Items that arrive at the Museum come with a story or two. Recently we received a booklet from Thena Wilson Parrott, who now lives in College Station but has roots in Madisonville.

A Texas House bill would eliminate the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test and replace it with a test comparing students’ performance to one another rather than stateset standards, the Austin American- Statesman reported.

After a prolonged delay because of a lawsuit filed by about 100 school districts, the Texas Education Agency has released the 2023 A-F accountability ratings, indicating the share of campuses that received a passing ranking dropped by 14% from 2022.

As Teacher Appreciation Week approaches, we at North Zulch ISD want to take a moment to express our profound gratitude for the incredible educators who shape the lives of our students every day. It’s more than just a week of recognition; it’s a chance to truly acknowledge the dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment our teachers bring to their classrooms and our community.

The Texas House on April 17 passed Gov. Greg Abbott’s school-voucher bill after a years-long campaign by the governor and his allies, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Recently a Meteor clipping caught my attention. From 1931 and entitled “Early Settler of Madison County Gives an Interesting Comparison of Present Times.”, it was signed by W.H. Kittrell, Sr. (1851-1934), who spent his youth in Madison County. At one time, his father owned Prairie View Plantation, where TDCJ’s Ferguson Prison Farm is now. From here on until I say otherwise, I’m quoting William H. Kittrell addressing Madisonville Meteor readers.

Editor’s Note: This essay on leadership by Curtis Klingle will be presented as a four-part series over the upcoming weeks. The charlatan’s meretricious nature is never more evident than in meetings or in simple conversation.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made it official last week, announcing a challenge to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in next March’s Republican primary. The fireworks already have begun, the Austin American- Statesman reported, with Cornyn calling his rival “a con man and a fraud.”

Aprons have long history and were mentioned in Volumes 1 and 2 of Madison County history. Volume 1, printed in 1984, stated that Andrew Jackson Farris (18271883) was a Mason, and at that time, his Masonic apron was still in possession of family members. In the same book, his grandson Peter Nathan Farris (1884-1983) was quoted saying that he had his grandfather’s sheepskin Masonic apron in his possession for many years and was also a Mason. Among folks kin to those two men are/were Vernon Farris, Preston Burke, Jeff Gates, Bob Ellisor, Cindy Whitten Stevens, Gary Raynor, Jeff Farris Jr., Blanche Dillon, Angela Fannin, and Blair Fannin.

A judge with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week the Texas Education Agency can release its 2023 A-F school accountability ratings, the Houston Chronicle reported. The ruling overturned a district judge’s injunction after more than 120 school districts sued to stop TEA from releasing the ratings.