As temperatures rise this summer, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging the public to take extra safety precautions to avoid some common heat-related dangers, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

Lisa Turtle is a young adult shorthair tortie female. She is litter box trained, up to date on all her shots and spayed. Interested parties should contact the animal control division of the Madisonville Police Department at (936) 348-3317 to retrieve an adoption application.

Did you know our local American Legion is 101 years old, established in 1920? It was named after Austin Reed, who was the county’s first casualty in World War I. According to an article on the history of the American Legion, “American Legion Baseball is one of the nation’s most successful amateur athletic programs, educating young people about the importance of sportsmanship, citizenship and fitness.” I’m pretty sure a lot more amateur baseball would deter a lot of crime.

A fundraising benefit was held for local DPS Trooper Juan Tovar at the Madisonville Sidewalk Cattleman’s Association Pavilion Saturday, which included a steak dinner, cash bar, live and silent auctions as well as a raffle and sports legends Rich “Goose” Gossage and Dan Pastorini. Tovar (pictured on the right at the event with Corporal Jason Dominguez of Grimes County Highway Patrol) was shot in the line of duty while pursuing the suspect of April’s mass shooting in Bryan. The event was organized by Thomas Collard, Lauren Walls and Casey Mallett. PHOTOS BY CALEB HOLDEN