LEGAL NOTICE: Citation by publication to all persons interested in the estate of Aubrey Kirk, deceased

Publish one time in The Ellis County Press on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.CITATION BY PUBLICATION – First Amended Application for Determination and Declaration of Heirship and for Letters of Independent Administration Pursuant to Section 401.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Notice of public sale Ideal Self Storage-Ennis, 2312 N Preston St, Ennis TX

Publish two times in The Ellis County Press on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 and Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.

Ferris train fatality claims two lives

 FERRIS – A train accident on Thursday, Dec. 18 took the lives of two people and injured a third.Reports indicate the driver, a 21-year-old female, foolishly tried to beat an oncoming train a the crossing at West 3rd Street around 10:30 a.m.

Ovilla Heritage Park Construction begins

 OVILLA – Heritage Park is undergoing its news ADA Improvements.The improvements began at Heritage Park, 675 Main Street, this past Tuesday, Dec. 17.Construction crews are working on an ADA-compliant ramp and a new pathway connection to the existing restroom facilities at the park.

TEA financial integrity ratings for 2024-2025

 ELLIS COUNTY – Last month on November 13 the Texas Education Agency announced the 2024-2025 Financial Integrity or FIRST ratings for Texas public schools.At that time 81% of school systems earned an ‘A’ or Superior Achievement rating for the 2024-2025 school year.

Commissioners nix tax abatement changes

 WAXAHACHIE – A requested tax abatement guideline change involving Weston Holladay LLC’s data center project in Red Oak’s Reinvestment Zone was unsuccessful last week at Ellis County Commissioners Court.

Maypearl sees 2026 sewer rate increase

 MAYPEARL – Maypearl residents should get ready for a water and sewer rate increase in January.Residents will see the following changes beginning with their December usage (billed in January).Minimum Water Usage:From $21.00 per month to $23.10 per month.Minimum Sewer Usage:From $25.00 to$27.

Italy Detective now Interim Police Chief

 ITALY – Several months ago, the Italy City Council unanimously voted to terminate the city’s Police Chief, Scott McAuley.No interim was named to replace McAuley at that time.

Ellis County Sheriff’s Deptartment warns of new scam

 ELLIS COUNTY – The Ellis County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents of a new holiday scam.The latest scam is a phone con targeting residents when scammers call and claim to be from the Sheriff’s Office demanding immediate payment for warrants.

PET TALK: Merry Christmas from my furry family members to yours!

 Leonard was born to me on Jan. 4, 2023, in my bathroom with his three other siblings, and the only one that came out fluffy, curly, with a laid-back personality.Leonard is 125 lbs. of love and kindness. His favorite pastime is to shake and have you hold his paw.He comes from an unplanned pregnancy.