Melisa Pullins calls herself a “front porch lover, organic food grower, dog momma of six, chicken hugger, vegetarian and a dreamer of big dreams,” while living on her farm in Canton off State Highway 243.
Spurred by a desire to leave big-city living behind, Melisa and her husband moved from Arizona four years ago.
The identity of the driver killed in a fatal wreck in Canton Monday, Dec. 18 has been released. Linda Abbott, 56, of Canton was killed when the vehicle she was driving was struck by another driver on Highway 243. According to DPS, the wreck occurred just before noon Monday, Dec. 18 on Highway 243 in front of Canton High School. Abbott was traveling westbound on Highway 243 and pulled over to Cherry Creek Road. She was attempting to make a U-turn when her vehicle was struck by another vehicle heading westbound at a high rate of speed. Bob Wagnon, 89, of Hurst, was driving the vehicle that struck Abbott. He was treated and released on scene. Abbott was pronounced dead at the scene.
For 30 years, Rita Ragsdale has been the face of Canton, greeting City of Canton residents and visitors who come to Canton City Hall.
On Dec. 15, Ragsdale will mark and end to her time as Van Zandt County’s ‘Favorite City Employee’ for four consecutive years and a City of Canton employee as she heads into retirement.
Ragsdale has been working for the City of Canton since Oct. 19, 1987, but said that she had a bit of trepidation at first when she was hired on in the payroll department of the city.
Press release from Dainell Land, Treasurer for James Spradling
“I am James Spradling and I am running for Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 because: the voters of Precinct 2 deserve a voice in who will be their Justice of the Peace.
The Justice of the Peace is called the people’s court and I will ensure it is open at times convenient to the people. As the people’s judge, I will make customer service a priority. Each person coming to the court deserves prompt respectful attention.
I have lived in VZC for over 24 years, I graduated from Martins Mill High School.
I worked for VZC Pct. 2 Justice of Peace Judge Ronnie Daniell for two years, then went on to earn my associates degree in computer science. For the last three years, I’ve been working with juvenile offenders. Danielle Land, a graduate of Canton High School, has agreed to be my campaign treasurer.
“I am grateful and honored to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Precinct 2. I am announcing my candidacy for re-election as Van Zandt County Commissioner, Precinct 2.
It has been my pleasure to serve you for the past several years. As many of you know, when I was first elected I developed a long-range plan to rebuild our roads and bridges.
American Pickers Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are longtime "pickers" or as they call themselves "modern day archaeologists,” and are currently searching for their next location to ‘pick.’
Van Zandt Newspapers received a call earlier this week asking for the word to be put out to Van Zandt County residents that the show is looking for people with barns, warehouses, properties or buildings full of odd, unique and interesting items.
The following is a press release provided to the Canton Herald from VZC District Judge Teresa Drum.
“In 2003, when I took the bench, I promised to serve four terms unless no one else wanted the job. A few days ago, Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney Chris Martin informed me that he wanted the job. Therefore, I will not be seeking re-election. Although I am far too young to retire, I am ready to stand down from the bench and pursue other endeavors.
As the first Republican female District Judge in Van Zandt County, I am proud of the many positive changes I have made. When I took office, there were 5,147 pending cases. During my terms of office, I disposed of over 36,000 criminal and civil cases. Today, there are only 1,700 civil and criminal cases.
The following is a list of what offices are open for election during the 2018 VZC Primary Election. Those who have filed paperwork for the office have done so to establish a campaign treasurer for the purpose of filling for a respective office up for election.
The filing period for candidates interested in running for office in the Van Zandt County Primary election opened Nov. 13 and will run through Dec. 11. All offices open for election have a four-year term limit. Candidates do not have to declare a political affiliation when filling.
Texas State Republican Cindy Burkett announced she will run for Texas Senate in the Republican Primary next March. Burkett will face incumbent Bob Hall.
Burkett is best known for her strong faith and strong work ethic. While raising three children and working full time, at age 37, she started college at night and went on to graduate with the highest honors. She ten rose to the challenge of starting a small business, eventually co-owning a company that ran several Subway sandwich shops. As a small business owner, Burkett did everything from baking bread and making sandwiches to keeping the books and, if necessary, sweeping the floors, when area voters decided to send her to Austin.
