Ennis Regional Medical Center’s team of radiologists and registered technicians are trained to care for you and your family – providing the most complete imaging services using the best equipment in Ellis County.

Our imaging procedures include:•Digital Mammography

•Bone Density Testing

•Ultrasound

•Computed Tomography (CT)

•Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

•Echocardiogram

•Barium X-Ray

•Myelogram

•Arthrogram

•Nuclear Medicine

Our team of schedulers will work with your physician and insurance providers to make your imaging experience faster, easier, and of the highest quality.

You have a choice in where you receive imaging services. Tell your physician you choose Ennis Regional Medical Center.

for Radiology Services

Exceptional, full-service diagnostic imaging

without a drive to the city.

For appointments or pricing, call

Central Scheduling: 469.256.2410

ERMC is a Gold Seal Accredited Digital Mammography facility which represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety.

www.ennisregional.com

DISCOVER ENNIS 2015 - 1

Published byThe Ennis Daily News

publisher/editorTre Bischof

managing editorMark Warde

advertising managerJosie Prachyl

contributorsPhil Banker • Justin Tubbs

advertising representatives• Kevin Becker

• Sonia Villarreal-Romo

composition managerMelissa Honza

office managerTeresa Watson

2015 Ennis Daily NewsDiscover Ennis is a product

of The Ennis Daily News213 N. Dallas, Ennis, TX 75119

972.875.3801 • Fax: 972.875.9747

Every time you use your CNB of Texasdebit card you are Instantly Alerted.

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Welcome to Ennis! You have just discov-ered a wonderful family community growing to meet the needs of its residents.

We are a community of heritage and tradi-tion, which you will experience through our local festivals, parades, dances, theater and everyday living.

Beautiful homes and parks merge with our historic districts and new, modern residential communities.

Shopping opportunities continue to grow with new retail projects, as experienced with the groundbreaking of a new Brookshire’s Food and Pharmacy set to open in the com-ing months.

You will be introduced to an impressive downtown array of shopping experiences of-fering a selection of Czech crystal, antiques, furniture, hardware, flower shops, gift shops and clothing.

Our new, state-of-the-art hospital offers a variety of medical services. An on-site doc-tors’ building houses a number of medical experts ready to diagnose or assist in any medical needs you may have.

The Ennis Chamber of Commerce is dedi-cated to the expansion of the individual goals

of its members as well as the businesses they represent. The officers of the Ennis Cham-ber, along with the board of directors, offer a wealth of knowledge and insight. Their knowledge and experience in the local com-munity affairs can be a helpful aid in transi-tioning into the community.

At the chamber, we have maps, lists of churches, shops, service providers, phone books and numerous pamphlets about the city available to you. Information not in bro-chures is also readily available by asking any of the chamber employees.

A high-quality, balanced, diverse com-munity of happy families is the Ennis way. We are here to provide you with informa-tion about Ennis necessary to adjust to new surroundings, or brush up on changes in the business and professional world. Just stop by or give us a call.

Jeannette Patak is the president of the Ennis Chamber of Commerce.

Welcome to Ennis!

2 - DISCOVER ENNIS 2015

Signs of life are all around Ennis. The city is not only pushing 20,000 in popula-tion, but is bearing the fruit of a growing community in a myriad of areas.

The “Bluebonnet Capital of North Texas” is attracting more than deep-blue blossoms. As the state flower it draw thou-sands of tourists during March, April and early May. Their location, hoever, appears strategic.

Lining roadways and waving to pass-ersby from rolling hills, the bluebonnets practically point to Ennis. They make E-Town No. 9 in Pinterest’s list of the world’s most photographed locations.

The city, however, has much more go-ing for it than color and blooms.

In an effort to determine the legitimacy

ENNISGrowing much more than bluebonnets

See BLUEBONNETS, page 14

DISCOVER ENNIS 2015 - 3

Ennis Veterans MemorialYears of planning, preparation and

fundraising came to a head in May 2012 with the unveiling of the Ennis Veterans Memorial.

Its opening drew out a throng of stakeholders and supporters, as well as local luminaries and movers and shak-ers.

“Today, a dream becomes reality,” said Ron Bramhall of the Ennis Veterans Memorial Committee. “It is now a place of honor. It is now hallowed ground.” Mayor Russell Thomas has called the effort, one which he helped steer as the city negotiated the deal for the property for Ennis Veterans Memorial Park from the Ennis Independent School District, outstanding.

“It was a phenomenal effort,” Thomas said of the years-long process of design-ing, funding, and building the memorial. Planning began in 2010, and was funded through various donations and sales of pavers and benches.

The Ennis Veterans Memorial has been a point of pride for the commu-nity since its proposal, construction and unveiling in May 2012. Residents have found uses for the public gathering space beyond the laudable honoring of veterans and servicemen, as well.

In December 2012, after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, a group of resi-dents gathered to hold a candlelight vigil for that community and for ours.

