BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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ALMA
Alma is inviting everyone to attend a kickoff for early voting at the Alma Candidate Mixer on April 20 at Alma Community Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
BARDWELL
Bardwell’s cleanup day will be April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon.
ENNIS
The Ennis Welcome Center will be displaying art from April 1–30 as its “Spring into Art!” celebration. The collective exhibit will feature the talented Art of Ennis EISD students.
FERRIS
Ferris will be introducing a monthly “Did You Know?” series, where city leaders will share practical information that helps residents better understand City operations and services.
This month’s topic is property taxes. In the last 10 years, the Ferris’ overall property tax rate has decreased by 17.8%. While Senate Bill 2 and state compression requirements have played a role, the City also went beyond those minimum requirements through local policy choices and disciplined fiscal management.
The Ferris Facebook page reminded “It is important to remember that the City controls only the City portion of the property tax rate. Appraised values and the rates adopted by other taxing entities also affect the final bill. So, a lower City tax rate does not automatically mean every total tax bill will decline. It does mean the City has worked to reduce its share of the rate over time.
GARRETT
Garrett City Council meetings are on the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at 208 North Ferris Street, Ennis.
GLENN HEIGHTS
Glenn Heights annual Community Cleanup Day will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. to noon at Heritage Park. On Site services will include brush & trash collection, paper shredding, small electronics recycling, clothing & household item drop-off (World Wear Project will be on-site to collect small toys & slightly used clothing), and tire collection.
ITALY
The Italy Trades Day, which was scheduled in April due to the rain was rescheduled for May 9 at the same time and location.
MANSFIELD
Mansfield residents are invited to participate in a free Tarrant County community shred day from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 18, at Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse, 1100 E. Broad St. Participants can bring up to two boxes of paper.
MAYPEARL
A reminder from the Maypearl Police Department if you need police services, call the Ellis County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (972) 937-6060. The Maypearl Police Department currently has three full-time officers, and typically one officer on duty per shift, or officers rotating on call when no officer is scheduled. When citizens call the office number or an officer’s cell phone directly, it can delay the police response.
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.
OAK LEAF
Oak Leaf City Council meetings are 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’s annual city-wide cleanup will be held on Friday, April 24 from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 130 W. FM 813 at the City Barn. Participants must have a current water bill account with the City of Palmer in order to take part in the citywide clean-up.
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.
WAXAHACHIE
The 9th Annual Cops & Kids Picnic hosted by the Waxahachie Police Department will be held April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Getzendaner Park, 400 S Grand Ave, Waxahachie. This is a free family event featuring 100+ Bikes Given Away, Bounce Houses, Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Free Hot Dog Meals, Food Trucks On-Site and Food Available for Purchase.
