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H.S bands star at halftime

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Masters of collective rhythm and beat, the impact of high school bands often help create the soundtracks of life in the future. When they take to the field and march in step, they become a much loved part of live sports. Life within the community of band has an attraction that can rival that of any social or athletic group on campus.

Area high schools have commenced a new year in the past month and those with marching bands have also started practicing. Learning music and new songs, improving their skills individually and the tiresome work of moving while performing.

A pleasure doing business with you

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Three veteran members of the Ennis Economic Development Corporation board were honored this week as they retired from their seat after a combined 55 years. Former director and current City Manager Marty Nelson expressed thanks at the new Welcome Center by presenting them with a personal watch.

“The trio of members made a huge impact during their tenure,” said Nelson. “Each of them are worthy of recognition and have served the city with dignity and faithfulness.” Altogether there are seven board members who serve the organization.

Summer 2020 normal in heat, rain

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Few things in 2020 have appeared normal, and the summer months, which the experts said would see a decline in coronavirus as heat would hinder if not decimate the bug, have not delivered on that assessment. Approaching September, which has historically ended all 100 degree days for the year in Ennis, weather forecaster Ron Vestal reports the most triple-digit days this town has ever recorded after August is nine, which occurred in September of 2011. So, barring a record this month, the most-ever days to surpass 100 in the Bluebonnet City, 18, will likely stand.

Lions debut in home scrimmage

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No. 1 ranked Ennis and Midlothian, two solid playoff teams from a year ago, will meet in a preseason scrimmage on Thursday evening, Sept. 17, at Lion Memorial Stadium.

This will be the first chance for fans to see their team in action, though seating will be limited to the first 5,000 to enter the gates. According to the Ennis ISD, who will count and govern entry, they will cut off attendance at the UIL mandated 50 percent occupancy. With Midlothian just 26 miles away, fans should plan to arrive early.

Kevin Noack / Palmer ISD

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 “We have made it through the first few weeks with no COVID-19 positives! We are very excited about that. The weekend before school started we had a company come in and treat our entire district with a chemical that is supposed to kill any viruses it comes into contact with for up to 90 days. “We have placed paper towels and bottles of spray in the hands of every staff member in the district. They spray every desk down between classes. Masks are worn at all times with the exceptions being lunch and students below age 10. Students below age 10 wear masks when they are in common areas.

James Hartman/Ferris ISD

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“School continues to go well in FISD
since it began on August 12. During Phase
1 of our Return to School plan, in which
we have about 25 percent of kids on campuses,
we have not yet had a positive COVID
case among students nor staff. Phase
2 begins September 8 and we anticipate
an additional portion of our students returning,
raising our on-campus student
counts to about 50 percent of normal capacity.
“FHS began hosting varsity sports on August 11
with Lady Jacket Volleyball and we have successfully

Budget coincides, City plans move forward

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By continuing the same fiscally responsible tax rate in Ennis from 2016, the City will be able to adopt the Capital Investment Plan for the upcoming five years.

Tuesday’s (Sept. 1) meeting at the Bluebonnet Room inside the new Welcome Center, which was open to the public and live streamed free of charge, City Commissioners and Mayor Angie Juenemann voted unanimously to adopt the plan, which involves the same 0.713273 property tax for another five years. It will enable critical infrastructure to be completed in the already approved Ennis Master Plan.

Let’s Open Texas Now, proclaims Judge Little

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Free Texas was a bold theme made from the steps of the historic Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie on Monday, Aug. 31. Ellis County had just inked a proclamation stating the time is now to Open Texas.

Judge Todd Little said the environment has changed and it is high time to open up the state.

Atmos, EPL gift to enrich Lions Park

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Meeting a need for patrons and visitors at Lions Park, at the corner of Lampasas and South Hall streets, is a collaborative new effort between the Ennis Public Library and Atmos Energy.

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the tandem of the EPL and Atmos partnered to present a $6,500 check in what has been described as “a mutual initiative to positively impact the community through early literacy.”

The donated funds will be used to purchase and install permanent, in-ground StoryWalk exhibits around the half-mile trail at Lion’s Park.

Meeting needs always in style

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A decision to open a call center earlier this year when the advent of the coronavirus pandemic appeared a growing concern has now developed into a longer-term of service.

As crises often create needs and they in turn mother inventions, City of Ennis officials, originally responding to dynamics related to the noted dangers of the virus coupled with social distancing rules led to the start of the Bluebonnet Call Center.

During Tuesday’s City Commission meeting the far-reaching impact of the BCC were cited.