4 - DISCOVER ENNIS 2015

DISCOVER ENNIS 2015 - 5

Ennis Independent School District contacts

Carver Early Childhood Center Principal: Lisa Lowe 600 E. MLK St.; (972) 872-3730

Crockett Early Childhood Center Principal: Dee-Dee Gryder 1701 W. Lampasas; (972) 872-7131

Austin Elementary School Principal: Denise Winnett 1500 Austin Drive; (972) 872-7190

Bowie Elementary School Principal: Bill Chapman 501 Jeter Drive; (972) 872-7234

Houston Elementary School Principal: Linda Southard 1701 S. Hall St.; (972) 872-7285

Travis Elementary School Principal: Karen Barnes 200 N. Shawnee; (972) 872-7455

Lummus Intermediate School Principal: Lori Redning 501 N. Clay St.; (972) 872-7060

Miller Intermediate School Principal: Bobby White 2200 W. Lampasas; (972) 872-3775

Ennis Junior High School Principal: Ryan McCabe 3101 Ensign Road; (972) 872-3850

Ennis High School Principal: David Averett 2301 Ensign Road; (972) 872-3500

Alamo Education Center Principal: J.D. Cox 501 N. Gaines; (972) 872-7332

Athletic Field House (972) 872-9884

EISD Tennis Center (972) 875-9144

Transportation/Buses/Maintenance (972) 872-7353

Child Nutrition (972) 872-7030

EISD Administration Building 303 W. Knox; (972) 872-7000

Wealth of love and charity

For a town of its size, Ennis has a slew of charitable organizations meeting a wide range of demands. If there’s one thing that binds them all together, it’s the Greater Ennis United Way.

The organization, led by Executive Director Eliza Fulton, raises and distributes funds to charitable groups that serve the people of Ennis and eastern Ellis County. The group has done so with little help from higher level United Way organizations since seperating from the United Way of Dallas in the early 1990s.

The Greater Ennis United Way disburses funds to several charitable organizations in Ennis and eastern Ellis County, including A-CROSS, the American Red Cross of Ellis County, the Boys and Girls Club of En-nis, Candy Cane Corner, Ennis Golden Circle, Impact of Ennis, Friends of Ennis Public Library, the Gingerbread House, Helping Hands of En-nis and Meals on Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties.

In 2013, he United Way board voted to add two additional charitable organizations to their ranks: the Hope Clinic and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.

Fulton said the Girl Scouts won’t depend on United Way funding for everyday operating costs, but use the money to help girls who otherwise would not be able to participate.

“If there are some Girl Scouts in our community who don’t have the money to join or pay for uniforms, that’s what they’ll use that money for,” she said. “This is another way for the Girl Scouts to have another fund-ing opportunity. We’re very excited about that.”

For many of the organizations, United Way funding is key to their day-to-day operation.

6 - DISCOVER ENNIS 2015

DISCOVER ENNIS 2015 - 7

THEBASICSEnnis population —

18,513 (2010

Census, growth of

15% in the last 10

years over 2000

Census population

of 16,045)

Sales tax rate —

7.75 percent

Property tax rate —

$2.648599 per

$100 value

(combined city, county

and school district)

Number of house-

holds — 6,401 (2010

Census estimate)

Fire protection — 30

firefighters, 2 stations

Police protection —

42 officers, 1 station

Median household

income — $40,045

Land area in square

miles — 28.03

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Russell Thomasmayor

Matt Walkermayor pro-tem

Jeremie SalikWard 1 commissioner

Carolyn FrazierWard 2 commissioner

Ken HackneyWard 3 commissioner

Lola SearcyWard 4 commissioner

Brian HolleyWard 5 commissioner

John Erismanchief of police

CITY OF ENNIS

ELLIS COUNTY

Carol Bushcounty judge

Dennis RobinsonCommissioner, pct. 1

Bill DodsonCommissioner, pct. 2

Paul PerryCommissioner, pct. 3

Ron BrownCommissioner, pct. 4

Precinct 1Constable —

Roy Callender Jr.Justice of the Peace

— Bill Woody

Precinct 2Constable — Terry Nay

Justice of the Peace— Jackie Miller, Jr.

Precinct 3Constable — Jimmy Ray

Justice of the Peace— Curtis Polk

Precinct 4Constable — Mike Jones

Justice of the Peace— Steve Egan

Melanie ReedDistrict clerk

Bob Carroll40th District judge

John BridgesTax assessor /

collector

8 -DISCOVER ENNIS 2015

DISCOVER ENNIS 2015 - 9

The 2013 edition of Ennis High School football witnessed one of the finest seasons in Lions history. In only his third season at the helm, head coach Jack Alvarez led the Lions to a 14-1 season in which the Jungle Cats advanced to the state semi-finals before falling to the eventual champions from Aledo.

When Ennis went 3-7 in Al-varez’s first year, it was the third consecutive year Team Maroon had endured a losing record. That changed in 2012 when they posted a 9-3 mark.

The Lions, who have won state titles in 1975, 2000, 2001 and 2004, nearly added a fifth crown last season, a year in which they scored 625 points in 15 games. They did it behind a ground game that ripped off yardage in huge chunks, rolling to 40+ points nine times.

By seasons’ end Alvarez and Company had restored the roar and won the favor of the Ennis faithful. A handful of players were named to the All-District team while others garnered All-State honors.

Quarterback Devin Smith led a version of the spread offense, rushing for 500 yards, completing 72 percent of his passes for 2,075 yards, including 20 TD passes.

