ALMA
Alma had some “long overdue” repairs done on the railroad crossing last week on FM 1183 by City Hall.
BARDWELL
Bardwell’s lone agenda item for the City Council this week was considering action to approve a resolution designating signatory authorities and authorizing the submittal of a water supply and infrastructure grant to Texas Water Board Development.
CEDAR HILL
On June 25, Cedar Hill officers responded to the 300 block of Venus Court regarding a reported shooting with injuries. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive adult female inside the residence and immediately began life-saving measures until Cedar Hill Fire Department personnel arrived. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary information indicated the incident resulted from a domestic dispute. Cedar Hill detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Michael Brown, 7-27-78, of Dallas, who was the boyfriend of the victim. Brown was taken into custody and booked into the DeSoto Jail on a murder charge.
ENNIS
Atmos Energy issued a maintenance notice to Ennis residents regarding a routine system maintenance to take place near 744 FM 984 between June 23 and July 2, generally between 7 and 9 p.m. As part of this work, there will be a controlled and safe release of natural gas. Residents in the area may notice a natural gas odor during these scheduled activities. Atmos Energy crews will be on site throughout the process.
FERRIS
S&P Global Ratings assigned Ferris an AA- long-term rating to the City’s Series 2026 Public Improvement Bonds and affirmed the City’s existing AA- ratings on outstanding obligations.
GARRETT
Last week the Garrett Police Department reminded residents that rabies shots for pets are required by law.
GRAND PRAIRIE
The Grand Prairie Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred last week in the 500 block of MacArthur Blvd. Officers responded to a report of a shooting inside a vehicle in front of a residence. According to witness statements, the suspect, identified as Alexander Chavez, 19 years of age, was sitting in the backseat of the vehicle when he recklessly handled a firearm and discharged it, striking the victim, who was seated in the front driver’s seat. The suspect then fled on foot and was apprehended a short time later by responding officers.
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Grand Prairie Fire Department medics. The suspect has been charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony.
GLENN HEIGHTS
This weekend’s summer concert series is July 5 featuring the Dallas String Quartet at 7:30 p.m., City Center Courtyard (1938 S. Hampton Rd.). Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and their family and friends to enjoy a relaxing night under the stars.
ITALY
Earlier this month Italy City Council approved a four-day work week for employees. The new operating hours are: Monday through Thursday - 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday - Closed
MANSFIELD
As part of Mansfield’s America 250 celebration, residents will have multiple opportunities to celebrate with fireworks, soccer, and a spectacular drone show on July 2 with 12 minutes of drones and 22 minutes of fireworks. The drone launch will begin at dusk with fireworks immediately after and the drone show will launch from the Fields at Station 63, followed immediately by a fireworks spectacular launched from the Skinner Sports Complex. Kemper Sports will be hosting their ticketed event, Summer Freedom Fest from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Fields at Station 63.
MAYPEARL
Many residents are still opposing the more than 8 million square feet data center targeted for Maypearl with multiple buildings and said to be one of the largest AI data center campuses proposed in Texas. It has been noted if ultimately built as described, it would rank among the largest AI campuses in the country.
MIDLOTHIAN
Midlothian’s Fireworks Show will be on July 3 at 9:15 p.m. You can watch from the MISD Multi- Purpose Stadium parking lot (open at 6 p.m.) and the stadium seating is closed or see from the surrounding area.
MILFORD
Milford is looking for volunteers to help trap, neuter and return cats in the city in order to manage the cat population. If interested contact the Milford Police Chief Southard at (972) 493-4193.
OVILLA
Street improvement construction was scheduled to begin in Ovilla on Monday, June 22 on Westmoreland Road, from Ovilla Road (FM 664) south to Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School. Once work on that section is completed, the contractor will move to Cockrell Hill Road to begin the next phase of improvements.
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 strongly 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.
RED OAK
The Red Oak Communications & Marketing Department was recognized at the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) Conference, earning a TAMI Award and an Award of Excellence.
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
Waxahachie’s 28th Annual Crape Myrtle Festival will be on July 3 & 4 for two days of fun, family, and celebration with free concert, a fireworks show and 4th of July parade and admission is free. For more information and a schedule of events call (469) 309-4040 or www.VisitWaxahachie.com.
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.