News

City of Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta

City of Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta

How Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta transformed, enhanced city

Ellis123
Thu, 06/25/2026 - 21:07
  WILMER – Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta won her seat again last month and is now in her third mayoral term. Prior to her role as Mayor, Petta was an active councilmember and a Wilmer resident for several years. Since she took her seat as Mayor in the last five years 6.
Photo by Michael Seiber / The Ellis County Press

Photo by Michael Seiber / The Ellis County Press

Stafford Historical Marker dedication in Italy

Ellis123
Thu, 06/25/2026 - 21:03
  ITALY – David Gravelle and Elmerine Allen Bell, grandchildren of William Hobart Stafford, unveiled the 133 Historical Marker in Italy, Texas recognizing William Hobart Stafford on Juneteenth. The legacy of William Hobart Stafford continues to inspire Academic Excellence in Italy since 1923.
Award-winning artist Michael Holter will do a demonstration at the July 6 meeting of The Ellis County Art Association at First Baptist Church of Waxahachie (450 US287 BYP). Submitted photo.

Award-winning artist Michael Holter will do a demonstration at the July 6 meeting of The Ellis County Art Association at First Baptist Church of Waxahachie (450 US287 BYP). Submitted photo.

Award-winning artist Michael Holter to demonstrate painting techniques

Ellis123
Thu, 06/25/2026 - 20:58
  WAXAHACHIE – Award-winning artist of watercolor and oil, Michael Holter will do a demonstration at the July 6 meeting of The Ellis County Art Association at First Baptist Church of Waxahachie (450 US287 BYP). Holter’s paintings are in private and corporate collections in the U.S.
Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Garrett mailboxes vandalized

Ellis123
Thu, 06/25/2026 - 20:55
  GARRETT – Garrett Police Department recently reported mailbox vandalism in the city. Police said they have received reports of mailboxes being damaged and destroyed within the city. “We are asking for the public’s assistance in helping identify those responsible,” a social media post requested.

Red Oak data center tax abatement agreement request withdrawn

Ellis123
Thu, 06/25/2026 - 20:54
ELLIS COUNTY – A request relating to a data center was withdrawn from the Ellis County Commissioners’ Court June 23 meeting. The request was for a 30-day notice for a public meeting regarding a data center to be in Red Oak.
Matthew Zajic, Ellis County Commissioner Precinct 2

Matthew Zajic, Ellis County Commissioner Precinct 2

Ellis County Commissioner Matt Zajic, pct 2, arrested for shoplifting

Ellis123
Wed, 06/17/2026 - 15:55
  ENNIS – Newly elected Ellis County Precinct 2 Commissioner Matthew Zajic was arrested over the weekend in Ennis. The arrest occurred at Walmart on the evening of June 11. Zajic was arrested in connection with a Theft of Property (>$100–<$750), which is a Class B Misdemeanor.
Safe Haven Baby Box

Safe Haven Baby Box

Ennis Fire Dept. one of 21 locations with Safe Haven Baby Box

Ellis123
Wed, 06/17/2026 - 15:51
  ENNIS – The Ennis Fire Department is one of only 21 locations in Texas that offers a Safe Haven Baby Box. The Safe Haven Baby Box is described as a “compassionate and secure lifeline” for mothers in crisis who are unable to care for their newborns.
Brandon Kyle Longoria

Brandon Kyle Longoria

Brandon Kyle Longoria sentenced to life in prison for child abuse

Ellis123
Wed, 06/17/2026 - 15:48
  ENNIS – Last week, the Ellis County District Attorney’s office announced 32-year-old Brandon Kyle Longoria has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child. It took the jury just 40 minutes to deliberate.