TEA financial integrity ratings for 2024-2025

 ELLIS COUNTY – Last month on November 13 the Texas Education Agency announced the 2024-2025 Financial Integrity or FIRST ratings for Texas public schools.At that time 81% of school systems earned an ‘A’ or Superior Achievement rating for the 2024-2025 school year.

Commissioners nix tax abatement changes

 WAXAHACHIE – A requested tax abatement guideline change involving Weston Holladay LLC’s data center project in Red Oak’s Reinvestment Zone was unsuccessful last week at Ellis County Commissioners Court.

Maypearl sees 2026 sewer rate increase

 MAYPEARL – Maypearl residents should get ready for a water and sewer rate increase in January.Residents will see the following changes beginning with their December usage (billed in January).Minimum Water Usage:From $21.00 per month to $23.10 per month.Minimum Sewer Usage:From $25.00 to$27.

Italy Detective now Interim Police Chief

 ITALY – Several months ago, the Italy City Council unanimously voted to terminate the city’s Police Chief, Scott McAuley.No interim was named to replace McAuley at that time.

Ellis County Sheriff’s Deptartment warns of new scam

 ELLIS COUNTY – The Ellis County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents of a new holiday scam.The latest scam is a phone con targeting residents when scammers call and claim to be from the Sheriff’s Office demanding immediate payment for warrants.

Commissioners proclaim Dec. 16 Isaiah Bias Day

 WAXAHACHIE – Ellis County Commissioners read a proclamation recognizing Dec. 16, as a day of remembrance for Detention Officer Isaiah Bias.Ellis County Judge John Wray said, “As many of you know, approximately one year ago on Dec.

Google announces plans to invest nearly $40 billion in Ellis County Data Centers

 MIDLOTHIAN – Google plans to invest $40 billion in Ellis County through 2027, including development at existing sites in Midlothian and Red Oak.

Rick Boyd appointed Waxahachie City Manager

 WAXAHACHIE – The Waxahachie City Council has made it official.After serving as the interim city manager in Waxahachie since July 2025, Rick Boyd was officially appointed to the position at last week’s Waxahachie City Council meeting.

Overturned cattle hauler closes 287 offramp

 WAXAHACHIE – A cattle hauler truck involved in a serious accident late last week at 287 northbound and 35E had that off ramp closed for roughly three hours.The cause of the accident was not available at press time.

Ovilla takes action for improved electric reliability

 OVILLA – Ovilla city leaders have recently gotten involved to improve electrical service reliability in the city.