An outstanding duo in the backfield left defenders asking for the number on the license plates of whatever just ran them over.

Terence Williams (Baylor) and Nick Gabriel (Midwestern State) were each a blend of power and speed.

Williams, at 6-foot, 2-inches, 220 pounds rushed for 1,717 yards and 25 TDs while speed-merchant Gabriel racked up 1,231 and 23 TDs. They aver-aged 7.5 and 8.3 yards per carry respectively.

Outside linebacker Ke’Idre Flowers led the defensive unit in tackles, while defensive end James Lockhart wreaked havoc,

and Jah’Shawn Johnson was a ballhawk in the secondary.

The offense produced 442.1 yards per game; 289 of it on the ground, 153 through the air. That translated to almost 42 points per outing.

Not to be outdone was a defensive unit that permitted 17 ppg; surrendered 285.2 ypg, 199 on the ground and a paltry 85 when trying through the air.

A few local teams made the going tough during the regular season; Lewisille, Seguin, Red Oak and Lancaster. Crushing Waxahachie on the road was as sweet as ever.

In the post-season came a few more routs, then thrillers over Frisco and Mesquite Poteet, the latter included a 24-point fourth quarter and a record number of pick-sixes.

It all came to an end when Aledo pulled away from a 10-6 ballgame at the half. The Bear-kats season total of points scored by the end was 925.

Friday nights belong to Ennis football

See FOOTBALL, page 11

www.brucelattimer.com

Terence Williams, a 6-foot, 2-inch, 225-pound running back, rushed for 3,085 yards and 40 TDs. in his lastjunior and senior season, both earning him All-State honors. He redshirted his freshman season at Baylor.

10 - DISCOVER ENNIS 2015

DISCOVER ENNIS 2015 - 11

It took a juggernaut to get past Team Maroon.A key factor is the tremendous support the

Lions receive at home and especially on the road, where charter buses filled with backers sometimes outnumber the hosts.

The cheer team, Lionettes and the band, not to mention Todd Jones and the mobile E-Town air-horn, all unite to create a home game atmosphere.

Ennis has a solid core returning in 2014, a team that will likely continue the Lions’ history of post-season qualifiers.

The Ennis Daily News coverage of the team includes previews in the Friday Game Day sec-tion, interviews with Alvarez, action photos, player features and in-depth reviews of every game.

EnnisFootball.com, a Facebook fan page, sup-plies video highlights of games.

Tracing the 2013 ‘Cats Tracks8/30 W 43-14 @ Burleson Centennial9/6 W 21-13 @ Lewisville9/13 W 55-3 North Forney9/27 W 29-22 Arlington Seguin10-4 W 62-14 Mansfield Lake Ridge10/11 W 30-23 Red Oak10/18 W 56-18 Mansfield Legacy10/24 W 19-3 @ Mansfield Summit11/1 W 28-20 Lancaster11/8 W 61-28 @ Waxahachie

Playoffs11/15 W 62-17 vs Lindale11/22 W 64-13 vs Lucas Lovejoy11/29 W 46-25 vs Frisco12/5 W 43-14 vs Mesquite Poteet12-12 L 6-29 vs Aledo

FOOTBALL cont. from page 9

All-State defensive end in his junior campaign, James Lockhart, 6-foot, 3-inch-es and 253-pounds, committed verbally to Texas A&M in the fall of his senior season. He was credited with 120 tackles as a ju-nior.

Photos by www.brucelattimer.com

All-State defensive back Jah’Shawn Johnson, now at Texas Tech, anchored a secondary known for taking interceptions to the house. His athleticism shone in coverage and everytime he had the ball in the open field.

Nick Gabriel garnered first team All-District recognition as a ju-nior and in his senior seasons when he accumulated 780 and 1,231 yards respectively in those two years, combining for 35 touch-downs. He added 428 yards and seven TDs as a sophomore. He is redshirting at Midwestern State University (NCAA Division II).

12 - DISCOVER ENNIS 2015

Ennis indEpEndEnt school district

ADMINISTRATION• John Chapman, Superintendent

• James Sanders, Assistant Superintendent ofHuman Resources and Administration

• Kathy Cikanek, Assistant Superintendent ofInstructional Programs and Accountability

• Lisa Fincher, Assistant Superintendent of Finance

• Diana Freeman, Executive Director of Federal Programs and GATE

ENNIS ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

• Bramlet Beard, President

• Alan Clark, Vice President

• Walter Beasley, Secretary

• Julie Pierce, Trustee

• Jennifer Haden, Trustee

• Alan Linson, Trustee

• Kelly McManus, Trustee

The Ennis Independent School District is in Region 10 of the Texas Education Agency. The district, formed in 1881, covers an area of 253.8 sq. miles in the southeastern corner of Ellis County and extends into a small area of Navarro County.

Two early childhood centers for pre-kindergarten, kinder-garten, and the pre-school program for children with disabil-ities, four elementary schools, two intermediate schools for grades fourth, fifth, and sixth, a junior high for seventh- and eighth-graders, and a high school that consist of a ninth and 10th grade building, a 11th and 12th grade building, and a

career center complete student campuses. Ennis schools educate about 5,700 students with a faculty

and staff of more than 700. An expanded technology pro-gram is in place on all campuses. Each teacher has a desktop computer which is used for grade book records, inter-office mail, the Internet, and is networked with the entire district. Interactive SmartBoards with projectors are included in each classroom for state of the art technology integration in the overall instructional program. With secure, individual passwords, parents are able to access student progress by utilizing the RSCCC Parent Portal.

