At last week’s city council meeting a lease agreement was discussed with Ellis County ESD #11 for the property located at the Alma Fire Station.
As of Aug, 2, Bardwell Lake is sitting at 420.67 feet elevation, which translates to exactly 97.5% capacity (rounded to 98% full). This data is updated daily by official sources like the Texas Water Development Board and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
CEDAR HILL
The City Council recently denied a Mixed-Use Rezoning Request for J. Elmer Weaver Freeway Development. The applicant, Reginald E. Jennings II of J Elmer North CH Development LLC, proposed eight acres for retail and 21 acres for approximately 550 multifamily units. Staff initially recommended approval with specific development standards, including requiring retail in phase one and limiting land uses. However, duetoobjectionsfromtheapplicantonmultiplestaffrecommendations, staff amended their recommendation to denial.
ENNIS
Ennisislookingforresidentspassionateabouthistoricpreservationto serve on the Historic Landmark Commission. It is a volunteer board that helps protect historic buildings, guide preservation standards, support public education, and review landmark designations. The Commission meets once a month (or as needed) and residents with interests in architecture, history, urban planning, real estate, archaeology, or related fields are encouraged to apply or anyone who cares about preserving Ennis.
FERRIS
Remember Ferris ISD’s Back to School fair is Aug. 1 at Ferris High Don’t miss Sunsets at the Market - Ferris First Friday Vendor Market held in Downtown Ferris at the Pavillion every month.
GARRETT
Garrett City Council meetings are on the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at 208 North Ferris Street, Ennis.
GRAND PRAIRIE
IfyouhavenoticedDowntownGrandPrairieislookingalittledifferent it is because Sonic on Main has been demolished, the former Calvary Church site has been cleared, new sidewalks have been poured, shade structures are up and the brand-new downtown stage is getting its finishing touches with new siding. The new downtown stage will debut with an exciting new layout for this year’s Main Street Fest in October.
GLENN HEIGHTS
Glenn Heights Police Department and Fire Department are going head to head at our Battle of the Badges Blood Drive during the Back to School Bash! Help support local patients in need while showing your support for the city’s first responders. Every donation can help save lives, and all donors will receive a FREE t-shirt while supplies last. Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will be Saturday, August 8 from 8 a.m. to noon at 1938 S. Hampton Rd.
ITALY
Italy ISD will be holding its mandatory 2026–2027 Student Drug Testing window on August 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the Italy High School Cafetorium for students participating in upcoming school-year activities.
MAYPEARL
Maypearl’s Chamber of Commerce Ice Cream Social is officially scheduled for Sunday, August 9 at Lone Star Pizzeria, 302 N. Main St. in downtown Maypearl. The event is free and open to the public as a back-to-school community celebration.
MIDLOTHIAN
Midlothian families can attend the district’s “Meet the Bus Driver” event on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. to confirm student transportation routes.
MILFORD
The official Milford ISD Bulldog Nation Spirit Days schedule for September 2026 athletic season includes the following dates and themes: September 8: Bling Out Day September 9: Color Wars Elementary: Yellow Junior High: Green 9th Grade: Pink 10th Grade: Purple 11th Grade: Blue 12th Grade: Tie-Dye September 10: Neon Day September 11: Spirit Day (Blue & White) September 17: USA Day
OAK LEAF
The municipal road improvement project in the Little Creek Estates area of Oak Leaf officially began on Friday, July 24. According to the official Oak Leaf public advisory, the municipal government issued the notice on July 17, warning residents that active construction, localized lane closures, and minor traffic delays would carry forward into August. The city has not published an exact final completion date, stating only that delays will remain ongoing while crews actively work to improve local street quality,
OVILLA
Ovilla residents along the northern border on Lariat Trail, are tracking upcoming administrative actions from neighboring Glenn Heights. The Glenn Heights City Council has a public hearing scheduled for August 4 to review amendments to a 17.23-acre multi-family zoning parcel running near the future Loop 9 infrastructure corridor.
PALMER
Palmerlocalprogramcoordinatorshavelockedinthelogisticsforthe upcoming 5th Annual Community Outreach Event, officially scheduled for Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Palmer High School via Palmer Live Feed.
PECAN HILL
Pecan Hill City Council meetings are the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.
RED OAK
The Pearson Park Splash Pad, officially opened to the public in July closes daily at 8 p.m. during its peak summer season through August. Seasonal operating hours overall are April to August (Summer Hours): Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closing during fall hours at 6 pm.
VENUS
The Venus City Council will hold a pivotal public hearing on Monday, August 10 at the Civic Center to officially adopt an ordinance authorizing up to $16.7 Million in Certificates of Obligation. The capital funding will explicitly pay for massive expansions to the city’s water and wastewater system infrastructure, including treatment facilities, lift stations, and water lines.
WAXAHACHIE
The Waxahachie Fire Department recently acquired an autonomous portable refrigeration unit (APRU). This device acts as a portable blood refrigeration vault, allowing paramedics to field-administer lifesaving blood transfusions during emergencies.
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, Bristol, Britton, Crisp, Five Points, Forreston, Ike, India, Ozro, Rankin, Reagor Springs, Rockett, Sardis, Telico and Trumbull.