The Midway Volunteer Fire Department hosted a Halloween hay ride Oct. 31 around the community. Children rode on hay-covered trailers while a fire truck escorted them through town. Hotdogs, chips and candy were available after the ride.

Children rode tractors and collected candy during the Austin Reed American Legion Post 84 trunk or treat event Oct. 31. Families gathered at the post for hayrides, games and Halloween festivities. Costumes included a pirate, Uncle Sam and a chicken.

Madison County’s tax office processed nearly 5,000 more vehicle titles in fiscal year 2025 than the previous year, according to Tax Assessor-Collector Karen Lane’s annual report Oct. 28.

The annual Veterans Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov.

Madison County’s two Justice of the Peace courts have more than 4,400 delinquent cases totaling $1.6 million in uncollected fines, with roughly half owed to the county, according to an audit report presented to commissioners Oct. 28.

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS The window for signing up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act is now open through Jan. 15, with most Texans expected to pay considerably higher premiums, The Texas Tribune reported.

I was reflecting the other day on the April 8th, 2024 eclipse. If you will recall, there was quite a bit of hoop la la, and mass hysteria among those who typically use their heads for little more than hatracks. A plethora of the so-called prophets and their associated prophecies flooded the airwaves and media outlets. Another defining moment in man’s history of his willingness to be led astray, not to mention the ease with which this is accomplished.

BEDIAS — Lighthouse Family Ministries will host a birthday celebration marking two years of operation during its next Faith & Family Fun Night. The free event will run from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at Bedias Civic Center, 3652 Main St.