News

Staff from U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling’s office will be in Canton June 19 to meet with constituents needing assistance with federal agencies.

Hensarling’s staff will be available at the Van Zandt County Courthouse in the County Judge’s Conference Room from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Dealing with federal agencies can be an intimidating experience.  I want my constituents to know that my staff and I stand ready to help.  I hope that you will let my office assist you in your dealings with federal agencies or bureaucracies,” Hensarling said.

Providing outstanding constituent service is a priority for his office, the congressman said, and this meeting in Canton provides an additional opportunity for constituents with questions or concerns to bring those to his attention. 

Grab your partner and start practicing your tossing skills as the Free State Jubilee will be hosting a Corn Hole Tournament for adults and youth ages 8 through 17. 

The tourney will be part of the Free State Jubilee set for June 27 on First Monday grounds in Canton. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Committee is sponsoring this “free, fun day event for the families of Van Zandt County,” Extension Agent Melisa Rhodes said.

In the Corn Hole competition, the winning team in the adult tournament will win a cash prize of $200 and the title of tournament champion. The second place team receives $100 and the third place team $30.

From staff reports

At a called meeting June 15, the Canton Economic Development Corporation agreed to an incentive package totaling $176,000 with C&E Group Inc. for the construction of a hotel and conference center adjacent to the Splash Kingdom waterpark.

The Canton City Council was scheduled to consider additional economic incentives at its meeting June 16. The results of that meeting were not available at press time.

According to CEDC Executive Director Julie Seymore, the council was to consider “a $200,000 loan forgiven annually equal to the amount of incremental city property taxes paid, bringing the total incentive package to $376,000.”   

The hotel and conference center would be built on six acres adjacent to Splash Kingdom on the west side, Seymore said.

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By Donnita Fisher

Managing Editor

A suspicious vehicle call that started in Canton ended with the driver being tasered after a chase into Athens June 5.

Canton Police answered a call about a suspicious person driving a Black Chevy Tahoe at Canton Oaks Nursing Home about 6:45 p.m. June 5.  Earlier in the day, someone had reported a similar vehicle on FM 859. The driver of the vehicle was reportedly trying to get into a residence on FM 859.

While officers were in route to Canton Oaks, the vehicle left the premises going north on Hwy. 19.  Officers spotted the Tahoe and Patrolman Stephen Deville tried to pull the driver over near the Sonic Drive-in.  It was then that the driver “put his vehicle in reverse and nearly backed into Officer Deville’s patrol car,” according to police reports. 

By Donnita Fisher

Managing Editor

Motivational speaker Terry Cox told those gathered for the Canton Rotary Club scholarship presentation luncheon last month that to be a difference maker one must “play to your strengths.”

“And remember that life is really just about relationships.”

Before Rotarians bestowed 15 scholarships to graduating seniors, Cox reminded them of an acronym for being a champion – Commitment, Honest, Active, Motivated, Perseverance, Integrity, Organized, Never give up. “You’ll always miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take,” he said.

Business scholarship winners were Caroline Munroe, Madison Walker and Jacob Vogt. Each of the business scholarship winners received $1,000 each.

Munroe said she plans to attend UT Austin where she will major in international relations and minor in the Chinese language with hopes of eventually attending law school. 

It’s the time of year when the smell of popcorn in the air meets the glimmer of the big screen under the stars.

It’s summer time and that means it’s time for a downtown Canton free outdoor movie.

This year’s outdoor movie series will start Friday, June 5, with “Paddington,” rated PG.

Sponsored by the Canton Lions Club, the movie is free.

The new movie location is on the backside of the old Plaza Theater in the parking lot to the west of 119 N. Buffalo St. 

The full-length motion picture will start at dark, about 9 p.m.

Concessions will be available including hotdogs, popcorn, candy and soft drinks.

All proceeds will go to the Canton Main Street Program, which helps with the revitalization of downtown Canton.

“All you need to bring is yourself, a friend and a lawn chair,” organizers said.

The next movie will be “The Little Rascals” June 26.

It’s time to find out who makes the best salsa, cranks out the best homemade ice cream and raises the best produce in Van Zandt County.

The Free State Jubilee will be held June 27 on First Monday grounds in Canton.  The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Committee is sponsoring this “free, fun day event for the families of Van Zandt County,” Extension Agent Melisa Rhodes said.

The day will kick off at 9:30 a.m.  and will offer a homemade ice cream contest, salsa contest, home- grown Van Zandt County garden produce contest. There will also be a Corn Hole Tournament (similar to washers) sponsored by Ingram Healthcare. 

Cash prizes will be awarded for these events.  

The Corn Hole Tournament for teams of two will award $200 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third. Entry free is $20 per team.