Gregorio “Gray” Ariola (1827-1906) led a fascinating life, some of which is recorded in Volume 2 of Madison County history, His maternal grandfather, Ignatius Simes, came to Texas in the early 1820s, received a Mexican land grant for a league of land before 1828, and settled with his family on a hill on the Madisonville side of Bedias Creek. A few years later, his daughter Maria married Eduardo Ariola, and they made their home nearby on the bank of Black Lake on Bedias Creek. By 1834, Antonio Rivers settled on the other side of Bedias Creek. For years, those three families were the only white settlers between Midway and Old Washington. For mutual protection, they built a fort around the Rivers’ home, and when they knew of Indians in the area, the families took refuge in the fort.

The Texas Senate’s chief budget writer said state agencies and higher-education institutions have requested nearly $25 billion in funding as the legislative session gets underway. State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, told The Dallas Morning News the requests for new money reflect the growing functions and purposes of state agencies that serve the public.

This month we will discuss the city council’s role in city government. This information comes from the Texas Municipal League Handbook for Mayors and Councilmembers.

The 89th Texas legislative session begins Jan. 14 with a still-unresolved race for speaker of the House of Representatives. State representatives David Cook, R-Mansfield, and Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, are considered the frontrunners for speaker, but speculation continues as to whether other candidates will throw their hats into the ring.

Drivers will no longer be required to get annual safety inspections beginning Jan. 1, the Texas Standard reported.

I’m sharing the following as an example of a family’s submission for Volume 3 of local history. Submission deadline is February 1, 2025! Harvey Laney Cannon, born December 11, 1919.

Gov. Greg Abbott said last Thursday the state is initiating a billboard campaign across Central America and border cities in northern Mexico to discourage migrants from attempting to enter Texas, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

One of the things I love about this time of year is the way people treat each other. There is a genuine uptick in cheerfulness, courtesy, and a pervading good will towards men kind of attitude during this season.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is seeking a $300 million transfusion of funds to bolster the state’s Medicaid application process, The Texas Tribune reported. The public health insurance program provides coverage for people or families with limited income, as well as pregnant women and people with disabilities.

The Museum’s current exhibit featuring arts and crafts is my all-time favorite, with a wide variety of unique items. If you don’t know the term “Tramp Art”, come see examples.