Opinion

Grimes County Commissioner Chad Mallett has now put the ball in our court. For Grimes County to move forward with adopting our DH roadways, each Darrell Hall property owner must sign and return an “Acknowledgement and Release” to Commissioner Chad Mallett, PO Box 160, Anderson, TX 77830 (ATTN Chad Mallett).

Even though Texas has felt a little cooler in recent days, things are heating up in your State Capitol - so let’s dive right in. The House Committee on Transportation met for a public hearing on Tuesday for eight hours to listen to and discuss public and stakeholder testimony. This committee covers a wide range of issues, from vehicle registration fees which fund local transportation projects, to improving peace officer’s ability to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety standards. The most prominent challenge this session is finding available funds for transportation projects across the state after last year’s decline of gas tax revenue due to the pandemic. With the diverse committee membership that ranges from urban areas to the coast to the plains, I am honored to represent the interests of East Texas.

On April 21, 1836, General Sam Houston led the Texian Army to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. Fought near the present day city of Deer Park, the 18 minute long battle began when Texian forces charged the Mexican camp during their siesta - for which Mexican President and General, Santa Anna, failed to post sentinels. This battle is often marked as the beginning of the Republic of Texas, and known for the legendary battle cry, “remember the Alamo, remember Goliad!” which not only honors the fallen Texans, but those Americans who volunteered to join in the fight for our state’s independence from Mexico. Today, two paintings by artist Henry Arthur McArdle memorialize this battle as the largest paintings to adorn the Texas Senate chamber.

Bedias area organizations are slowly coming back to life, please keep an eye out for announcements on the Bedias Civic Center bulletin board and also the bulletin board at the Bedias post office. We received a note from Mackie… The Bedias Women’s Club plans to start having regular meetings again in May.

Surrounded by hundreds of law enforcement officers, the loved ones of Texas State Trooper Chad Walker solemnly laid him to rest after he gave his life in the line of duty. The funeral and burial of Trooper Walker this past week reminds us all of the inherent dangers our law enforcement members face each day as they seek to serve and protect us. Please keep the Walker family, and all of our law enforcement community, in your prayers during this difficult time.

Madison County Museum is sure worth your time to visit! Our community does not have an abundance of free entertainment or other museums. In case the hours aren’t good for you, the Museum also has a Facebook page. God willing, there is a new photo each morning, of something of some folks who have been part of our county’s history. If you haven’t been following the page, you should check it out and scroll back through past posts. I work at posting something to interest everyone sooner or later, be it big fish, a rattlesnake, a bobcat, or old friends.

“Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. Happy Resurrection Day from my family to yours! We hope everyone had a blessed Easter week and is enjoying the gorgeous weather we’ve been experiencing across East Texas.

Grimes County Commissioner, Chad Mallett, writes regarding the process for the county to adopt Darrell Hall roads into the county roadway inventory. “There needs to be individuals within each subdivision that take the lead, get the word out, and help collect the releases.

He is risen! With the Easter season upon us, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a state where your Legislature begins every day bowing our heads in prayer. With all the hustle and bustle that surrounds the Capitol this time of year, it is so helpful to come to the Lord in reverence each day to ask for His wisdom and guidance as we make tough decisions about the future of our state. As we prepare our hearts and minds for Easter Sunday, I hope you and your family enjoy this season and join me in celebrating our risen Savior Jesus Christ and His victory over the grave.