By Donnita Fisher

Managing Editor

A fatality accident brought traffic on eastbound Interstate 20 to a standstill Monday afternoon, June 1, near the Myrtle Springs Cemetery Road exit two miles east of Canton.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Jean Dark, the accident occurred about 2:30 p.m. when an 18-wheeler traveling in right lane of traffic “failed to control his speed and ran into the back of a 2007 Ford Escape traveling in that same lane. The Ford Escape was then pushed forward into a 2013 Ford SEL. The Ford SEL was then pushed into a 2015 KIA Soul which was then pushed into a 1998 Peterbilt truck towing a flatbed trailer.”

The 18-wheeler then hit a Jeep Grand Cherokee pushing it into another 18-wheeler, a 2007 Western Star towing a Wabash trailer.

By David Kapitan

Staff Writer

The Van Zandt County Commissioners Court continued to take steps to help repair the damage done by recent weather events that have battered much of the county during a meeting May 26.

The commissioners started down the road to recovery by approving a bid with Traylor Associates, Inc. to prepare the necessary paperwork for a Texas Department of Agriculture Disaster Relief Fund Grant and green lighting a measure that could lead to the reappraisal of storm damaged property.

Weather permiting, the city of Canton will perform a test of the outdoor warning sirens at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 9.

If skies are threatening, the test will be postponed to the next good weather day.

Sign up for the city’s CodeRed emergency notification service via the website www.cantontex.gov or by calling the Canton Fire Department at 903-567-6477.

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By Donnita Fisher

Managing Editor

When the Canton High School Class of 2015 takes the stage for commencement ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, at the Larry Davis Auditorium at CHS they will be led by Valedictorian Zach Morgan and Salutatorian Madison Fowler.

Both Zach and Madison are true products of the Canton school system having attended CISD since kindergarten.

Zach, 19, is the son of Rex and Shelley Morgan. He tops the 2015 Eagles class with a grade point average of 102.6851 and a perfect 4.0 in his dual college courses.

During his high school years, Zach didn’t just focus on academics, however. He played varsity football and basketball and ran JV track. He was on the cross X debate team and competed in University Interscholastic League contests in mathematics, number sense and science.

By Donnita Fisher

Managing Editor

Dozens of students who ranked among the best in the state in their chosen field of arts, academics or sports were honored by the Canton ISD board of trustees May 18. 

The board also offered special recognition to retiring kindergarten teacher Susan (Murray) Davies. Davies is retiring after 32 years as a teacher, 26 of those in CISD.

Canton Elementary Principal Kelly Lamar said her school will miss Mrs. Davies. “Mrs. Davies never yells and has such a calm and positive demeanor with her students,” Lamar said. “She’s like our very own Taylor Swift … she has a song for everything … morning song, lunch song, good-bye song and son on. She knows her students and his/her needs.  She truly cares for them not just academically but outside of school.”

By Donnita Fisher

Managing Editor

Canton got a new mayor last week and made a little history.

Lou Ann Gullett Everett became the city’s first female mayor when she took the oath of office May 19.

“I wish you the very best, this council is a pleasure to work with … and I’m sure the new council will be as well,” outgoing Mayor Rick Lawrence said. “The city has turned and is moving in a very positive direction. Keep it on course … be progressive and do good things.”

Before leaving the mayoral post, Lawrence presented plaques to outgoing councilmembers Elisa Heard and Cary Hilliard recognizing their “dedicated service to city of Canton and its citizens.”

“I want to recognize that first of all sitting up here on this dias is not easy,” he said, and on behalf of the citizens, thank you and we wish you all the very best in the future.”

A Memorial Day salute

By Diana Farmer

Guest Contributor

Remembering the fallen, honoring those who currently serve, and memorializing those who remain lost was on the agenda of the Memorial Day Ceremony in Canton at the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial May 25.

Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett emceed the event with Major Brigadier General Howard N. Palmer Jr. serving as the guest speaker.

Many Veterans from the branches of military were on hand to witness the memorial.

Soldiers from World War II, the Korean, Iraq and Afghanistan wars were all present to pay their respects.

All veterans were honored with a special thanks going out to those who served in World War II.

By Donnita Fisher

Managing Editor

When the Canton High School Class of 2015 takes the stage for commencement ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, at the Larry Davis Auditorium at CHS they will be led by Valedictorian Zach Morgan and Salutatorian Madison Fowler.

Both Zach and Madison are true products of the Canton school system having attended CISD since kindergarten.