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Former State Senator Don Huffines announces his candidacy for Governor of Texas

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In a press release, Former State Senator Don Huffines announced  his candidacy for Governor of Texas. “I’m a proud fifth-generation Texan,” Huffines said. “For too long, Texas has been let down by politicians who offer nothing but excuses and lies. Our border is still wide open. Property taxes keep going up. And our election laws continue to be ignored. Plain and simple, our politicians aren’t getting things done, and Texans have rightfully run out of patience. I will fight and win on behalf of Texans. We will protect our great state and secure our freedoms.

Juenemann earns third mayoral term in rout

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Angeline Juenemann won a third term as mayor of Ennis with a convincing 1,359 to 401 victory over her challenger, Trevor Wilhoite, on May 1. Drawing 77 percent of the ballots cast, she actually had enough early voters, 830, to have doubled her opponent before Election Day.

Adding to her previous campaign theme, Expect More, Mayor Angie and the widespread growth in business, housing and jobs, appears to show residents Expect Even More of the same.

Bardwell elects new mayor

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Bardwell, located just four miles south of Ennis on Hwy 34, elected a new mayor on May 1 when Jodie Odlozil edged Shannon Spurgeon, 33- 21, at the ballot box.

Odlozil (OH’d-lo-zeel), 39, succeeds Larry Gilbert, 78, for the volunteer leadership position of the city of 689 (in 2019). He was sworn in, along with incumbent City Council members, Dolores Luksa and Susan Dionne Sauers, on Thursday, May 6, by City Secretary Christy Gatlin.

Luksa and Sauers defeated Clint Ivy for the twin positions, 39 to 36 in votes, while Ivy collected 15 ballots.

Cinco de Mayo, a downtown hit

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A resilient crowd exceeding 5,000 turned out for the inaugural Cinco de Mayo Cultural Celebration. After threatening weather forced a day delay, the downtown Ennis event was a big success on Sunday, May 2. Held at Minnie McDowal Park, entertainment attracted all ages.

Six local food vendors were on hand while celebration goers settled in their seats on Dallas Street. While watching live entertainment, tasty food trucks served hot mini-donuts, spicy fruit arrangements and made to order tacos, nachos and quesadillas.

McCrady accepts reins at Helping Hands

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Helping Hands of Ennis recently announced the hiring of a new Executive Director in Korey McCrady. The home-grown Ennis native follows in the steps of predecessor, Judi Hejny, who faithfully held the post for 12 years.

“I am so grateful for this opportunity,” said McCrady, 37. “I want to do well and to carry on the work and service Helping Hands has been known.”

ESB robber in custody

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Ennis Police announced the arrest of a 34-year-old black male in connection with the April 29, 1:25 p.m. robbery of the Ennis State Bank, 815 W. Ennis Ave. Michael W. Wilson, the identified suspect, was taken into custody on Thursday morning, May 6, by FBI special agents at his Dallas residence.

According to an officer he offered no resistance once his door was removed. Details regarding where was taken, nor his arraignment date, were available at press deadline. Another source indicated he may be at a federal facility in Mansfield.

Area City, school election results

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Special Election turnout in Ennis was quite small, with actual, physical turnout on May 1 at less than 1,000 at the three designated locations in town. The Ellis Count Sub-Courthouse had the largest at 675 people, followed by 162 at the Ennis Public Library and 146 at Faith Assembly of God church. Fortunately, 1,040 sent in early ballots in the mayoral race.

Three elections involved no challengers, allowing City Commissioner Rowdy Pruitt and three EISD school board members to win, including Board Secretary Walter Beasley, John Erisman and Bill Chapman.

Ellzey, Wright in U.S. House runoff

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Republican dominance in the 6th congressional district of the United States House of Representatives was extended when Susan Wright and Jake Ellzey finished 1-2 in the May 1 race among 23 candidates. The two-party partners will square off in a June 5 primary.

Tornado touchdowns in Ellis County

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Three tractor trailers collided as a tornado crossed Interstate 35E near Waxahachie resulting in 3 hospitalizations The incident happened at I-35E and Johnston Road, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.  One driver was seriously injured, a DPS spokesman said. Both sides of the interstate were closed for about five hours with all lanes reopening shortly after 3 a.m.

County shutting down vaccine hub in June

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Ellis County announced plans to disband its vaccine hub in June due to a large reduction in the demand for injections to protect against Covid-19. Instead, individuals seeking the vaccine will need to schedule an appointment with Baylor Scott & White or through other private healthcare providers.

Demobilizing the hub will be official on June 4, 2021. According to a statement released by Ellis County Judge Todd Little, the last call for scheduling vaccine appointments at the Hub is during the week of May 10-14.