In the Know Ellis

Sign in Subscribe

In The Know Ellis

Vendors at a farmers market.

New Dawnz: Artisan soap hobby grows into small business

New Dawnz may be a fairly new business, but its genesis as a purveyor of handcrafted artisan soaps goes back a ways. “I’ve been making body butter for years,” said owner Shericka Ashley of Waxahachie, noting that she came up with her own version to better treat her three

A photo of Big Tex at the State Fair.

State Fair of Texas announces its food award semi-finalists

DALLAS – We’re thrilled to announce that State Fair of Texas concessionaires are off to the races with an exciting new lineup of edible innovations debuting this fall. The semi-finalists for the 21st Annual Big Tex® Choice Awards, presented by Karbach Brewing Company, have been revealed—and this year’s

Two HVAC students work on a unit.

TSTC students get real-world experience repairing air conditioning on campus

RED OAK – When the air conditioning system in the information technology room at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus needed some repairs, HVAC Technology instructor Jarrod Tawney turned it into an assignment for two standout students, Elijahwah McCowan and Edward Wilds. “One of the goals is it gives

A student is shown working with a piece of diesel equipment technology.

Technology student augments skills, perspective in job at truck dealership

RED OAK – After five years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Nathan McDivit decided to join the automotive industry. “I got a job at a (truck) dealership, and under their mentorship, my service manager told me that an associate (degree) is the way to go, and Texas State Technical College

State Board of Education on passage of legislative priorities

AUSTIN – The State Board of Education has noted the passage of several items it had identified as state board priorities for the 89th Texas Legislature. The legislative actions listed below reflect the board’s "mission to strengthen and support Texas public education," according to a media release “These

89th Legislature: Bills affecting employers

The 2025 general session of the Texas Legislature resulted in several bills that will impact employers, the most important of which appear below in a list prepared by William T. Simmons, who serves as legal counsel to Texas Workforce Commission Commissioner Joe Esparza. The list is organized into subject areas

Abbott announces $7.3 million in workforce skills training grants

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has announced more than $7.3 million in Texas Talent Connection grants awarded to 22 innovative workforce skills training and job placement programs in communities across the state. Since 2015, Abbott has awarded more than $57 million in Texas Talent Connection grants. The current grants include