Ellis County Citizen

11/08/2023

Heads up, Ellis County,

31/07/2023

At approximately 6:01 PM this evening, the Waxahachie Police Department received several 911 calls reporting that people were running out of the Waxahachie Walmart due to a possible loud noise that may have resembled gunfire. The store was evacuated, and officers performed a complete and thorough search of the store, including reviewing security camera footage. Based on the investigation, there was no indication that any shots had been fired and it was determined there was no threat to the public. The property was given an all-clear at approximately 7:00 PM.

14/05/2023

Press Release:

26/04/2023

We oppose and recommend voting against all school district bonds this election. NONE of them have taken into account what inflation has done to taxpayers nor have they taken into account what the impending recession will do to homeowners. Have you received your new property tax assessment yet? Get ready to pop your eyeballs back into their sockets if you haven't seen them yet. In addition, the bonds Waxahachie ISD is proposing is a blank check on what they will increase taxes to. VOTE NO on ALL ISD bonds this election. Taxpayers should not pay for the ineptness of school boards not planning properly in the past and they should not be taken advantage of by taxing districts, such as school districts, when property valuations are increasing so drastically for no good reason.

11/04/2023

High View Marina at Lake Bardwell will be closed for a while. The lease for the current owners has expired, they were past due for more than six months to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and failed to make required health and safety improvements. All boat owners are encouraged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get their boats out of the marina.

Officials with the Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, today announced the closure of High View Marina at Bardwell Lake, effective April 4, 2023.

06/04/2023

The City of Glenn Heights has been informed that a contractor working in the City of DeSoto hit the 30" Dallas Water Utility (DWU) water transmission line that provides water service to the City of DeSoto and the City of Glenn Heights.

Unfortunately, DWU will be forced to shut off the water transmission line to make repairs, which are expected to take at least 12 hours.

While this switch is being made, we are asking that Glenn Heights residents and businesses limit their water use to essential needs during the next 12 hours. This means, do not use sprinklers or other irrigation systems, limit your household water uses such as laundry and toilet flushes, and do not fill bathtubs or large containers with water, as that will cause an immediate drop in water supplies.

Residents may notice a change in pressure over the next few hours. Water in the City’s distribution system will be enough to meet current needs while the switch to another source is being made if usage does not increase. We anticipate these conditions to last only about 12 hours.

04/03/2023

Join the KBEC staff in prayer for the family and friends of those suffering in Italy. **UPDATED**

Three children are dead and two more have been flown to an area hospital after being stabbed by their mother Friday afternoon in Italy.

According to the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Child Protective Services conducted a home visit in the 300 block of Harris St. Friday afternoon. That visit led to a prompt decision by the CPS investigator to have all five children removed from the home and the custody of Shamaiya Hall, 25.

The investigator called the ECSO 911 dispatch at approximately 4 p.m. The Italy Police Department was immediately notified and had officers on scene at approximately 4:05 p.m.

The first Italy PD officer to enter the home found three deceased children — a 6 year-old male and 5-year-old twins (1 male and 1 female). Two other children, also found inside the home — a 4-year-old male 13-month-old female were seriously wounded.

One injured child was transported to Cooks Children's in Fort Worth, while the other was transported to Children's Hospital Dallas. Both via air ambulance.

Officials confirmed to KBEC that Hall was promptly taken into custody and there is no active threat to the community.

Hall, the mother who is alleged to have stabbed all five of the children, has been charged with three counts of capital murder. Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 Dan Cox set at her bond at $2 million on each count. She was booked at 11:02 p.m.

The tragic incident is not isolated, either.

According to court records, Hall was arrested in 2017 for the non-fatal stabbing of her sister’s boyfriend. That aggravated assault charge led to CPS placing her children into the custody of a relative who lived in Italy.

WFAA reports Hall's twin sister, Troyshaye Mone Hall, fatally stabbed her 7-year-old daughter in June 2021. She was court-ordered to the North Texas State Hospital in Vernon, which provides “inpatient psychiatric services to adults, children and adolescents. The hospital also provides psychiatric services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Italy ISD Superintednent Rachel L. Kistner stated in a press release issued late Friday night that the district is “deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred off-campus.”

“Words cannot express the overwhelming grief felt by the district and the community hearing of such a tragedy,” Kistner continued. “We are a tight-knit, small community and as such many students will be impacted by this incident.”

Italy ISD will have counselors at Stafford Elementary at 8:30 a.m. Saturday for any community member needing support. There will also be additional counselors on campuses throughout next week, as well as additional counseling services provided at Central Baptist Church’s main campus, beginning at 10:00 am. Monday, March 6.

The investigation led by the ECSO with the Texas Rangers assisting.

