LOCAL STUDENT UPDATE (February 12, 2026)

Jordan Morgan of Midlothian has been named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.Emma Fletcher of Waxahachie graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services from Abilene Christian University.

ELLIS COUNTY ARRESTS (February 3 – 8)

Escalante, Eric, 24, poss marij <2oz, failure to identify giving false/fictitious info, resist arrest search or transport, unl carrying weapon, poss marij <2oz.Trotter, Lukas, 34, poss CS pg 1/1-b<1g.Martinez, Daniel, 37, DWI 2nd.

WILMER ARRESTS (February 1 – 9)

Webster, John, 55, poss marij <2oz, warrant arrest local, poss marij <2oz, warrant arrest local.Gipson, James, 50, DWLI w/prev conviction/suspension w/o financial restitution.

Take extra measures to help prevent check fraud

STATEPOINT – The use of checks may be declining, but check crimes are actually on the rise due to new, creative criminal schemes.

FERRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY: More than Books (February 5, 2026)

 Library Lovers Month is celebrated throughout the month of February and is an opportunity to honor the vital role libraries play in communities. It’s a time to celebrate the joy of reading, learning, and discovering all that libraries offer.

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.

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).