Google plans to invest more than $600 million in a new data center

RED OAK – Google announced plans last week to invest more than $600 million in a new data center in Red Oak to power the increasing digital demands of consumers and businesses using its cloud, workspace and maps services and apps.

Wilmer’s annual Pioneer Days Sept. 15-17

WILMER – The City of Wilmer is marking its annual Pioneer Days which will be held Sept. 15-17 at City Hall Square, located at 128 N. Dallas Avenue.

Google presents community investment grant to Red Oak ISD

RED OAK – As part of Google’s ongoing investment to the Red Oak Community, the Red Oak Independent School District announced last week it will receive a $150,000 Google grant from the company.

Ellis County road closures announced

ELLIS COUNTY – Everywhere you look these days there are road closures. Currently in the various Ellis County Precincts, there is only one construction project in Precinct 2. Feaster Rd. in Ellis County (Road & Bridge) is closed to thru traffic between Wakeland Rd. and Hwy. 34 until further notice.

6 Ellis County cities named fastest growing home prices

ELLIS COUNTY – Six cities in Ellis County out of a list of 30 compiled by the new-age news wire service Stacker were named the fastest growing home prices in the area. The publication used Zillow to rank the cities with data from May 2022 to May 2023.

TSTC Cybersecurity student interns with U.S. Coast Guard

RED OAK – Chanel Hinton, a Cybersecurity student at Texas State Technical College, recently began an internship with the U.S. Coast Guard.Keith Kooyman, the statewide online Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics lead instructor for TSTC, said Hinton is a dependable and dedicated student.

FRIENDS LOOKING FOR ANSWERS IN HIT AND RUN

ITALY – Friends are looking for answers in the case of a hit and run that occurred on Aug. 24 at around 8 a.m. on 77 and 308 between Italy and Milford.Bailey Carmack was turning onto the motorway when he was struck by a vehicle. While he was not killed, the accident left the man in bad condition.

HIGH SPEED RAIL OPPONENTS MEET SEPT. 14

ENNIS – Texans Against HSR has scheduled meeting in Ennis on Sept. 14, Doors open at 6:30 p.m.Speakers begin at 7 p.m. at SPJST Lodge, 1901 E. Ennis Ave.

Ferris lowers property tax rate

FERRIS – City of Ferris staff met with city leaders earlier this week to discuss lowering the tax burden for residents in the city.

Serial abuser gets 50 years

WAXAHACHIE – Ellis County serial domestic abuser Robert Edgar Parham, III, was sentenced to 50 years in prison in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system after he was convicted last week of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.