FERRIS: Mayor files objections

FERRIS – On Aug. 27, Ferris Mayor Jim Swafford filed several objections to the recently passed ordinance allowing three council members to fire the director of pubic safety without cause. Below are his objections. In the matter of the Notice of the Return of Ordinance NO.

RED OAK: 2nd public hearing set on proposed property tax rate, budget increase

RED OAK – Not all tax and budget increases are bad. Not if residents are interested in new and renovated baseball, football, soccer and indoor sports facilities in the city. In Red Oak, that is exactly what staff and Red Oak City Council are proposing for the new fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.

Ferris ISD safest district in Ellis County

FERRIS – It takes more than a good curriculum to make sure students get through their 12 years of education as well-rounded as they need to be in the world. While the classroom might be the main focus, safety for students while they are in the classroom is also of paramount importance.

Fate of public safety director put on hold

FERRIS – The Ferris City Council took no definitive action at Monday night’s special city council meeting to determine what to do about possible charges or complaints against Ferris Director of Public Safety, Eddie Salazar.

Gallo to seek Ellis County Court at Law #3 Judgeship

WAXAHACHIE – Joseph R. (Joe) Gallo announced intention to file his candidacy for Judge of the Ellis County Court at Law No. 3, seeking the Republican Party nomination in the March primary election.

Rollover sends driver to hospital

ENNIS – On Monday, Aug. 19 at approximately 7:49 p.m., Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers were called to a one-vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 45 just south of FM 1182.

Warbirds on Parade set for Saturday in Lancaster

LANCASTER – The public is invited to attend the Commemorative Air Force Warbirds on Parade at the Lancaster Airport on Saturday, Aug. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Preliminary Wilmer tax rate voted down

WILMER – While it is still in the adjustment phase, the Wilmer city council voted 4 – 1 in a roll call vote last Thursday that said no to a .5 cent tax rate increase. The new tax rate presented was $0.5629. The current rate is $0.5129.

6-year-old’s death being investigated as murder-suicide

WAXAHACHIE – On Friday, Aug. 23, officials issued an Amber Alert for Ollie Wiedemann, a 6-year-old little boy from Waxahachie. Police believed he was with his non-custodial parent, Candace Harbin, and in immediate danger. At approximately 6:35 p.m.

AREA SCHOOLS GRADED BY TEA

FERRIS – When the Texas Education Agency’s accountability ratings were released last Thursday, Ferris ISD had reason to rejoice. Up from a D last year to a B last week, most ISD’s in the area keep a B rating.