ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (December 16 – 21)

Ocanas, Benny, 44, child grooming Felony 3, viol bond/protective order.Graham, Maurice, 18, terroristic threat cause fear of imminent serious bodily injury, burglary of building.Anderson, Jaray, 29, assault peace officer/judge Felony 2.Jones, Paul, 32, criminal mischief >=$2500<$30,000.

WAXAHACHIE ARRESTS (December 14 – 20)

Izarraras, Jose, 23, poss of drug paraphernalia, unl carrying weapon.Flores, Armando, 43, warrant other agency.Munoz, John, 39, DWI/open alch containerVineyard, Randy, 65, criminal trespass.Wallace, Ladonnia, 35, warrant other agency.Parsons, Jeremiah, 39, warrant other agency.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Hoping one lady is home for Christmas

 Of the thousand or more columns we have been blessed to author for the past quarter of a century, this one was one of my favorites. There was something about the homeless lady on the side of the road back in 1999 that compelled me.And, now, a quarter of a century later, it still does.

OUT TO PASTOR: Another Christmas down the chimney

 If I have counted correctly, this is my 74th Christmas.Believe me, I do not remember all of them. The only thing is how much money I spent on all of those Christmases.I know Christmas is filled with rituals. As a young person, I grew up on rituals. Our best ritual was on Christmas.

Commissioners proclaim Dec. 16 Isaiah Bias Day

 WAXAHACHIE – Ellis County Commissioners read a proclamation recognizing Dec. 16, as a day of remembrance for Detention Officer Isaiah Bias.Ellis County Judge John Wray said, “As many of you know, approximately one year ago on Dec.

Google announces plans to invest nearly $40 billion in Ellis County Data Centers

 MIDLOTHIAN – Google plans to invest $40 billion in Ellis County through 2027, including development at existing sites in Midlothian and Red Oak.

Rick Boyd appointed Waxahachie City Manager

 WAXAHACHIE – The Waxahachie City Council has made it official.After serving as the interim city manager in Waxahachie since July 2025, Rick Boyd was officially appointed to the position at last week’s Waxahachie City Council meeting.

Overturned cattle hauler closes 287 offramp

 WAXAHACHIE – A cattle hauler truck involved in a serious accident late last week at 287 northbound and 35E had that off ramp closed for roughly three hours.The cause of the accident was not available at press time.

Ovilla takes action for improved electric reliability

 OVILLA – Ovilla city leaders have recently gotten involved to improve electrical service reliability in the city.

Ennis residents warned of fake bill scam from Ennis Planning and Zoning

 ENNIS – The City of Ennis is warning residents that the Ennis Planning and Zoning Commission’s name and likeness are being misused in a fake billing scam.