The Ellis County Press

A group of Red Oak residents showed their opposition to the proposed 800+ acre data center development in Red Oak by standing on the north side of FM 664 waving signs last week. Photo by Charles D. Hatfield Jr. / The Ellis County Press.

Red Oak rezones land for data center campus despite protests

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 05/13/2026 - 11:10

RED OAK – More than 100 people attended last Monday night’s nearly 5-hour meeting to oppose the rezoning of an 830-acre property from agricultural district to allow a data center campus to be built.

Photo by Magnific

Ellis County deputy shoots, kills armed suspect in Red Oak

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 05/13/2026 - 11:07

RED OAK – An officer involved shooting that occurred in Red Oak involving Ellis County Sheriff’s Department deputies last week left one person dead. The deceased person involved in the shooting has not been identified.

Jake Ellzey

Vehicle kill switches gets ‘yes vote’ from Ellzey

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 05/13/2026 - 11:04

ELLIS COUNTY – Jake Ellzey is back in the news again with some residents in an uproar, this time because he voted with 56 other lawmakers to keep the spyware in vehicles.

Graphic by Magnific

Ellis County Sheriff’s Department alerts residents to more scams

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 05/13/2026 - 10:56

ELLIS COUNTY – The Ellis County Sheriff’s Department is keeping people informed when scammers attempt to break the law and harm residents. The latest scam the Sheriff’s Department reported is not a new one, but it is worth mentioning for residents to be careful and attentive.

Photo courtesy Texas Historical Commission

Waxahachie residents vote to choose their own mayor beginning 2027

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 05/13/2026 - 10:50

WAXHACHIE – The residents of Waxahachie officially had their voices heard at last week’s election and said yes to electing the mayor of their city in future elections.

Photo courtesy City of Wilmer

Wilmer celebrates Cinco de Mayo

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 05/13/2026 - 10:50

WILMER – A large turnout last Tuesday celebrated the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862, victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day is also known as Battle of Puebla Day.

On behalf of the Ennis Public Library, Lisa Slaughter accepts the gift of copies of early records of the Ennis United Confederate Veterans from members of the William Henry Parsons Camp #415, Sons of Confederate Veterans. From left, Jimmy Neil Crawford, Rob Jones, Lisa Slaughter, and Randy Cox. Submitted photo.