News

Republicans gathered in Dallas for the Republican National Convention’s midterm convention with a clear objective; turn the energy surrounding President Donald Trump into votes in November. For the Ellis County delegation, the event was also an opportunity to discuss the decisions awaiting voters closer to home, including county taxes, budget transparency and the direction of local government.

Ellis County Auditor Staci Parr released a detailed statement on Sept. 8 addressing what she referred to as “public rumors” about $20 million missing, saying “this is not true.” The rumor originated when interim Judge John Wray made it public over two weeks ago in an Aug. 18 Commissioners Court meeting that included discussion about the new budget and the need for a county administrator and budget control officer.

Ellis County commissioners met on Tuesday and discussed and approved their proposed property tax rate. The group approved the new fiscal year budget on Sept.

Preparing for crisis situations is the purpose of next Saturday’s Ellis County Emergency Preparedness Fair. It is free and will be held at the Welcome Center in downtown Ennis from 8 a.m. until noon.

Republicans filled American Airlines Center this week for the GOP’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas. President Donald Trump was the headline speaker on Wednesday and, as Axios reported, he “bashed Democrats and remembered God.”

Alma and Ennis suffered a brush fire east of I-45 last Friday that charred 653 acres before a collaborative effort by a number of agencies controlled and ended the windblown embers by 11 p.m. The fire, which reportedly began about 2 p.m., was located just north of 1182 and near FM 85.

Rice High School is just 10-miles south of Ennis along I-45, though local residents have seen their marching band at least five times in recent years. Clad in royal blue, the Bulldogs mobile tunes have appeared in the Lights of Ennis parade.

Bryce Anderson and Shannon Cook are pleased to announce their upcoming marriage on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Ennis, Texas. Shannon is the daughter of Jeff and Kaye Cook, and Bryce is the son of John Anderson and Nancy Seay Anderson.

Dallas-Fort Worth artist Angelo Gomez will present a live acrylic painting demonstration Sept. 3 at the Ellis County Art Association first monthly meeting on the new Thursday schedule. The meeting will be held at First Baptist Church of Waxahachie (450 US287 BYP).

Ferris Independent School District elevated Dr. De’Andre Carter to Assistant Superintendent of Operations in June. Previously the principal at Ferris High School, he also served in leadership within Greenville ISD, A.W. Brown Leadership Academy, and Dallas ISD, including Principal, Dean of Students, and Teacher/Coach.