News

May 11, 2026 – A group of Red Oak residents showed their opposition to the proposed 800+ acre data center development in Red Oak by protesting on the north side of FM 664. Photo by Charles D. Hatfield Jr. / The Ellis County Press

May 11, 2026 – A group of Red Oak residents showed their opposition to the proposed 800+ acre data center development in Red Oak by protesting on the north side of FM 664. Photo by Charles D. Hatfield Jr. / The Ellis County Press

Ellis County lawsuit sparks statewide grid and legislative battle over Red Oak data centers

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Mon, 09/14/2026 - 13:49
  RED OAK – What began as a local fight over an 830-acre agricultural tract in Red Oak has escalated into an Ellis County lawsuit and a high-stakes gubernatorial campaign debate over the future of Texas infrastructure.
Map courtesy Red Oak Economic Development Department

Map courtesy Red Oak Economic Development Department

Lawsuit targets Red Oak data center rezoning

STAFF REPORT
Wed, 09/09/2026 - 16:25
  RED OAK – The data center battle in Red Oak escalated last week as local legal action intersected with gubernatorial campaign politics, turning a regional zoning dispute into a statewide debate over Texas infrastructure and resource allocation.
File photo

File photo

Budget discrepancy explains $20-million ‘missing’ county funds

AMELIA PRICE
Wed, 09/09/2026 - 16:18
  WAXAHACHIE – Ellis County officials clarified last week a rumored $20 million in “missing” funds is actually a $16.3 million budget discrepancy, with no evidence of fraud or misappropriation. County Judge John Wray confirmed an internal audit by Stacey Parr revealed the county collected $8.
Loloi Rugs cut the ribbon on its new distribution facility in Ennis last Wednesday (Submitted photo).

Loloi Rugs cut the ribbon on its new distribution facility in Ennis last Wednesday (Submitted photo).

New distribution facility in Ennis could bring 380 new jobs to city

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Wed, 09/09/2026 - 16:15
  ENNIS – Loloi Rugs cut the ribbon on its new distribution facility in Ennis last Wednesday. The Greater Ennis Chamber of Commerce, along with Loloi Rug president and owner Amir Loloi and other company leaders, took part in the ribbon cutting.
Image courtesy Ellis County Sheriff’s Office

Image courtesy Ellis County Sheriff’s Office

Friday fire in Ennis/Alma burns 600+ acres and prompts evacuation

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Wed, 09/09/2026 - 16:03
  ELLIS COUNTY – A grass fire in Ellis County near Ennis and Alma in the vicinity of FM 85 was reported contained by officials as of 11 p.m. Friday evening. The fire prompted mandatory evacuations of homes along FM 85, Walker Creek Road, Zmolek Road and Mach Road.
Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Milford volunteer fire department receives $10,000 grant

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Wed, 09/09/2026 - 15:52
  MILFORD – The Milford Volunteer Fire Department announced last month they received a $10,000 grant through the State Farm® Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.Milford VFD was one of 150 volunteer fire departments across the nation to receive the grant money.
Demarcia and the Unfaded Brass Band. Photo courtesy City of Glenn Heights

Demarcia and the Unfaded Brass Band. Photo courtesy City of Glenn Heights

Final event of Glenn Heights 2026 Sunset Concert series closes out season

STAFF REPORT
Wed, 09/09/2026 - 15:48
  The last event of the Glenn Heights Sunset Concert Series for 2026 took place on Sunday, Aug. 6, featuring Demarcia and the Unfaded Brass Band.  Glenn Heights Mayor Sonja A. Brown said, “Tonight was bittersweet as we closed out another incredible season of our Sunset Concert Series.

2 in custody following search warrant execution

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Wed, 09/09/2026 - 15:39
  WAXAHACHIE – One male and one female were arrested this past Friday, Aug. 28 in relation to a large amount of narcotics after the Waxahachie Police Department were part of a multi-agency investigation to execute a search warrant alongside Corsicana Police Department at a Waxahachie address.
Khaalid Rashard Lathrop-Ragland

Khaalid Rashard Lathrop-Ragland

Midlothian Police looking for missing person

STAFF REPORT
Tue, 09/08/2026 - 17:54
  MIDLOTHIAN – Midlothian Police reported Tuesday, Sept. 8 they were searching for Khaalid Rashard Lathrop-Ragland. Lathrop-Ragland is a 25-year-old black male who was reported missing Monday evening and could be in danger. He is 5’6” and weighs approximately 140 pounds.