RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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ALMA
Remember the Alma Smokehouse right here in Ellis County receives rave reviews from all over Texas. A family owned & operated BBQ restaurant by Jesse & Susan Martinez since 2009, it is a true Texas meal.
BARDWELL
Bardwell has posted at their city website a link for the “TCEQ: Domestic Wastewater Permit Renewal Application ADM. Report 1.0 for 2027” at https://1drv.ms/f/c/6d41f4afa5f95cd8/IgC0qZ87R7NEQIHGSvVt02jzAXSrXQSmAjt267_mLONL2os?e=MqvrWH.
CEDAR HILL
Cedar Hill just broke ground this week on its first dog park called Legacy Dog Park. A grand opening event will be announced in the future.
ENNIS
The City of Ennis Utility Billing Department is officially transitioning to a new and improved online payment system, Xpress Bill Pay, beginning June 1, 2026. Beginning that day, when you www.ennistx.gov, you’ll automatically be directed to the new payment portal. Or you can go straight to Xpress Bill Pay (https://xpressbillpay.com/#/?org=ennis11185). You can still pay by phone at (833) 622-3316.
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
This week’s Garrett City Council canvassed the election returns and declared the results of the General election held on May 2 electing three councilmembers at large.
GRAND PRAIRIE
Last week the Grand Prairie canceled an upcoming private event at Epic Waters after Gov. Greg Abbott became involved when the event was billed as “Muslim Only” at a city owned property. Abbott threatened to take state funding from the city if they did not adhere to HB4211.
GLENN HEIGHTS
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to kick off Glenn Heights’ Sunset Concert Series at City Center Courtyard featuring the Red Oak ISD Jazz Band on Sunday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, and great vibes under the evening sky.
ITALY
Italy holds its city council meetings the 2nd Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 161 West Main Street.
MANSFIELD
Mansfield’s City Council meeting this week features a “Discussion Regarding Possible Bond Election and Issuance” in the work session, a possible soft launch of additional debt planning before the formal Certificates of Obligation (COs) item later in the agenda.
MAYPEARL
Maypearl residents have been discussing the possibility of several data centers being discussed, pay attention to city council public hearings and meetings and get involved in local politics in order for your voice to be heard pro or con on the topic.
MIDLOTHIAN
Midlothian Police Officer John Newcomb received the Midlothian ISD District’s SRO of the Year. He was given the award at the recent ISD 2026 Employee Service Banquet.
MILFORD
The May 20 Milford Town Hall Police Department meeting has been canceled.
OAK LEAF
Oak Leaf City Council meetings are the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
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 is hosting its Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, July 25 and the city is currently accepting donations. Donations help local students start the school year strong by providing school supplies, fun activities, and a chance for families to connect before classes begin. To make this event a success, school supplies on the wish list for donation include paper towels, Kleenex, disinfecting wipes, and Ziploc Baggies as well as monetary donations to help purchase supplies.
PECAN HILL
Pecan Hill City Council meetings are the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.
RED OAK
The new Red Oak Animal Care & Control Facility is officially open, and last week the city held a ribbon cutting and tours of the facility.
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
Road work on over 25 streets in Waxahachie began this past Tuesday. Donelson Construction is applying pressure paving to the various streets throughout the city. This is work rescheduled from May 5 and pending weather and unforeseen delays, the closure will last approximately 10 days.
To view a map and a list of each street to be coated, please visit https://crewcastapp.com/projects/53.
To view road closure maps, please visit https://www.flickr.com/.../2000.../albums/72177720333104632/.
