New report exposes the limits of plastic recycling

STATEPOINT – Have you tossed plastic into a recycling bin recently? There’s a large chance that material won’t be recycled. That’s according to a new report, which finds that after decades of being touted as a solution to pollution, plastic recycling is not all it’s cracked up to be.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS: December 22 – 29

Gamez-Andrade, Christian, 28, poss CS pg 1/1-b<1g, immigration hold.Lemmon, Tony, 51, theft prop <$2500 2/more prev convictions, poss CS pg 1/1-b >=4g<200g Felony 2.Valdez, Jessica, 34, parole violation, poss CS pg 1/1-b<1g.Sandoval, Marissa, 25, agg assault w/deadly weapon Felony 2.

RED OAK ARRESTS (December 8 – 22)

Ontiveros, Edgar, 34, theft prop <$100 w/prev conviction.Smithwick, Abbyn, 33, poss dangerous drug, poss CS pg 1/1-b <1g.Titus, Joseph, 39, parole violation-poss CS pg 1/1-b.Friedley, Amber, 30, evading arrest/detention w/vehicle.Reece, Zion, 20, theft prop >=$750<$2,500.

WAXAHACHIE ARRESTS (December 21 – 27)

Gerlich, Zachary, 49, warrant other agency.Hollie, Landon, 21, public intoxication.Isaguirre, Roman, 30, warrant other agency.Lemmon, Tony, 51, warrant other agency, poss CS pg 1 >=4g<200g.Roberts, Chandler, 18, no driver’s license.Rowe, Amber, 38, DWI/open alch container.

WILMER ARRESTS (December 14 – 28)

Padilla, Ricardo, 31, warrant arrest other agency.Benford, Shawn, 47, warrant arrest local.Blanco-Resendiz, Jose, 26, poss marij <2oz.Duran Guerrero, Yefri, 27, poss marij <2oz.Hill, Delsmond, 32, assault family/house member impede breath/circulation.Barnes, David, 45, warrant arrest other agency.

10 doctor-recommended health resolutions for 2026

STATEPOINT – With a new year ahead, the American Medical Association (AMA) is offering Americans 10 evidence-based tips for staying healthy in 2026 and beyond:GET HEALTH SCREENINGSSchedule preventive visits, tests and screenings so your physician can catch conditions before they become more serious.

FERRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY: More than Books (December 24, 2025)

 We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined our holiday events at the library. Your presence brightened the month and we value your support. Warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a Happy Holiday season!

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (December 16 – 21)

Ocanas, Benny, 44, child grooming Felony 3, viol bond/protective order.Graham, Maurice, 18, terroristic threat cause fear of imminent serious bodily injury, burglary of building.Anderson, Jaray, 29, assault peace officer/judge Felony 2.Jones, Paul, 32, criminal mischief >=$2500<$30,000.

WAXAHACHIE ARRESTS (December 14 – 20)

Izarraras, Jose, 23, poss of drug paraphernalia, unl carrying weapon.Flores, Armando, 43, warrant other agency.Munoz, John, 39, DWI/open alch containerVineyard, Randy, 65, criminal trespass.Wallace, Ladonnia, 35, warrant other agency.Parsons, Jeremiah, 39, warrant other agency.

The great timing debate: Should I claim Social Security early or late?

STATEPOINT – Retirees become eligible to claim Social Security benefits at age 62, but the timing of when you claim can drastically impact your benefit amount. Still, when to claim will be entirely dependent on your unique situation.