News

One of the oldest churches in Ennis, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, began a refreshing new era when Father Julian Borda assumed the shepherding role as fulltime priest six weeks ago.

Brandon Hixson continues to touch and move people with his gift of storytelling through music, his collaboration with other musical talents and his extraordinary take on Christian rock inspired by his pop background and influences.

Live bands can do, marching bands can do better, and nothing signals that school’s in session like the sound of snare drums. It’s that time of year again as Gary Goodwin and the Ennis Marching Band has already begun preparing the coming season.

Ennisites aren’t strangers to success, and many have gone on to achieve fame and fortune. Dr. Red Duke, the noted surgeon and television host, grew up in Ennis, Ed Whitacre, Jr., former CEO for AT&T and General Motors, was born here and graduated from EHS and TV producer Bob Banner was also from Ennis. The city also attracts celebrity visitors. Singer Reba McEntire performed at a local concert a few years ago while actress Morgan Fairchild regularly attends the Bluebonnet Trails Festival.

WHAT: In partnership with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the SPCA of Texas is hosting a free pet vaccination clinic, with rabies, DAPPv and FVRCP vaccinations plus microchips, all donated by Merck and Petco Love, to help curb the spread of preventable diseases and illnesses in pets living in Ellis County. The free vaccines are made possible through Merck and Petco Love’s national vaccination initiative, which is providing 1 million free pet vaccines to its existing animal welfare partners, including the SPCA of Texas, for family pets in need.

Backpacks are handy tools that carry an array of gear. Students rely on them to hold books, while hikers and campers utilize backpacks to carry items such as food and beverages that keep them safe on trails. Even office workers may turn to backpacks to carry laptops or other tools of the trade.

Strong reading comprehension skills are one of the foundations of a successful academic career. According to the Institute of Reading Development, students with strong reading comprehension skills get a big boost in all subjects, including math and science.

Just as there will always be people with some needs, meeting the needs of people will never go out of style. At next Saturday’s annual Give-A-Kid-A-Chance project, scheduled from 8 a.m. until noon on Aug. 6, where 1,300 locals will be served by volunteers from organizations, churches and the City of Ennis. GAKAC will take place in the Bardwell Commons on the Ennis H.S. campus.

Dr. Lindsey Clark-Fass was sworn in as a trustee on the EISD school board during a special meeting on Tuesday, July 26, at the Central Offices on W. Knox St. Following her installment vows, officiated by Bill Honza, board member Tommy Aguilar nominated Bill Chapman to serve as vice president in the position held previously by Julie Pierce. He received a unanimous vote.

Overcoming addiction is a major challenge for anyone, but once delivered and returning to the snare to rescue others is not for the faint-of-heart. Ennis resident Lisa Edwards-Loftin, 11 years sober, has made delivering others her life mission.