Our community is having a growth spurt. Most recently the Courthouse Square has two new retail establishments, both on the west side.

Coffee time with Jesus was the foundation of the dream for The Well, a place where you can come as you are, enjoy a nice cup of coffee with a snack, and make lifelong friends. With an inspiration of helping the community, local church and ministries, The Well emphasizes the importance of loving people.

City of Madisonville hosted the Inaugural Car Show & Toy Drive Saturday, Dec. 9, at Lake Madison Park in Madisonville. Car displays, live music, food trucks and prizes were among the festivities. The event was to help make Christmas a little brighter for local children. 

1947 – 2023 Pamela Harris passed away at 76 years of age at her daughter’s home in Pearland on Dec. 6, 2023. Pamela was born in Breckinridge on May 17, 1947 to Percy Roberts and O’Coneta Lowe Roberts.

1947 – 2023 Jackie Marie (Adams) Fento, 76 years and 4 months from Bedias, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 in Bedias. A memorial service will be held at a later date for family and friends.

1926 – 2023 Ruth Jackson Ratliff, 97, of Madisonville, passed away on Nov. 29, 2023. A celebration of her life was held 2 p.m.

1946 – 2023 Peggy Lou Weldon, a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many, departed this world on Dec. 2, 2023, leaving behind cherished memories and a profound void in the hearts of all those who knew her. Born June 25, 1946, in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana to Hoyt & Wade (Raines) Dillard, Peggy later settled in Madisonville, where she resided until her final breath.

1945 – 2023 Vivian Mae Gray, age 78, passed away on Nov. 29, 2023 in College Station, Texas. She was born on Jan. 13, 1945, in Madisonville, Texas to Theodore Hamilton & Mary Carter, and spent her entire life in Madison County, leaving an indelible mark on all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

1953 – 2023 Glynn Ray Shiflet, 70 years, 11 months and 4 days from North Zulch, TX, passed away on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in North Zulch, TX. Graveside services with military honors are scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

In a turn of events, Shanda Williams and Dwayne Johnson, who were once both on probation, now face significant prison sentences after violating their terms. On Feb. 1, 2018, Shanda Williams pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to 10 years probation.