News

Not all heroes wear a cape

Brookdale Senior Living, located at 2500 Yorkstown Drive in Ennis, has a good reputation and for all the right reasons. The assisted living facility on the west side of town recently expressed thanks to their staff, six who are pictured above.

“During this horrible (coronavirus) time,” says Teana Drury, sales manager, “our employees have gone above and beyond to care for our residents and keep them engaged. To recognize their efforts our leadership ordered this sign to put out front to show our appreciation.

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Life, though changed, goes on

With a line from poet Mary Shelley, Ennis Mayor Angie Juenemann shared this photo on social media recently of a soothing visit to a friend’s property near Ennis. “Let us seek peace near the inland murmur of streams, and the gracious waving of trees, the beauteous vesture of earth, and sublime pageantry of the skies,” Shelley wrote in The Last Man in 1826.” I was staying in the moment, just for a little while,” Juenemann said of the photo taken by her husband, Dennis. “I feel that is how I can manage through this phase of our lives.”

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Residents recall lore and legend

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, and Ed Whitacre, Jr., former CEO for AT&T and General Motors, was born here and graduated from Ennis High. 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.

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Genealogist looks up info on Vickery

Last week, local genealogist Bobbie Dlabaj began investigating the John Vickery story that was related by Dennis Bohanon in last Sunday’s installment of the Memories page. Here is what she has found:

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Ennis Regional responds to Covid questions

Cordial and unflappable while the fears and questions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic swirl in North Texas, Bob Honeycutt, CEO at Ennis Regional Medical Center sat outside at Minnie McDowal Park and fielded queries. He arrived, however, wearing a face mask before sitting on a park bench to talk. Yes, socially distant.

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Ennis makes short list of upgraded cities

Keep Ennis Beautiful garnered a lofty place among the top 57 Gold Star affiliates within the statewide, grassroots environmental and community improvement non-profit organization with 300 other member cities. Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), recently awarded Ennis the Gold Star, the highest status any community affiliate can achieve.

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Staying Safe in the Lone Star State

Outdoor artist Jim Anderson, 72, who has designed, painted and constructed about 20 hay bales over the past 5-6 years, recently made an iconic Texan, complete with almond covered surgical gloves he made from material from Blackland Building Supply as well as a face mask made of freeze protector for his garden. As for the blues eyes, “they’re mine,” he said. “I painted them while gazing in a mirror.” This picture had 2,000 likes and then went viral on the first day. “I heard from people in Sweden who have seen it,” said Jim. “I did this one about the crisis that is bringing people back to their senses.” He is at work already on his next creation, which he described as a patriotic tribute to first responders. It is due over the next few months.

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Local author, entertainer gives sufferers hope

In the uncertain climate of COVID-19 and the inevitable governmental reaction of a national and local lockdown, hope for a brighter day fills the mind and heart of Sandra Wakefield, a woman of varied talents. From writing books to performing onewoman shows and lecturing, the local artist is continuing her work as a Sunday school teacher at Tabernacle Baptist Church as well as her own ministry despite the setbacks, restrictions and social distancing laws of today’s new world. She sees what has happened as the great trial it is but offers hope to those suffering emotionally and mentally from isolation and deprivation.

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Trump, Abbott, act to reopen nation, state

Thursday evening President Donald Trump unveiled new guidelines, some calling them common-sense measures meant to help states gradually loosen restrictions. His press conference targeted May 1 as the day to start the reopening of the country and he did so with direct consultation with Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx, who spoke and answered questions.