September 2025

County initiates talks with Ellis about 10th St Bridge, EMS Bldg, & Sales Tax

Ellis City Council devoted over an hour of its September 15th meeting to a first “official” communication with the County representatives regarding the 10th Street Bridge, the County EMS building in Ellis and the future potential to relieve County property taxes with sales tax revenue. Ellis County Commission Chair Michael Berges and County Administrator Darin Myers were joined by Jordan Dettmer, a Bridge Engineer from Penco Engineering to present three ways to address the failing 10th Street Bridge in Ellis.

Read MoreCounty initiates talks with Ellis about 10th St Bridge, EMS Bldg, & Sales Tax

RHID established but Pray's Big Creek Estates project faces opposition

On September 16, 2025, a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) was established for developer Adam Pray’s Big Creek Estates project. Following a nearly hour-long Public Hearing on matter, Ellis County Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2025-16, establishing the Big Creek Estates 3rd Addition RHID, a proposed Development plan to construct 13 new homes in subdivision and approved the forming of a Developer Agreement.

Read MoreRHID established but Pray's Big Creek Estates project faces opposition

Trump threatens mass firings of federal employees in a government shutdown

WASHINGTON — The White House has sent guidance to departments and agencies, telling them that if a shutdown begins Wednesday, they’re expected to institute mass firings and layoffs. The two-page memo, shared with States Newsroom by a Trump administration official, says any programs that received funding in the “big, beautiful” law will “continue uninterrupted.” But the vast majority of federal departments and agencies need Congress to approve an annual funding bill or a stopgap spending bill before the start of the new fiscal year to keep running.

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Ruder denounces Park's no votes

In a tense exchange at the September 22nd USD489 Board of Education (BOE) meeting Board Member Ruth Ruder denounced fellow Board Member Allen Park’s repeated no votes. The exchange followed a 6-1 (Park opposed) approval of the $69,480 ACM Removal LLC bid to complete floor tile removal and asbestos-containing mastic abatement at the new Hays Middle School.

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