BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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ALMA
Alma’s City Council addressed zoning ordinance public hearings, an ordinance amending the budget to increase the salary of the assistant city administrator, as well as an ordinance to change the speed limit from 15 mph to 25 mph on Main Street in Alma at last week’s city council meeting. The city’s next special city council meeting will be held Oct. 28 at 6 p.m., at Alma City Hall, 104 Interurban Rd.
BARDWELL
Bardwell city council recently discussed the purchase of an older model Ford Ranger for $1,800 to be used for city maintenance.
CEDAR HILL
According to a letter originally obtained by WFAA Cedar Hill High School’s principal sent to parents, two Cedar Hill ISD district band directors have been placed on leave amid an investigation into allegations involving former students.
ENNIS
The Ennis pumpkin patch and hay maze are open with this weekend the final and open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. or Sunday noon to 7 p.m. The Haunted Hay Maze is open Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. For more information visit www.visitennistexas.com/ennis-autumn-daze.
FERRIS
Ferris’ Chick-Fil-A has expanded its menu. Remember, the pop-up is weekly on select days and is in front of 100 Town Plaza.
GARRETT
Mark your calendar this week for Garrett’s Fall Festival to be held Oct. 30 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Garrett City Park, 208 N. Ferris Street. There will be a trunk or treat with lots of candy, hot dogs, games, a bounce house and baked goods to be taken home from the cake walk.
GRAND PRAIRIE
The Grand Prairie Police Department will host its “Touch a Truck” event on Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Epic Waters Parking Lot, 2970 Epic Place. Meet law enforcement and explore police vehicles, semi-trucks, construction equipment and more.
GLENN HEIGHTS
The Glenn Heights Fall Fest will be on Oct. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Park, 400 E Bear Creek. The event will include free candy, a Candy Station, Haunted Hayride, Axe Throwing, Arts & Crafts, inflatables, Carnival games and a Pumpkin Patch presented by Rolke Garden Center.
ITALY
The Italy Gladiator band attended the Area Marching Competition this past weekend.
MANSFIELD
Mansfield is hosting its Chris W. Burkett Service Center Open House - Celebrating 10 Years of Service on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 620 S. Wisteria St. The event is a come-and-go open house featuring guided tours, live demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.
MAYPEARL
Maypearl will have its Toys for Tots toy drive now through Dec. 1st. You can bring new, unwrapped toys to City Hall at 104 E Second Street.
MIDLOTHIAN
DFW Recyclers will be at the semi-annual Household CleanUp Event including old electronics on Sat., Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to noon in Midlothian at the Public Works Service Center, 1050 N. Highway 67, Midlothian. Proof of residency either a Driver’s License or utility bill is required. For more information visit www.midlothian.tx.us/721/Cleanup-Events.
MILFORD
Milford’s Angel Tree registration opened this past week and closes Nov. 10. Registration is open to Milford residents ages 14 and under. You will need to show a valid photo ID, and proof of residence.
OAK LEAF
Oak Leaf Fall Cleanup on Oct. 25 was postponed due to rain and rescheduled for Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to noon.
OVILLA
The next Ovilla City Council meeting will be held on Nov. 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. at City Hall, 105 S Cockrell Hill Rd.
PALMER
Kinsala Street and W. Cooper Street in Palmer will be temporarily closed all week due to essential street repairs in the area.
PECAN HILL
Pecan Hill’s regular City Council meeting for Oct. 21 was canceled due to lack of agenda items.
RED OAK
The City of Red Oak is seeking to hire a new Police Chief. This position oversees all operations of the Red Oak Police Department, including emergency response, crime prevention, investigations, budgets, and staff development. The qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred), 10+ years progressive law enforcement experience, including 3+ years in command-level leadership, TCOLE Master Peace Officer Certification, Executive-level law enforcement leadership training (ILEA, FBI LEEDA, LEMIT, or equivalent) preferred in community policing, organizational change, and modern policing strategies and strong skills in communication, decision-making, and operational management. For more information and to apply visit www.redoaktx.org/jobs.
VENUS
Venus will host its Trunk or Treat on Fri., Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 104 W 2nd St, Venus City Square. The event is free and for all ages. Dress up in your favorite costumes, enjoy candy, fun, and community spirit.
WAXAHACHIE
Enjoy a fun-filled morning at Fall Fest at N. P. Sims Library, 515 W. Main Street on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. There will be games, crafts, and snacks inside the library from 10 to 11 a.m., then head outside for The Ramazinis’ Circus Extravaganza on the front lawn starting at 11 a.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for the show.
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.
