The North Zulch Volunteer Fire Department will offer free home safety inspections to senior citizens and vulnerable residents in the new year. The program provides voluntary visits focused on fire safety and smoke detector checks.

Skip the couch. Ditch the ball drop on TV.

Families browse vendor booths and enjoy train rides at Winterfest on Monday, Dec. 15 in the Madisonville High School parking lot. The Mustang Band fundraiser featured food trucks, an ornament workshop, bounce house and live Christmas music.

Students and staff at Madisonville Junior High line up for breakfast tacos from Gina’s Café on Thursday, Dec. 18. Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, Madison County and the local food truck provided the free meal to teachers, staff and students before the holiday break.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, entered the U.S. Senate race on the final day to file, pitting her against state Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock. The Austin American-Statesman reported the difference between the two is more of style than substance, with both raising the issues of income inequality, rising prices, corruption and polarization.

1936 – 2025 Mrs. Bernice went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

1953 – 2025 Harold Lynn Reed, 72, a Madison County native and servant to the community, made his entrance into glor y on December 8, 2025. His presence in the world began in Madisonville, Texas on November 6, 1953, as he was born to proud and loving parents, James Elmer Reed Jr.

1934 – 2025 Joan Marsh Rigby Mitchell passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born on October 26, 1934, in Angleton, Texas, to her loving parents, Mary Louise (Brooks) Marsh and William Elmo Marsh.