EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (January 15, 2026)

 ALMAAfter many years, the Old Alma Rd. South bridge will finally be replaced. A post requests residents to keep off the road while the bridge construction is underway. The work will begin in the next few weeks.

FM 878 narrows near Palmer starting Jan. 12

 ELLIS COUNTY – Weather permitting, FM 878 will narrow to one lane over Bone Branch Creek west of Palmer starting 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12 through May. This upcoming work is a part of a $2 million bridge improvement project.

21-year-old Midlothian man charged with international terrorism for supporting ISIS

 MIDLOTHIAN – An alleged ISIS sympathizer from Midlothian is facing charges for international terrorism, after reportedly delivering bomb materials to an undercover FBI agent he thought was a terrorist, according to the Dallas Express.John Michael Garza Jr.

TRAFFIC: January traffic advisories, closures in Ellis County

 ELLIS COUNTY – So you don’t end up in heavy traffic this month, here’s a list of Ellis County road improvements, lane closures and new stop signs.In Ovilla, roadway marking improvements are underway as of this past Monday.

First Ellis County fire for new year in Red Oak

 Red Oak, Lancaster and Waxahachie Fire Departments were called to a house fire on Methodist Street in Red Oak on New Year’s Eve.One resident several miles away said there was a noise that sounded like a cannon.A source who asked not to be named said it appeared fireworks started the initial fire.

POLITICS: Republican candidate forums set

 Opportunities to hear from the Republican candidates before the Primary will be held: Friday, Jan 9 – 5:30Waxahachie Civic Ctr.Civic Center Ln., WaxahachieTuesday, Jan. 27 – 5:30Midlothian Conference Ctr.1 Community Dr., Midlothian

Ovilla offers residents progress achievement newsletter

 OVILLA – For residents desiring to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in Ovilla, the city will be offering a community progress and achievement newsletter at https://heyzine.com/flip-book/40ef2e0ae4.html.

TxDOT approves Palmer stop light, completed city projects

 PALMER – Palmer officials reported TxDOT has approved moving forward with plans for a stoplight at the city’s three-way stop, along with adding additional turn lanes.

TRAFFIC: Midlothian through traffic for trucks ordinances add additional restrictions

 MIDLOTHIAN – In late October 2025, the Midlothian City Council approved an ordinance 6-0 restricting through heavy trucks on Midlothian Parkway between Main Street and a location north of Mockingbird Lane.This ordinance is set to go into effect on Feb. 1, 2026.

Midlothian police arrest two for sexual assault of a child

 MIDLOTHIAN – The Midlothian Police are investigating the aggravated sexual assault of a child with multiple additional offenses also involved.Patrol officers in Midlothian were dispatched to an address on Wed., Dec. 17, to investigate a report of a potential sexual assault involving a child.