ELLIS COUNTY’S BUDGET: More money, more government, more questions

  WAXAHACHIE – Strong opinions have been voiced over the past few weeks regarding Ellis’s County’s recently released proposed new fiscal year budget. The county says growth requires more spending; critics say the budget creates more government than necessary.

LOCAL STUDENT UPDATE (August 20, 2026)

Abigail Hirtzel of Waxahachie was selected as a Peer Leader for Fall 2026 at Austin Peay State University. The University of Texas at Tyler recognized the following local summer 2026 degree candidates during Summer 2026 Commencement Aug.

Repeat domestic abuser gets 72-year sentence

  WAXAHACHIE – Ellis County DA’s office announced last week a jury had found Marquael Odoric Greer from Lancaster guilty of assault-family violence. He was sentenced to 72 years in prison.

Ellis County Jail again passes state inspection

  WAXAHACHIE – The Wayne McCollum Detention Center in Waxahachie has once again received a perfect score during its annual state inspection. The annual inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards found no deficiencies, according to Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman.

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (July 30, 2026)

  ALMA Alma’s Special City Council Meeting held Tuesday, July 28 included funding the purchase of the police vehicle approved at the July 21 regular city council meeting as well as discussing the appointing of a permanent chief of police.

LOCAL STUDENT UPDATE (July 30, 2026)

Christian Cook and Amanda Wilkins of Midlothian, and Breanna Davis, Adam Leach and Emily Mekelburg of Waxahachie graduated from Abilene Christian University in May. Brady Riles of Midlothian was named to Mississippi State University’s spring 2026 President’s List.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (July 21 – 27)

Ortega, Jonathan, 29, felony 3, assault family/house member impede breath/circulation. Murray, Shelly, 56, poss CS pg 1/1-b>=1g<4g Felony 3, poss CS pg 2 >= 1g<4g Felony 3. Piercy, Anthony, 18, sex offender’s duty to register 10-yrs. Pacheco, Nicholas, 46, poss CS pg 1/1-b>=1g<4g Felony 3.

Ellis County Republican Women mark 44 years of commitment to conservative values in county

  ELLIS COUNTY – Founded in 1982, Ellis County Republican Women has served for more than four decades as a leading force for civic engagement, voter education, and Republican grassroots involvement in Ellis County.

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (July 23, 2026)

  ALMA Alma’s City Council meeting this week included a discussion of the proposed property Tax Rate for fiscal year 26-27. BARDWELL Bardwell is preparing for its official City Cleanup event scheduled for Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at City Hall.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (July 14 – 20)

Graciano, Kevin, 27, burglary habitation intend other felony Felony 1. Cunningham, Jacob, 38, parole violation. Lindsey, Aaron, 56, criminal trespass, parole violation. Polk, Jonathan, 37, poss CS pg 1/1-b<1g, bench warrant. Peay, Cameron, 26, agg assault w/deadly weapon Felony 2.