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‘ROUND TOWN

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Last week for our Bearkat roster, Ann Walton Richey shared the story about Mrs. Bertha Rumsfeld helping her dad, Marvin Walton, fill out registration papers to attend SHSU. Also last week, Sally Kankey shared her family’s legacy of 12 Bearkat Diplomas.
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PET OF THE WEEK: NESSA

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Cap: Nessa is a three-year-old, 50-pound Heeler mix and in need of a home. She is described as a beautiful, friendly girl who loves people and plays well with other dogs. Interested parties should contact the animal control division of the Madisonville Police Department at (936) 348-3317 to retrieve an adoption application.
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Update from the State Capitol

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The curtain has closed on the 87th Legislative Session, reminding me of the lyrics from one of my favorite Willie Nelson songs: “turn out the lights, the party’s over.” As lawmakers head back to their respective districts, they’ll return to their “day job” until our first Special Session is called later this summer. I’m personally relieved to be back home surrounded by family and the people I care for so deeply. Spending five months away from loved ones and constituents does indeed make the heart grow fonder. And while my “honey-do” list will keep me busy around the house and farm for quite some time, I’m looking forward to seeing many of you across House District 57 in the coming months to catch up on what I’ve missed and discuss what’s on your mind.
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Connor and Buck’s great hunt

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I won’t pretend to know everyone in Madison County, but I don’t think there are folks carrying the name Connor, at least not ones carrying the name and being of the old Connor family. There are, however, 31 graves bearing that surname, and many folks carrying Connor DNA. Those last include but are not limited to folks named Westmoreland and Evans. Check back a few generations and you may find you have some too.

Substitute Teacher Training

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The Madisonville CISD Community Education Program will offer a substitute teacher training class beginning Monday, June 14 and lasting through Thursday, June 17, at Madisonville Elementary School. The class will meet from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the library. The registration fee is $35. Interested persons should contact Prince Fite at Madisonville Elementary School at 936-348-2261 or Connie Kelly at the MCISD Administration Building at 936-348-2797 (ext. 5010)
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YARD OF THE MONTH

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TOP: ‘Keep Madison County Beautiful’ awarded the Business of the Month award for June to Los Ranchos Mexican Restaurant and Cantina at their new location Friday. Pictured are (from left) owners Maria Estrada and Emilio Estrada with Lori Wilson and Kay Welch. PHOTOS BY CAMPBELL ATKINS

The Graduation

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There are all kinds of graduations taking place about this time of year. We recently attended our grandson’s high school graduation. There were over 600 graduating and thankfully the sun was not shining, it was overcast and cool. SI think several thousand people were in the football stadium. Looking around I noticed people were laughing and talking and there were people of all races and colors. We all sat together and got along beautifully. I very much enjoyed visiting with different people around me. We pointed out with pride our children, grandchildren or relatives on the field below. There was a color guard with the United States flag and our state flag. I felt so proud as we all stood and sang our national anthem and said the pledge of allegiance to our country. I was so pleased to hear, “One Nation under God”. As we sang the national anthem and said the pledge of allegiance it brought tears to my eyes and a great warmness in my heart. I am so glad to be in this wonderful country. We have so many freedoms, a great constitution and a bill of rights that protects us all equally, no favorites. But I can appreciate it so much more now that I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, (John 1:12&13, 3:16-18). I have a different and stronger love for God and for other people, (Mark 12:30 & 31, John 13:35 14:23). See you in Church next Sunday. — Brother
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LELA SMITH

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Lela Smith, 84, of Bedias and formerly of Madisonville, passed away May 7, 2021 in Stephenville, Texas. She was born July 19, 1936 in Centerville, Texas to T.C. & Veda (Goolsby) King. She worked most of her life in the Madison County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office and was a resident of Madisonville for fifty-five years. She had resided in Bedias the last eight years. Lela found great joy in her family. Her happiest moments were spent with her loved ones.