Student populations (Counts as of 10.10.14)

Carver Early Childhood Center — 297

Crockett Early Childhood Center — 431

Austin Elementary — 320

Bowie Elementary — 386

Houston Elementary — 300

Travis Elementary — 305

Lummus Intermediate — 673

Miller Intermediate — 621

Ennis Junior High — 836

Ennis High School — 1636

DISCOVER ENNIS 2015 - 13

FARMERS

MARKET

Ennis launched its first Farmers Market in the spring of 2014 with a plan to produce more than produce.

The vision began with a bold belief the new venue would have enough vendors and community support to cover a full, six-month run in the heart of the historic downtown district.

Located along North Dallas and Knox streets near the midtown railroad tracks on Ennis Avenue, the market began with 45 vendors and only grew as the season pro-gressed. New booths joined up until the last week.

Becky McCarty, whose color and buoyant personal-ity are well received by shoppers and vendors alike, maintained the life and energy of the weekly event. It had musicians, cooking demonstrations, exercise exhibitions, contests, a live DJ, food booths and activities for children to allow parents to shop.

Vegetables, fruit, handmade crafts, antiques, jewelry, plants, herbs, ice cream, grass-fed beef, spices, coffee, jellies, massages and plenty more.

Plans are in the works for next spring, with expansion to include new features.

The amount of foot traffic grew as the season matured and finished with an average between 450 and 500 people each Saturday.

A number of community events piggy-backed along with the farmers market to take advantage of one another instead of competing directly. Watch for more in 2015.

Some made a family project of coming to the market and shopping for ingredients for a weekend stew, soup or dishes to go along with dinner.

At the close of the inaugural season it was clear, Ennis wants a market and will regularly support one.

It is expected to return in April or May of 2015.

of the belief Ennis is ripe for eco-nomic expansion, Marty Nelson and Chuck Ewings collaborated to hire Retail Coach to do a com-prehensive analysis of the spend-ing habits, including where and for what purchases are made by area residents. The Economic Development Coordinator and City Manager took the results to citizens in meetings in 2014, distributing the detailed results of a litmus test passed with fly-ing colors.

“I think the retail coach put numbers and data to things we assumed but couldn’t prove,” Nelson said. “Being able to tell the story of Ennis being a retail trade area of 40,000+ shows de-velopers and investors when we say “we’re open for business,” we mean it.

“Cotton Patch opening a new restaurant (early 2015) adds fuel to the fire.”

Nelson and city leaders continue to field inquiries about retail shopping, restaurants and business overtures to the west of town, the downtown historic dis-trict, and along the I-45 corridor.

“Looking at just one or two indicators just doesn’t tell the story about how these things begin to work synergistically to create economic momentum,” said Nelson. “Taken collectively, they tell a compelling story of ac-tion and determination focused on improving our collective future.”

There are real barometers supporting the assurance of the area’s potential for continued growth.

“I believe Ennis is on the cusp of economic development like we haven’t seen for many years,” said Nelson.

“I base that statement on facts such as; We are working two active industrial projects with additional inquiries coming in weekly.

“There are five active historic preservation grants stimulating construction and rehabilitation as part of the downtown revital-ization.

“The Farmers Market is about to wrap-up a fantastic first season with attendance likely to top 12,000 (an average between 450-500 visitors each Saturday). Gross sales are in excess of $120,000.

“Everywhere I look, I see positive energy, lively discus-sions and active negotiations that will have a positive impact on our schools, businesses, families and children.”

In addition, he says Ewings monitors sales tax revenue as a “key indicator of economic activ-ity and its on a steady glide path of growth.

“The number and quality of events we’re having downtown are driving sales activity that translates into opportunities for our citizens and sales tax rev-enue that can be reinvested.”

Mayor Russell Thomas, who calls Ennis the “Best of small town America,” often proclaims the strengths of the community while stating it’s a “great place to raise a family.

“We are blessed to have had the opportunity to have educated our three daughters in the Ennis Independent School District.

“Katherine, our oldest daughter, currently is practicing as an attorney. Anna, our middle daughter, has completed her PhD and our youngest, Becca, is completing her final year of Law School.

“I see a bright future for Ennis,” he said. “I feel there is so much positive energy from many different people and organiza-tions, all directed at continuing to improve the quality of life here.

“Our comprehensive plan will aid in determining direction and focus for our leaders and will result in beneficial projects that will further enhance our city.”

He believes more and more people want to live in Ennis and the reasons for it are why Ennis will continue to grow and thrive.

14 - DISCOVER ENNIS 2015

BLUEBONNETS cont. from page 2

DISCOVER ENNIS 2015 - 15

The Texas Motorplex, established in 1986 and located west of Ennis on U.S. 287, averages more than 65 event-days each season, that last from late February to mid-November. Since its opening, the track has been the prime place for gearheads from Ennis and surrounding communities to get their fix.

