We trust 2021 will be a year of promise and hope in our community. Our time of trial will yet continue a few months longer, but each step we take to recovery (COVID inoculations, measured social gatherings, and long delayed community celebrations) are the “light” yet too far at the end of the tunnel.

Newly elected county officials were sworn in with the new year Friday by Madison County Judge Tony Leago in the district courtroom in the presence of friends and family. Leago offered a prayer at the conclusion of the ceremony and spoke on the difficulties of the last year and the importance of continued unity moving forward into 2021.

The Son-Shine Outreach Center in Madisonville ha s always accepted and provided essential items for members of the community. For over four years, that has included numerous used dolls brought back to life through the services of former employee and current board member Mama Hughes.

The Madisonville Meteor, a county staple for more than 126 years, will return in 2021 under new ownership. Granite Publications of Taylor acquired the assets of the Meteor, effective Dec. 31, 2020, in a longterm, strategic plan designed to preserve and build upon the Meteor’s legacy, including a continued commitment to the community it serves.

The Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) closure of OSR, which was originally scheduled to take place Wednesday, has been pushed back to Jan. 18 due to high water, the agency announced.

Colby Lovell experienced many sleepless nights on his long journey to the top. The 33-year-old Mad The 33-year-old Madisonville native, now a World Champion Team Roper, has worked tirelessly his entire life for the right to call himself just that.

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenging the results of the presidential election.

COVID-19 testing is being offered at the Bedias Civic Center today and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Testing will continue on Monday to Wednesday and again on Dec. 28 to Dec. 30, also 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. No appointment is needed for the cheek-swab test. You are requested to stay in your car for the drive thru testing at no charge, please bring photo ID.