May 2021

Former Madisonville and current Sam Houston State University defensive lineman Chris Scott poses with the Southland Conference trophy earlier this season. Scott was a part of the Bearkats’ national championship run that culminated in a 23-21 victory over South Dakota State May 16. (See News for more) COURTESY PHOTO

Willie “Charlene” (Pate) Scambray Horn, age 77, was born September 3, 1943 in Blakely, Georgia but grew up in Houston. She passed away on May 11, 2021 from heart failure. Charlene faced a lot of challenges throughout her life but persevered with a strength not many understood. She married Johnny Scambray and moved to Madisonville where she lived for more than twenty years. Several years after Johnny passed away, Charlene met Bobby Dean Horn; they married on May 10, 2014. Bobby was a wonderful, caring, loving and compassionate husband and Charlene felt so blessed.

A little over two weeks is all that’s left of the 87th Legislative Session. Deadlines alluded to in previous columns have come and gone, and we are now in the final countdown. These deadlines, referred to as the “Split Session Amendments,” were first proposed in 1930 to set the pace of session and ensure the Legislature operates efficiently. The first major legislative deadline arrived this past Thursday on the 122nd day of session, as the lower chamber rushed to hear as many bills as possible before the stroke of midnight. The House must now focus solely on Senate-passed bills for the next two weeks.

Due to complaints on unreasonable noise from large truck engine brakes entering the city, the City of Madisonville has now posted signs on Highway 90 from the south, Highway 21 east and west and Highway 75 north and south. These signs are posted near the city limits and read: ‘ENGINE BRAKE PROHIBITED BY CITY ORDINANCE’. The Madisonville Police Department will be strictly enforcing the ordinance. COURTESY PHOTO

The Madisonville Sidewalk Cattleman’s Association (MSCA) held their 38th Annual BBQ Cook-off over the weekend as countless vendors new and old descended upon the grounds to share their best Texas dishes.

Over five years of hard work came to fruition Saturday as Oxford Cemetery held its official Texas historical marker dedication ceremony in front of a crowd of nearly 50 people. “I think about in our country how many communities are tearing themselves apart today and how many communities are destroying their history,” said Madison County Judge Tony Leago, who spoke at the Saturday ceremony.

Laughter, camaraderie and donuts were shared at Friday’s softball game between Madisonville City personnel and Madisonville Police Department members at Lake Madison Park. Despite the City’s best efforts to sabotage MPD’s offensive outbursts with roadblocks and stop signs, the cops won the seven inning contest 13-4. The event was played in front of a large crowd of family, friends and citizens and proceeds from the concession stand went to benefit Madisonville Little League. (Left: MPD Chief Herbert Gilbert hoists the trophy in triumph following the victory; Above: All City and MPD players pose together following the matchup) PHOTOS BY CAMPBELL ATKINS

Carpe Diem Dance and Fitness studio’s competitive team has brought home numerous awards to start their season in three regional competitions, including two in Houston, with two national competitions on the horizon, as well. The group qualified for Nationals at all three of their Regional events but have decided to compete in two, which will take place in June and July.

How ‘bout those Bearkats? The Sam Houston State University football team not only won the FCS title last week, but did so with only 16 seconds left in the game – and are now National Champs! FCS stands for Football Championship Subdivision and is the highest level of NCAA championship football with 24 teams battling to emerge victorious. I bet more than a handful of Madisonville folks have some kind of certificate from our neighboring town.