BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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BARDWELL
The Bardwell City Council meeting earlier this week focused on an agenda item to discuss areas within Bardwell city limits for commercial/retail zoning including options for funding the annexed properties water line project.
CEDAR HILL
Last week, Cedar Hill police officers responded to an area of the city near Hwy. 67 and Tidwell to assist Midlothian Police officers who were in foot chase with two suspects who fled from a stolen vehicle. Both suspects were taken into custody.
ENNIS
The Ennis Police Department celebrated the outstanding achievement of Lt. Brian Shahan and Sgt. Jason McCurdy last week. Both have successfully completed the Institute For Law Enforcement Administration.
GARRETT
Garrett City Council meetings are the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m.
GLENN HEIGHTS
The City of Glenn Heights Fire Department will be offering CPR Education and Stop the Bleed Training to allow for hands on experience in controlling severe bleeding using direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquets – skills that can save a life in minutes. The trainings are perfect for families, teachers, businesses, community groups, and anyone who wants to be prepared when seconds count. For more information contact Joshua Lascano, Firefighter/EMT, at (972) 223-1690, ext. 333.
ITALY
The city’s cleanup day will be March 14 from 8 a.m. to noon at 200 Dilworth (Upchurch Fields). Residents will need to present a water bill and a photo ID. Only one truck load or equivalent per resident. For all questions, call (972) 483-7329 ext. 107.
MANSFIELD
Last week, Mansfield ISD voted unanimously against creating a separate daily prayer period in district campuses, following a new Texas law that requires all public school boards to take a recorded vote on the issue by March 1. It was noted that for now, Mansfield ISD will continue operating under its existing policies, which allow individual and group prayer consistent with federal and state law.
MIDLOTHIAN
The Midlothian Police Department and the City of Midlothian will host a Mental Health Summit at the Midlothian Conference Center on Thursday, Apr. 9 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The keynote speakers will include Sheriff Mark Lamb, Author and Founder of Sheriff Network; Bethany Yeiser, Author of “Awakenings” and “Mind Estranged” with breakout sessions, breakfast and lunch, and more. This year’s theme is Pathways to Community Resiliency.
OAK LEAF
Oak Leaf City Council meetings are second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
OVILLA
Ovilla will take part in an upcoming blood drive on Monday, March 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 105 S Cockrell Hill Rd., Ovilla. To schedule ahead visit www.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/168801.
PALMER
TxDot announced an immediate road closure due to a potential bridge wash out between the 500 and 600 block of Ebenezer Road over Grove Creek. Alternative routes are FM 878 to Wilson Road or FM 879.
PECAN HILL
Pecan Hill City Council meetings are the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.
RED OAK
March events in Red Oak include:
• Sunset Cinema Movie Series at various city parks from March 9 to 13 from 4 to 8 p.m.
• Fun Run on March 21 at 8 a.m. on Oaks Blvd.
• Red Oak Area Chamber’s North Ellis County Business Expo on March 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Government Center Community Room.
VENUS
Venus and Venus ISD are seeking election workers for the May 2, 2026 General Election. The location is the Venus Civic Center at 210 S. Walnut St., Venus. They need one bilingual worker and Election Clerks at $15 hour, as well as two early voting ballot board members at $15 hour with dates/times TBD. You must live within city limits and be a registered voter. If interested contact the City Secretary at (972) 366-3348 ext. 207.
WAXAHACHIE
Waxahachie and Ellis County invite everyone to a Public Engagement Session on Building a Modern Animal Services Facility. The idea is to help shape the future of animal services in the community. The interactive meeting will focus on the facility’s design, layout, and features, and give residents and opportunity to share ideas. It will be held on Thursday, March 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Waxahachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Ln. in the Crape Myrtle Rm.
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, Brisol, 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.
