BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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ALMA
The Alma Volunteer Fire Department recently replaced a 1984 model truck with this new small brush truck, acquired with the help of a VFD Assistance Program grant.
BARDWELL
Did you know with over 3,500 surface acres, Lake Bardwell is of one of the largest attractions in Ellis County with annual attendance exceeding 500,000 visitors. The sparkling body of water offers skiing, fishing, swimming, boating, and more to be done at your leisure.
CEDAR HILL
Cedar Hill’s Farmer’s Market opens May 9 until October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month in historic Downtown on Cedar Street between Houston and Main Street.
ENNIS
Bluebonnet Market in Ennis is located downtown at 100 Dallas Street from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday from now until October. Visitors will find fresh produce, hand-crafted items and unique products from area farmers, craftsmen, artists, and specialty vendors.
FERRIS
Story Time at the Ferris Public Library, 301 E.10th Street from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
GARRETT
At Garrett’s last city council meeting, it was discussed to approve the creation of Garrett Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corporation; approving the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and appointing the initial directors.
GRAND PRAIRIE
Grand Prairie’s Farmers Market is open every Saturday through mid-December at 120 W. Main St., in downtown Grand Prairie from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It features locally grown fruits and vegetables, plants, tamales, baked goods, meat, salsas, chips, dips, relishes, eggs, honey, spices, soaps, candles, artisan crafts and more.
GLENN HEIGHTS
The City of Glenn Heights, in partnership with the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, has joined the 2026 Move with the Mayor® (MWTM) Spring Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge. The month-long initiative runs throughout May, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month with the city offering these activities: Monday evenings – Line Dancing at the Community Center; May 16 – Shields Elementary RUNderful 5K; May 20 – Health Fair (in conjunction with Teddy Bear Hospital); May 23 – Cycling Event (TENTATIVE – 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.); May 23 – Mental Health Symposium (TENTATIVE 12 – 3 p.m.)
ITALY
The Italy Trades Day, which was scheduled in April, was rescheduled due to rain for May 9 at the same time and location.
MANSFIELD
Mansfield Farm & Cottage Market opens May 2 to Nov. 21 bringing local farmers, homesteaders, artisans, craftsman, artists, musicians together for a community market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot at 703 E Broad St.
MAYPEARL
Maypearl’s Community Cleanup will be held on Saturday, May 2 from 8 a.m. to noon. Home pick-up will include large trash items placed at the road outside your home the night before or by 8 a.m. that morning. Drive-Through Drop-Off will be behind City Hall. Enter from Reagan Street and exit through the alley toward Brookshire Brothers. This is open to Maypearl residents only who present a current water bill and ID. No commercial haulers and residents must be in line 30 minutes prior to closing. Anyone arriving later will be turned away. Bring help if you need assistance unloading. Not accepted are batteries, paint, tires, appliances, computers, computer equipment, and televisions.
MIDLOTHIAN
Midlothian’s 15th Annual Kids Fishing Derby free registration is now open. A fun-filled day at the Community Park Fishing Pond, 3601 S. 14th Street on May 30. There will be friendly competition, prizes, and plenty of memories for ages 4–12. Limited spots so register at www.midlothian.tx.us/447/Kids-Fishing-Derby.
MILFORD
Milford’s Paws for a Cause will take place on May 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. Complete the link at https://forms.gle/wRrDSji4XMXWiAnE9 or call 972-493-2911 and they can help. Paws for a Cause is Milford ISD’s Day of Service for anyone over the age of 50 who lives within the city limits and needs help with yardwork, painting, cleanup and outside windows cleans.
OAK LEAF
Oak Leaf City Council meetings are the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
OVILLA
The Ovilla Trash off and Extreme Green Event will be held on its rescheduled date of May 30 this year from 8 a.m. to noon. Hosted by the city and CWD, the event gives Ovilla residents an opportunity to dispose of items that are not typically accepted with regular curbside trash service. Residents may bring items such as brush and bulky waste, used electronics, household hazardous waste, appliances, tires and personal documents for shredding. The event queue will begin on Westlawn Drive.
PALMER
Palmer City Council meetings are held the third Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall, 650 S. Dallas St.
PECAN HILL
Pecan Hill City Council meetings are the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.
RED OAK
Join Red Oak Fire Rescue for Community Awareness Day on Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at Fire Station 1 – 547 Methodist Street. Spend the morning getting an up-close look at your local first responders in action. It’s a family-friendly event full of live demos, safety info, and hands-on learning.
VENUS
Venus and Venus ISD are seeking election workers for the May 2 General Election. The location is the Venus Civic Center at 210 S. Walnut Street, Venus. They need one bilingual worker and Election Clerks at $15 hour, as well as two early voting ballot board members at $15 hour with dates/times TBD. You must live within city limits and be a registered voter. If interested contact the City Secretary at (972) 366-3348 ext. 207.
WAXAHACHIE
The Waxahachie Spring/Summer Farmers Market Season begins on Saturday, May 2 with hours from May to October 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 701 Howard Road, Waxahachie.
In addition to 19 cities/towns in Ellis County (five of which straddle two counties that include Ellis), there are also 18 unincorporated towns; Alsdorf, Auburn, Avalon, Boz, Brisol, Britton, Crisp, Five Points, Forreston, Ike, India, Ozro, Rankin, Reagor Springs, Rockett, Sardis, Telico and Trumbull.
If you have news briefs for any of these cities/towns (resident, business or city) please send to rcook13@earthlink.net so we can share the news.
