FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Jordan Ward – scars of a champion

  Welcome to the “Front-Porch.” “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14 Seeing Jordan Ward crawl across the finish line was one of the final scenes before I ended my thirty-year coaching and teaching career.

OUT TO PASTOR: Sometimes I feel like a rabbit

  I’m not good at a lot of things in life. That list could go on and on and on. However, I am actually excellent at a few things. I think the top of that list is eating, which I do with a passion that might make you smile. I’ve never met a cheeseburger that I didn’t like.

OBITUARY: Anthony Wayne “Tony” Cook

  Anthony Wayne Cook (Tony) was born in Dallas, Texas on December 11, 1962. He was a true Texan; he spent his life in Texas. He graduated from Christian Academy of Oak Cliff in 1981, a school he had attended since second grade.

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (May 14, 2026)

  ALMA Remember the Alma Smokehouse right here in Ellis County receives rave reviews from all over Texas. A family owned & operated BBQ restaurant by Jesse & Susan Martinez since 2009, it is a true Texas meal.

FERRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY: More than books (May 14, 2026)

  May is Get Caught Reading Month, and we want to see what you're reading! Snap a photo of yourself, your family, or even your furry friend enjoying a good book, then share it on Facebook and tag the Ferris Public Library.

LOCAL STUDENT UPDATE (May 14, 2026)

Randi Carpenter of Ovilla graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a Bachelor of Arts, interdisciplinary studies, cum laude. Bobbie Tucker of Red Oak has been named to the University of the Cumberlands’ Dean’s List for Spring 2026.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (May 4 – 11)

Rodriguez, Hugo, 44, agg assault w/deadly weapon Felony 2 Ramirez, Joey, 26, assault family/house member impede breath/circulation Felony 3, criminal mischief >=$100<$750. Hopkins, Michael, 40, engaging in organized criminal activity Felony 1, engaging in organized criminal activity Felony 1.

WAXAHACHIE ARRESTS (April 26 – May 9)

April 26 – May 9   Christopher, Lynn, 39, poss CS pg 1 >=4g<200g. Deal, Daniel, 35, poss CS pg 1 >=1g<4g. Aguilar, Rogelio, 35, warrant arrest. Nguyen, Theresa, 55, warrant other agency. Gallegos, Jonathon, 41, city ordinance. Williams, Briana, 20, assault causes bodily injury family member.

WILMER ARRESTS (May 3 – 10)

Angell, Michael, 35, fraud transfer of motor vehicle <$30,000. Ramirez, Elia, 41, public intoxication. Malone, Ariana, 31, false statement to police/special investigator/law enforcement employee/corrections officer. Jaramillo-Sauced, Nereyda, 32, warrant arrest local.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: Pandemic soft launch – cue up the song “Déjà vu”

  The plandemic pandemic. Social media has whipped up quite a story this past week regarding the latest fearmongering controversy going on with Planet Earth. Specifically, the Hantavirus.