BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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ALMA
At the last city council meeting in April a contract with Atmos Energy regarding Franchise Fees was presented by Michael Cox, Manager of Public Affairs for Atmos.
BARDWELL
Did you know with over 3,500 surface acres, Lake Bardwell is of one of the largest attractions in Ellis County with annual attendance exceeding 500,000 visitors. The sparkling body of water offers skiing, fishing, swimming, boating, and more to be done at your leisure.
CEDAR HILL
Cedar Hills Farmer’s Market opens May 9 until October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month in historic Downtown on Cedar Street between Houston and Main Street.
ENNIS
The Ennis Police Department recently celebrated its annual awards banquet, recognizing exceptional individuals who embody the department’s values. Officer of the Year Adam Baxter, Civilian of the Year Jennifer Miller, True Grit Award recipient Chase Lyles, Supervisor of the Year David Dodd, and Chief’s Award of Excellence winner Adam Baxter were honored.
FERRIS
Ferris’ Brick Festival will be held on May 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Downtown Ferris. There will be food, vendors, music and businesses to celebrate.
GARRETT
Garrett City Council meetings are on the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at 208 North Ferris Street, Ennis.
GRAND PRAIRIE
Grand Prairie’s Farmers Market is open every Saturday through mid-December at 120 W. Main St., in downtown Grand Prairie from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It features locally grown fruits and vegetables, plants, tamales, baked goods, meat, salsas, chips, dips, relishes, eggs, honey, spices, soaps, candles, artisan crafts and more.
GLENN HEIGHTS
The City of Glenn Heights, in partnership with the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, has joined the 2026 Move with the Mayor® (MWTM) Spring Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge. The month-long initiative runs throughout May, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month with the city offering these activities: Monday evenings – Line Dancing at the Community Center; May 16 – Shields Elementary RUNderful 5K; May 20 – Health Fair (in conjunction with Teddy Bear Hospital); May 23 – Cycling Event (TENTATIVE – 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.); May 23 – Mental Health Symposium (TENTATIVE 12 – 3 p.m.)
ITALY
The Italy Trades Day, which was scheduled in April, was rescheduled due to rain for May 9 at the same time and location.
MANSFIELD
Mansfield Farm & Cottage Market opens May 2 to Nov. 21 bringing local farmers, homesteaders, artisans, craftsman, artists, musicians together for a community market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot at 703 E Broad St.
MIDLOTHIAN
Midlothian’s 15th Annual Kids Fishing Derby free registration is now open. A fun-filled day at the Community Park Fishing Pond, 3601 S. 14th Street on May 30. There will be friendly competition, prizes, and plenty of memories for ages 4–12. Limited spots so register at https://www.midlothian.tx.us/447/Kids-Fishing-Derby.
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.
OVILLA
The Ovilla Trash off and Extreme Green Event will be held on its rescheduled date of May 30 this year from 8 a.m. to noon. Hosted by the city and CWD, the event gives Ovilla residents an opportunity to dispose of items that are not typically accepted with regular curbside trash service. Residents may bring items such as brush and bulky waste, used electronics, household hazardous waste, appliances, tires and personal documents for shredding. The event queue will begin on Westlawn Drive.
PALMER
Palmer City Council meetings are held the third Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall, 650 S. Dallas St.
RED OAK
The Red Oak Ovilla Bridge behind the build information for the week is regarding the fact that traffic is now moving along the newly constructed side of the bridge, allowing TxDOT crews to advance toward the next phase and prepare for demolition of the old bridge structure.
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
Battalion Chiefs Joseph Dawson and Candon Birdwell recently completed the Battalion Chiefs Academy in Waco, Texas. Over several days, they participated in intensive training focused on leadership development, ethics and values, strategic decision-making, budgeting, performance measurement, and effective communication. The academy also emphasized coaching, mentoring, and preparing leaders to handle difficult conversations and real-world challenges in today’s fire service.
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.
