Opinion

Recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that six of the 10 fastest- growing counties in the United States from 2022 to 2023 were in Texas. According to the Texas Tribune, Kaufman County, just east of Dallas, led the list with a 7.6% increase in new residents that brought its population to more than 185,000. Census data shows that Rockwall and Liberty counties closed out the top three, with growth rates of 6.5% and 5.7%, respectively.

Editor’s Note: “Opinions in this column are not representative of the views of The Madisonville Meteor.”

And (drum roll, please), we have the 2024 Madison County Fair stick horse and mutton bustin’ champs!

In the mutton bustin’ competition for kids ages five through seven, congratulations to Harley Williams, who won the Friday night contest, and Addison Kelley, who was Saturday night’s champ.

Two wildfires that burned more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle were caused by downed power lines, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Juan Rodriguez, with the service, told the Texas Standard that its law enforcement investigators had concluded their probe into the source of the Smokehouse Creek and Windy Deuce fires.

Midway, located 11 miles east of Madisonville on Highway 21, had a post office in its area in 1846, before Madisonville was even a pipedream. Later, two schools were there, Midway Public School and Midway Colored School.

Editor’s Note: “Opinions in this column are not representative of the views of The Madisonville Meteor.” This year, March has certainly held up to its fickle reputation. It seems to enjoy watching people hold onto their hats and pick up the neighbors’ yard décor that has blown over into their yard.

Lately I’ve focused on the high school before the current one but have yet to learn when our colors changed from green and gold to red and blue. Also, the late Hugh Clark told his granddaughter that our mascot had been eels before becoming Mustangs. Perhaps he thought that because of The Octopus, the first yearbook. If you know facts about colors or the mascot, when, why, or whatever, please clue me in.

A wildfire in the Texas Panhandle has consumed more than 1 million acres and as of Sunday was just 15% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. It is the largest wildfire in Texas history.

Editor’s Note: “Opinions in this column are not representative of the views of The Madisonville Meteor.”

Last week, I requested information regarding the elementary school at the corner of Harrell and Ease Main. Mr. Arnold Foster told me that the auditorium was on the third floor, where no one would have survived if there had been a fire!