In 2014 the track saw 15 percent more fans than it did in the previous year, and track President/GM Gabrielle Stevenson hopes to see an equally large jump in 2015.

Texas Motorplex has been fortunate enough to host one of the most impor-tant events on the professional National Hot Rod Association schedule every year. “We’ve been one of the playoff locations since they started the program. Next year will be even more vitally important,” Ste-venson said.

In 2015, the track will host the fourth of

six playoff events rather than the second, putting Texas Motorplex on the map later in the NHRA season, when drivers’ stand-ings and times are more important.

Something new that Stevenson brought to Ennis in 2014 is a Fan Fest event, which takes place before the NHRA drivers take to the asphalt. “It’s a way to greet the racers and show them the community is excited to host them over the next four or five days,” she said.

The National Hot Rod Diesel Associa-tion also brings plenty of their events to the Ennis location, which draws out the most exciting and loyal fans.

Other events throughout the season in-clude an Import Face Off, three major car shows, and Fast Fridays.

The Fast Friday events are maybe the most interesting the Motorplex has to offer

and can draw out a wide array of drivers. It’s a chance for people to take their own cars to the strip to give drag racing a go.

“We would rather people come out and get their need for speed satisfied with a pro-fessional track crew, safer conditions and emergency services available rather than taking it illegally to the streets and endan-gering themselves and others,” Stevenson said.

For $15, anyone can head out to the track and race unlimited laps, which is much cheaper than what it might cost a street racer that is partaking in illegal rac-ing.

With support from Ennisites as well as city officials, the Texas Motorplex is ever-growing, and people of all ages can enjoy this local treasure.

Texas MotorplexTexas Motorplex hosts a

National Hot Rod Event event each racing season which draws

fans from across the globe.

16 -DISCOVER ENNIS 2015

Ennis built on Czech heritage

National Polka Festival — May 22-24, 2015The National Polka Festival — or “Polka Fest” to an Ennis native — is

a tradition that dates back more than 40 years and was born of three local men.

Raymond Zapletal, Lynn Gehrig and Joe Liska started the festival on the premise that polka and Czech traditions are worth preserving.

At the time, Raymond, Lynn and Joe knew of polka festivals that were taking place in Czech communities all across the United States. With nearly half of Ennis’ population comprised of descendents of Czech im-migrants, Raymond knew a polka festival would be a hit in the Ennis com-munity. Taking the initiative, the three men put themselves in charge of booking the bands for the halls. The Ennis Chamber of Commerce pitched in with the parade. The festival was coming together.

“We wanted to keep the tradition going, and do something for Ennis,” he said.

Indeed, the Polka Festival has done something for Ennis. Not only has it brought an entire community together, but it has also attracted polka fans from all over the United States — adding up to a big economic benefit for the city.

In its first year, the Polka Festival was held just one day, and organizers had no idea the amount of people it would attract. The turnout surprised

DISCOVER ENNIS 2015 - 17

them. Within the first five years, there were 30,000 attendees. Although it started out being called the Ennis Polka Festival, the name soon changed to the National Polka Festival to reflect the large turnout of polka dancers from all across the country.

“It put the city of Ennis on the map,” Raymond said. “You meet a lot of people through polka music.”

In the festival’s second year, the one-day celebration turned into a weekend affair. The festival used to be on a weekend in the beginning of May, but was moved to Memorial Day weekend in the mid-1990s to better coordinate with events at the Texas Motorplex.

Holding the festival on a holiday weekend turned out to be a plus.

“That gives people driving in from out of town an extra day to get back,” said Danny Zapletal, Raymond’s son and current executive direc-tor of the Polka Festival.

For the Zapletals, the Polka Festival has turned into quite the family project. In addition to Danny’s contribution, Raymond’s daughter, Mi-chelle Slovak is also involved, serving as secretary.

Raymond and his wife, Pat, have both contributed musical talents to various polka bands throughout the years — Raymond on trumpet and Pat on piano. Although they don’t play or dance polka anymore, they still have a good time when they attend the Polka Festival every year.

Attendance at the Polka Festival has grown over the years, and by most counts, the number is in the 50,000 range.

KATOLICKA JEDNOTA TEXASKA SOCIETY NO. 35

Members — Approximately 1,250 members Community outreach and activities — KJT youth program, scholarships for KJT mem-

bers who are graduating seniors History — KJT Society began so that Czech

immigrants could bond with each other after coming to the United States. The Ennis chapter was founded in 1900. KJT began ac-cepting women members in 1980. Although

it started out as an exclusively Catholic organization, in 2008, KJT opened member-

ship to all Christians.

SOKOL Members — Approximately 300 members

Community outreach and activities — So-kol provides gymnastics and fitness classes for all ages and a twirling program. Facili-ties can be used for community functions,

weddings and other parties. History — Sokol — which means falcon in Czech — was founded in 1862 in Prague, and brought to the United States by Czech immigrants to preserve their heritage. The

Ennis unit was formed in 1908.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Members — Between 350 and 400 members Community outreach and activities — KC members perform charity work, organize benefits and scholarships to graduating

seniors. KC Hall can be rented for weddings and other occasions.

History — Knights of Columbus was founded in 1881 in Connecticut to provide for widows and orphans. KC was so named

to honor Christopher Columbus, who brought Christianity to the Americas. The

Ennis chapter was formed in 1908.

