The race for Van Zandt County sheriff, county commissioner precincts 1 and 3 and all four precinct constables is officially underway for the March 2016 primary election.
So far all filings have been on the Republican ballot. These candidates are filing for a place on the primary election ballot. The winner will represent the party on the November 2016 ballot.
As of Nov. 24, there were four candidates who had filed for the VZC sheriff position.
Ron Carroll, Samuel Mayer, Anthony “Big Tony” Katsoulas and Dale Corbett have all filed to become sheriff.
People from all over the country are falling victim to a recent phone scam by those pretending to be IRS agents.
The callers seem to be targeting East Texas residents, as the Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas had reported received numerous calls Tuesday morning.
These IRS impersonators are calling up their targets and demanding they pay taxes they don’t owe, by either loading money on a prepaid card or sending it via a wire transfer. Those who refuse to pay immediately are then threatened by the “IRS agents.” The threats include jail time, deportation or the suspension of the victim’s business or driver’s license.
Law enforcement officials with ties to the Wills Point community will once again be joining forces this holiday season, hosting their annual Holiday Open House event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11, at the community center.
The event will be hosted by law enforcement representatives including Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Herbert Dunn, WP Municipal Court Judge Rachel Ramsey, Precinct 3 Constable Robert Tisdale as well as interim Police Chief John Turner and Sergeant Rob Powell, both of the WPPD.
The Wills Point Community Center is located at 307 N. Fourth Street.
Organizers behind this year’s Christmas on the Bricks continued to put in a heavy workload this week finalizing events and entertainment for the event.
Sponsored by Citizen’s National Bank, the event is scheduled to include many local favorites including Breakfast with Santa, a car show, 5k fun run, live entertainment as well as vendors and a Christmas in the Movies-themed parade.
One of this year’s performers, scheduled to take the stage at 11 a.m., will be Van Zandt County raised singer-songwriter Jaden Farnsworth.
Van Zandt County Judges were well represented during the unveiling of the judge portraits by past judges, from left, Richard Ray, Rick Lawrence, Rhita Koches, State Rep. Dan Flynn and current County Judge Don Kirkpatrick.
By Britne Hammons, Staff Writer
The commissioners court meeting Nov. 24 was short and ended on a sweet note during a presentation and dedication of an oil painting of every past and present county judge.
County officials and past county judges gathered together for the presentation of the project while also partaking in refreshments and cookies provided by the historical commission.
VZC Historical Commission Chairman Elvis Allen made a presentation of the portraits in the hallways of the courthouse while also unveiling County Judge Don Kirkpatrick’s painted portrait.
Lake Tawakoni State Park will host a “twinkle tour” from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12.
“Take a drive through the park or come camp with us and enjoy the festive Christmas lights,” organizers said. “Decorate your campsite with your favorite holiday decorations and receive your second night of camping free.”
There will be a campsite decorating contest with awards and a hayride through the park. Santa Claus will be at the amphitheater. Parents can bring their own cameras to capture the moment.
Van Zandt County law enforcement officials announced more suspects and another arrest stemming from an ongoing arson and burglary investigation in the Rolling Oaks subdivision near the Van Zandt and Hunt County lines.
Last week, Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Chuck Allen announced that 42-year old Michael Lee Burgess had been arrested Nov. 24 for a series of charges that included child endangerment, engaging in organized crime and illegal outdoor burning. Recommended bonds for Burgess totaled $130,000.
The Van Zandt County Humane Society’s annual Photos with Santa will be Dec. 12 at Ace Hardware in Canton.
Cost will be $10 per photo and the pictures will be available within minutes, Whatley said.
“At the same time, we will be conducting a silent auction on the sidewalk outside,” said Humane Society President Carol Whatley. “We have several large items to be offered; you can probably find just the right Christmas gift."
VZCHS is all volunteer, non-profit, and organized under 501(c)3 guidelines.
The Rolling Oaks Fire Department held its annual November election and added a new position to their operations during this election.
The positions of treasurer and assistant chief were up for term vote. Laurie Debord was re-elected as treasurer and Robert Noah was re-elected to the assistant chief position.
ROFD Chief Perry Debord promoted James Douglas “Doug” Hall to the open position of captain.
James Dustin “Dusty” Hall was elected to the newly created position of assistant treasurer. He will work closely with the treasurer, ROFD officials said.
State Representative Dan Flynn, R-Van, filed for re-election last week at the Republican Party of Texas Headquarters in Austin.
Rep. Flynn, Chairman of the House Committee on Pensions, said: "It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as State Representative for House District 2, and today I am filing to run for re-election."
