Italy Detective steps in as interim police chief

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.Recently, the city has named Chad Nelson, an investigator with the Italy Police Department, to act as interim chief during...

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

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?

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.

FERRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY: More than Books (September 12, 2026)

February is both Black History Month & Library Lovers Month, and we are offering a wide range of activities and resources to celebrate both!The library has a special collection of books by and about African American authors, civil rights leaders, and Black historical figures that will be showcased...

LOCAL STUDENT UPDATE (February 12, 2026)

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.Allie Cremers of Waxahachie has been named...

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (February 3 – 8)

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.Stewart, Kevontay, 26, fail to ID fugitive intent give false info,...

WILMER ARRESTS (February 1 – 9)

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.Kizzen, Myra, 47, DWLI w/prev conviction/suspension w/o financial restitution, DWI/open alch container, resist arrest search...

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: Voter imposed term limits mean voting incumbents out

This week, I’m going to reference my own local elections in Ellis County alongside the bigger picture in politics.I wonder if Ellis County is a snapshot of what’s happening around the country.The Ellis County Press, where this column appears weekly, features a front-page mention of the March...

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: Board of Adjustment City of Wilmer, Texas

Publish one time in The Ellis County Press on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEBOARD OF ADJUSTMENTCity of Wilmer, TexasIn accordance with Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code, the Board of Adjustment of the City of Wilmer, Texas, will conduct a public hearing to consider a...

LEGAL NOTICE: Citation by publication to all persons interested in the estate of Jordan Ray Walker

Publish one time in The Ellis County Press on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.