ALMA
Alma’s Special City Council Meeting held Tuesday, July 28 included funding the purchase of the police vehicle approved at the July 21 regular city council meeting as well as discussing the appointing of a permanent chief of police.
BARDWELL
At Bardwell’s City Council Meeting on July 28, items on the agenda include a sanitation service presentation, a 60-day termination letter to DCI sanitation services and bid reviewal for well water upgrades.
CEDAR HILL
Cedar Hill’s 22nd Annual Neighborhood Awards are now accepting nominations to help the city recognize the neighborhood organizations that strengthen the community through volunteerism, community engagement, beautification, safety initiatives, environmental stewardship, and lasting impact.
ENNIS
Ennis ISD has updated its student dress code to provide more options for everyday attire. Students are no longer limited to logo gear and now have greater flexibility with tops, bottoms, and outerwear.
While students have more freedom in what they wear, the district says the expectations remain the same. Clothing must be appropriate for school and may not contain lewd, offensive, or inappropriate images or messages. To review the updated dress code visit www.ennis.k12.tx.us/.../student-dress-code/23543286.
FERRIS
Remember Ferris ISD’s Back to School fair is Aug. 1 at Ferris High School from 10 a.m. to noon. Passport Health/Staying Healthy Medical Services will also be conducting a vaccination clinic to get students up to date for the school year. Only students attending the school district hosting the clinic age 3 to 18 will be seen.
GARRETT
Reminder of road improvement projects in Garrett on or near Beverly Drive. Road improvement work is currently underway so obey all traffic control devices and personnel. If you are directed to stop, you must stop. Do not drive around barricades, cones, or traffic control personnel.
GRAND PRAIRIE
The Grand Prairie City Council recognized the city’s Economic Development team for two outstanding achievements receiving the Governor's Cup, recognizing excellence in economic development and an Economic Excellence Recognition Award from the Texas Economic Development Council for the team's commitment to fostering growth and opportunity in our community.
GLENN HEIGHTS
Reminder, the Glenn Heights Back to School Bash will be held on Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to noon at 1938 S. Hampton Rd. From physicals and free school supplies to touch-a-truck, a kid’s zone, the Battle of the Badges blood drive, music, food vendors, and more don’t it. Students and teachers can receive free backpacks while supplies last too.
ITALY
Italy ISD’s online registration begins on Tuesday, July 28 for the 2026-2027 school year. For students and parents to meet their teacher at the elementary or receive schedules for JHS/HS enrollment must be completed 100%. Registration is online only at www.italyisd.org and can be accessed with the Mozilla Firefox app.
MAYPEARL
Maypearl ISD’s “Meet the Coaches” will be held on Monday July 27 in the MHS Cafeteria at 6 p.m. After that, a mandatory Parent and Athlete Football Meeting will be held.
MIDLOTHIAN
The Midlothian Citizens Police Academy will be held from Sept. 17 to Dec. 3 at the Midlothian Public Safety Building. This free program for Midlothian residents includes hands-on activities such as K9, drone, patrol, criminal investigations, animal control, SWAT and dispatch. Food is provided, and participants will experience real training and demonstrations from the police department.
MILFORD
Milford ISD’s Senior pictures will be July 30, and outfit changes are welcome.
OAK LEAF
CWD will begin servicing Oak Leaf at 6 a.m. beginning June 1 through the end of August. They ask everyone to have their trash and recyclables (every other week) out by 6 a.m. on Fridays.
OVILLA
Ovilla City Council Meetings are regularly held on the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. The meetings are held in the Council Chamber Room at the Ovilla Municipal Building, 105 S. Cockrell Hill Rd
PALMER
Palmer ISD is looking for older Palmer High School yearbooks. They are working on a special historical project to preserve and celebrate the rich history of the schools and are looking for yearbooks from 1965 and older to help fill in gaps in the collection. If you have a yearbook you'd be willing to share, call the Palmer ISD Administration Office at (972) 449-3389 or email at yearbook@palmer-isd.org.
PECAN HILL
The Pecan Hill City Council meeting held Tuesday, July 28 included the approval of past meeting minutes and financials, a mayor’s report, marshals report, a Budget & Tax Rate Workshop and possible action on approving Patrick Simmons Sub-Division on Becky Ln.
RED OAK
Red Oak ISD’s Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 1 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. will be hosted at Red Oak Middle School this year with more than 100 district and community vendors.
VENUS
Venus is looking for a resident to serve on the Venus Community Service Development Corporation on an unpaid volunteer basis. For more information or to submit your interest, contact Callie Driggars at (972) 366-3348 Ext. 207.
WAXAHACHIE
Applications for the 2026–2027 Waxahachie Citizens Academy will be open from Aug. 1 through Aug. 21. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes to keep Waxahachie running the Citizens Academy offers residents an inside look at City departments, services, and operations while providing the opportunity to meet City staff, ask questions, and learn how local government serves the community. Classes begin in September 2026
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.
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.