News

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (February 19, 2026)

Ellis123

Thu, 02/19/2026 - 14:32

ALMAAlma paid its respects last week to longtime resident Elayna Benton. The City offices were closed early last Wednesday to attend Benton’s funeral service. She was the wife of city employee Jim Benton.BARDWELLThe next Bardwell City Council meeting will be on Mon., Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Adrian Tijerina

Red Oak welcomes new police chief

Ellis123

Thu, 02/19/2026 - 13:45

RED OAK – Red Oak is welcoming Adrian Tijerina, as the new police chief.Tijerin recently served as Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Duncanville.He will officially begin serving on March 2, 2026.

Submitted photo

Red Oak Hawkettes varsity team takes home 1st place in competition

Ellis123

Thu, 02/19/2026 - 13:31

The Red Oak ISD Hawkettes first competition with Showmakers was a success.The Varsity team took home first place in the overall competition.The Dance Officers placed first in their division, the JV team placed second in that division, and all the soloists placed in the top four.

Photo by Freepik

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Southbound I-35E closes, overnight detours in Red Oak, Feb. 15

Ellis123

Fri, 02/13/2026 - 17:13

ELLIS COUNTY – Weather permitting, the following overnight traffic impacts are scheduled as part of an ongoing improvement project on I-35E in Red Oak.All lanes of southbound I-35E will close and detour to the frontage road between Bear Creek Road and Red Oak Road from 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb.

Photo by Freepik

Crowded field awaits voters

Ellis123

Fri, 02/13/2026 - 12:22

NOTICE OF REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC JOINT PRIMARY ELECTIONTo the registered voters of the County of Ellis, Texas:Voting for the purpose of electing presidential electors, members of congress, members of the legislature, and state, district, county and precinct officers; and for the purpose of...

James Buford

QUESTION AND ANSWER: Local Ellis County GOP candidates in March Primary

Ellis123

Fri, 02/13/2026 - 10:59

U.S. 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTQuestion: Your thoughts on term limits, lobbyists, fiscal responsibility, kill switches and representing and voting the voice the constituents?Jake Ellzey (I)(Did not respond)James BufordThe time for “business as usual politics” is over.

Several Hutchins citizens rallied in support of the Hutchins City Council during a press conference on the proposed ICE detention center. Submitted photo.

No official confirmation on Hutchins ICE detention center

Ellis123

Fri, 02/13/2026 - 10:56

HUTCHINS – The City of Hutchins saw protests last week due to the possibility of a one-million-sq.-ft. warehouse being converted to a detention center there.The Washington Post released the story – and the ICE detention center in Hutchins gained momentum.

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (February 12, 2026)

Ellis123

Fri, 02/13/2026 - 10:50

BARDWELLBardwell is considering Freeman-Milligan for the city’s engineering firm. CEDAR HILLFormer Assistant Fire Chief Mike Harrison was recently promoted to Fire Chief after 28 years of service with the city. GARRETTGarrett City Council meetings are the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m.

Graphic courtesy Ellis County, Texas

REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC JOINT PRIMARY ELECTIONS: Vote Center Locations

Ellis123

Fri, 02/13/2026 - 10:31

Notice is hereby given that the Vote Centers listed below will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 3, 2026. All eligible registered voters in Ellis County, Texas, may vote at any of the Election Day Vote Centers listed below. First Baptist Church-Avalon (Annex)206 Giles St.

US Representative Jake Ellzey

Ellzey votes ‘yes’ for refugee benefits and to strengthen Tibetan culture

Ellis123

Thu, 02/12/2026 - 17:23

ELLIS COUNTY – It was a comment at the Ellis County Conservatives Facebook page that sparked discussion alleging U.S. 6th Congressional District Representative Jake Ellzey had, “Once again” betrayed the American people.“We have got to vote this liberal out of office,” one persona added.