*This report has been updated throughout as information has been provided. The latest revision was at 2:39 p.m. Saturday.

04/03/2023

Our prayers are with the folks in Italy, TX.

10/01/2023

Don't let the headline fool you. This is temporary FOR NOW. Watch the news video; it even states that. What are your opinions? If you feel strongly one way or another, call Ferris City Hall or email the city council members and make your voice heard. Don't expect them to read posts here.

Information from search warrants shows Halla was driving at a dangerously high speed of 102 miles per hour 4.8 seconds before the incident His 2020 Explorer was traveling 93 miles per hour at the time of impact. Documents say Halla was in possession of a cell phone when the crash happened.

02/12/2022

Jalen Kitna, son of Jon Kitna, was arrested related to child po*******hy.

Florida quarterback Jalen Kitna was expected to be released from jail on an $80,000 bond after being arrested on Wednesday on five counts of child po*******hy.

22/10/2022

Update 10/22/2022 @ 7:15 pm - The dogs have been united with their family.

Original post - Anyone missing these two on FM 875 between Saralvo and Lone Elm in Waxahachie? Had to put em in the fence cause neighbor's dogs got out and was trying to start crap.

29/06/2022

Burn Ban enacted for Ellis County. This DOES NOT prohibit fireworks. However, please be very careful, have water and fire extinguishers ready. We set off a few small fountains and smoke bombs tonight. Grass lit up quick but we were prepared. Remember, fireworks are not legal inside city limits of any city in Ellis County. If you decide to pull off the road outside city limits and shoot fireworks, you'll probably have the cops called on you quickly. Have fun but be smart and be safe. It's very dry out there.

27/06/2022

Either law enforcement needs to step up it's watch over 287 during and especially after events at the Texas Motorplex or the place needs to be deemed a public nuisance and shut down. We prefer law enforcement action. Nearly had a major accident from cars slowing down traffic and then drag racing shortly after Midnight Saturday night after they pulled out of the Motorplex. Happened all the way to Waxahachie repeatedly. NO law enforcement in sight ever. WPD, ECS and DPS failed 100%.

Update: What wasn't clear in our post is that these people were slowing traffic to a near halt to drag race like they have done in NY, California and Dallas. You post anything in support of that and you will be banned.

10/06/2022

The SPCA of Texas will suspend all intake and adoptions during a quarantine period of at least two weeks at all locations due to the recent documentation of at least two dogs infected with the canine distemper virus (CDV) in its care. Out of an abundance of caution, all dogs are being monitored and tested for infection.
In consultation with the Fredica Saltzman Endowed Professorship Chair in Shelter Medicine from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, the SPCA of Texas’ medical team, led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amber Alu, has developed a proactive, broad-based response plan to maximize lifesaving, minimize further spread of the virus and protect the community.
As a part of this plan, the following SPCA of Texas facilities will be closed to adopters, volunteers and community members until at least June 22, 2022: Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center, Myron K. Martin Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Care Clinic, Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center, Ellis County Animal Care Center.

Please click here for more information: https://spca.org/distemper/

10/06/2022

The SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home.

26/05/2022

⚠️PRESS RELEASE⚠️
On Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 at around 12:52 PM, dispatchers at the Northern Ellis Emergency Dispatch center received a 9-1-1 call about a major accident involving two vehicles at the intersection of North U.S. Highway 77 and Free Market Drive in Red Oak. Red Oak Police Department and Red Oak Fire Rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene to investigate. At around 12:53 PM, Red Oak Police personnel arrived on scene and started an investigation into the collision.

Based on the preliminary investigation, Unit #1 was traveling westbound on Free Market Drive and entered the intersection of Free Market Drive and U.S. Highway 77. Unit #1 failed to yield the right of way to Unit #2 that was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 77. Unit 1 was identified as a Gray 2019 Dodge van and Unit #2 was identified as a Silver 2020 Honda Civic passenger vehicle. Unit 1 collided with Unit #2 in the left northbound lane of the 4000 block of North U.S. Highway 77. The driver of Unit #2 sustained life-ending injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of Unit #1 was transported by AMR ambulance to Baylor Hospital in Waxahachie for serious injuries. The passenger of Unit #1 was transported by AMR ambulance to Children’s Hospital in Dallas for non-life-threatening injuries. Shortly thereafter, the Red Oak Police Department was advised that the driver of Unit #1 had sustained life-ending injuries and was pronounced deceased at Baylor hospital.

The accident remains under investigation.

