Recently, our office was fortunate enough to see large groups from the district in and around the Texas Capitol. I want to remind you that we are always open and willing to meet with constituents or set up a tour of your State Capitol. So, whether during spring break in the coming months or sometime during summer vacation with your family, please do not hesitate to call if we can be of assistance.

PART 1 Madison County Fair Association’s annual event looms! The 42nd fair starts March 5 with check-in of art, handicrafts, family and consumer science items, and photography items, meaning that MCFA workers have been working and planning at length already! The rodeo is scheduled for March 17-18. Fair opening ceremonies are scheduled for March 17, with the fairgrounds then to be buzzing through March 26.

Have you and your family received the COVID inoculation? Please, please reconsider... do this for yourself, do this for your family, do this for your neighbor, do this for your community...

As we approach the upcoming Primary Elections on March 1, I would like to remind everyone that early voting begins on Monday, February 14 and ends on February 25. This will be the first election held under the newly drawn political districts and will include candidates running for federal, state, local, and judicial offices. Though I always encourage folks to vote early to avoid waiting in line to cast your ballot, what’s most important is that you make plans to participate in the process and have your voice heard by exercising the right to vote. For more information on early voting locations, what you’ll need to bring with you to the polling locations, or any other questions you may have, please call our office or visit votetexas.gov.

Voters who go to the polls for municipal and school board elections on May 7 will also be asked to decide on two proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Deputy Secretary of State Joe Esparza drew the ballot order last week for the two proposed amendments, both dealing with property taxes.

In the latter 1970s, I rented a bank safety deposit box. I never had much of monetary value to keep in it, but what was there was important to me. Some pieces of sterling flatware, a few older silver dollars and, most valuable for me, photos of loved ones. Years ago, a family member lost all of her photos in a fire, and that horrified me. This was long before the internet and the Cloud storage. Recently, I decided to quit paying rent on that bank box, but I could find neither of my keys. I was sure one was lost and could not remember seeing the other in years. I talked to bank management and agreed to have it “drilled out” at my expense, but they asked me to look a bit longer. A few weeks later, I came across a key in a small familiar-looking envelope and took it to Prosperity Bank at 208 West Main, in the building where I’ve had an account for well over 50 years.

Have you and your family received the COVID inoculation? Please, please reconsider... do this for yourself, do this for your family, do this for your neighbor, do this for your community...

The Madison County Republican Party held their regular meeting Thursday and welcomed newly redistricted State Rep. Kyle Kacal as well as precinct chair Keith Payne to the Annex Building’s community room. (Pictured from left are Payne, Kacal and Madison County Republican Party Chair Kevin Counsil) COURTESY PHOTO