ALMA
At last week’s Alma city council meeting, council discussed an ordinance amending the budget for a reduction in force in the city administration department, increasing the City of Alma Hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a work week of Monday through Thursday and considering reducing Alma employees (except for the Police Department) from 40 hours to 32 hours.
BARDWELL
Bardwell City Council meetings are generally held on the first Monday of every month at Bardwell City Hall, 5746 Planter Gin Road.
CEDAR HILL
Cedar Hill’s Mayor Stephen Mason was elected Chair of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) for the 2026-27 term. The RTC helps guide transportation planning for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, serving more than 8.5 million residents across 12 counties.
ENNIS
If you want to stay connected to all things Ennis check out www.ennistx.gov for the latest news stories as well as community updates, service reminders, project highlights, and more.
FERRIS
Ferris’ food pantry is the third Thursday of the month. Starting in July, the Mobile Food Pantry will transition to a new software system that will allow you to visit ANY participating food pantry in the area using the same registration and check-in process.
What to Expect in July:
• Returning customers who are already registered should complete registration in less than five minutes.
• New customers should complete registration in less than 10 minutes.
• After your initial setup, future check-ins will take approximately two minutes.
GRAND PRAIRIE
The Grand Prairie City Council approved plans for an Immersive Dome Experience, a 360-degree theater with seating for around 400 guests at EpicCentral. Planned for the GrandLawn, this one-of-a-kind venue will immerse guests in stunning visuals and storytelling from every angle with
GLENN HEIGHTS
Glenn Heights June 28 Sunset Concert Series will feature music by Chelsay Nicole and Steven “Spud” Howard at 7:30 p.m., 1938 S. Hampton Rd.
ITALY
The Ellis County Historical Commission held a ceremony and reception for William Hobart Stafford with a Texas State Historical Marker
MANSFIELD
Mansfield’s Spark Smart will be held Friday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mansfield Public Safety Building (1305 E. Broad St.). A free, family-friendly event with Flying Squirrel, Lincoln's Lemonade and East Coast Flavors.
MAYPEARL
Last week a large number of “Maypearlians” showed up to the Maypearl Data Center Townhall. It was standing room only and the meeting was held by David Rodger with a shoutout to HD10 District Director Maurice Osborne and Pct 3 County Commissioner Louis Ponder for attending.
MIDLOTHIAN
Midlothian’s annual water conservation requirements are in effect from June 1 through September 30. Except for hand watering or the use of drip/subsurface irrigation or properly working soaker hoses, Midlothian residents and businesses are required to refrain from irrigating their lawns and landscaping with hose-end sprinklers and/or automatic spray systems between the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
MILFORD
Milford is looking for volunteers to help trap, neuter and return cats in the city in order to manage the cat population. If interested contact the Milford Police Chief Southard at (972) 493-4193.
OAK LEAF
CWD will begin servicing Oak Leaf at 6 a.m. beginning June 1st 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
Remember to complete your Ovilla Park Survey at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8846033/Ovilla-Park-Survey. This is part of the city’s comprehensive plan currently underway, and the City is developing a Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan.
PALMER
Palmer is hosting its Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, July 25 and the city is currently accepting donations. Donations help local students start the school year strongly by providing school supplies, fun activities, and a chance for families to connect before classes begin. To make this event a success, school supplies on the wish list for donation include paper towels, Kleenex, disinfecting wipes, and Ziploc Baggies as well as monetary donations to help purchase supplies.
RED OAK
Saturday is the Red Oak White & Blue event with rides, inflatables & obstacle courses; food trucks & sweet treats; live entertainment; free giveaways from City departments; give back to Soldiers donation drive and an 18-minute fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m. To be held at Oaks Church on June 27 from 7 to 10 p.m.
VENUS
Street reconstruction has begun in Venus with work being done on W. CR 109 reconstructing the roadway between CR 213 and CR 214. While crews are working in this area, they will also be reconstructing Savanh Street and Pakse Street. Traffic control devices will be in place throughout the project. During active construction, traffic may be reduced to a single lane, and motorists may be required to stop and alternate through the work zone.
WAXAHACHIE
The Around the World Tour is officially underway in Downtown Waxahachie, and there's still plenty of time to join the fun through July 19! Join downtown merchants for the “Around the World Tour” as local restaurants and bars "host" different countries with themed food, drinks, music, and fun. Pick up your passport and explore cultures from around the globe, all right here in Waxahachie. Passports are available at the Ellis County Museum, the Visitor Center, and participating downtown restaurants.
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.