News

Nearby Rice Independent School District, just 10 miles south of Ennis, has enjoyed one of its best years on record. Not only did they earn an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency, but the high school was recognized as one of the top high schools in the nation by US News and World Report.

Theatre Rocks, Ennis Public Theatre open in Feb.

Being part of something at its start has a different reward than those who take in the finished product. And that is just fine with Ennis Junior High band director Steven Bunch.

It is a special occasion when Texas Governor Greg Abbott hails a construction project 175-miles north of the state capitol. On Friday, Dec. 19, he honored the building of a distribution center and new headquarters for Loloi, Inc., a textile brand leader, which will bring over 380 jobs to Ennis.

Reports of theft during the holidays focus on retail stores, breaking and entering of homes and vehicles and porch pirating. Some turn their attention to stealing or destroying political signs.

Palmer continues to grow and the reasons are many. Look no further than their schools.

Regular City Commission meetings held at City Hall will see a change in frequency come January, according to an announcement made last week. Rather than two meetings per month on the first and third Tuesdays, there will be one regular meeting held monthly at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. The first regular meeting of the new year is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at 6 p.m. A statement released on Dec. 17 by city spokesperson Ashley Colunga, the first Tuesdays can be utilized for special meetings or workshops as needed for timesensitive items that need a prompt resolution.

Mayoral and Mayor Pro Tem candidates invited

County judge, commissioner seats lead ballot

Good news for Ennis came from the State Comptroller’s office in Austin, who released sales tax revenue for October. It revealed an increase of 56.4 percent, the best of all cities in Ellis County other than Pecan Hill (pop. 748), which is next to Red Oak.