News

On April 29, our county was changed forever by a series of tornadoes. In their aftermath, many generous people have given money, time and materials to restore our neighbor’s lives. The storms took only a few moments to do their damage but the recovery effort is a long-term situation and involves more than just cleaning and fixing homes.

The Van Zandt County Long Term Recovery Group has been formed to help Van Zandt County's neighbors with a 'Long Haul' commitment. This commitment is to our emotional and spiritual care as well as financial and construction needs. The Emotional and spiritual sub-committee of the LTRG invites you to a special worship gathering to help with the healing of all of our residents.

When is the best time to start a fall garden? Now, according to Master Gardener John Womack.

What should you do first when starting a vegetable garden? Find the best location and then decide should it be planted north – south/east – west? Womack will present the seminar at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17 at the VZC Library.

What do you do next? Do you want raised beds or field beds? Which is the best? Which is the easiest? How do you make raised beds? Do you have to plow a field bed? What about tilling?

Now what’s next? Next is preparing the beds. This is the most important part. The soil feeds the plants and the plants feed you. You need the richest, most nutrient dense soil you can prepare.

Canton Mighty Eagle Band kicks off year 

The Canton Mighty Eagle Band is now in full swing, preparing for the upcoming 2017-’18 school year with their new 2017 marching show entitled “Shades of Blue.”

The show derives its name from the fact that all of the music has blue in the title. The music includes two pieces from the Blue Man Group, Blue Rondo a la Turk by Dave Brubeck, and Blue Shades by Frank Ticheli.

This year's show proves to be as challenging as ever with fast paced movement and a lot of energy throughout the program. Mike Bartley, Director of Bands said, "The tempos of this show are always quick and there is not really a down moment anywhere. The students are going to be challenged and will definitely be in great shape by the end of the season."

It was a rare event in Canton City Hall Chambers Aug. 1, as council chambers were packed with people from around the county to speak during an open forum. The council added an agenda item for open discussion regarding the Grand Saline Creek project, with Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Stewart adding that the purpose for the open forum was to “address concerns,” regarding the Saline Creek lake project.

During the open forum, concerned citizens from around Van Zandt County asked questions relating to the projected cost of the lake, estimated costs to secure water rights, what additional acreage, if any, would be encompassed by the lake, an estimated timeline for the lake project and concerns about if a study of demography projections had been completed.

Canton Main Street will host the final summer movie event at 8:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, in downtown Canton at 201 N. Buffalo. The movie will be “Finding Dory.”

“If the movie is cancelled due to weather it will be posted on our Facebook page, Canton Texas Main Street Program. The movie reschedule will also be posted on Facebook as well,” said Main Street officials.

The Canton Rotary Club and Canton Main Street is sponsoring the movie. Admission to the movie is free.

a blanket or some chairs and enjoy a movie in the great outdoors. Popcorn, hot dogs, soft drinks, candy and bottled water available for $1 each,” said organizers. “Bring the whole family and come enjoy this fun, free event for a great evening out in downtown Canton.”

For more information call Tam Erwin 903-567-1849 or visit the Facebook page, Canton Texas Main Street Program.

The third annual Free State Back to School Jubilee will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, and will offer something for the whole family.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Child Advocacy Center of Van Zandt County have joined together to provide all the families of Van Zandt County with a free family fun day.

The Jubilee will be held in the Canton Civic Center just off Hwy 64. Look for the big yellow banners.

The event will provide free backpacks and school supplies, free haircuts, physicals, and immunizations.

In addition, there will be carnival type of games, including three bounce houses, an indoor shooting gallery and much more.

addition to all these fun activities, there will be educational opportunities to learn about gardening and recycling projects presented by the Free State Master Gardeners Association.

When is the best time to start a fall garden? Now, according to Master Gardener John Womack.

What should you do first when starting a vegetable garden? Find the best location and then decide should it be planted north – south/east – west?

What do you do next? Do you want raised beds or field beds? Which is the best? Which is the easiest? How do you make raised beds? Do you have to plow a field bed? What about tilling?

Now what’s next? Next is preparing the beds. This is the most important part. The soil feeds the plants and the plants feed you. You need the richest, most nutrient dense soil you can prepare.

No injuries were reported following a report of a three-year old boy falling into a water well Saturday morning in Van.

The Van Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call for assistance but when they arrived on the scene, the young boy’s grandfather had already pulled him out of the water well.

To read the full article, subscribe to the Canton Herald or pick up a copy from one of our vendors.

The Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial has events planned for the rest of the year, so mark your calendars and watch the newspaper for more exact dates as each event approaches.

Labor Day will be the annual Balloon Release, and the visitors center and board members have tickets for sell now, so buy anytime.

The balloons are $3 each and the balloons will be color coded to match the information provided as to active, deceased, POW/MIA or KIA (killed in action) or a veteran who has served.

There is a sign on the wall in Van Zandt County Auditor Freddy Thomas’ office that reads, “I’m the Auditor, Not a Magician.”

Those words may very well describe the challenges that Thomas faces as he continues working with VZC officials on the fiscal year 2018 budget for the county.

“The frustrating part of this process is that we have not been able to move the county forward as far as improving its financial condition,” emphasized Thomas. “Over a period of time, the county has gotten itself in a back against the wall situation.”

Thomas discussed what he believes are three primary issues facing the county as a new budget year begins October 1.