Don Grooms, Code Enforcement Officer and Building Inspector for the City of Madisonville and beloved friend to many, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 24 at the age of 59. His infectious personality and love for life will leave an impression on those he touched in his work and personal life for years to come. THE CITY OF MADISONVILLE

A big thanks to you who dropped donations into that red bucket during the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign. Because of you, approximately $5,000 was collected this year. Every penny will go to help many families here in Madison County.

Voters who go to the polls for municipal and school board elections on May 7 will also be asked to decide on two proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Deputy Secretary of State Joe Esparza drew the ballot order last week for the two proposed amendments, both dealing with property taxes.

Mom, Now I know why you always asked me to be strong. Because you knew that one day, I would need the strength to bear your loss.

Carolyn Ranton, age 77, of Madisonville, Texas passed away January 26, 2022 at her home in Madisonville. She was born June 29, 1944 in Houston, Texas to Jim & Carolyn Gladys (Batson) Carter.

Toni was an active member of the Madisonville Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Toni was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio Ortiz and Maria de los Angeles Moreno Ortiz and by her sisters, Maria Conception and Maria de los Angeles; by her husband, Arturo Hernandez Moreno; two daughters who died in infancy, Rosa Maria and Maria de los Angeles, and granddaughter, Bethany Lynnette Wieske Gonzales-Baker.