The Ellis County Press

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: Disgruntled insiders, legal loopholes, and the Ghost War Matrix

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 09/23/2026 - 16:40

Before you read this column, I want you to close your eyes and think about how war actually makes you feel.

Rita Cook, John Wray

EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Ellis County Judge John Wray pulls back curtain on county’s missing $20M

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 09/23/2026 - 16:24

WAXAHACHIE – I recently sat down with Ellis County Judge John Wray to discuss the recently passed country budget, the missing $20M, and what he has done to create some cohesiveness overall. Ellis County Press: How did the budget questions and missing money begin?

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: AI avatars – why human cloning is closer than you think

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 09/02/2026 - 16:44

I went down the human cloning rabbit hole tonight. Quite the bipartisan issue I would say.

Marquael Odoric Greer

Repeat domestic abuser gets 72-year sentence

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 07/29/2026 - 14:39

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.

Logo courtesy Federal Aviation Administration

2 pilots escape injury after small plane loses power over Ferris

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 07/29/2026 - 14:28

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 in Waxahachie celebrated its grand opening expansion for its new east patient tower last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo by Fred Phipps / The Ellis County Press

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

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 07/29/2026 - 14:16

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

Submitted photo

Ellis County Jail again passes state inspection

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 07/29/2026 - 14:13

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)

STEVEN RAY BOWEN

Wed, 07/29/2026 - 13:23

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

DR. JAMES L. SNYDER

Wed, 07/29/2026 - 13:20

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. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage’s birthday is just two days after mine.

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (July 30, 2026)

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 07/29/2026 - 13:14

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.