BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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ALMA
Alma Mayor Renee Jones has announced residents should mark their calendars and be part of the greatest night in December. The city is calling all businesses to hold a toy drive at their offices, restaurants, gyms, salons, etc. for the Dec. 8 toy drop night. The mayor also suggests for those looking to make a charitable monetary donation consider the Ellis County Toys for Tots organization and bring your donation on Dec. 8. There will also be photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause as well as photos sitting on a Texas Longhorn at the event.
ENNIS
The Ennis Pumpkin Patch and Hay Maze is open as of this week. You can enjoy them all month long in addition to these events:
Oct. 11 – Movie Night featuring “Casper”
Oct. 13 – Craft Time with the Ennis Public Library
Oct. 18 – Live Music with Neon Prophets
Oct. 25–26 – Autumn Daze Festival
Oct. 30–Nov. 1 – Haunted Hay Maze
The Pumpkin Patch & Hay Maze hours are Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 7 p.m,
For more info, visit www.visitennistexas.com/ennis-autumn-daze.
FERRIS
Ferris has an active animal shelter where these little angels need good homes. Most recently the shelter worked with a rescue service organization to rehome six puppies at the shelter needing homes.
GLENN HEIGHTS
Glenn Heights will be holding its General Elections in November to elect a Mayor and At-Large Council Members Places 2, 4, & 6, as well as voting to adopt or reject seven proposed propositions and a Special Bond Election voting to adopt or reject three proposed propositions.
ITALY
Italy will be holding a comprehensive Town Hall meeting Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Italy Community Center, 108 Harpold. The Town Hall topics will allow residents to learn more about the comprehensive planning process, share ideas and connect with neighbors about the future of Italy.
MAYPEARL
Former Red Oak Police Chief Garland Wolf is now the head of the Maypearl ISD police department.
MIDLOTHIAN
As of October 1, the bridge repairs in Midlothian were complete and the roadway open on Onward Road just north of Mockingbird Lane. The bridge was closed due to heavy guardrail damage.
MILFORD
The Milford Police Department hosted its National Night Out this week offering family fun and a good time for residents to get to know the local police and ask questions about the city.
OAK LEAF
The next Oak Leaf City Council meeting will be held on Oct. 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 301 Locust Dr in Oak Leaf.
OVILLA
Construction of the new concrete walkway at Heritage Park is nearing completion. The city’s Municipal Development District Board and Ovilla City Council also voted to take the improvements even further by adding concrete parking spaces, including designated handicap spaces, connected to the new walkway; widening and improving the walkway leading to the Veterans Memorial; constructing a new gazebo and updating signage at all the city parks.
PALMER
Palmer is continuing its upgrades on the city baseball field and the sprinkler system has now been repaired. Additionally, dirt was donated by the Palmer Municipal Development District to improve field conditions.
PECAN HILL
Pecan Hill’s most recent city council meeting explored the action of approving the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget and the voter approved tax rate of 0.213421/100.
RED OAK
Red Oak states their Public Works Department works hard to keep drinking water safe and lead-free. The city reported while the water system is up to standard, homes built before 1988 may be at risk due to older galvanized pipes. To help identify issues, the city recently completed a thorough inspection of its service line inventory and has notified homeowners who might be affected. If you are wondering if your home was impacted visit www.redoaktx.org/1299/Service-Line-Inventory-Program for a detail map of homes.