Media Point of Contact: Lt. Jason Esquibel / 469-218-7710

Date: 5/25/2022 Case #: 22RP023860

Authorized by: Assistant Chief Marc Schroeder

07/05/2022

City of Waxahachie folks, don't forget to vote today. We endorse Melissa Olson for Council member place 3. She has proven to be a servant and a voice for you. She has also proven to be the most transparent and available public servant that we have seen in many years. She listens and keeps you updated well beyond anyone has ever done in the past. She is someone that cares and has no agenda beyond being your voice and doing the right thing. This is why she was elected and re-elected. We recommend keeping her in office.

Polls are open 7am - 7pm today.

Voting Locations:
- Marvin Elementary
- Ellis County Women’s Building
- Farley St. Baptist Church
- Park Meadows Baptist Church

Locations and addresses:

http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/15824/ED-Locations-2022_May-7th?bidId=

23/04/2022

Worth reading from City of Waxahachie Council Member Travis M. Smith. Also worth doing some looking into from the mass media AND residents.

25/03/2022

Career Opportunity: Small Engine Mechanic - Landmark Equipment in Waxahachie, TX is looking for an experienced small engine mechanic. Pay is based on experience, but experience is required. DO NOT RESPOND HERE. THIS IS A JOB POSTING AND UNRELATED TO US. You must have experience working on lawn mowers, including zero turn mowers. Experience with chainsaws and weedeaters a plus. Applicant must provide own tools except for specialized tools. Landmark Equipment offers health, vision, dental and life insurance as well as 401K. Pay based on experience. Apply in person Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm at 2200 W. Hwy 287 Business, Waxahachie, TX 75167. Must be able to pass a background check and drug test.

04/02/2022

02/02/2022

WINTER STORM WARNING from 6:00 pm Wednesday, February 2, 2022 until 6:00 pm Thursday, February 3, 2022.

* WHAT...A transition from rain to freezing rain then to sleet and snow. Total snow accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of two tenths to half an inch.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...From 6 PM Wednesday to 6 PM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be dangerous. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commute on Thursday. The cold wind chills as low as zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Power outages and tree damage are likely due to ice.

* AFFECTED AREAS: GRAYSON ... FANNIN ... LAMAR ... DENTON ... COLLIN ... HUNT ... DELTA ... HOPKINS ... TARRANT ... DALLAS ... ROCKWALL ... KAUFMAN ... ERATH ... HOOD ... SOMERVELL ... JOHNSON ... ELLIS ... COMANCHE ... MILLS ... HAMILTON ... BOSQUE ... HILL ... LAMPASAS ... CORYELL

Instructions:
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for Texas can be found at drivetexas.org.

02/02/2022

Advisory: Freezing temperatures are expected the morning of Thursday, February 3rd. All residents and citizens are advised to avoid driving on icy roads and should prepare for freezing weather later this week.

"It is better to overprepare, so please stay safe, everyone." -Judge Todd Little

On Thursday, all non-critical county offices will be closed, including the Historic Courthouse, Courts & Administration Building, Justices of the Peace, and Tax Offices. Critical public safety services such as law enforcement/fire/EMS, Road & Bridge precincts, and the Emergency Management Office will remain open and available as needs arise.

For cold weather preparation tips from Emergency Management, click here: https://www.co.ellis.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/15626/Winter-Weather-Social-Media-Content.

Photo: Creative Commons

12/01/2022

ATTENTION Maypearl ISD Parents & Guardians:
School has been cancelled for students on Thursday, January 13th & Friday, January 14th. We will return to school on regular schedule Tuesday, January 18th.

12/01/2022

Hawk Nation,

Due to rapidly increasing COVID cases and staffing shortages (both current and projected), we are changing this coming Friday, January 14 to an in-person staff workday. The day will be a student holiday. We have additional minutes built into the school calendar and this time will not have to be made up for students.

Currently scheduled extra-curricular activities (UIL games, etc.) will continue as scheduled unless you are contacted by your coach or sponsor.

All staff should report to their campus from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Little Hawks will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All staff should be working in their classrooms or offices alone and refrain from any group gatherings including meals together. All staff must be in-person or have an absence documented for the day.

While the COVID Omicron variant is quickly spreading and we expect mass population coverage soon, we will continue to monitor active cases each week to mitigate the spread.

We apologize to our families for the inconvenience but feel this decision is in the best interest of Red Oak ISD students and staff. We are feeling the impact of staff absences on every campus and in every operational function. This will allow for an extra day apart along with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 17.

TEA guidance has also changed recently and campuses will no longer be conducting contact tracing for students unless they are specifically identified by a COVID positive staff member or they are part of a self-contained or special education group. Parents will still have the choice to keep close-contact identified students home or send them to school with a mask.

We continue to encourage eligible individuals to acquire the vaccinations and boosters, as well as practice social distancing and the use of facial masks to reduce the spread. The safety of our students, staff, and families remains the top priority.

Please contact your campus administration or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Red Oak ISD

11/01/2022