June 2021

Lori’s School of Dance, Tumbling and Cheerleading dancers Anna Basinger, Gabby Bracewell, Kenzie Krantz, Bianca Pease and Darian Wayland won big at the Encore Performing Arts Nationals competition in Las Vegas last week, earning a National Grand Championship for their hiphop dance. (See News for more) COURTESY PHOTO

Change The World Missions returned for “Mission Madisonville” last week with a number of constructive activities and religious-based lessons for the community’s youth. The camp, which has grown substantially over the last decade, is led by young and promising religious leaders from across the country.

A fundraising benefit was held for local DPS Trooper Juan Tovar at the Madisonville Sidewalk Cattleman’s Association Pavilion Saturday, which included a steak dinner, cash bar, live and silent auctions as well as a raffle and sports legends Rich “Goose” Gossage and Dan Pastorini. Tovar (pictured on the right at the event with Corporal Jason Dominguez of Grimes County Highway Patrol) was shot in the line of duty while pursuing the suspect of April’s mass shooting in Bryan. The event was organized by Thomas Collard, Lauren Walls and Casey Mallett. PHOTOS BY CALEB HOLDEN

Did you know our local American Legion is 101 years old, established in 1920? It was named after Austin Reed, who was the county’s first casualty in World War I. According to an article on the history of the American Legion, “American Legion Baseball is one of the nation’s most successful amateur athletic programs, educating young people about the importance of sportsmanship, citizenship and fitness.” I’m pretty sure a lot more amateur baseball would deter a lot of crime.

Ross Garrett (1919-2010) was born in Nacogdoches. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corp from which he ultimately retired as a First Lieutenant. On May 1, 1943, while flying his 17th mission, Ross’s airplane was shot down in the China-Burma-India Theater where he was a prisoner of war from 1943 to 1945. During the war he was awarded several medals, including a Purple Heart.

Lisa Turtle is a young adult shorthair tortie female. She is litter box trained, up to date on all her shots and spayed. Interested parties should contact the animal control division of the Madisonville Police Department at (936) 348-3317 to retrieve an adoption application.

June 20 is the final day for Governor Abbott to sign or veto a piece of legislation passed in the 87th Legislative Session. The Governor also has the option to not sign or veto a bill, effectively allowing the legislation to become law without his signature. While many legislators wait patiently to learn the fate of their bills, I’ve been fortunate enough to have earned approval from the Governor on all 12 bills of mine that were on his desk. None of this is possible, however, without input from you. Almost all of the Ashby bills that were signed into law recently were borne of out communication from individuals across our district. Thank you for allowing me to represent you in Austin and please never hesitate to reach out if you have an idea for future legislation.