Kendel and Kanin Cleere traveled to Louisville, Kentucky in November to compete at the North American International Livestock Exposition, which is one of the largest beef cattle shows in the U.S. Kanin Cleere exhibited the Reserve Division Champion Shorthorn Heifer and Kendel was second in his class. Kanin is the son of Jason and Kristi Cleere, a member of Madison County 4H and attends Madisonville Jr. High School. COURTESY PHOTO

Kendel and Kanin Cleere traveled to Louisville, Kentucky in November to compete at the North American International Livestock Exposition, which is one of the largest beef cattle shows in the U.S. Kanin Cleere exhibited the Reserve Division Champion Shorthorn Heifer and Kendel was second in his class. Kanin is the son of Jason and Kristi Cleere, a member of Madison County 4H and attends Madisonville Jr. High School. COURTESY PHOTO

Walker County businessman Ben Bius announced his campaigns for Texas’ 12th House District seat at a breakfast meeting at Walker’s Café Monday, December 2. Bius filed to run for the office December 1.

GALA NETTLES You know the grinch that stole Christmas? I think he arrived a little early this year. He also stopped at our house first and he stole the Round Town column! I got all comfy Saturday evening to proof what I had written and to add a few more tidbits.

Madisonville CISD has been one of the few school districts in the state of Texas that has seemingly weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to thrive through the constant uncertainty of its consequences. Through the pandemic, MCISD has managed to raise test scores and maintain an ‘A’ rating in academic and financial accountability.

Madisonville CISD has been one of the few school districts in the state of Texas that has seemingly weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to thrive through the constant uncertainty of its consequences. Through the pandemic, MCISD has managed to raise test scores and maintain an ‘A’ rating in academic and financial accountability.

The Madisonville men’s basketball team seized their first Madisonville Invitational Classic title in over 25 years Saturday with a 59-46 victory over Crockett, resulting in an 8-0 start to their season and a no. 25 ranking in the Texas Association of Basketball Coach’s 4A rankings Monday. The Mustangs picked up wins over Tarkington and Shepherd Thursday to qualify for the Gold Bracket as well as Navasota Friday to advance to Saturday's championship. (Pictured: James Whaley (23) goes up for a layup against a Crockett defender Saturday) CAMPBELL ATKINS