18 - DISCOVER ENNIS 2015

The Land of BluebonnetsIn 2014, Ennis enjoyed one of

the most prolific bluebonnet yields in recent memory during the city’s 62nd annual running of the Blue-bonnet Trails.

Bus tours and visitors from around the state poured in to Ennis even before the beginning of the Bluebonnet Trails season, which starts officially on April 1 of each year. The bluebonnets bloomed early and plentifully, so the big boost to local tourism was both expected and welcome.

The jury is still out on the com-ing season, but fall rains are setting an encouraging stage for the up-coming spring showing.

Ennis also hosts its annual Blue-bonnet Trails Festival in the middle of April each year, bringing arts and crafts, musical entertainers, food, fun and games into down-town Ennis over that weekend. Residents and visitors to town that week have some of the best blue-

bonnet viewing available on the miles of trails that snake through areas around the city, and the fes-tival serves as a backdrop for the height of the season each year.

Ennis has had a love affair with the state flower of Texas for gener-ations, and that is sure to continue. Through the lean times and the bumper crops, Ennis loyally flies the flag as the state’s Bluebonnet City, a moniker it earned from the state Legislature in 1997.

Typically, for Ennis, the Ennis Garden Club says the third week of April is usually the best week for viewing as the bluebonnets gener-ally peak during this week in our area.

Every year is different, so visi-tors are well advised to check the Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau website or call the CVB be-fore they visit, to ensure the best viewing.

Bluebonnet TrailsApril 1-30, 2015

Festival WeekendApril 17-19, 2015

DISCOVER ENNIS 2015 - 19

The Texas Motorplex Fan Fest was held downtown before the National Hot Rod Association event for the first time this year. Racers were able to meet their fans without worrying about the pressures of qualifying and racing.

Texas Motorplex Fan Fest

Fans pour into Ennis by the thousands for the NHRA Fall Nationals, including the media. The roar from the dragstrip and the allure of race cars is always a big hit. Fan Fest in downtown Ennis in 2014 was part of an ex-panded plan for connecting drivers, dragsters and fans.

20 - DISCOVER ENNIS 2015

ENNIS SOFTBALL

The is little doubt about what comes first in this town. Football. A strong second place might even go to spring football. Other sports and teams battle to gain the spotlight after the state-ranked football Lions.

While each can state their case, it’s hard to deny the Ennis softball their position, which rises annually.

In the spring of 2014 the Lady Lions enjoyed unprecedented success when they rolled to the state championship game behind a record of 39-6.

Ennis stunned the No. 1 ranked Barbers Hill at the semi-finals in Austin. The Lady Lions overcame a 4-0 deficit by rallying to win, 8-7. The Eagles finished 31-1.

Head coach Rodney McNeil retired after 10 years with a 264-87-1 mark with Team Maroon. Succeeding him is former Lady Lion Magen Butler.

Two players from the team were named All-State; senior pitcher Taylor Maliska and junior outfielder Julia Hollingsworth. The latter broke the national record for runs in a season.

Over the past four years Ennis has gone 57-3 against teams in their district.

All photos by www.photosbylezley.com

After celebrating 10 full years of operation in 2010, Ennis Regional Medical Center continues to serve as the primary center for medical care in the city of Ennis. Since its inception, the hospital has seen un-precedented growth and augment-ed its staff of highly trained medical professionals in ways that provide the region with the most options for their health care and has positioned itself to continue that service into the future.

With the closure of Baylor Waxa-hachie’s obstetrics division, the En-nis hospital has become the single outlet for expectant mothers in the area. Learn more about the hospital at www.ennisregional.com.

Ennis Regional Medical Center was named one of the nation’s Top Performers on Key Quality Mea-sures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.

ERMC was recognized by The Joint Commission for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thromboembolism, as well

as inpatient psychiatric services. Ennis Regional Medical Center is

one of 620 hospitals in the U.S. earn-ing the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for attain-ing and sustaining excellence in ac-countability measure performance.

ERMC was recognized for its achievement on the following mea-sure sets: Surgical Care and Pneu-

monia. The ratings are based on an aggregation of accountability mea-sure data reported to The Joint Commission during the 2011 cal-endar year.

The list of Top Performers in-creased by 50 percent from its debut last year and represents 18 percent of accredited hospitals re-porting data.

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Ennis Regional Medical Center

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Lake Bardwell Reservoir

One of the favorite gathering places for friends and family in the area, especially during the summer months, is Lake Bardwell.

The reservoir is easily the most vis-ited tourist spot in the county. It’s a place that welcomes fishing, boating, camping and just about any other outdoor activity around.

It also serves as the main water supply for Ennis and Waxahachie. Congress authorized construction of Bardwell Reservoir on March 31, 1960 and construction began in Sep-tember of ’63.

Creating the reservoir cost more than $12 million. The idea for the lake was first conceived by the people living in the area around Bardwell who predicted a time when Bardwell Lake would be essential for the growth and welfare of this part of Texas.

Impoundment of water at the lake, which provides flood control and a conservation platform for area wa-ter, began in November 1965. The lake boasts 25 miles of shoreline, is over five miles long and more than a mile wide at its largest point. It of-fers many recreational opportunities including hiking trails, picnic areas and bike paths in addition to camp-grounds and designated swimming areas.

