ALMA
Council meetings in Alma could go live soon so residents can watch city happenings at home. The last council meeting was last Tuesday, and it was noted 50 subscribers on this channel will allow meetings to go live.
BARDWELL
According to ChatGPT the most interesting thing about Bardwell is how it’s a tiny town that literally moved itself because of the railroad. In the early 1900s, Bardwell wasn’t where it is today. The original settlement grew around a cotton gin built by John W. Bardwell in the 1880s. But when the Trinity and Brazos Valley Railway came through Ellis County in 1907, the residents physically relocated the town closer to the tracks so they could survive economically.
That one decision transformed Bardwell into a surprisingly active cotton-shipping hub.
CEDAR HILL
In February 2026, following extensive community workshops, surveys, and engagement opportunities, the Cedar Hill City Council adopted the Downtown Action Plan, a community-shaped roadmap centered on welcoming gathering spaces, unique local businesses, thoughtful development, and experiences that bring people together.
Beginning Monday, May 18, structure removal will begin at the unfinished property near the railroad in Historic Downtown, commonly referred to as the “Phillips Property” at 104 S. Broad Street. Following an evaluation by a structural engineering team, the unfinished building was determined to be structurally unsound and unable to safely support future use in its current condition. Building demolition and site preparation will help reset the property for interim public use while also creating future development opportunities aligned with the Downtown Action Plan.
ENNIS
The Ennis Utility Billing Department is officially transitioning to a new and improved online payment system, Xpress Bill Pay, beginning June 1, 2026.
Beginning that day, when you visit www.ennistx.gov, you’ll automatically be directed to the new payment portal. Or you can go straight to Xpress Bill Pay https://xpressbillpay.com/#/?org=ennis11185. You can still pay by phone at (833) 622-3316.
GRAND PRAIRIE
The summer swim season kicks off Memorial Day weekend in Grand Prairie! The city-operated outdoor pools and splash pads will open for the summer on Saturday, May 23. Here’s a look at the schedule:
• McFalls Outdoor Pool | Open 1-6 p.m., closed Tuesday
• Tyre Outdoor Pool | Open 1-6 p.m., closed Wednesday
• Bowles Outdoor Pool | Open 1-6 p.m., closed Thursday
• Splash Factory | Open 1-6 p.m. every day
Read about the pool schedule, amenities, and entry fees at grandfungp.com/outdoor-pools.
GLENN HEIGHTS
Glenn Heights’ summer watering schedule permits residents to water their grass by hand with the use of a water hose, no watering hard surfaces, no watering during precipitation, no water waste through runoff, or through missing, misaligned or broken sprinkler heads and irrigation IS NOT permitted between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Restrictions are in effect until October 31.
MAYPEARL
Maypearl residents have been discussing the possibility of several data centers being discussed, pay attention to city council public hearings and meetings and get involved in local politics in order for your voice to be heard pro or con on the topic.
MIDLOTHIAN
Join Midlothian’s Bicycle Safety Course June 8 to 11 by signing up at www.midlothian.tx.us/697/Bicycle-Safety-Course. There will be different age groups each day:
• 3-5 years old – Monday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
• 6-7 years old – Tuesday, June 9, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
• 8-10 years old – Wednesday, June 10, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
• 11-13 years old – Thursday, June 11, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
• 14-16 years old – Thursday, June 11, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
MILFORD
Milford will have its Town Hall meeting on May 28 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Milford Community Center, 109 South Main.
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 officially has its own mobile app. With the app, residents can stay up to date on city news & announcements, sign up for important alerts, find out about community events pay your water bill and find helpful city resources. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play.
RED OAK
On May 11 the Red Oak ISD Board of Trustees approved the administration’s recommendation to implement salary increases for all employees for the 2026–2027 school year. Under the approved plan, all teachers on the current pay scale will receive their annual step increase in addition to a $1,000 salary increase. Auxiliary, paraprofessional, administrative, and professional staff will receive a 3% increase based on the midpoint of their respective pay ranges.
WAXAHACHIE
Waxahachie Fire and Rescue Captain Kameran Miller was recently deployed with the Grand Prairie Fire Department to the Lubbock/South Plains region as part of a REMS (Rapid Extrication Module Support) team alongside members from DeSoto and Cedar Hill. The teams supported wildfire operations across Texas, specializing in remote technical rescue for injured firefighters on the fire line.
During this deployment, they were attached to a strike team with TIFMAS, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Idaho units. While no rescues were needed, they spent time training and working across the terrain with their partner agencies.