News

In the wake of the widely reported June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, the Texas Department of Public Safety called on Texans to pay close attention to what’s happening in their own communities.

DPS Director Steven McCraw on June 17 said, “Amid today’s ever-present threat of terrorism and crime, we are reminded that members of the public can be law enforcement’s greatest resource.”

And, he said, “When law enforcement and communities work together to combat crime, we are inherently more successful." He urged individuals to report illegal or suspicious behavior they see to iWATCH or to their local authorities.  “By speaking up, you could save a life,” McCraw added.

The DPS-maintained iWATCH website, www.iwatchtx.org, provides citizens with a place to report tips related to criminal activity.

Examples of information the DPS considers reportable include: 

When it comes to great food, service and the largest selection of Texas Craft Beer and Wine in Van Zandt County, you can’t beat Duke’s Burgers & Sports Co., located at the northeast corner of Hwy. 64 and I-20 in Canton.

Duke’s Burgers & Sports Co. is the latest business venture created by owner and company President Joe Zoubi. 

Duke’s Travel Plaza opened in May 2011 and includes Taco Casa and Duke’s BBQ.  In July 2014, Zoubi opened The Beef Jerky Outlet followed by SweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt in July 2015.

Zoubi said he always had plans to open a world-class gourmet burger restaurant in Van Zandt County so he and his team launched Duke’s Burgers & Sports Co. which opened in December 2015. The concept was executed by Zoubi’s son Rami who serves as the company’s vice president and general counsel.

For those who have experienced the death of a loved one, registration for the GriefShare program held at First Baptist Church has begun.

This nondenominational program features Christ-centered, biblical teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved on.  The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was seen on the DVD. 

Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily routines.  Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them, organizers said.

Breeding season’s over, nesting time now

Van Zandt County may be hundreds of miles away from the nearest swampy bayou but that doesn’t mean alligators don’t live here.

“There are alligators all over Van Zandt County,” Game Warden Daylon Damron said. “I’ve only been here about a year but I’ve heard stories of 12-foot alligator sightings.”

The annual Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade went on in spite of a few unexpected showers on July 4th in Canton. "The rain did keep a few of our floats from participating however we ended up with a good parade" said CTCC Office Administrator Laura Mendoza. People still lined up along Buffalo St. and around the downtown square waiving American Flags and wearing red, white and blue. The second annual watermelon eating contest was a big success as well as young contestents ate seeds and all on their way to victory.

First Place: Higginbotham Brothers ACE Hardware, Canton

Second Place: Cruise Planner Travel Agency, Canton

Third Place: Splash Kingdom, Canton

Best Vehicle: 1973 Mack Fire Engine owned by Justin Duke

Best Youth: Little Miss Texas Grand Supreme 2016 TJ Mendoza 

The Canton ISD Board of Trustees met June 27 and hit the books concerning the 2016-’17 budget.

CISD Business Director Denise Stone navigated the course through the proposed budget, reflecting that the district will take a “conservative approach,” in regards to the budget.

“We have always had a conservative approach for the last six years which has been a proven success with our healthy fund balance,” Stone said.

Stone informed the district that revenue sources within the district derive from 52 percent local taxes; 8 percent federal; and 40 percent state revenue.

Local income is derived from 98 percent property tax collections with a minimal percent to gate receipts/miscellaneous revenue. 

Stone said that the tax rate set at $1.471 has been the same for the last nine years, and is proposed to stay the same.

The estimated budget is balanced with revenues set at $15,943,414 and expenditures also at $15,943,414.

The Canton Red Hat Group is looking for new members.

Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month. 

Dues are $15 a year. 

For more information, call Janie Estile at 903-865-1119 or 903-880-7221.

For more stories like this one, subscribe to the Canton Herald or pick up a copy from one of our vendors. 

The production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical, ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ will open July 8 with regular seating at 7:30 p.m. 

Other regular seating performances at the Talent Box, a nonprofit community theatre, 244 N. Fourth St., Wills Point are at 7:30 p.m. July 9 and at 2 p.m. July 10 and 17. 

Dinner theatre performances are at 6:30 p.m. July 15 and 16.  

Limited seating may be available during the dinner theatre performances.  A reception will be held after the opening night performance. 

Admission for this production is adults $15, seniors and students $13 and children 12 and under $10.  Dinner theatre admission is $22 per person with $15 for children 10 and under. 

Budget amendments approved by commissioners 

The Van Zandt County Commissioners Court didn’t let the hazy, lazy days of summer slow them down, powering through a relatively light agenda in just over 30 minutes during their regularly scheduled meeting June 28.

Highlights of the meeting included commissioners presenting members of the VZC Historical Commission with a special commendation for their efforts in the community and a series of budget amendments.

Business opened with frequent speaker Ronnie Jones addressing the court in regards to the delay in approving minutes from previous meetings.