A summer kids’ event called Maker Fun Factory Vacation Bible School will be hosted by Russell Memorial United Methodist Church in the Deen Building (corner of 4th Street & Orville) from Sunday, June 18, to Thursday, June 22.
At Maker Fun Factory, kids discover that God made them—and for a purpose! Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, make and devour yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of God’s love, and test out Sciency-Fun Gizmos they’ll take home and play with all summer long. Plus, kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings.
Each day concludes with the Funshop Finale that gets everyone involved in living what they’ve learned. Family members and friends are encouraged to join in daily for this special time at 7:45 p.m.
The Wills Point ISD, represented by board of trustees president C.W. Wilson, presented Mary Ann Sanderson with a special plaque ahead of her retirement from the district. Wilson stated, “I can’t think of anybody who has been more dedicated, loyal and hard working for this school district than Mary Ann Sanderson.”
By David Kapitan Staff Writer
It was a bittersweet night for the Wills Point ISD on Monday with staffing matters, including the hiring of three new assistant principals and the retirement of a longtime district employee, taking center stage during the monthly board of trustees meeting.
Business opened for the district with three campus principals, Kimberly Cole-White from the primary, Kimberly Calvery from the middle school and Jeff Russell from the high school, introducing the assistant principal finalists from their respective campuses to those in attendance.
Finalists included Ashley Besco at the primary, Kimberly Fritchman at the middle school and Kelly Harle at the high school campus. Board members would welcome all three, eventually voting in favor of their hiring during an executive session at the end of the night.
The AARP Driver Safety Program and the Van Zandt County Library at 317 First Monday Lane in Canton are sponsoring a driver safety class from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 21.
“This course is designed for drivers 50 years of age and older primarily. The course helps you learn to compensate for the effects that passing years have on eyesight, hearing and reflexes. Most participants will qualify for insurance premium reductions of up to 10 percent off their policy cost for the next three years,” said program organizers.
Cost for the class is a nominal fee for materials only. To enroll for the class, contact Marvin at 903-340-5058. Class size is limited.
The city of Wills Point kept things short and sweet during their monthly meeting, breezing through a light agenda on Tuesday night that included approving three action items.
Business opened with the public comment portion of the city’s agenda with James Thompson offering an invitation to councilmembers and area residents to attend the annual Juneteenth celebration (see related story). Activities are slated to begin at 11 a.m. June 17 with a parade, followed by a party at the city’s south park with free food, fellowship and activities.
Thompson also used his time in public comment to raise concerns about a fence that has been in disrepair “for at least 7 years” at the south park property.
For the second consecutive month, O.B. Thompson also addressed the council during public comment, disputing the high cost of his utility bill.
On June 28-29, the Fifthannual East Texas Medical Outreach Event will be held at Van Junior High School (630 South Oak Street in Van,).
Free health services will be provided to anyone without health insurance, starting at 8 a.m. on both days and will conclude at 4 p.m. on both days.
“Our goal for this program is to provide preventative and primary medical and dental screenings to uninsured East Texans. We want to refer participants that do not currently have providers to medical homes as much as we can and ultimately want to encourage participants to adopt healthy lifestyles to improve their quality of life,” says George Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of NET Health.
The Wills Point Riding Club announced the end of an era late last week, advising the community that the annual rodeo event would not be happening in 2017. The rodeo has long been a summer staple of the Wills Point calendar, drawing thousands to the area.
By David Kapitan Staff Writer
The Wills Point Riding Club delivered bad news to local residents June 7, announcing that this year’s WPRC Rodeo would not be taking place for the first time in 60-years after an agreement with the property owner of Bill “Ike” Allred Arena could not be reached.
Posting on Facebook June 7, the WPRC stated, “Well I have been given the go ahead to let everyone know and this comes with a heavy heart that Wills Point Riding Club will not be having a rodeo this year. This comes due to a conflict with owner of the arena and the agreement that we had as a club with him. This is a 60-year long tradition that has been a part of Wills Point and the whole Van Zandt County community.
Tractor Supply Company in Canton at 401 E. Highway 243 will host pet and livestock adoptions Saturday, June 17.
During the event, which is held in celebration of pet and livestock owners, families will have the opportunity to visit with adoptable animals, and are also invited to interact with adoption volunteers to learn more about the joys and responsibilities associated with owning anything from cats and dogs to rabbits, goats, pigs, horses and more.
Purina Days is an annual in-store event from June 14-18 that highlights pets and livestock, as well as the tools needed to properly care for them. Canton Tractor Supply team members with experience caring for a wide variety of animals will be on-site to lend expert advice to customers.
The Cartwright School, a local landmark that served black children and adults in Wills Point prior to desegregation, will soon be honored for significant role it played for generations of community residents with a historical marker dedication early next week.
According to a brief history of the Cartwright School posted on the Wills Point Chamber of Commerce website, “The Cartwright School was the first school for blacks. The provision for the school was made over 100 years ago. Originally, the unnamed school was located on N. Wills St. Professor Needham Wright was the first teacher, teaching children during the day and adults at night.
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Texas Department of State Health Services accredited food handlers program is being offered by Melisa Rhodes, County Extension Agent. This class is now required for all food service employees to help promote the service of safe food. The class is a basic overview of food safety practices that are necessary to ensure you serve safe food at your establishment. Some practices discussed are:
