News

School districts from around the state were given a sizeable chunk of information in mid-November, receiving a copy of the Texas Education Agency’s final version of the 2016-’17 Texas Academic Performance Report.

The TAPR provides a wide reaching snapshot of a school district’s performance and makeup, analyzing its performance on a series of metrics including STAAR test results and postsecondary readiness among others. Additionally, the district’s student population is broken down into a variety of subsections including ethnic background and socioeconomic standing.

STAAR

The TEA’s final TAPR proved to be a mixed bag for the district as a whole, highlighting notable gaps on the overall performance of students in state-mandated testing over the past two years.

District officials have emphasized that while STAAR results are important, year-to-year growth and regression should also be weighed when examining results.

A copy of a book outlining the history of Hillcrest Cemetery in Canton titled, “Stories Beneath the Stones,” was presented by two members of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Library to the VZC Commissioners Court Nov. 15 during the court’s regular meeting.

Benja Mize and Lawrence Greer from the VZC Genealogical Library did the research on the book and made the presentation to VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick and the commissioners court.

“We will also be presenting this book to the Canton City Council at their next meeting,” pointed out Greer. “This book is about the people who are buried at Hillcrest Cemetery. This book is actually written as an extension of the Hillcrest Cemetery preservation project that was started by the City of Canton in 2012. It covers biographies of everyone buried in that cemetery. We took this project on because we just felt like it needed to be done.”

The White Gift Service, a longstanding Wills Point tradition, will be held Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Wills Point High School cafeteria. The event, a narrative reenactment of the birth of Jesus Christ, includes performances by both a singing choir and bell choir, and Wills Point High School seniors in the roles of angels, shepherds, Mary, Joseph, the wise men, and narrators.

Congressman Jeb Hensarling, who has represented the 5th Congressinal District of Texas encompassing portions of Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Kaufman, Van Zandt and Wood counties, announced Oct. 31 that he would not be seeking re-election in 2018.

Hensarling cited his family as his reason for not seeking re-ekection in a press release.

“Throughout this time, my family has graciously sacrificed for my service. As the parents of two teenagers, Melissa and I know there are only a few years left before they leave and make their own way in life. I want to be there for those years. Since my term as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee comes to an end next year, the time seems right for my departure.

“Although I will not be running for reelection, there are 14 months left in my congressional term to continue the fight for individual liberty, free enterprise, and limited constitutional government.”

Throughout the year, the VZC Veterans Memorial holds an array of events to raise donations to help fund the memorial.

The first Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament was successful thanks to the sponsors and golfers. The money raised helped engrave and place the 11-foot, 14,000-pound black granite obelisk in the Memorial Plaza.

In 2016, the Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $20,000 and paid for the remainder of the $74,000 bronze Kneeling Soldier which was dedicated on Veterans Day 2016.

This year, funds raised during the golf tournament will fund the restoration and painting of the Marine Helicopter and the F-4 Phantom Jet, as well as other pieces of equipment. It will also fund a new sidewalk, regular ground maintenance and repairs.

Additional funds will be needed to make unexpected repairs on the obelisk, and the remainder will be saved for emergency needs and Veterans Outreach Projects.

An Alba man was taken into custody shortly before 10 a.m. Nov. 3 after reportedly robbing a teller at the First National Bank branch in Edgewood.

According to Edgewood Chief of Police David Hammonds, the Edgewood PD was contacted by a concerned citizen at approximately 9:38 a.m. advising that the FNB branch had just been robbed. While en route, Hammonds made contact with the VZC Sheriff's Office where he was advised that 9-1-1 had just been contacted regarding the same incident.

Law enforcement officials raced to the scene, receiving information from a witness or witnesses of the incident that the suspect in question was wearing a black hoodie and black mask, and had left the bank property on foot through Oak Hill Cemetery.

Local residents will have plenty of opportunities to take in the sights and sounds of downtown Wills Point before the close of the year with a series of events, ranging from Small Business Saturday to Christmas on the Bricks, looming just over the horizon. Small Business Saturday

Launched seven years ago through a campaign conceived and launched by American Express, Small Business Saturday is a shopping holiday designed to provide a local alternative to the Black Friday promotional campaigns launched by major retailers throughout the country.

The event, scheduled for the day after Black Friday (Nov. 25), stresses the idea of promoting local small businesses.

The Wills Point Chamber of Commerce noted, “The goal is to grow Wills Point, generate interest and excitement in our community and to provide our small businesses visibility that the power in numbers can create.”

Christmas on the Bricks

Republican and Democratic Party candidates interested in running for office next year in the Van Zandt County Primary will be able to do so beginning Monday, Nov. 13 in the VZC Clerk’s office at the VZC Courthouse.

The filing period runs from Nov. 11 through Dec. 11; however, since Nov. 11 falls on a Saturday, no one will be allowed to sign up for the election until Nov. 13, according to the VZC Clerk’s office.

Elsa Smith, the VZC Chief Election Deputy, recently released a list of VZC offices up for election on March 6, 2018, as well as the current office holders and they are as follows:

A town hall meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13 in Wills Point with Precinct 3 Commissioner Keith Pearson and other members of the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court as well as County Auditor Freddy Thomas set to appear.

The topic of discussion will be the county's $0.03 cent tax increase. Other members of county departments will be present to discuss their department's needs.

The meeting will be held at the Wills Point Chamber of Commerce building 307 N. 4th St.

The meeting is open to the public.

Petition signings against tax increase scheduled

A group of residents against the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court’s proposed $.03 cent tax increase announced this week that will be holding two separate petition signings for local residents to voice their position Nov. 11 and Nov. 18.

Roth’s Seafood and Steakhouse is gearing up for a Thanksgiving feast. Restaurant owners, Jim and Mercedes Roth, is creating an atmosphere of celebration and giving for everyone in the community to participate in.

“No one will be turned away.” said Mercedes, “This event is for everyone in our community, regardless of their situation. We want citizens to know they are loved and there will be someone to have a Thanksgiving meal with. We are so thankful for having an opportunity to celebrate our good fortune and to thank God for all he has given us.”

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