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Local recalls family’s ‘polka history’

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National Polka Festival Weekend draws thousands of visitors each year, everyone eager to sample the traditional food, drink, dance and all the other aspects of Czechoslovakian culture symbolized by the event.

But for just as many people, maybe more, the occasion is one big family reunion. That’s what it means to longtime Ennis resident Nola Anthony Factor, whose grandfather stepped off the boat from Czechoslovakia over 107 years ago.

Mayor addresses recent leadership hires as solid additions

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Spinning plates with what appears the greatest of ease, Ennis Mayor Angie Juenemann has seen the fruit of the labors of leadership and vision from decades past, and is witnessing the Bluebonnet City grow through current progress as well as some changes of late.

It was early November when both City Manager Scott Dixon and Chief of Police John Erisman resigned and retired, respectively, on the same day. It set in motion the wheels of action by the City Commission and mayor to build a bridge of transition.

Timely Valentine play sure to inspire hearts

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Forever enjoyed a full-house at Theatre Rocks last weekend. It is slated to resume Feb. 14-15, and 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. nightly and a 2:30 p.m. matinee on the last date.

A funny and charming, heart-tugging script is the sequel to Director Bill Rhoten’s original work, My First Date, which premiered last season.

Tending to roads and needs, Rozier takes on Perry

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When Richard Rozier registered to run for Ellis County Commissioner last August, he did so believing it was for the Precinct 3 seat that Paul Perry has held for the past two terms. But that has all changed.

“I had my application in first,” said Rozier (pronounced RO-shur), “as Paul Perry has said from the start that he’d only serve two terms.”

Lo and behold, Perry changed his mind. Now the two will go head-to-head on March 3 for the position.

Ellis County’s ‘burger lady:’ Rose Stivers

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Author’s Note: A group of readers participated in a Q&A poll I conducted during the Ennis Czech Music Festival that took place last weekend. I asked these men and women what were their favorite Czech history stories from the Ennis News’ Memories page over the last few years and two articles, this one and the one below, were the most mentioned.

Music fest packs Sokol

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At Sokol Hall, 2622 E. Hwy 34, the 14th Annual Ennis Czech Musical Festival, popularly called “the Czech Music Fest,” was a hit with locals and many out-of-town guests last Saturday, Feb. 8.

Almost every Ennis polka band participated in the event, from the Jodie Mikula Orchestra to Czech & Then Some to The Moravians.

The festival’s committee representative Matt Matous praised last weekend’s turnout.

Correction:

In the Feb. 12 issue of the Ennis News, Henrietta Novotny was incorrectly identified as Catholic. Mrs. Novotny is a lifelong Presbyterian and has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ennis since she was a child.

Super Tuesday, March 3, approaches at county polls

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Primary season could be all but done after March 3 as many of the races and delegates for the larger states could be decided for all parties running on that date. A few states have scheduled their primaries for after Super Tuesday, but most of them will only move the needle slightly one way or another.

Make no mistake, however, Super Tuesday is the big enchilada for Republicans and Democrats.

Gallo seeks gavel in new county courtroom

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Ellis County is opening a brand new, third Court at Law in Waxahachie following the election of the judge who will preside. The race has two Republicans aspiring for the gavel, Vance Hinds and Joe Gallo. The latter has visited Ennis numerous times of late, including an exclusive interview with The Ennis News.

He is chocked full of qualifications and has strengths and views certain to connect with locals.

Singers’ debut a hit

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Many Ennisites as well as citizens from Waxahachie and other surrounding cities turned out in force for the first Bluebonnet City concert of the popular gospel group Ellis County Singers.

The 68-member Ellis County Singers, made up of men and women from churches across the county, performed at the First Presbyterian Church of Ennis, 210 N. McKinney St., at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9.