News

April events highlight need for awareness, education

The Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities reported in 2015 that between four to eight children die each day from abuse and/or neglect in our country. 

That figure calculates to as many as nearly 3,000 children each year who are not able to survive the horrors of child physical and sexual abuse, including trafficking and neglect.  Almost half of these children are less than a year old, while 75 percent of them are under the age of 3. 

It is the mission of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Van Zandt County to reduce trauma to child victims of physical and sexual abuse through a unified effort that facilitates thorough investigations, effective prosecution, and the healing of children and their families. 

Many Van Zandt county citizens may not be aware of the local Child Welfare Board, but the board is an integral part of a network of child-centered service organizations that help to support Van Zandt county children in the foster care system. 

Volunteers are needed for the Tailwind Regional Balloon Fest May 13 and 14 and organizers of the event are making sure those who volunteer their time get a few perks.

“There are so many fun ways to be a part of the Tailwind Regional Balloon Fest and this year, we are raising the stakes for anyone who wants to volunteer,” said Austin Melton, Canton Visitor’s Bureau coordinator. “If you volunteer and work your shift, not only will you get a free T-shirt and entry to the festival, but you will also be entered to win a free hot air balloon ride -- a $250 value and an experience for the memory books!”

More than 200 volunteers are needed to help with the event which is scheduled to include more than 30 hot air balloons and so a wide variety of activities.   

Canton Fire Chief Bud Sanford is reminding residents that bad weather can happen any time of year and the city wants them to heed weather warnings.

“In recent years, we all have, or should have all noticed, a change in our weather patterns,” Sanford said. “Mother Nature has always had a mind of her own, but in a sense, she was somewhat predictable. We knew that most of our bad storms here in East Texas would be in and around the springtime.”

From excessive rain to hail to high winds, the area has seen significant damaging weather the past year, Sanford said.

The city-wide Spring clean-up will be from April 11 to 14.

During the clean-up time, large items may be placed on the curb for free pick up.

Items eligible for pick up include old furniture, domestic appliances, water heaters, swing sets, bicycles (with tires removed,) bagged leaves, bundled limbs weighing under 50 pounds and other household items.

Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioning units may be left curbside but must have the Freon removed by a certified technician.

Tires, batteries, paint, chemicals, construction debris, commercial garbage and other restricted materials are not included in the pick-up service.

Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett participated in the annual "March with Meals On Wheels" last week as well as occasionally filling in for her husband, Michael Everett, who is a regular volunteer. 

"This is a way for people to use their notoriety . . . to spotlight Meals On Wheels,” said Zoe Lawnhorn, vice president of development and public relations for the nonprofit organization based out of Tyler. “Many of our people come on (as volunteers) to deliver meals after this experience. 

"We make sure those we help have something to eat, make sure they have a daily visit from a friendly person, and we're able to just check on their safety and  monitor their well-being.  By doing these simple things, we're able to help people continue living independently." 

The non-profit agency delivers meals to more than 3,000 people in 30 communities in six East Texas counties. 

At its March meeting, the Canton City Council approved a plan to update 25 of the city’s street improvement.

City Engineer Walt Lehmann made the recommendation to crack and fog seal the streets  “to get the most bang for the buck.”

“That’s a lot of streets and you end up with a street that looks new and will last for four or five years,” Lehmann said, “I’m proposing to do 25 streets that have good surfaces but we want to save them.

The streets to be repaired are: Stacey, Woodland, Avenue A, Avenue B, Avenue C, Big Rock, Curry Lane, Curry Road, Desert Willow, Dodson, Lazy U, Malinda, Murrey, Nichols North, Nicholas South, Oak, Oak Square, Meadow, Mill Creek from 198 to Forrest, Elliot, Elm, Etheridge Circle, Etheridge Lane, Eubank and Forrest Drive.

The expected cost will be about $168,512.

Lehmann said he looked at another road repair option that would have included crack and fag sealing Big Rock, Woodland, Judy and River Oaks.

At its March meeting, the Canton City Council approved a plan to update 25 of the city’s street improvement.

City Engineer Walt Lehmann made the recommendation to crack and fog seal the streets  “to get the most bang for the buck.”

“That’s a lot of streets and you end up with a street that looks new and will last for four or five years,” Lehmann said, “I’m proposing to do 25 streets that have good surfaces but we want to save them.

The streets to be repaired are: Stacey, Woodland, Avenue A, Avenue B, Avenue C, Big Rock, Curry Lane, Curry Road, Desert Willow, Dodson, Lazy U, Malinda, Murrey, Nichols North, Nicholas South, Oak, Oak Square, Meadow, Mill Creek from 198 to Forrest, Elliot, Elm, Etheridge Circle, Etheridge Lane, Eubank and Forrest Drive.

The expected cost will be about $168,512.

Lehmann said he looked at another road repair option that would have included crack and fag sealing Big Rock, Woodland, Judy and River Oaks.

March 31 was an important day for Katie Climer of Wills Point.

On this day she followed in the footsteps of the military tradition of her family and was sworn into the Army. Climer took her oath standing on the brick in the Veterans Memorial Plaza that bears the name of her grandfather, Ben Lide.

“This was a great source of pride to her family,” said Diane Farmer, public relations chair for the vet’s memorial.

  Climer is the daughter of Shelly Morel and Ron Norton and Tony Morel.

  She will be leaving for training July 25. She will first go to South Carolina and then will be headed to Virginia.

dMcKinney Recruiting Company Commander CPT Michael Tillison was on hand to swear Climer in. Also taking part were Greenville Recruiter Sgt. Cody Little, Greenville Recruiting Leader SFC Carl Beltz and 1st SGT Riberto Duran.

There will be a benefit predator hunt for Jarod Durham from 6 a.m. Friday, April 9, to noon Saturday, April 10. 

Cost is $25 per person and registration is needed b 7 p.m. Thursday, April 8.

Those participating can hunt in teams of up to three.

Check-in will be at 2917 Hwy. 198 in Canton. Drawings for prizes will be done at check-in.

Barbecue plates will be available for lunch at a cost of $5.

Hunters will get 75 points for each coyotes and 100 points for bagging a bobcat.  Trophies will be awarded for first through third places.

All proceeds from the hunt will go to help Jarod Durham, a Canton High School student who recently suffered a brain aneurism.

Jarod, 14, has been in the hospital since Feb. 11. He was moved to Our Children’s House rehab facility about a month ago and continues to make progress, according to information from his family.