News

CrossFit Van Zandt hosted a blood drive earlier this week in honor of Lena’ Pettiet who was tragically injured in a motor vehicle accident involving an emergency response vehicle on Feb. 15.

Carter Blood Care out of Tyler provided two mobile units for the blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. on March 14. 74 units were donated in honor of Lena'. 

"Lena Strong" T Shirts are currently for sale for $25 at Crossfit Van Zandt for those interested in supporting Lena’ Pettiet. All  proceeds and donations will go directly to Lena’and will be used to cover medical costs. 

With spring storms already starting, public safety officials are reminding area residents to monitor weather conditions and be prepared in case of inclement weather.

In one occurrence, severe weather and rain caused a dam to break on Dam failure at FM 858 and FM 314 just south of Van. Water briefly came across both Farm-to-Market roads. Electricity workers were seen restoring power to the area as the flood waters raged below.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, forecasts indicate severe thunderstorms, large hail, damaging winds, flash flooding and tornadoes across the region throughout the week.

Rising and moving water can threaten not only drivers on the roadways, but people on foot as well as those spending time weekend outdoors near recreational waterways impacted by significant rainfall, information from DPS sates.

Weather tips offered by DPS include:

•When severe storms threatens, the safest place to be is indoors.

An attempted home invasion at a residence in the 5400 block of VZCR 3415 has resulted in the death of the alleged suspect and the homeowner being sent to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident.

According to the VZC Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement officials were notified of a possible home invasion at approximately 1 p.m. March 8.

In a press release discussing the incident, the VZC Sherriff’s Office stated “The incident caused the death of one male due to a gunshot wound; the deceased male was identified as 42-year old Gaylen St. John of Canton. The homeowner was sent to the hospital due to injuries sustained during the altercation.”

The release continues, “The VZCSO was assisted by the VZC Fire Marshal’s Office, VZC Constable Precinct 3 Office, VZC Constable Precinct 1 Office, and Texas Department of Public Safety (Texas Rangers) Office. The investigation is ongoing at this time and no arrests have been made.”

High floods strand motorist on VZC road

With more rain predicted to last through the end of the week, Van Zandt County emergency officials are on high alert due to excessive flooding and severe weather.

Van Zandt County deputies and Constable Precinct 4 Pat Jordan were notified about a stranded motorist on Van Zandt County Road 4206 around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning March 9.

Canton Chamber of Commerce is asking its members for Business of the Year nominations.

The award is presented annually at the chamber’s community awards dinner. This year’s dinner will be from 6 to 9 p.m. April 21 at the Canton Civic Center.

To be nominated as Business of the Year, the business owner or its employees “should invoke a standard of excellence in the community, such as exemplary customer service, community involvement and community leadership,” according to information from the chamber.

“This is your opportunity to nominate your business or a fellow member’s business,” said Laura Mendoza, chamber office administrator. “The Canton Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award will be awarded to the company that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to Canton. We need your assistance to recognize the companies most deserving of this acknowledgment.”

A committee will review nominations and select the winner.

The Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce launched their first of four breakfast networking events last week at Subway, 2001 N. Trades Days Blvd.

AM Connections was created so chamber members can network, share ideas and get to know each other better, chamber officials said.

Much like the chamber’s Business After Hours monthly mixers, AM Connections gives local business owners and employees the opportunity to meet with other chamber members outside of normal business hours, according to Chamber Chairman Lace Deibert.

"We are very excited about the turnout of our first AM Connections,” Deibert said. “We had about 30 people in attendance and can't wait to watch this event continue to grow We created this event to give the opportunity to chamber members who couldn't make after hours events the chance to network before starting their work day. We saw many new faces and there is great potential for this event. 

Sponsors sought for annual community event

The Canton Chamber of Commerce is looking of sponsors for its annual membership banquet.

“This year the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce is planning an evening filled with great entertainment, food, fun and recognition of the people who made significant contributions to Canton in 2015,” information from the chamber states. “Your business can play a big part in the 2016 Community Awards Dinner by becoming one of our special sponsors.

“Sponsoring this highly anticipated annual event is a great way to get your company name in front of a captured audience of over 300 Chamber members and guests. Come and be entertained!”

The banquet will be from 6 to 9 p.m. April 21 at the Canton Civic Center.

Texas USDA Rural Development has announced funding is available for repairing homes in eligible rural areas.  The funds are available through Rural Development's 504 Home Repair loan and grant program.

The program is available to low income recipients to make essential repairs to modernize and repair homes, and to remove health and safety hazards. 

Most repairs completed under the program are for roof, window and door replacements, as well as electrical, plumbing and air conditioning upgrades as well as other repairs needed to increase the home’s energy efficiency and overall comfort and quality. 

Renovations to make a home wheelchair or handicap accessible are also considered.

There are several spring electronic recycling events upcoming in the area.

All events are free for the public with no geographic restrictions. Acceptable electronics include typical consumer electronics such as TVs, monitors, computers, laptops, computer accessories, cell phones, video game systems, answering machines, copiers, faxes and microwaves.

No household equipment, yard equipment, vacuum cleaners, space heaters, crockpots electric blankets are exercise equipment will be accepted.

Electronics encased in wood are also not acceptable.

 For a full list of acceptable and unacceptable items,  visit othe Facebook page www.facebook.com/trashbusters or

Volunteer groups are needed to work the recycling events. 

Canton Main Street and Buttermilk’s are joining to offer Dinner on Main Street March 19.

Only 60 tickets will be sold for the $25 per plate meal.

“We’re excited for people to discover the great things about Canton,” said Main Street manager Tam Erwin.  “Joining together for an event as unique as this and enjoying a great meal is such a special way to do that.”

The menu will consists of two options: Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and fried green beans or Grilled salmon, rice pilaf and bacon green beans. Both options come with salad and rolls, a choice of a buttermilk chess or chocolate buttermilk chess mini-pie, tea, soda and water.

The dinner will be outdoors in front of the Canton Main Street office on Buffalo Street. Servers will include members of the Main Street Advisory board.

Dinner music will be provided by the duo Brother Sister.