January 2021

As coddled citizens of modernity, we can often find ourselves taking the luxury of power for granted. But when this luxury is taken away from us at the drop of a hat, our lives as we know them come to a raging halt.

CAMPBELL ATKINS Amundson Construction makes progress on the interior and exterior of the new Los Ranchos restaurant on Main Street in Madisonville Friday. They are constructing a front patio for the new establishment for outside dining. As shown above, the interior is also making immense progress.

Jerry Harper, former Madisonville High School Athletic Director, head football coach and Madisonville City Councilman, passed away in the early hours of Monday morning. He was 83.

The Madison County Commissioner’s Court approved contingency funds to purchase 10 new body cameras for the Sheriff’s Office’s deputies during their bi-weekly meeting Monday. The department’s 10 deputies have already been wearing body cameras but will now receive upgraded versions from Safety Vision to enhance their function.

In recent days our country has endured great challenges. These trials were met with great bravery from law enforcement who put themselves in the line of danger to protect the United States Capitol from civil unrest. Similarly, facing credible threats, an additional deployment of Texas State Troopers and National Guardsmen have been carefully watching over your State Capitol to ensure that a similar incident does not take place in Austin. Our capitol buildings should be respected for what they are - enduring symbols of our people and their government. Appreciation and respect for those who protect these buildings should be a bipartisan sentiment. All of us, no matter race, color, creed, or party affiliation should be grateful for law enforcement’s presence and commitment to public safety in these challenging times.

Charles Temme is a Leon County resident but conducts much of his day-to-day business in Madisonville. He and wife Maisie are devoted and very active members of First United Methodist Church here. They have grandchildren that live here and attend school here. If home is indeed where the heart is, that last makes Charles ours.