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News

Cinco de Mayo, a downtown hit

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A resilient crowd exceeding 5,000 turned out for the inaugural Cinco de Mayo Cultural Celebration. After threatening weather forced a day delay, the downtown Ennis event was a big success on Sunday, May 2. Held at Minnie McDowal Park, entertainment attracted all ages.

Six local food vendors were on hand while celebration goers settled in their seats on Dallas Street. While watching live entertainment, tasty food trucks served hot mini-donuts, spicy fruit arrangements and made to order tacos, nachos and quesadillas.

McCrady accepts reins at Helping Hands

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Helping Hands of Ennis recently announced the hiring of a new Executive Director in Korey McCrady. The home-grown Ennis native follows in the steps of predecessor, Judi Hejny, who faithfully held the post for 12 years.

“I am so grateful for this opportunity,” said McCrady, 37. “I want to do well and to carry on the work and service Helping Hands has been known.”

ESB robber in custody

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Ennis Police announced the arrest of a 34-year-old black male in connection with the April 29, 1:25 p.m. robbery of the Ennis State Bank, 815 W. Ennis Ave. Michael W. Wilson, the identified suspect, was taken into custody on Thursday morning, May 6, by FBI special agents at his Dallas residence.

According to an officer he offered no resistance once his door was removed. Details regarding where was taken, nor his arraignment date, were available at press deadline. Another source indicated he may be at a federal facility in Mansfield.

Area City, school election results

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Special Election turnout in Ennis was quite small, with actual, physical turnout on May 1 at less than 1,000 at the three designated locations in town. The Ellis Count Sub-Courthouse had the largest at 675 people, followed by 162 at the Ennis Public Library and 146 at Faith Assembly of God church. Fortunately, 1,040 sent in early ballots in the mayoral race.

Three elections involved no challengers, allowing City Commissioner Rowdy Pruitt and three EISD school board members to win, including Board Secretary Walter Beasley, John Erisman and Bill Chapman.

Ellzey, Wright in U.S. House runoff

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Republican dominance in the 6th congressional district of the United States House of Representatives was extended when Susan Wright and Jake Ellzey finished 1-2 in the May 1 race among 23 candidates. The two-party partners will square off in a June 5 primary.

Tornado touchdowns in Ellis County

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Three tractor trailers collided as a tornado crossed Interstate 35E near Waxahachie resulting in 3 hospitalizations The incident happened at I-35E and Johnston Road, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.  One driver was seriously injured, a DPS spokesman said. Both sides of the interstate were closed for about five hours with all lanes reopening shortly after 3 a.m.

Three Ennis choirs, Hixson, soar at All-State

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Ob-la-di, ob-la-da was a phrase in a 1968 Beatles song that simply means, Life goes on. It originated with a Nigerian conga player who was a friend of Paul McCartney. If it means more of the same, then the Ennis choral department just upped the ante.

While their vocalists regularly win local, regional and state recognition, they have just risen to heights never before attained. According to Choir Director Jason Gadbury, three choirs made history at the annual University Interscholastic League Concert and Sight-Reading competition.

Ennis Crime Report

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Ennis Police reported on three recent crimes, each of them open cases that detectives are currently following leads, including a robbery on Thursday, April 29, at 1:15 p.m. at Ennis State Bank, 815 W. Ennis Ave.

According to statements by President and CEO Bramlet Beard, the incident occurred in the main lobby when a lone suspect, believed to be a male said one anonymous witness, entered the building and proceeded to rob a teller. The bandit likely handed a note with demands. There were no reports of a weapon used nor were there any injuries.

County shutting down vaccine hub in June

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Ellis County announced plans to disband its vaccine hub in June due to a large reduction in the demand for injections to protect against Covid-19. Instead, individuals seeking the vaccine will need to schedule an appointment with Baylor Scott & White or through other private healthcare providers.

Demobilizing the hub will be official on June 4, 2021. According to a statement released by Ellis County Judge Todd Little, the last call for scheduling vaccine appointments at the Hub is during the week of May 10-14.

Second arrest made in murder case

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Ellis County Sheriffs announced a second arrest was made on April 28 in connection with the March 24 murder of Jordan Von Hoffman.

The Criminal Investigations Division said in a statement that Lauren Danielle Dovers, 25, of Waxahachie, was in custody on a warrant for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse, which is a second-degree felony. A $200,000 bond was announced upon her being booked into the Ellis County Jail.

Texas Criminal Law says the charge of tampering or fabricating physical evidence is illegal. It is interfering with the evidence that could be used for criminal prosecutions. The offense also gives police the right to make an arrest if they believe someone failed to report a human corpse under certain circumstances. It covers altering, destroying, or concealing any evidence that has to do with an ongoing investigation, court proceeding or a crime that has been committed.