Both the lake and surrounding campgrounds are maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

To make camping reservations or for additional information, call 1-877-444-6777.

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Your Mortgage ExpertsClosing Loans & Opening Doors Since 1960

Vanessa Zmolik RMLO

(469)337-4578 NMLS# 373756

Company NMLS #3274; Branch NMLS #393949. This branch lends in TX.

Go Ennis Lions!!!

Your Mortgage Experts Closing Loans & Opening Doors Since 1960

Company NMLS #3274; Branch NMLS #393949. This branch lends in TX.

Ashley Johnson RMLO

(214)949-9493 NMLS# 178067

Go Ennis Lions!!!

Go Ennis Lions!!!

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Lights of EnnisEvery year, the com-

munity bands together to support the show of Christmas lights in downtown Ennis. Fun-draising takes many forms, including the annual Lights of Ennis Gala.

The city of Ennis puts significant effort into the downtown light show, as well, helping to string and organize the tens of thousands of lights that are a part of the annual display.

In total, the lights covering Pierce Park at the railroad tracks and the buildings in down-town stretch more than five miles.

Houses around the community join in the display, as well, decorat-ing to the nines as part of an annual competi-tion for recognition as a Lights of Ennis home.

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Find Your church connEctionAssembly of GodFaith Assembly of God1810 W. Baldridge, Ennis

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Church 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Prayer 5 p.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Sunday Evening Youth 6 p.m.

Wed. Evening Bible Study 7 p.m.

Wednesday Evening

Missionettes 7 p.m.

Royal Rangers 7 p.m.

Thurs. Intercessory Prayer 7 p.m.

Men’s Ministries (4th Sat.) 7:30 a.m.

Woman’s Ministries (4th Tues.) 6:30 pm.

Keenagers (Over 55; 2nd Tues.)

6:30 pm.

Baptist ChurchesAnthony Drive Baptist801 Anthony Dr., EnnisSun. Worship 10:50 a.m.

& 6 p.m.Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Wednesday nightYouth Choir & Adult Bible

Study-6 p.m.

Baylor Baptist210 North Preston, Ennis

Sun. Worship11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Youth & Children’s Wed. 6:15 p.m.

Wed. Prayer 6:30 p.m.

Bethlehem Missionary608 East Loggins

Sun. School 8:45 a.m.Sun. Worship 10 a.m.

Bible Baptist Church2200 Ensign Road

Sunday School 10 a.m.Sunday services 11 a.m. &

6:30 p.m.

Calvary Baptist412 N. I-45

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 a.m.Sunday Worship 10:55 a.m. &

6 p.m.Wednesday 6 p.m.

Creechville Baptist900 Creechville Road

Sunday School 10:30 a.m.Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Wednesday Worship 7:30 pm.

First Baptist Church of Ennis301 N. Dallas St.

Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church, BardwellBardwell, TX

Sunday School 10 a.m.Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church, PalmerSunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:50 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m.

Friendship Baptist1101 Hall St.

Sunday Bible Study 10 a.m.Sunday Worship 11 a.m. &

6:30 p.m.Wednesday Light Supper 6 p.m.Wednesday Bible Study & Kids

6:30 p.m.

Fundamentalist Baptist Church of Palmer

211 W. Jefferson St.Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Sunday service 10:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday service 7 p.m.Teens and kids program

Wednesday 7 p.m.

New Beginning Fellowship300 West Crockett

Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.

Tabernacle Baptist1200 Country Club Road

Sunday Bible Study 9:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship 9:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Catholic ChurchesSt. John Catholic Church

601 S. Paris St.Saturday Vigil 5 p.m.

Sunday 7 a.m. & 1 p.m. (Spanish)

Christian ChurchesThe First Christian Church

805 W. Baldridge Ave.Sunday Schooll 10 a.m.Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

First Christian Church, Palmer101 Paris St.

Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.

Christian Methodist ChurchHolsey Christian Methodist

709 E. Quinlan St.Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Tuesday Bible Study 7 pm.

Church of ChristBristol Church of Christ

99 Church Circle

Church of Christ, Ennis1503 Country Club Road

Bible classes Sunday 9 a.m.Sunday Worship 10 a.m. &

5 p.m.Bible classes Wednesday 7 p.m.

Church of GodHoly Temple Church of God

103 E. Lake St.

Episcopal ChurchSt. Thomas Episcopal Church

901 Park St. Sunday School 9 a.m.

Mass 10 a.m.

Lutheran ChurchGrace Lutheran Church

2402 W. Ennis AveSunday School 9:15 a.m.

Worship 10:15 a.m.Men’s Prayer Breakfast @IHOP

Tuesdays 6:30 a.m.

Methodist ChurchAlliance of Faith UMC Family

1306 N. Kaufman St.Sunday School 10 a.m.

Sunday Worship 8:45 a.m.Tuesday Treasuries 6 p.m.

Bardwell United Methodist Church

104 Pecan Sunday service 11 a.m.

Bristol United Methodist104 Church St., Briston

First United Methodist300 N. Sherman

Sunday Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m.Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist1500 Hall St.

