Talk of the Town
YMCA programs, Bloomin’ Festival, international student exchange, young poets, horsefeathers, help for abandoned animals, arts in The Village and more in Talk of the Town

‘Tis the Season for Gators
Texas Parks & Wildlife biologist Heidi Bailey gives us the scoop on the alligators that may make an appearance in back yards, drainage ditches, or any water path        

Van Zandt County Pays Tribute to Veterans
As Memorial Day approaches several people in the county work to raise funds to pay tribute to veterans at memorial parks           

2006 Summer Fun Guide
Lots of ideas for making this summer one the kids will remember for a lifetime   

Making a Splash in Van Zandt County
Johnny and Marci Blevins prepare to open Splash Kingdom, a family waterpark promising hours of enjoyment for kids of all ages    

Van Community Supports Kids Dreams for Skateboard Park
Numerous city leaders and grant specialists are meeting with 30 or so junior high and high school boys to build a skateboard park in Van   

Poetry & Prose
Jerry Tolbert and Henry Eugene Donaldson offer a couple of poems in honor of Mothers Day   

Children’s Books
by Linda Ayers
Edom’s Linda Ayers has several delightful books for kids to read this summer and ideas for teachers and librarians        

Cooking With Kids
P.A. Geddie shares some favorite meals and snacks that are easy for kids to prepare and some ideas for treating Mom on Mother’s Day and having “Kids Cook” night once a week or so           

Thirty-One Flavors of Fish
If Baskin Robins can do it, why not fishermen? Barry St. Clair does indeed come up with his favorite 31 fish flavors      

Summer Camp
One of  Jerry Tolbert’s kinfolk, Booger Ray, sends his grandfather a pretty scary note from summer camp gone crazy