Opinion

An old Madisonville photo on Facebook attracted attention lately. It featured a corner business emblazoned “Burtis Grocery,” and I was among those who mistook it for John R. Burtis Drug. Luckily, Beth Burtis Richardson informed us that it was her father’s grocery in the 1930s.

State agencies and regulators were heavily criticized at a Texas legislative hearing for failing to communicate during the deadly Panhandle wildfires, the Texas Tribune reported. The three-day hearing, held in Pampa, investigated the Smokehouse Creek fire and others that burned more than a million acres, destroyed hundreds of homes, killed up to 10,000 cattle and resulted in two deaths.

GALA NETTLES Editor’s Note: “Opinions in this column are not representative of the views of The Madisonville Meteor.” Did you watch it? The eclipse of the sun last Monday was an awesome thing to see or, as our employees describe “pretty cool.” Stick around 20 years or so and you can see it again. If that’s too long plan your vacation to be in either Greenland, Iceland, or Northern Spain on Aug. 12, 2026.

One economist is calling it “the most profitable 22 minutes in Texas history,” according to the Texas Standard. The total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8 is expected to draw up to a million visitors to the Lone Star State, especially in its narrow path of totality.

Schooling for blacks in the Midway, Texas, area began earlier than I expected. Land near the Trinity River was suitable for large-scale farming, and because of that, long ago there was a large black population to serve.

Editor’s Note: “Opinions in this column are not representative of the views of The Madisonville Meteor.” This is a good week to adopt a cuddly pup, and it won’t cost you a dime! Madisonville Animal Division has some cuties in the shelter, and they are sponsoring free adoptions this week. All pets are spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated, and we are waiting for you to see them— call (936) 245-9006 between 8 a.m.

In 1908, some North Zulch citizens organized a public school. At first, classes were held in the Freewill Baptist Church, taught by W.S.

The on-again, off-again state immigration law is once more on hold while the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals considers its constitutionality. Senate Bill 4 would allow state and local law enforcement officials to arrest and deport people suspected of entering the state illegally from Mexico, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Editor’s Note: “Opinions in this column are not representative of the views of The Madisonville Meteor.” Retraction, retraction! Last week, I shared the news about those rough and tough 2–4-year-old riders in the stick horse races competition during the Madison County Fair Rodeo. Kyler Mitchell won the Friday race but did not compete on a stick horse with an excellent pedigree.

I am still writing about schools, expect more after this, God willing! Little community schools began with one room and sometimes grew bigger. Rough benches and desks were made nearby.