Sunday Worship 9 a.m.

Missionary Baptist ChurchGalilee MBC

900 S. Preston St. Sunday School 9:45 a.m.Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Wednesday Service 7 p.m.

Fourth Ward MBC1300 N. Shawnee St.

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.Sunday Worship 11 a.m.Monday Mission 5 p.m.Tuesday Choir 7 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer Meeting6:30 p.m.

Wednesday 4Square Children’s Church 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m.Saturday Prayer Breakfast

7 a.m.

New Founders MBC1903 Lafayette St.

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 a.m.Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Wednesday ‘Hour of Power’ 6 p.m.

New Hope MBC704 N. Ripley

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Wednesday Services 7 p.m.

Non-denominationalRefiner’s Fire Ministries

1611 West Ennis Ave.Sunday Coffee Connection

9 a.m.Sunday Worship Service 10 a.m.Wednesday Night Power Service

7 p.m. (All Ages)Kids Power (Ages 4-11); Youth

(Ages 12-18); Nursery (Ages 0-3)

Damascus Road Fellowship116 W. Ennis Ave.

Coffee and doughnuts 10 a.m.Worship service 10:15 alm.

Evangelistic Messengers Association Church

1107 S. Clay St. Sunday Worship

English/Hispanic Service 4 p.m.972-349-1137

www.emachurch.org

Pentecostal ChurchLiving Way UPC

2007 East Ennis Ave. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Thursday 7 p.m.

Abundant Life Pentecostal Church5404 I-45 S

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Presbyterian ChurchFirst Presbyterian Church

210 N. McKinney St. Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.Thursday Bible Study 5 p.m.

OtherCowboy Church of Ennis

429 I-45Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Ennis Bible Church110 S. Mulberry St. Sunday 10:30 a.m.

www.ennisbiblechurch.org

Foundation of Life Church2003 E. Ennis Ave.

Sunday Service 9 a.m.Wednesday 7 p.m.

Youth Service Wednesday 7 p.m.

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Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage MuseumGoing to the Ennis Railroad and

Cultural Heritage Museum feels more like a trip to grandma and grandpa’s house than a trip to a museum. It has to do with the calm atmosphere, and the way the ceiling fans lazily spin.

There is no reason to leave in a hurry, especially with a guide like Bill Martz, one of the part-time museum attendants of more than a decade. He created his own routine after the first year, to liven the experience for guests.

“Just one moment, I’ll be right back,” Martz said, disappearing be-hind the ticket booth. When he re-turns, he has a conductor hat on that has duct tape on the visor, and a pock-et watch dangling from his vest.

“I dress this way so it adds to the experience.”

He walks to the back of the museum, passing display cases full of fine china, and leads the tour into a room with a television and a few antique benches in it. There is a map of Ennis circa 1872 that is almost the size of the wall.

He uses a pointer to indicate where the Houston and Texas Central Rail-road purchased land, and how the Southern Pacific Railroad’s Sunbeam would pass through Ennis on its way from Houston to Dallas.

Then, Martz walks over to the tele-vision and starts a short movie on the history of the museum; he draws the blinds and turns off the lights.

“I’ll be back when it’s over,” he said, the word ‘when’ giving away his Balti-more accent.

The tour moves from this room, to in front of a mock display of a train de-pot office from the 1800s.

“This is what the typical office would have looked like,” Martz said pointing to various objects in the of-fice. “Potbelly stove, telegraph key, and rotary phone.”

Martz begins to ease the tour back into the main part of the museum, by drawing attention to the model of the 1948 rail yard protected by a wall of plastic.

He illustrates different highlights like the 14 lines of tracks, the lazy Su-san where the trains were serviced, the water tanks and the supply buildings.

When Martz looks at this model, he

can actually visualize what it used to look like in person.

The tour edges around display cas-es and stops in front of an iron link and pin. Martz bends down to dem-onstrate, moving the pieces back and forth into place.

“This is the way they used to have to connect the cars, and it was very dan-gerous. There were lots of injuries and even deaths. Sometimes, Dad didn’t come home.”

The tour stops in front of a photo-graph. According to the photograph, the actual museum is housed in a for-mer Van Noy restaurant building.

“It was built in 1915, and served customers from as many as 10 passen-ger trains a day that stopped in Ennis.”

Martz presses the silver pointer against a building north of the now-museum.

“That was the ticket office and bag-gage building after the original two-story depot was destroyed by fire in the late 1930s.”

Next, the tour looks at an assort-ment of train memorabilia: coal, lan-

terns, oilcans, glassware, and a motion picture reel.

Martz decides to take a gander outside to a shed next door to the mu-seum. He slowly opens the shed doors and reveals a bright orange motorized inspector car from the 1940s.

“Isn’t that something? Wait here, and I’ll get the caboose ready.”

Martz climbs the steps to the ca-boose and unlocks and opens the door, the last part of the tour.

“Ready.” The inside of the caboose is a robin’s

egg blue, and still has the same sink and toilet that the conductor who lived in there once used.

“This is where he would cook his meals, and this is where the brakemen sat,” Martz said pointing to seats high above the floor.

“Let’s go to the back of the caboose.” Martz leans up against the thin black railing.

“You could just imagine how the conductor would ride back here and wave to the people.”