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Canton Main Street will host a free outdoor movie Friday, July 14.

‘Moana” will begin at 8:45 p.m. across from Canton City Hall, 201 N. Buffalo St.

The movie is sponsored by Canton Lions Club. Admission to the movie is free.A concession stand will sell popcorn, hot dogs, soft drinks, candy and bottled water. 

Officers pay homage to those killed

A number of law enforcement agencies throughout Van Zandt County participated in a moment of silence July 7 to honor the fallen Dallas Police Department officers that were killed in the line of duty in downtown Dallas one year ago.

Last year, one day after the shooting in downtown Dallas that took the lives of five police officers and wounded numerous others, Van Zandt County came together in a prayer vigil to honor the fallen and wounded Dallas and DART police officers.

Pct. 4 Constable Bob Keltner was one of the organizers of the event last year and said that he felt a “deep sense of brotherhood,” with the men and women of law enforcement during the July 7, 2016, attack.

Congressman Jeb Hensarling released the following statement in response to passage of Kate’s Law and No Sanctuary for Criminals Act which contains Sarah and Grant’s Law:

“As any Texan would tell you, our national borders are not secure enough,” said Hensarling. “It is refreshing to finally have a President who will protect our national security and economic interests. While I believe America is truly a nation of immigrants, it is important to protect and defend our citizens and the people who come here legally to chase the American dream. Today, the House passed measures that protect our country and crack down on illegal immigration.

Former Canton Police Chief Mike Echols passed away Saturday, July 1, in Tyler. Chief Echols retired from the Canton Police Department Aug. 31, 2015. Echols had been with Canton PD since 1987 and was the chief since October 2007.

Memorial services were held for Michael Wayne Echols, 72, of Malakoff Monday, July 3, 2017, at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton. Bro. C. R officiated the services. Interment followed in Haven of Memories.

He was born Feb. 18, 1945, in Corpus Christi to Robert Wayne Echols and Betty Lou Warren.

He grew up in Gainesville. He worked as a police officer for 34 years. He spent 28 years at Canton Police Department, with 10 years as chief ofpolice.

In his obituary, it states he was “a man of his word and was proud to serve the City of Canton. He enjoyed collecting model trains, working in his yard and visiting with family and friends.”

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott, in the last 10 days of June, posted news releases pointing out specific lawmakers and their plans to file bills that fulfill his expectations for the 30-day special session, which he called to begin July 18.

Abbott said lawmakers first must pass a “sunset bill” to extend the life of the Texas Medical Board and then tackle a 19-item list of other issues in the month-long session. Abbott’s list is a pretty close match to a list of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s priorities. Here are a few of those items:

- Legislation to reform property taxes, by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, and Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton. “Skyrocketing property taxes in this state are unacceptable, and Texans need reform right now,” Abbott said.

A Distinguished Service Award  certificate was presented to the Van Zandt County Historical Commission by the VZC Commissioners Court June 27.

VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick presented the certificate and VZC Pct. 4 Commissioner Tim West presented a plaque designating the VZC Courthouse to be listed in the National Registrar of Historic Place by the United States Department of the Interior.

“This recognition is from the Texas Historical Commission,” pointed out Kirkpatrick. “This is the ninth year in a row that the Van Zandt County Historical Commission has received this honor and that is not an easy thing to accomplish. Congratulations. What a great job you do for Van Zandt County.”

Canton Main Street will host a free outdoor movie Friday, July 14^th.  

“Showing will be “Moana.” The movie will start about 8:45 p.m. and will be shown across the street from City Hall 201 N. Buffalo St.   

The Canton Economic Development Corporation was graced with two new faces during the June 27 meeting of the CEDC.  New board members Sarah Clayton and Sam Deen were sworn in by CEDC Director Julie Seymore before tackling a lengthy agenda.

Several items were discussed at length by the CEDC, two of which took almost an hour each to discuss ending with the CEDC seeking out proposals or more information on both items.

The CEDC discussed a proposal of an “app” that could be used at First Monday which would include content based off an all-inclusive approach to Canton and First Monday, including information on grounds, lodging, RV, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, maps and beacon technology to direct users to key points of interest. In addition, the First Monday App would include opportunities for vendor advertising for increased exposure.

Article submitted by NSDAR

“In October 2016, Judy Callaway Ostler, Texas State Regent for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution announced that the National Society approved the organization of a new chapter to be chartered in Terrell, to serve Kaufman County and neighboring communities. Terrell resident and fourth generation DAR member, Stacey Browning, will serve as Organizing Chapter Regent.

This new chapter has one year to organize and during that period, anyone who joins will be a “founding member”. The window is rapidly closing for new members to join in time to be a “founding member”.

Castillian Lodge No., 141, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, met June 24 to install lodge officers for the 2017-’18 year. Pictured from left to right: chaplain - Ed Cozart, Secretary - Mack Walling, Treasurer - Ron Fields, Senior Warden -Michael Bowman, Worshipful Master - Jack Bickle, Junior Warden - Josh Wintters, Tiler - Stephen Deville, Marshall -Paul Lawley, Master of Ceremonies - Dale Baugh, Junior Deacon - Pete Rose

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