The Ellis County Press

Italy Detective steps in as interim police chief

Ellis123
Thu, 02/12/2026 - 17:21
 ITALY – Several months ago, the Italy City Council unanimously voted to terminate Scott McAuley, the city’s police chief.No interim was named to replace McAuley at that time.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Torn up over a box of chocolates

Ellis123
Thu, 02/12/2026 - 16:50
 Welcome to the “Front-Porch.”It was in the fall of 1997 that we had a life-changing moment – one of many, many obviously.We were blessed with the opportunity to write for our hometown newspaper, the LaGrange Daily News.

OUT TO PASTOR: Punxsutawney Phil is no politician, or is he?

Ellis123
Thu, 02/12/2026 - 16:46
 Growing up in Pennsylvania, one of my yearly attractions was Punxsutawney Phil.According to the legend, Punxsutawney Phil could predict the future. If he sees his shadow and returns to his hole, it means he has predicted six more weeks of winter-like weather.

LOCAL STUDENT UPDATE (February 12, 2026)

Ellis123
Thu, 02/12/2026 - 16:38
Jordan Morgan of Midlothian has been named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.Emma Fletcher of Waxahachie graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services from Abilene Christian University.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (February 3 – 8)

Ellis123
Thu, 02/12/2026 - 16:35
Escalante, Eric, 24, poss marij <2oz, failure to identify giving false/fictitious info, resist arrest search or transport, unl carrying weapon, poss marij <2oz.Trotter, Lukas, 34, poss CS pg 1/1-b<1g.Martinez, Daniel, 37, DWI 2nd.

WILMER ARRESTS (February 1 – 9)

Ellis123
Thu, 02/12/2026 - 16:32
Webster, John, 55, poss marij <2oz, warrant arrest local, poss marij <2oz, warrant arrest local.Gipson, James, 50, DWLI w/prev conviction/suspension w/o financial restitution.