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.

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.