Lieutenant Colonel André Dean (U.S. Army Retired), from the Elwood Community and Madisonville High School Class of 1979, paid his filing fee and submitted his conservative Republican candidacy for Madison County Judge Monday.

COURTESY PHOTOS Cap: The Madisonville basketball team remained undefeated with a perfect 4-0 record at the Mike Dacus Classic in Navasota over the weekend with victories over Giddings, Sealy, LaGrange and Cameron to move to no. 24 in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) UIL Boys’ rankings.

The Annual Madison County Christmas parade, sponsored by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, took place Saturday evening. The parade began at Lake Madison and went around the Square in traditional fashion. (See Page 3 for more Christmas pictures) ALYSSA CLOPTON

On December 2, 2021 the Madison County Retired Teacher Personnel of District VI held their annual Christmas meeting at noon at the Madisonville First Baptist Church. Co-Presidents Lorraine Coleman and Barbara Richter were very pleased with the 55 members and guests in attendance. Also in attendance were Mrs. Beth Ricciardi, District VI President and Dr. James Warner, District VI Legislative Representative. Each guest gave a short talk regarding the accomplishments of the retired teachers and how they continue to work with the legislators to improve the quality of life for the retired teachers.

The Madisonville men’s basketball team seized their first Madisonville Invitational Classic title in over 25 years Saturday with a 59-46 victory over Crockett, resulting in an 8-0 start to their season and a no. 25 ranking in the Texas Association of Basketball Coach’s 4A rankings Monday. The Mustangs picked up wins over Tarkington and Shepherd Thursday to qualify for the Gold Bracket as well as Navasota Friday to advance to Saturday's championship. (Pictured: James Whaley (23) goes up for a layup against a Crockett defender Saturday) CAMPBELL ATKINS

Madisonville CISD has been one of the few school districts in the state of Texas that has seemingly weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to thrive through the constant uncertainty of its consequences. Through the pandemic, MCISD has managed to raise test scores and maintain an ‘A’ rating in academic and financial accountability.

GALA NETTLES You know the grinch that stole Christmas? I think he arrived a little early this year. He also stopped at our house first and he stole the Round Town column! I got all comfy Saturday evening to proof what I had written and to add a few more tidbits.

Walker County businessman Ben Bius announced his campaigns for Texas’ 12th House District seat at a breakfast meeting at Walker’s Café Monday, December 2. Bius filed to run for the office December 1.