News

Photo courtesy Fox 4 Dallas/Ft Worth

Truck accident closes Waxahachie highway

Ellis123

Thu, 09/25/2025 - 13:12

WAXAHACHIE – A livestock truck accident shut down US Hwy 77 in Waxahachie late last week.The accident occurred at approximately 2:50 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 when a semi-truck carrying a cattle trailer had a blowout, according to the driver.

Dakota Johnson

Sheriff’s Department looking for missing juvenile male

Ellis123

Thu, 09/25/2025 - 13:11

ELLIS COUNTY – As of Sunday, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department had not reported finding missing 14-year-old Dakota Johnson.Johnson is a black male, 5'9" and 130 pounds.His last known location was in the 100 block of Wilson Road near his home in Waxahachie.

Photo by Corey Rogan / Ellis County Public Information Strategist

2026 FY budget, 0.273992 tax rate approved by Ellis County Commissioners

Ellis123

Thu, 09/25/2025 - 13:09

ELLIS COUNTY – Ellis County Commissioner’s voted unanimously to approve the 2026 fiscal year budget and 0.273992 tax rate.Ellis County Judge John Wray commended Ellis County Chief of Staff Ryan Garrett for his part in the successful budget.

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (September 25, 2025)

Ellis123

Thu, 09/25/2025 - 13:08

ALMAAlma seems to have an active animal population. Recently a resident posted, “Whoever has young black cows on Lake Tom Sawyer they are out running thru neighbor’s yards. This has been going on for over a week.” Apparently, there were about 10 one-year-old cows visiting neighborhoods unattended.

Image courtesy Freepik.com

I-35E closes Red Oak detours

Ellis123

Thu, 09/25/2025 - 13:03

RED OAK – All lanes of north and southbound I-35E are closed and detoured between FM 664/Ovilla Road and Bear Creek Road near Red Oak through late 2026 for an ongoing improvement project.All southbound lanes of I-35E will be closed and detoured between Bear Creek Road and FM 664/Ovilla Road.

Submitted photo

Jason Hogan honored for 25 years of service

Ellis123

Thu, 09/25/2025 - 12:27

WILMER – On Thursday, Sept. 18, the City of Wilmer recognized Jason Hogan at Thursday at its city council meeting for his 25 years of service with the Wilmer Fire Department. In the photo above, from left to right are Wilmer Fire Chief David Gifford, Jason Hogan, and Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta.

Photo by Michael Seiber / The Ellis County Press

Ferris Nichirin Atco ribbon cutting

Ellis123

Thu, 09/25/2025 - 12:09

FERRIS – The Ferris Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Nichirin Atco Texas, Inc. on Friday, Sept. 19.

Photo by Tony Webster

Ellis County Sheriff seeking help with 2-year-old murder investigation

Ellis123

Wed, 09/17/2025 - 17:10

ELLIS COUNTY – The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office said last week they were asking for the public’s help in a two-year-old death investigation of Jackie Wayne Shelby, aged 54 at the time of his death.Shelby’s death took place in Italy, Texas, in February 2023.

The new Midlothian Public Safety Facility Grand Opening was held Saturday, Sept. 13 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and open house. The new building is located at 1111 George W. Raffield Jr. Way in Midlothian. Photo courtesy Facebook.

Midlothian Public Safety Facility Grand Opening held Saturday

Ellis123

Wed, 09/17/2025 - 17:04

MIDLOTHIAN – The new Midlothian Public Safety Facility Grand Opening was held Saturday, Sept, 13 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and open house.The community was invited to the opening of Midlothian’s new Public Safety and Municipal Court Facility.Located at 1111 George W. Raffield Jr.

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (September 18, 2025)

Ellis123

Wed, 09/17/2025 - 17:00

ALMAThe Alma City Council recently considered an ordinance to amend the driveway approach from the public right-of-way to 25-feet to be asphalt or concrete and from that point to the dwelling parking space to be all-weather material for emergency vehicles on all lots five acres or more.