Jessica Cain winner of 2023 Award

FERRIS – Jessica Cain, a graduate of Ferris High School, won the 2023 Learning Forward Texas Outstanding Professional Learning Award two weeks ago.She grew up in Ferris and became a substitute teacher in Ferris, moving into a paraprofessional position.

New Wilmer traffic signal light activated at Interstate 45 and Belt Line Road

WILMER – On Jan. 26, the Texas Department of Transportation activated the new traffic signal at the intersection of Interstate Highway 45 and Beltline Road.Initially, on Jan. 23, the traffic signal started functioning as a flashing red light at the intersections.

COUNTY OFFICES CLOSED MARCH 2

Ellis County offices will be closed on Thursday, March 2 in observance of Texas Independence Day.Offices will reopen at  8 a.m. on Friday, March 3 for normal business.

Harrison files bills to require elections for property tax hikes

AUSTIN – Rep. Brian Harrison filed two bills, HB 2220 and HB 2221, to put taxpayers back in control of their property taxes by requiring elections to raise them.HB 2220 would require effective tax increases go to the voters for approval.

Maypearl author publishes children’s book

MAYPEARL– “Auggie Gets Glasses,” a new book by Letitia M. Pipes, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.After having to get glasses, Auggie learns valuable lessons on friendship, kindness, and understanding.These lessons are all a part of life.

State Rep. Carl Sherman joins the Texas Advisory Committee of USGLC

LANCASTER – Texas State Representative Carl O. Sherman announced his selection to the Texas Advisory Committee of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, a national non-profit dedicated to strengthening American development and diplomacy.The U.S.

COMICALLY INCORRECT by A.F. Branco (February 16, 2023)

OPINION: Illegal Migrants Millions, American Veterans 0

Scorecards matter.Last Sunday’s Super Bowl 38-35 victory by the Chiefs over the Eagles gave Kansas City bragging rights over Philadelphia as NFL champions.Today’s headlines could also read “Raptors 5+, Chinese Communist balloons 0.

OPINION: Joe Biden’s delusional State of the Union

After watching last Tuesday’s State of the Union address, I have just one question:Has there ever before in American history been such a clear-cut example of a political figure being so disconnected from reality, so totally, completely, Marie Antoinette “Let them eat cake!” out of touch?

NOTABLE QUOTABLES (February 16, 2023)

OBSERVATIONS“The Chinese spy balloon incident appears to have quickly evolved from embarrassing national security failure to national farce.