Repeat domestic abuser gets 72-year sentence

  WAXAHACHIE – Ellis County DA’s office announced last week a jury had found Marquael Odoric Greer from Lancaster guilty of assault-family violence. He was sentenced to 72 years in prison.

2 pilots escape injury after small plane loses power over Ferris

  FERRIS – Two licensed pilots escaped injury Saturday after the small airplane they were flying experienced engine problems shortly after takeoff and came to rest along the side of the WM landfill in Ferris.

Baylor Scott & White officials mark East Wing expansion with ribbon cutting

  WAXAHACHIE – Baylor Scott & White in Waxahachie celebrated its grand opening expansion for its new east patient tower last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Ellis County Jail again passes state inspection

  WAXAHACHIE – The Wayne McCollum Detention Center in Waxahachie has once again received a perfect score during its annual state inspection. The annual inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards found no deficiencies, according to Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Stretch toward the mark! (part 2)

  Welcome to the “Front Porch.” Last week, we turned to the third chapter of Philippians, where Paul announces that he was “pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Our discussion led us to this question: What exactly was the “mark” he was referring to?

OUT TO PASTOR: I found another button to push

  Life has its many experiences. I’m about to hit number 75 this month, a big experience for me. I’m not sure how to celebrate my 75th birthday, especially since I’ve done just about everything, so no 75 candles on my cake.

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (July 30, 2026)

  ALMA Alma’s Special City Council Meeting held Tuesday, July 28 included funding the purchase of the police vehicle approved at the July 21 regular city council meeting as well as discussing the appointing of a permanent chief of police.

FERRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY: More than Books (July 30, 2026)

  Throughout the month of July, our library shelves have been buzzing with activity. From Summer Reading programs, to quiet afternoons spent piecing together puzzles in our community puzzle room, we are reminded why the library remains the heart of our community.

LOCAL STUDENT UPDATE (July 30, 2026)

Christian Cook and Amanda Wilkins of Midlothian, and Breanna Davis, Adam Leach and Emily Mekelburg of Waxahachie graduated from Abilene Christian University in May. Brady Riles of Midlothian was named to Mississippi State University’s spring 2026 President’s List.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (July 21 – 27)

Ortega, Jonathan, 29, felony 3, assault family/house member impede breath/circulation. Murray, Shelly, 56, poss CS pg 1/1-b>=1g<4g Felony 3, poss CS pg 2 >= 1g<4g Felony 3. Piercy, Anthony, 18, sex offender’s duty to register 10-yrs. Pacheco, Nicholas, 46, poss CS pg 1/1-b>=1g<4g Felony 3.