News

Safford was officially sworn in as the new WFR Fire Chief by former Waxahachie Fire Chief and new City Manager Ricky Boyd. Submitted photo.

Safford was officially sworn in as the new WFR Fire Chief by former Waxahachie Fire Chief and new City Manager Ricky Boyd. Submitted photo.

Safford takes oath as Waxhachie Fire Chief

Ellis123
Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:10
 WAXAHACHIE – The City of Waxahachie announced Scott Safford as its new Chief of Waxahachie Fire-Rescue.Safford has 21 years of service to the Waxahachie community and it was noted he brings “extensive experience, leadership, and dedication to the role.
© The Ellis County Press

© The Ellis County Press

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (January 15, 2026)

Ellis123
Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:10
 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.
Image courtesy Freepik.com

Image courtesy Freepik.com

FM 878 narrows near Palmer starting Jan. 12

Ellis123
Thu, 01/08/2026 - 17:47
 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.
Graphic courtesy United States Department of Justice

Graphic courtesy United States Department of Justice

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

Ellis123
Wed, 01/07/2026 - 15:19
 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.
Image courtesy Freepik.com

Image courtesy Freepik.com

TRAFFIC: January traffic advisories, closures in Ellis County

Ellis123
Wed, 01/07/2026 - 15:06
 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.
Submitted photo

Submitted photo

First Ellis County fire for new year in Red Oak

Ellis123
Wed, 01/07/2026 - 15:04
 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.
Graphic courtesy Republican Party of Texas

Graphic courtesy Republican Party of Texas

POLITICS: Republican candidate forums set

Ellis123
Wed, 01/07/2026 - 14:49
 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
Image courtesy City of Ovilla

Image courtesy City of Ovilla

Ovilla offers residents progress achievement newsletter

Ellis123
Wed, 01/07/2026 - 14:26
 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.