BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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ALMA
Alma will hold a toy drive on Dec. 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Alma City Hall, 104 Interurban Road. There will be photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause as well as photos sitting on a Texas Longhorn at the event and a bounce house, Christmas lights display, food and music.
BARDWELL
No action was taken at the Oct. 6 city council meeting for the easement at the Zertuchie property to be revamped for a new location of the water lines.
CEDAR HILL
The city’s Historic Downtown Spooky Tour will be held on Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Visit Cedar Hill and the Cedar Hill Museum of History, the guided walk will feature true tales, local folklore, and lingering legends in the city. Meet at Pioneer Park, 600 Cedar St. and kick off the evening with a spooky treat at 1846 Coffee before the 45-minute walking tour begins.
ENNIS
The Ennis pumpkin patch and haymaze is open. Enjoy the Pumpkin Patch and Hay Maze all month long in addition to these events.
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’ Chick-Fil-A has expanded its menu. The pop-up is located in front of 100 Town Plaza on select days during the week and a good place to grab lunch.
GARRETT
Garrett has contracted with Ellis County Precinct #2 to resurface the road from Sleepy Hollow to Garrett Road resulting in road closure to thru traffic. The city suggests alternate routes.
GRAND PRAIRIE
The Grand Prairie Police Department is investigating a fatal collision that happened on Oct. 16 in the 3900 block of E. Main Street. At approximately 6 p.m., a Corvette traveling west on Main Street at a high rate of speed collided with a Dodge Ram. The Dodge Ram, a flatbed wrecker towing two vehicles, was making a left turn when the Corvette crashed into it. The driver of the wrecker sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver and sole occupant of the Corvette succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Grand Prairie Fire Department medics. The identity of the deceased was not released.
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
Stafford Elementary PTO is holding its Trunk or Treat event and open house Oct. 27 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for Trunk or Treat and 5:30 to 6 p.m. for open house and One School One Book. Explore the classrooms, enjoy trunk or treat and be part of the fun.
MANSFIELD
Mansfield’s Boo Bash will be held at the MAC on Friday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. There will be family friendly games, sweet treats and fang-tastic crafts. There will also be a sensory friendly alternative SUPER Kids Boo Bash at the MAC on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. It will be the same spooky event but on a smaller, more relaxed scale!
MAYPEARL
Maypearl will have its Toys for Tots toy drive now through Dec. 1. You can bring new, unwrapped toys to City Hall at 104 E Second Street.
MIDLOTHIAN
Midlothian has an active and engaging animal services team, dedicated to providing quality services for pets and the people who love them. To see available pets, view found pets, or get help with lost/found visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MidlothianTXAnimalServices and perhaps find your next family member there too.
MILFORD
Milford has partnered with Nexbill Pay to launch a new online payment portal with enhanced features, including online payments, auto payments, text to pay directly from your phone, account access to view balance, payment history, and more and Milford customers will also have the option to pay their bills by phone calling: (866) 583-0823. Click new.nexbillpay.net/cityofmilfordtx/BillPay/SignIn to log in, sign up, or make a quick one-time payment and if you have questions call City Hall at 972-493-3161.
OAK LEAF
Oak Leaf will hold its Fall Cleanup on Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to noon. The city did not indicate where the event will be held, call city hall for more details.
OVILLA
Get Connected with Ovilla's Resident/Business Notification Service. Blackboard Connect is the City of OVILLA's city-to-resident/BUSINESS notification service. This service offers residents time time-sensitive information regarding severe weather, waterline disruptions, office closings, upcoming events, etc. Subscribers may be notified by messages distributed by telephone voice, text message, and/or email message. If you have any questions regarding the service, you can reach out to Joey Bennett, Chief of Police at (972) 617-7262.
PALMER
Palmer’s ongoing improvements include a city-wide Pothole Maintenance Plan with the implementation of a pothole repair rotation, dividing Palmer into quadrants to ensure that all streets are regularly assessed, repaired, and maintained. A new fountain will also be installed at the City Pond to help reduce algae and improve water quality and aesthetics. And look for, as well, the enhancement of the Downtown Gazebo area on Main Street as well as Cooper Street.
PECAN HILL
Pecan Hill residents do not need a permit to hold a garage sale. Garage sales are limited to 10 sales during any 12 month period and not more than five consecutive days and two consecutive weekends. Signs must be removed no later than the day after the sale.
RED OAK
Construction at the second middle school for Red Oak ISD has been proceeding and this week they finished more of the concrete foundation, driveways and parking lots and began with vertical walls starting with the required storm shelter gymnasium. The campus is on schedule to open in late 2025, with occupancy beginning in January 2026. The district will announce the naming and rezoning processes this fall.
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 10-11 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.
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.
