Community

LOCAL STUDENT UPDATE (February 5, 2026)

Jasmine Murry of Midlothian was named to the McKendree University’s President’s List for the fall 2025 semester.Justin Cuellar and Elizabeth Penkert of Waxahachie were named to MidAmerica Nazarene University’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (January 26 – February 2)

Ware, Alexis, 25, poss CS pg 1/1-b<1g, poss CS pg 1/1-b<1g, poss CS pg 1/1-b<1g.Messerschmidt, Acyn, 17, assault causes bodily injury.Smith, James, 61, DWI 3rd or more Felony 3.Burrow, David, 57, assault causes bodily injury.Wheaton, Leonard, 60, assault causes bodily injury.

WAXAHACHIE ARRESTS (January 18 – 23)

Chalupa, Kenneth, 35, unl carrying weapon, DWI.Garcia, Alberto, 22, unl carrying weapon, DWI/open alch container.Brundige, Randall, 37, DWLI enhanced, tamper w/government record.Ramos, Juan, 31, theft prop <$2,500 2/more w/prev conviction, warrant other agency.Bailey, Dustin, 35, DWI.

WILMER ARRESTS (January 25 – February 1)

Harris, Trayvion, 22, poss marij <2oz, unl carrying weapon.Jones, Kevin, 24, poss marij <2oz, unl carrying weapon.Rooks, Doretha, 22, poss marij <2oz.Hernandez, Aldo, 24, warrant arrest other agency.Dudley, Kendrea, 32, poss marij <2oz, poss marij <2oz.
Phil and Margie Whittington will serve as the demo artists at the monthly meeting of The Ellis County Art Association. Submitted photo.

Phil and Margie Whittington will serve as the demo artists at the monthly meeting of The Ellis County Art Association. Submitted photo.

Artist couple to demonstrate painting at February meeting

 WAXAHACHIE – Featured in the Bosque Art Classic in Clifton last fall, married artists Phil and Margie Whittington will serve as the demo artists at the monthly meeting of The Ellis County Art Association, Feb. 2 at First Baptist Church of Waxahachie (450 US287 BYP).
© Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock via Getty Images Plus

© Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock via Getty Images Plus

How to live to be 100 years old

STATEPOINT – Living to 100 may sound extraordinary, but research suggests it’s more achievable – and enjoyable – than many people think.Studies show the majority of centenarians rate their health as good, and large numbers of people in this age group are mobile, active and optimistic.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (January 20 – 25)

Johnson, David, 39, poss CS pg 4 >=200g<400g Felony 2, fail to ID fugitive intent give false info, evading arrest/detention w/vehicle Felony 3, DWI.King, Keadre, 30, obstruction or retaliation Felony 3.

WILMER ARRESTS (January 18 – 25)

Strong, Eric, 38, assault causes bodily injury family member.McGriff, Markise, 31, DWI/open alch container, unl carrying weaponMcCoy, Danarion, 21, public intoxicationRice, Jayla, 22, poss marij <2oz, public intoxicationEscalante, Oracio, 27, DWI.
© Koto / iStock via Getty Images Plus

© Koto / iStock via Getty Images Plus

10 doctor-recommended health resolutions to keep healthy in 2026

STATEPOINT – With a new year ahead, the American Medical Association (AMA) is offering Americans 10 evidence-based tips for staying healthy in 2026 and beyond:GET HEALTH SCREENINGSSchedule preventive visits, tests and screenings so your physician can catch conditions before they become more serious.
© The Ellis County Press

© The Ellis County Press

FERRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY: More than Books (January 22, 2026)

 Join us on Thursday, Jan. 29 for LEGO LAB, a relaxed, come-and-go program with no set rules! Participants are welcome to drop in anytime from 3:30 to 5 p.m. We’re excited to offer new Legos for participants to explore, along with a special building challenge for this week’s session.