The Ellis County Observer was launched in October 2005 by former investigative reporter Joey Dauben, at the time a staffer at the independent weekly The Ellis County Press.
The focus and mission of The ECO was and still is to report on political news and information in Ellis County, mainly following the campaigns and elections throughout the year. The ECO has now merged into the de facto online project of The Ellis County Press, where Joey now consults the news department. The ECO, since its inception, has since morphed into a full-fledged operation consisting of five editors and numerous contributors. Many fans of this site have freedom to publish - free of retaliation and resentment - facts and news about political figures they would otherwise be reluctant to share.
The ECO is a subsidiary of Dauben, Inc., but recently, the Republic Political Marketing (RPM) management company Dauben, Inc. launched has taken over the day-to-day duties.
We welcome news tips by contacting:
The Ellis County Observer
P.O. Box 1545
Waxahachie, TX 75168
972-891-2135
info@elliscountyobserver.com
“He’s [Joey Dauben] the Woodward and Bernstein of Ellis County.” - KDFW Fox 4 reporter Jeff Crilley
“If anyone can help [Ellis County], it’s him [Joey Dauben]. He has balls.” - Jeff Crilley
Before: The Ellis County Justice Center was a three-story government building erected in downtown Waxahachie in 2000 - it was referred to as “The Pink Elephant” due to its pink stucco walls. The building was built even after taxpayers rejected a bond referendum; commissioners at the time, led by Republican County Judge Al Cornelius, passed a tax anticipation note to fund the construction of it and a jail annex. Both buildings were plagued by excessive constructural damage, mold and water damage, etc., preventing the use by county officials. Joey Dauben was the first reporter to have documented the inside damages that plagued the Justice Center. His digital photos appeared in a 2003 issue of The Ellis County Press. A week later, the building and its surrounding property were boarded and fenced up.
After: County commissioners had the Justice Center razed in January of 2007.
Photos by Joey Dauben. Permission granted for redistribution and usage, though credit is requested.
