Long-term facilities, strategic plan set in motion last week

ELLIS COUNTY – The Ellis County Commissioners’ Court met last week to hold a Special Public Hearing to discuss a long-term facilities-needs assessment in Ellis County.

Red Oak/Waxahachie ISDs team up with county sheriff for mentor program

RED OAK – The Red Oak and Waxahachie ISDs partnered with Inspire School Programs this year for its Mentor’s Care program. The program targets at-risk youth with one-on-one mentoring.

Venus man convicted of sexually abusing 2 young teenage girls

WAXAHACHIE – William Lawrence Davis II, 36, of Venus, has been sentenced to 50-years in prison.

Red Oak Lieutenant promoted to Assistant Police Chief

RED OAK – Red Oak Police Department Assistant Police Chief Marc Schroeder was promoted last month from Lieutenant to his new position.He has been employed with the Red Oak PD for 19 years. Prior to that, he was with the Lacy Lakeview PD making his law enforcement career a total of 24 years so far.

Wilmer swears in mayor, 2 new councilmembers

WILMER – Former Wilmer city councilmember Sergio Campos was on hand this evening at a special city council meeting to swear in 2 new councilmembers elected at the City Council and Independent School Board Trustee elections earlier this month.

Red Oak Park time capsule to be unearthed

RED OAK – A time capsule will be raised near the flagpole in Red Oak City Park this Thursday at 7 p.m.The capsule was scheduled to be unearthed in 2020, but with the pandemic beginning that same year, the capsule was one of those meetings you could not accomplish with a zoom call.

Transparency portal creates link between policing, community

RED OAK – Often programs initiated within city departments are not as successful as the model presented.

FERRIS CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCES NEW ‘ACCESS FOR ALL’ HEALTHCARE

FERRIS – Ferris City Manager Brooks Williams presented an “access for all” healthcare solution to the Ferris city council Monday night, which was unanimously approved.

Voters say ‘NO’ to school bonds

ELLIS COUNTY – There were a number of propositions on the ballot this past Saturday, with the most significant in both Ferris and Red Oak ISD failing in unofficial results.The city of Mansfield had five propositions that all failed in Saturday’s election.

Locals concerned over planned tiny home village in Ellis County

ELLIS COUNY – Recently some residents have shown concern about a possible homeless community being built in northeast Ellis County by a group called OurCalling.Patrick Palmer, chief advancement officer for OurCalling, said the project is an assisted living development and not a homeless shelter.