THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BANDWIDTH: Trump’s data center EO works for federal, but not at the state and local levels

For those lovers and haters of data centers I want to remind you that last July President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14318, which remains the active federal policy for fast-tracking large-scale data center infrastructure.

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (July 9, 2026)

ALMA Alma is having I-45 corridor zoning and expansion debates, and the city council is holding public sessions to address growing pressure from commercial developers looking to acquire acreage along the I-45 frontage roads for new logistics and industrial truck stops.

LOCAL STUDENT UPDATE (July 9, 2026)

Jennifer Thissen from Palmer was named to spring Dean’s Honor Roll at Wichita State University.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (June 30 – July 6, 2026)

Nelson, Brandy, 40, false statement to police/special investigator/law enforcement employee/corrections officer. Roberson, Warren, 43, poss CS pg 1/1-b<1g. Barrera-Marquez, Ninrod, 20, DWI, immigration hold. Islas, Juan, 42, assault causes bodily injury family member, robbery Felony 2.

WILMER ARRESTS (June 28 – July 5, 2026)

Crenshaw, Kalon, 26, poss marij <2oz. Lopez-Antionio, Arnulfo, 44, assault causes bodily injury family member. Escalante-Granados, Henry, 21, duty on striking fixture/hwy landscape>=$200. Hill, Ladamion, 26, poss marij <2oz. Hunt, Deontae, 23, poss marij <2oz.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Raccoon John Smith

The best lessons come from the most unusual sources, and they come when you least expect them. Usually, they don’t show up politely in a limousine. More likely, they’ll crash land in your front yard unannounced. But who ever heard of learning a valuable lesson from a log?

SPEAKING TRUTH: Who is America’s founding spiritual father?

On Oct. 23, 1740, one of history’s greatest preachers paid a visit to Middletown, Connecticut. An unnamed farmer described this account. “I was in my field at work.

OUT TO PASTOR: Getting old isn’t as bad as I thought

I was celebrating and eating an Apple Fritter. I’m not sure what I was celebrating at the time, but it doesn’t matter as long as I’m celebrating with an Apple Fritter. Life has its way of opening up doors of celebration.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: Whose watch will it be when the US government fesses up to its litany of dastardly deeds?

As I begin writing my column this week, thoughts of an undercover U.S. government sweeping things under a very thick rug keep creeping into the orifices of my mind.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: Planning & Zoning City of Wilmer, Texas Case No. (CP-26-002) (Conditional Use Permit)

Publish one time in The Ellis County Press on Thursday, July 2, 2026.