The Ellis County Press

Majestic Realty Co., the owners, said the Department of Homeland Security had contacted them to discuss purchasing the property. Photo courtesy Majestic Realty website.

Majestic Realty Co., the owners, said the Department of Homeland Security had contacted them to discuss purchasing the property. Photo courtesy Majestic Realty website.

Purchase of Hutchins warehouse by ICE rejected by owner

Ellis123
Thu, 02/19/2026 - 14:53
 HUTCHINS – Owners of a Dallas County warehouse Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had planned to use as a mega detention center said Monday it will not sell or lease the property to the federal government.
The images are from surveillance photos of the suspects as well as the suspect vehicle taken from the Midlothian Police Department’s Facebook page.

The images are from surveillance photos of the suspects as well as the suspect vehicle taken from the Midlothian Police Department’s Facebook page.

Police seeking help finding suspects

Ellis123
Thu, 02/19/2026 - 14:49
 MIDLOTHIAN – The Midlothian Police are asking residents for their help in identifying three suspects (one female, two male) who committed a crime on Dec, 30, 2025 at the Midlothian Walmart, 400 N US Hwy 67 at around 11:41 a.m.
© The Ellis County Press

© The Ellis County Press

EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (February 19, 2026)

Ellis123
Thu, 02/19/2026 - 14:32
 ALMAAlma paid its respects last week to longtime resident Elayna Benton. The City offices were closed early last Wednesday to attend Benton’s funeral service. She was the wife of city employee Jim Benton.BARDWELLThe next Bardwell City Council meeting will be on Mon., Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Adrian Tijerina

Adrian Tijerina

Red Oak welcomes new police chief

Ellis123
Thu, 02/19/2026 - 13:45
 RED OAK – Red Oak is welcoming Adrian Tijerina, as the new police chief.Tijerin recently served as Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Duncanville.He will officially begin serving on March 2, 2026.
Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Red Oak Hawkettes varsity team takes home 1st place in competition

Ellis123
Thu, 02/19/2026 - 13:31
The Red Oak ISD Hawkettes first competition with Showmakers was a success.The Varsity team took home first place in the overall competition.The Dance Officers placed first in their division, the JV team placed second in that division, and all the soloists placed in the top four.

LOCAL STUDENT UPDATE (February 19, 2026)

Ellis123
Thu, 02/19/2026 - 13:03
Juliet Amadi, Felicity Hesters and Demilade Omotoso of Midlothian, Jordyn White of Ovilla, and Jordyn Brown of Waxahachie graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in the fall 2025 class.Luke Zmolik of Ennis was named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List at Youngstown State University.