News

Gateway zoning discussion continues

Councilmembers met with the planning and zoning commission to discuss the city’s Gateway District zoning.

The Gateway Zoning has been at issue because Sonic Drive-in is looking to build a new fast food restaurant on property in the Gateway District and at present that use is not allowed.

Currently allowed in the Gateway District are churches, civic uses; personal service establishments; light retail; single-family detached housing; and medical clinics.

The B-1 zoning includes churches, civic uses; personal service establishments; financial institutions; dry good stores; food stores; eating establishments; professional services; governmental buildings and facilities; and antique shops.

Marijuana grow farm found near 859, I-20

A citizen’s tip led Van Zandt County law enforcement officials to a 10-acre marijuana grow operation located near FM 859 and Interstate 20 Aug. 3.

According to Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Sgt. Heath Burton, sheriff’s deputies, officers from the Van Zandt County jail, Canton Police Department, Wills Point Police Department and troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division raided the location which was “concealed from the public.” “The owner of the property did not know of the marijuana operation,” Burton said.

A citizen saw some pumps moving water from a pond and reported the suspicious activity, he said.

Trip to get movie turns tragic for teen

A 79-year-old female driving a white 2011 Ford Expedition began pulling into a handicapped parking space in the CVS parking lot on the afternoon of July 7.

According to police reports, the driver accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake causing her vehicle to jump the curb, run over a handicapped parking sign, continue over the sidewalk and strike 18-year-old Jessica Bunch who was standing in front of the RedBox movie machine.

The Expedition hit both the teen and the RedBox.

Both Jessica and driver of the Expedition were both transported to the hospital:  The 79-year-old by ground ambulance. Jessica, her injuries life threatening, was flown by helicopter to Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler where she was immediately taken into surgery.

2015 grads reminded to look, change the future

As the Canton High School 2015 graduates prepared to fly the Eagle’s nest, they were reminded that the true story of their life would begin after high school.

“Our story of life began in kindergarten and it went through to our senior year,” Valedictorian Zachary Morgan said. “Our experiences in Canton ISD helped mold who we are today.”

Morgan, who started out his valedictorian address by taking a photo of himself, said that experiences throughout each campus at Canton ISD provided a platform for the future graduates.

Tornado hits Van

An EF-3 tornado ravaged most of the northeastern part of Van during the late evening May 10. Van Zandt County Fire Marshal and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Chuck Allen said that the tornado started about six miles north of Edom.

“The tornado was approximately 700 yards wide and traveled 9.9 miles on the ground before ending one mile southeast of the small community of Pruitt,” Allen said.

“All arteries to the city are now open; traffic flow is improved but some areas still have limited access and will be allowed in with ID only,” added Allen. 

Van Independent School District received damage to multiple properties, including the administration building, intermediate and elementary schools and transportation facility.

Chamber celebrates business

About 375 people put on their fancy clothes and gathered at the Canton Civic Center April 23 for “A Red Carpet Affair” – the Canton Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards and fundraising gala.

The evening included dinner, door prizes, a live auction and community awards. Van Zandt Newspapers Ad Sales Rep David Barber served as emcee for the evening. Chamber Ambassadors – in their signature red coats – functioned as hosts and hostesses. Bob Reese was the auctioneer.

“What a great night!” Chamber Chairman Brad Blakemore said. “I think everyone who came out had a good time. A chamber promotes business and community and that’s what the evening did.”

The Castilian Masonic Lodge presented Dave Norman with the Community Builders Award.

Blakemore was named the Downtowner of the Year by the Canton Main Street Board.

Commissioners hear about roads

Residents representing each precinct voiced opinions, concerns and thoughts on what would be the best solution to repair Van Zandt County roads.

During a lengthy debate, residents and commissioners discussed several options to fund the needed repairs, specifically a $40 million road bond or moving to a unit road system.

Under a unit road system, responsibility for repairs is delegated to an appointed administrator who is an extension of the commissioner’s court.

An avenue that commissioners proposed was a tax increase. Adding a $0.15 ad valorem tax to property owners would generate an additional $2.9 million a year for the county, they said.

The tax would not have to be specifically used for road and bridge maintenance.

Homeowner shots, kills intruder

In the early morning hours of Feb. 10, a female homeowner shot and killed a man trying to enter her residence, Sheriff Michael Lindsey Ray said.

“Presently, as the result of underfunding and inadequate staffing at the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, homeowners need to take appropriate precautions to protect their families,” the sheriff said. “I will continue to support the law abiding citizens of our community when they are forced to take actions to protect their lives, liberty and property.”

About 4:30 a.m. Feb. 10, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a homeowner on Hwy. 19 north of Canton in rural Van Zandt County.  The caller advised that she had just shot a man who was attempting to force entry into her home. 

Beginning Jan. 10, Lakeside Baptist Church will be offering GriefShare, a Biblically-based group offering support in overcoming loss.

“You won’t ever forget your loss, but grief recovery offers some practical information that can help you recover from the pain that you feel,” organizers said.

According to information from the church, grief is “that feeling of emptiness and exhaustion after you lose someone you love. Maybe you feel that you are doing OK most days, but other days you are just going through the motions, keeping up appearances, especially through the holidays, and feeling overwhelmed, hoping that time will eventually make you feel better.

CFD recognized for dedication

Dedication, desire, passion and a little bit of craziness is what Canton Fire Chief Bud Sanford said makes the Canton Fire Department a “force to be reckoned with.”

Canton firefighters and their respective families came together to celebrate a year of service at the Canton Fire Department’s annual banquet Jan. 23.

Chief Sanford said the fire department had taken 1,820 calls for service. There are 33 firefighters on the force – 26 firefighters were fully serviced, 26 firefighters are medically trained with 15 EMTs and 11 paramedics completing the force.

Guest speaker for the night was Garland Fire Department Captain Ron Short.