Ellis County Press

Graphic courtesy City of Waxahacie

Waxahachie Council OKs land for new $15M animal shelter

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 11:49

WAXAHACHIE – The Waxahachie City Council officially approved the purchase of a 20-acre property on US 287 Business on Sept. 21 to construct a new animal services building. Prior to the vote, the city held an option period on the land while finalizing logistical reviews.

Kevin “Blue” Oginski

Italy City Council upholds firing of veteran officer Kevin “Blue” Oginski in tense 3-2 vote

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 11:46

ITALY – In a decision that sparked deep division and public backlash last week, the Italy City...

Matt Zajic

AG rules with Ennis PD on Zajic request

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 11:41

ENNIS – The Texas Attorney General’s Office published its ruling last week on Sept.

Rita Cook, John Wray

EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Ellis County Judge John Wray pulls back curtain on county’s missing $20M

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 09/23/2026 - 16:24

WAXAHACHIE – I recently sat down with Ellis County Judge John Wray to discuss the recently passed...

News

Patrick Kevin Hefner

Patrick Kevin Hefner sentenced to 100 years for sexual assault of a child

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 11:39

WAXAHACHIE – Last week an Ellis County jury has sent a clear message to those who prey on...

Cesar Martin Castillo Galvan

Martin Castillo Galvan sentenced to five years for parking lot shooting

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 11:35

WAXAHACHIE - A parking spot spat turned into a jail sentence for a Fort Worth man who was...

Ellis County Rural Heritage Farm recognition

Waxahachie declares Sunday, Oct. 4 as Farm Heritage Day

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 11:27

WAXAHACHIE – Waxahachie Mayor Billie Wallace, along with the entire city council, issued a...

Sports

WEEK 6 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULES (October 2, 2026)

Ellis123

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 15:30

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 Avalon vs Abbott, 7:30 p.m. (Abbott) Ennis (bye) Ferris vs Sulphur Springs, 7 p.m.

The Hawks senior quarterback Tuhran Square II (12) looks downfield while running towards the sideline. Photo by Steve Patterson / Moving Pictures

Duncanville piles up the points against Red Oak, 42-0

STEVE PATTERSON / Moving Pictures

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 15:26

LANCASTER – Duncanville quarterback Maximus The Great Denson had 122 passing yards to lead the...

Mustang QB Jaxon Kirkpatric (12) was 12 of 17 for 128 yards and 1 interception. Photo by Fred Phipps

Caddo Mills keeps rolling, wind district opener over Waxahachie Life, 44-13

STAFF REPORT

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 15:19

WAXAHACHIE – The Caddo Mills Foxes came off their big win over the Quinlan Ford Panthers last...

Opinion

By A.F. Branco, October 1, 2026

Exclusive Subscriber Content

COMICALLY INCORRECT by A.F. Branco (October 1, 2026)

Ellis123

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 13:01

Exclusive Subscriber Content

OPINION: The tide turns toward doom

ERICK ERICKSON

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 12:58

The macroeconomic numbers are good. America is near full employment.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: Rogue AI or just bad manners when artificial intelligence doesn’t take no for an answer

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 12:54

There are certain technology stories that make me stop and listen. This morning – that happened.

Lifestyle

TYPEWRITER WEEKLY: A plumber in the house

JODY DYER

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 16:04

“Acting is not an important job in the scheme of things. Plumbing is.

JEST A MOMENT: Car names that register with drivers

NICK THOMAS

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 11:30

Automobile names are important to car manufacturers who often assign models with names that...

2027 Kia Telluride HEV SX Prestige AWD

BEHIND THE WHEEL: A quiet metamorphosis in the 2027 Kia Telluride HEV SX Prestige AWD

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Mon, 09/28/2026 - 16:51

A vehicle with confidence does not need to shout to get your attention.

Obituaries

James Alexander Davidson

OBITUARY: James Alexander Davidson

Ellis123

Wed, 05/27/2026 - 16:40

James Alexander Davidson was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan on May 1, 1957 to his parents Bernice...

Shelba Turner DiStasi

OBITUARY: Shelba Turner DiStasi

Ellis123

Mon, 05/18/2026 - 15:10

Shelba Turner DiStasi was born in Dallas, Texas on Nov. 16, 1959.

Anthony Wayne “Tony” Cook

OBITUARY: Anthony Wayne “Tony” Cook

RITA COOK / Freelance Writer

Wed, 05/13/2026 - 16:09

Anthony Wayne Cook (Tony) was born in Dallas, Texas on December 11, 1962.

Waxahachie Council OKs land for new $15M animal shelter

Italy City Council upholds firing of veteran officer Kevin “Blue” Oginski in tense 3-2 vote

AG rules with Ennis PD on Zajic request

EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Ellis County Judge John Wray pulls back curtain on county’s missing $20M

News

Patrick Kevin Hefner sentenced to 100 years for sexual assault of a child

Martin Castillo Galvan sentenced to five years for parking lot shooting

Waxahachie declares Sunday, Oct. 4 as Farm Heritage Day

Sports

WEEK 6 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULES (October 2, 2026)

Duncanville piles up the points against Red Oak, 42-0

Caddo Mills keeps rolling, wind district opener over Waxahachie Life, 44-13

Opinion

COMICALLY INCORRECT by A.F. Branco (October 1, 2026)

OPINION: The tide turns toward doom

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: Rogue AI or just bad manners when artificial intelligence doesn’t take no for an answer

Lifestyle

TYPEWRITER WEEKLY: A plumber in the house

JEST A MOMENT: Car names that register with drivers

BEHIND THE WHEEL: A quiet metamorphosis in the 2027 Kia Telluride HEV SX Prestige AWD

Obituaries

OBITUARY: James Alexander Davidson

OBITUARY: Shelba Turner DiStasi

OBITUARY: Anthony Wayne “Tony” Cook

Photos

2026 Ovilla Heritage Day (photos by Fred Phipps)

2026 Ferris Fall Festival (photos by Fred Phipps)

2026 Ferris Homecoming (photos by Ferris ISD Audio & Visual Program)