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.

WAXAHACHIE ARRESTS (July 19 – 25)

Henderson-Kemp, Stephanie, 46, false alarm or report. Elder, Kalie, 20, DUI/minor. Manning, Brian, 46, assault family violence. Neal-Merritt, Kaleb, 25, DWI. Hill, Robert, 55, obstruction or retaliation, DWI 2nd. Reed, Gabrielle, 36, warrant arrest. Byrd, Jarryon, 37, warrant other agency.

WILMER ARRESTS (July 19 – 26)

Cruz, Wendi, 23, warrant arrest other agency. Taylor, Byron, 42, poss marij <2oz, warrant arrest other agency. Gutierrez-Silva, Francisco, 46, DWI/open alch container. Lee, Tinnette, 38, poss marij <2oz. Franklin, Travion, 24, poss marij <2oz, unl carrying weapon.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: The Psyop of desensitization: how the noise masks the net

A new week and a new set of abnormally normal challenges. Nothing boring about US politics these days. In fact, has anyone noticed that what was once a complete shock to the system has now merely become the standard procedure that falls alongside the background noise.

Ellis County AI-Assisted Non-Emergency Phone System activated

ELLIS COUNTY – Beginning Friday, July 24, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will launch an artificial intelligence-assisted voice system on its non-emergency phone line to help callers obtain information and be directed to the appropriate resources more efficiently.

Police looking for suspect involved in aggravated assault with deadly weapon

MIDLOTHIAN – Ellis County Crime Stoppers posted last week that the Midlothian Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Cinires Mason. Mason is wanted in connection with an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon that occurred near Lake Grove Park on June 1.

Waxahachie mourns death of Deputy City Manager Albert Lawrence

WAXAHACHIE – It is not everyone who makes an impact on a city the way Waxahachie’s Deputy City Manager Albert Lawrence did. Lawrence died July 10, leaving what the city remarked was a “Legacy of service, dedication, and leadership which will forever remain a cornerstone of our community.”

Dallas man arrested after high-speed vehicle foot pursuit

FERRIS – Ladarion Jimal Blair, 18, of Dallas was booked into the Ellis County Jail and faces four separate criminal charges: • Evading arrest or detention with a vehicle • Disorderly conduct – discharge of a firearm • Unlawful carrying of a weapon • Fleeing from a police officer Ferris Police, in...