Young barrel racers round the turns during the Madison County Fair Association youth rodeo Saturday, March 21 at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Madisonville. Competitors of all ages took to the arena, with parents running alongside the youngest riders and their horses during the barrel racing competition. 

1994 — 2026 Dakota Carl Blakley, 31 years, 8 months and 29 days, of Madisonville, TX passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Marathon, FL. Graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m.

Cody Johnson draws 80,203, tops George Strait’s mark for NRG Stadium attendance title HOUSTON — Country music star and Madison County rancher Cody Johnson broke the all-time NRG Stadium attendance record Sunday, March 22, drawing 80,203 paid fans to the final performance of the 94th Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The crowd topped George Strait’s mark set in 2019 by just 95 fans.

Sexual Assault Resource Center offers county free counseling and advocacy A sexual assault survivor in Madison County who calls for help will likely end up at a hospital in College Station, backed by a team of area specialists. Baylor Scott & White on Rock Prairie is the only facility across seven counties with forensic nurses trained to conduct sexual assault exams, according to Alicia Rice, Sexual Assault Resource Center director of advocacy.

Blue Jays teammates wave to the Madisonville Little League opening ceremony crowd March 14 at Mustang Competition Gym: (from left) Melanie Alvarado, Jaylen Alvarado, Julian Nolasco, Case Barrington, Eli Murray, Kolbi Bayer, Hannah Smith and Jaxon Yeager. Matt Murray is the team’s head coach, alongside assistant coach Pard Patterson.

Authorities are working with international agencies to find a 45-year-old man who has not been seen since walking out of the Madison County Jail three weeks ago, officials said. Samuel Gebrekirstos Zerea was released from the jail Saturday, Feb.

Sierra Brockman (center) wears the crown as the 2026 Madison County Fair Queen alongside 1st Runner-Up Audrie Busa (right) and 2nd Runner-Up Madison McClure (left), who also earned the Miss Photogenic title.

Commissioners reevaluate after drainage bids come in high Madison County commissioners voted Tuesday to reject all six offers for a state-funded drainage improvement project after each bid came in well over budget. The Texas General Land Office grant covers $730,000 for drainage work across all four precincts, commissioners said March 24.

FIRST BAPTIST WOMEN REFLECT AT ANNUAL RETREAT

LITTLE LEAGUE KICKS OFF NEW SEASON