News

Long-time lawman and current Pct. 2 Constable C.B. Wiley, 79, died about 2 a.m. May 6 in Tyler. As Wiley’s remains were being transported to Eubank Funeral Home in Canton around 5 a.m., local law enforcement personnel provided a processional and honor escort.  Constable Wiley had more than 50 years in law enforcement and had served in Van Zandt County since 1974.

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A group of citizens has formed the “Canton Economic Growth Committee” to ask voters to support limited alcohol sales in the city limits of Canton.

The group consists of local residents, business and community leaders and many local businesses.  They are asking Canton registered voters to sign two petitions calling for an election in November 2016. 

One petition will allow a vote for the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only.  This would allow beer and wine sales in businesses such as grocery and convenience stores but would not allow package liquor sales or liquor stores. 

The second petition states “for the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only.”  This will only allow state-recognized restaurants to serve alcohol without requiring private club memberships. 

This would not allow stand alone bars or nightclubs.

A rabid skunk was found by a family dog between Edgewood and Wills Point north of Hwy 80 April 22.

 Rabies, a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and other warm-blooded animals, is fatal and is transmitted usually from a bite from an infected animal.

The family dog came dragging the skunk into the yard in the late afternoon and the lady of the house happened to be outside and see it happen. Even though she immediately commanded the dog to come to her, the dog was enjoying chewing the skunk and rolling over it too much to come immediately, she said.

Vets group hopes for unveiling Nov. 11

The Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial has sent the prototype of the kneeling soldier to the foundry for casting and the time is nearing for the statue to finally take its place in the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Canton.

The Grapevine foundry was on hand April 10 through 12 to finish their part of protecting Ed Pickett's sculpture of the soldier. It was then disassembled into many parts to be transported to the foundry to have a mold made. Then the bronzing process can begin. 

Pickett, a local sculptor, has donated many hours, time, energy and his talent to help make this come to pass.  Photos of local soldier Juan Herrera were taken by photographer and VFW member Robert (Shorty) Farmer to ensure the lines and details would all be correct.

April showers bring May flowers ... or so the old story goes. 

Well, in the world of weed control – April showers brings May weeds, thus weed control is important to maximize forage growth and quality. 

So producers it’s time to dust off the spray rig and make sure it’s operating properly.  Most herbicides need to be put out with so many gallons of water per acre.  To make sure this is occurring, you need to calibrate your sprayer.

Calibrating a sprayer is important because the newer herbicides come as dry flowable powders that are put out at the rate of 1/10th to 3/10th oz. per acre. It is also as important to make sure you have good coverage of the product on the plant to maximize control. 

 The following is a way to calibrate a boom-type sprayer:

1. Determine nozzle spacing.

2. Refer to Table 1 for length of calibration course.

3. Measure calibration course.

Starting in the fall of 2016, the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce will break new leadership ground in Van Zandt County.

Leadership Van Zandt County, a product of the CTCC, will lead a group of 12 students through a 10-month program designed to educate, equip and foster a new generation of leaders in Van Zandt County.

LVZC will be open to all citizens living or working in the county. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be eligible for the program. 

According to information from the chamber, LVZC is designed to incorporate key leadership objectives emphasizing professional leadership and community development. Throughout the course of the program schedule, students will be exposed to extensive training from both professional speakers and honorary community leaders as well as participate in various group events that will highlight their personal strengths and the needs of the community.

The VZC Commissioners Court convened for the second time in the month of April earlier this week, hearing a response from the city of Wills Point to reject the acceptance of a property that was quit claimed to the county and discussing another property that had been offered in exchange for approximately $50,000 in closing costs.

Business opened with commissioners approving several bookkeeping items, including the payment of bills as submitted and ratification of payments, before opening the floor for public comments. 

After community member Ronnie Jones addressed the court questioning the specifics of several upcoming items and whether all monthly reports had been received as requested numerous times, Wills Point City Administrator Pam Pearson addressed commissioners regarding a decision made at a previous meeting to reject a property that was quit claimed by the city of Wills Point to VZC. 

An inmate who created “a facsimile firearm while in confinement” used the make-believe weapon to escape from the Van Zandt County Jail about 8 p.m. April 27.

Jay Scott McEvers, 47, was recaptured near Wills Point about 12 hours later.

“He used family members and known associates to facilitate this escape,” VZC Sheriff Lindsey Ray said. “Shortly after his escape McEvers’ mother and girlfriend were both taken into custody and we believe that is when his plan began to fall apart.”

McEvers’ mother, Carolyn McEvers, was arrested for facilitating escape, a second degree felony. His girlfriend, Cynthia Heese, was arrested for public intoxication. She could face additional charges pending investigation of the case, Ray said.

“We believe all night long officers stayed one step behind the inmate,” Ray said. “He was able to effectively make use of a series of stolen vehicles to remain at large throughout the night.”

Planning has begun for the second annual Free State Jubilee set from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 18 at the Arbors building at the First Monday Trade Days grounds.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service County Agent Melisa Rhodes and her Family and Consumer Science Committee met and discussed the upcoming plans for the event. The FCS Committee decided to continue offering the event as a free, fun day to offer families educational information, activities and contests.

New for this year, the FCS Committee has decided to seek out local talent to perform throughout the day to showcase local performers.

Planning has begun for the second annual Free State Jubilee set from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 18 at the Arbors building at the First Monday Trade Days grounds.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service County Agent Melisa Rhodes and her Family and Consumer Science Committee met and discussed the upcoming plans for the event. The FCS Committee decided to continue offering the event as a free, fun day to offer families educational information, activities and contests.

New for this year, the FCS Committee has decided to seek out local talent to perform throughout the day to showcase local performers.