FOCUS ON FAMILIES: Helping families meet their children’s basic needs

STATEPOINT – Greater income allows parents to better meet children’s basic needs, and financial stability can reduce parental stress.Advocates say that child tax credits (CTCs) provide one avenue for states to increase family resources and are encouraged by progress being made by Washington, D.C.

FERRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY: More than Books (January 15, 2026)

 STORY TIME at the Ferris Public Library is more than just listening to a book – it’s a warm, welcoming space created to spark a love of reading from a very early age.

LOCAL STUDENT UPDATE (January 15, 2026)

 Bobbie Tucker of Red Oak has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester at the University of the Cumberlands.Joshua Cullins of Waxahachie was named to Columbia College’s Fall 2025 Semester Dean’s List.

LOCAL: Vehicle burglaries on the rise

 MIDLOTHIAN – Police  issued a reminder to remember to take your belongings, lock your vehicle and hide anything that you do not take with you.A number of vehicle burglaries have been reported in Midlothian in the past few weeks.Police said the burglaries occurred in various areas of the city.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (January 6 – 12)

Lee, Timothy, 48, burglary of vehicle w/2+ convictions.Moreno, Brandon, 29, poss CS pg 2 <1g, poss marij <2oz.Whitehead, Roderick, 21, injury child/elderly/disabled w/int bodily injury Felony 3.Fuentes, Atziry, 37, burglary of vehicles.

WAXAHACHIE ARRESTS (January 4 – 10)

Flores, Estevan, 22, warrant other agency.Antonio, Edwardo, 32, DWI 3rd or more.Gabino, Santos, 37, warrant other agency.Sorea-Gonzales, Juan, 22, poss CS pg 1 <1g.Quinn, Jacqueline, 31, assault causes bodily injury family member.Berna, Chance, 43, warrant arrest.

WILMER ARRESTS (January 4 – 11)

Vasquez, Elijah, 20, poss marij <2oz, unl carrying weapon, poss marij <2oz, unl carryingIrving-Smith, Angel, 23, poss marij < 2oz.Hall, Charod, 18, warrant arrest other agency.Collins, Xavien, 36, poss marij <2oz, poss marij <2oz.

It’s not too late to get vaccinated this respiratory season

STATEPOINT – In a time of confusion and inconsistent information, healthcare professionals want you to know that it’s not too late to get vaccinated this respiratory season.

FERRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY: More than Books (January 8, 2026)

 While the library is temporarily closed for our annual inventory, patrons can still enjoy reading and listening through our digital collections.E-books and audiobooks are available anytime through the Libby and Hoopla apps.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (December 30 – January 5)

Deitas, Jared, 19, poss CS pg 1/1-b >=4g<200g Felony 2.Wood, Blake, 26, poss CS pg 1/1-b<1g.Ross, Ian, 23, unl carrying weapon, poss marij <2oz.Staton, Michael, 41, parole violation.Deloach, Steven, 44, viol bond/protective order, viol bond/protective order.