Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School progress: project under budget by several million

RED OAK – Red Oak ISD construction of the Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School, a second middle school for the District located off Westmoreland Rd., is on schedule and the building is expected to be open for the spring semester in January 2026.

SPCA of Texas terminates agreement with Ellis County, facility to shut down

WAXAHACHIE – At an Ellis County Commissioners Court meeting in late January, an item on the agenda was an action to amend the Ellis County Animal Control Ordinance.The amendment was regarding the notification of termination of Ellis County by the SPCA of Texas.

Wilmer christens new ladder truck

WILMER – It was a large turnout earlier this week in Wilmer as city leaders, staff, residents, and friends of the city joined the Wilmer Fire Department in christening its new fire apparatus.

UPDATE: I-35 highway shutdown and officer involved shooting in Red Oak

RED OAK – More information has been released regarding last month’s I-35 shutdown from Dallas into Red Oak with a police chase that ended in an officer involved shooting and one person dead.

Citizens Against Ellis County Muds discuss Shankle Rd.

ELLIS COUNTY – According to Ernie Martinek, the Shankle Road and Citizens Against Ellis County MUDs conversations continue.In a timeline of the Shankle Road MUD and Citizens Against Ellis County MUDs actions, it began on Dec.

Ferris featured in upcoming episode of ‘Advancements’ with Ted Danson

JUPITER, FL – An upcoming episode of “Advancements” with Ted Danson will focus on how technology and innovation are being used to transform and empower local government and public administration.

Midlothian ISD superintendent given extension

MIDLOTHIAN – The Midlothian ISD school board approved a five-year contract extension for Dr. David Belding last week. Dr. Belding has been with the district since Sept. 2023 when he was unanimously named Superintendent of Schools of Midlothian ISD by the Board of Trustees.

ELLIS COUNTY UNITED POWERLIFTING TEAM BRINGS HOME GOLD

The Ellis County United Special Olympics Powerlifting Team had a most successful outing at the Region 10 Powerlifting Meet held at Grand Prairie High School on Saturday, Jan. 18.

Commissioners approve MOU with Heights Ellis County Family Resources

WAXAHACHIE – Ellis County Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding last week with The Heights Ellis County Family Resources regarding a grant that will provide for a sexual assault nurse examiner at The Heights clinic.

Look for creation of ESD 12 on May’s ballot

ELLIS COUNTY – The Ellis County Commissioners voted unanimously, with Pct. 2 Lane Grayson not in attendance, to order an election for May 3, 2025, for the creation of the Ellis County Emergency Services District #12 and to authorize the imposition of a tax.