BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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BARDWELL
Bardwell’s cleanup day will be April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon.
CEDAR HILL
Join Dogwood Canyon and the City of Cedar Hill on Sunday, April 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, 1206 W FM 1382 for a hands-on workshop dedicated to making the community safer for the city’s feathered neighbors.
During this workshop, you’ll learn how to create an Acopian Bird Saver and take one blind home to install. The cost is $10 per household, which includes materials for one blind. If you would like to make additional blinds, you can purchase additional tickets. Families are welcome to attend.
ENNIS
Ennis FFA members recently had success at the Blackland District Convention. Their CDE results were one first place, second place and two third place recognitions. They also advanced in Ag Tech & Communications, Ag Policy, and Natural Resources. Georgia Tabb, Lone Star FFA Degree recipient advanced to Area and overall there were 13 voting delegates representing Ennis FFA and participating in official FFA business day.
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
At Garrett’s City Council meeting last week they discussed authorizing City Representatives in matter pertaining to the City’s participation in the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program.
GLENN HEIGHTS
Glenn Heights will be having another food truck Friday on April 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Community Center. You can grab lunch, treat yourself, while also helping to support local small businesses. We can’t wait to see you out there!
ITALY
Italy ISD yearbook deadlines are coming up and April 30 is the last day to order your 2025–2026 yearbook. Yearbooks are $55, printed in full color, and include all grade levels from Pre-K through Senior year. Orders can be made online at www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1079390/Italy-High-School/2026-Yearbook/2025091004243889790/CATALOG_SHOP.
MAYPEARL
Maypearl reminds citizen’ trash do’s and do not’s with its new service. Missed pickup must be reported by noon the following day, trash out by 7 a.m., bag limit is eight (30 gallon) bags per week, twice a week customers can have four bags per pickup, extra bags are $5 per bag, all trash must be bagged, two bundles of brush per pickup maximum four-feet long and these must be tied and no bigger than what you can wrap your arms around, yard clippings/leaves must be bagged and will count toward your bag limit.
Do not place the following at curbside; furniture or mattresses; wood, metal, shingles, construction materials; wet paint (only accepted if completely dry with lids off); chemicals, oils, or harmful liquids; carpet, tile, flooring; dead animals; TVs or electronics; appliances. If you need to get rid of something that’s not allowed there is a bulk pickup as a separate service starting at $150 + tax.
MIDLOTHIAN
The Midlothian Police Department, Reach Council, and Methodist Midlothian Medical Center have partnered to get unused and expired medications conveniently out of your home on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drive by the hospital main entrance at 1201 E. US Hwy. 287 Service Road to drop off your drugs. An onsite pharmacist will be available to answer questions you may have about your current medications.
MILFORD
Milford’s Paws for a Cause will take place on May 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. Complete the link at https://forms.gle/wRrDSji4XMXWiAnE9 or call 972-493-2911 and they can help. Paws for a Cause is Milford ISD’s Day of Service for anyone over the age of 50 who lives within the city limits and needs help with yardwork, painting, cleanup and outside windows cleans.
OAK LEAF
Oak Leaf City Council meetings are the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
OVILLA
The Ovilla Fire Department will have fire crews out this month testing fire hydrants. Each hydrant is flushed to clear out any debris and then flowed fully open to gauge multiple pressure readings.
PALMER
Palmer’s updated website became live April 21. A QR code and more information regarding the website will be shared with residents soon. Other improvements in Palmer include baseball fields improvements with expanded and updated dugouts, fence repairs, lighting upgrades, and new signage to the dugouts and field. There is also a new merry-go-round that has been installed at the City Park.
PECAN HILL
At the Pecan Hill City Council meetings this week there is an item to act on approving MCRS Adcomp Integration Module Annual Software Support.
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.
VENUS
Venus is looking for a resident to serve on the Venus Community Service Development Corporation on an unpaid volunteer basis. For more information or to submit your interest, contact Callie Driggars at (972) 366-3348 Ext. 207.
WAXAHACHIE
Keep Waxahachie Beautiful is hosting a Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. This is a great opportunity for volunteers of all ages to help keep the community clean and beautiful. Volunteers can meet at one of two locations; Freedman Memorial Plaza, 430 MLK Blvd. (nature trail cleanup) or the Academy Sports + Outdoors, 1650 N Hwy 77 (Northgrove & Hwy 77 cleanup). All cleanup supplies will be provided, along with water refill stations, bring your own reusable water bottle!
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.
