City of Red Oak Texas

May 11, 2026 – A group of Red Oak residents showed their opposition to the proposed 800+ acre data center development in Red Oak by protesting on the north side of FM 664. Photo by Charles D. Hatfield Jr. / The Ellis County Press

May 11, 2026 – A group of Red Oak residents showed their opposition to the proposed 800+ acre data center development in Red Oak by protesting on the north side of FM 664. Photo by Charles D. Hatfield Jr. / The Ellis County Press

Ellis County lawsuit sparks statewide grid and legislative battle over Red Oak data centers

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Mon, 09/14/2026 - 13:49
RED OAK – What began as a local fight over an 830-acre agricultural tract in Red Oak has escalated into an Ellis County lawsuit and a high-stakes gubernatorial campaign debate over the future of Texas infrastructure.
James Langham and Red Oak Police Chief Adrian Tijerina.

James Langham and Red Oak Police Chief Adrian Tijerina.

Red Oak Police Lieutenant James Langham retires after 40 years

STAFF REPORT
Thu, 08/27/2026 - 12:02
RED OAK – Red Oak Police Lieutenant James “Jim” Langham has officially retired after more than 40 years in law enforcement, including over 21 years of service with the local department. Langham began his public service career in 1985 and joined Red Oak PD in 2004.

ROISD continues attendance campaign after student success

BETH TRIMBLE / Chief Communications Officer
Wed, 08/26/2026 - 17:40
RED OAK – Following the successful launch last year, Red Oak ISD is continuing the multi-tiered attendance campaign with student, staff, and campus incentives! The EVERY HAWK, EVERY DAY campaign supports the goal of elevated student learning and high expectations of engagement.
Photo by Steve Patterson / Moving Pictures A view from above Red Oak High School shows the long entrance and exit lines on the first day of school on Aug. 12, 2026. Photo by Steve Patterson / Moving Pictures

Photo by Steve Patterson / Moving Pictures A view from above Red Oak High School shows the long entrance and exit lines on the first day of school on Aug. 12, 2026. Photo by Steve Patterson / Moving Pictures

1st day of school took RO parents by surprise

STEVE PATTERSON / Moving Pictures
Wed, 08/19/2026 - 13:01
RED OAK – The first day back to school for the Red Oak High School 2026-2027 school year was a little different as many parents and students found out early Wednesday morning on Aug. 12.
Image courtesy City of Red Oak.

Image courtesy City of Red Oak.

RO resident cited incorrectly for ‘No Data Center’ sign

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Wed, 06/03/2026 - 16:23
RED OAK – As approved, it will be Red Oak’s third major data center since 2020. Two others are already under construction. Several residents are not happy about the situation and are making their voices heard by utilizing signs.
Courtney Hodge

Courtney Hodge

Car crash takes life of former Red Oak student

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Wed, 05/27/2026 - 13:01
RED OAK – A former Red Oak ISD student was killed in a two-vehicle crash last week on her way home from college at Louisiana State University. Courtney Hodge, 19, was a freshman at LSU and was traveling home to Red Oak for the summer when she was in the fatal accident on Louisiana Highway 190.

RED OAK ARRESTS: May 12 – June 2

Ellis123
Wed, 06/04/2025 - 14:01
Baladez, Johnny, 37, no motor vehicle liability insurance- 2nd offense.Richardson, Ketron, 31, man/del CS pg 1-b >=4g<200g-probation violation.Sweat, Nakia, 39, poss marij <2oz.King, Steven, 42, public intoxication.Cortez, Nolan, 27, DWI.Bass, Mikayla, 21, hinder secured creditors...

RED OAK ARRESTS: April 28 – May 12

Ellis123
Wed, 05/14/2025 - 17:58
Campos-Gonzalez, Jesus, 34, no driver’s license.Neal, Morgan, 23, poss marij <=5lbs>4oz, unl carrying weapon-Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, insufficient bond-unl carrying weapon (warrant arrest).Canida, Shelby, 41, DWI.Alvarado, Victoria, 24, unauth use of vehicle.Stilwell, Trenton, 18, assault...

RED OAK ARRESTS: April 7 – 21

Ellis123
Tue, 04/29/2025 - 17:14
Bailey, Terian, 18, poss marij <2oz.Crockett, Parlay, 19, poss marij <2oz.Adger, Terry, 48, assault causes bodily injury family member.Michel, Javier, 34, poss CS pg 1/1-b <1g, tamper w/gov records/ins documents-defraud/harm, forgery govt/national inst/money/security, theft prop...

RED OAK ARRESTS: March 30 – April 13

Ellis123
Wed, 04/16/2025 - 15:49
McGuire, Amanda, 31, warrant arrest other agency.Kenney, Dejuan, 35, DWI.Gibson, Odis, 44, DWLI w/prev conviction/suspension w/o financial restitution.Longoria, Isael, 27, warrant arrest other agency.Smith, Curtis, 72, apprehension by police officer w/o warrant.Jackson, Janarra, 33, fail to ID...