getting ahead of possible winter weather conditions for East Texas by preparing roadways around the eight-county district. The pre-treatment of bridges and other roadway areas susceptible to wind and ice has begun and continued through Friday, Jan.

In their final meeting of 2024, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court approved two action items following a closed executive session Dec. 31.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com Two outgoing members of the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court were recognized for their service during the court’s regular meeting Dec. 18.

susan@vanzandtnews.com The Canton School Board held its regular monthly meeting Dec. 19 where they discussed several agenda items, including budget approvals and updates on district projects as the holiday season approached.