News

Todd Little

Todd Little ousted from post at NCTCOG

CHARLES HATFIELD (with additional reporting by Rita Cook)

Wed, 09/02/2026 - 16:15

ELLIS COUNTY – Todd Little, the former Ellis County Judge appointed to lead the North Central Texas Council of Governments in May 2025, left his position last week after a meeting of the group’s executive board, which now includes five Tarrant County leaders.

Ellis County Judge John Wray. Photo courtesy Ellis County

Ellis County Judge John Wray’s letter to the citizens of Ellis County concerning the $20-million in revenue that is currently unaccounted for

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/02/2026 - 16:12

Office of the County Judge John Wray August 27, 2026 Citizens of Ellis County, As stated during our most recent Commissioners Court meeting, discrepancies were identified in the tax revenue estimate used for the current county budget.

Tony Fain

Repeat offender sentenced to 10 years in Texas Prison

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/02/2026 - 16:11

WAXAHACHIE – Tony Fain, 50 of Midlothian was convicted of the third-degree felony offense of Obstruction or Retaliation on Aug.10, according to a stement released by Fain pled not guilty, however the jury found him guilty of the offense as charged in the indictment.

L-R: Corporal Zachary Abrahams, Officer Elijah Samuels, Midlothian Police Chief Carl Smith and Sergeant Drew Wilson. Submitted photo

Midlothian PD recognizes 4 officers for lifesaving actions

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/02/2026 - 16:00

MIDLOTHIAN – The Midlothian Police Department recognized four officers recently for their extraordinary lifesaving actions during two critical incidents in July 2026.

Video image courtesy Fox 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth

Wilmer, Ferris fire extinguished with no injuries

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/02/2026 - 15:56

WILMER – A large grass fire last week in the 1900 block of Malloy Bridge Road had Ferris and Wilmer residents concerned due to the hot dry weather in North Texas.

Photo courtesy Italy Police Department

Multiple agencies converge in Italy for warrant arrests

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/02/2026 - 15:39

ITALY – The Italy Police Department reported late last week they had been requested to assist Dallas PD in arresting a violent offender with an active warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Logo courtesy Ellis County Republican Women

E.C. Republican Women sell Christmas ornaments for scholarship program

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/02/2026 - 14:36

ELLIS COUNTY – The Ellis County Republican Women are selling Christmas ornaments to help fund its annual scholarship program. There are 38 official White House Christmas Ornaments available, and each one is a beautifully crafted keepsake from Washington.

Brenda and Joe Sifuentes.

Golden Trowel Award bestowed upon Ennis’ Joe Sifuentes

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/02/2026 - 14:31

ENNIS – On Aug. 22, Ennis Masonic Lodge No. 369 bestowed the Golden Trowel award, the highest honor a mason can be given, upon Brother Joe Sifuentes.

File photo

Is Ellis County missing $20-million?

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Thu, 08/27/2026 - 12:25

ELLIS COUNTY – There is a $20 million question mark in Ellis County. It appears to have risen to the surface during the contentious current new fiscal year budget conversations.

Graphic coutesy Vecteezy

I-35E closes, detours in Red Oak starting Aug. 28

STAFF REPORT

Thu, 08/27/2026 - 12:10

ELLIS COUNTY – Weather permitting, the following traffic impacts are scheduled in Red Oak on I-35E between Bear Creek Road and Red Oak Road as part of an ongoing improvement project: FRIDAY, AUG. 28 All I-35E southbound lanes, including the frontage road, will close and detour from 9 p.m.