Ending cruel puppy mill practices is an issue most Texans want to get behind—and enthusiastically did when the state passed a law in 2011 to put an end to them. Overbreeding, inhumane conditions, and the poor health of puppies and kittens are just a few of the problems with bad commercial breeding facilities, or “puppy mills.” However, what many Texans do not realize is that the very program established to prevent this cycle of cruelty and regulate such breeders is in jeopardy of being completely revoked by the Texas Sunset Commission.

Van Zandt County is going viral after a mass gathering was held for three days, July 16-18, deep in the county close to Mabank. Photos of the gathering surfaced online, showing hundreds of people gathered at the event. None of the guidelines set forth by Governor Greg Abbott were seen to be in effect, with social distancing and mask mandates largely ignored as coronavirus numbers continue to climb throughout the area.

Wyatt Row, 6, of Canton, took a turn on the swings Saturday, July 18, at the Van Zandt County Fairgrounds as part of entertainment hosted by Triple T Amusements. His mother, Jeanna Reynolds, stated that Wyatt remarked “That was so much fun, it was the fastest swing I’ve ever been on and this place is awesome!”

After a long waiting period due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the day came for the 2020 Primary Election runoffs to be finalized.

Van Zandt County residents, and others from Delta, Smith and Kaufman counties gathered for a rally July 4 to show support to re-elect President Donald Trump. Supporters gathered over the Interstate 20 overpass in Canton.

For more than 10 years in a row, the Van Zandt County Historical Commission has been recognized with a Distinguished Service Award by the Texas Historical Commission.