News

Cheryl Chambers

Cheryl Chambers

Ellis County Treasurer Cheryl Chambers dies unexpectedly

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Thu, 08/27/2026 - 12:07
  ELLIS COUNTY – Following the unexpected death of Ellis County Treasurer Cheryl Chambers on Aug. 18, the Ellis County GOP was left with the need to put a new name on the ballot and with little time to do it. Chambers was the unopposed Republican nominee for the Nov.
James Langham and Red Oak Police Chief Adrian Tijerina.

James Langham and Red Oak Police Chief Adrian Tijerina.

Red Oak Police Lieutenant James Langham retires after 40 years

STAFF REPORT
Thu, 08/27/2026 - 12:02
  RED OAK – Red Oak Police Lieutenant James “Jim” Langham has officially retired after more than 40 years in law enforcement, including over 21 years of service with the local department. Langham began his public service career in 1985 and joined Red Oak PD in 2004.
Photo courtesy Midlothian Firefighters Association

Photo courtesy Midlothian Firefighters Association

Midlothian firefighters raise $10K

STAFF REPORT
Thu, 08/27/2026 - 12:01
  MIDLOTHIAN – The fire service community across the Texas recently demonstrated the true meaning of brotherhood.
Former Italy Police Department officer Kevin Oginski.

Former Italy Police Department officer Kevin Oginski.

Reported secret audio sparks questions as Italy officer’s appeal postponed

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Thu, 08/27/2026 - 11:56
  ITALY – The public appeal hearing for former Italy Police Department officer Kevin “Blue” Oginski, originally scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18, has been  rescheduled to a later date. Local officials have not yet announced a new time for the proceeding.
Javier Macias Cortez

Javier Macias Cortez

Ellis County Sheriff’s Dept. asks for public’s help in missing person case

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Wed, 08/26/2026 - 17:51
  The Ellis County Sheriff’s Department put out a missing person bulletin late last week on Javier Macias Cortez. The Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Cortez, 39, who was last seen in Waxahachie on July 13 at approximately 2 p.m.
Map courtesy Texas Education Agency

Map courtesy Texas Education Agency

Ellis County 2026 TEA Ratings

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Wed, 08/26/2026 - 17:45
  ELLIS COUNTY – The Texas Education Agency released its 2026 A-F accountability ratings on Aug. 14, and while the numbers don’t show a dramatic statewide shift, there are some changes worth noting.