ALMA
Following the launch of Alma’s YouTube Channel and recent digital broadcast testing, the city is now focused on maximizing community engagement. The council is pushing a subscriber initiative to reach the 50-follower threshold required to unlock native real-time live streaming directly from the council chambers.
BARDWELL
Bardwell Fire was on scene last week when a two-vehicle accident with major damage occurred on the Bardwell Bridge closing the bridge down and requiring a second ambulance.
CEDAR HILL
Cedar Hill named Duncanville police chief Matthew Stogner as its new Chief of Police. Stogner will finish his final day leading Duncanville on July 31 and officially assume command of the Cedar Hill Police Department on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.
ENNIS
Ennis’ Mornings at Minnie series brings the local community together through visual art and live performance in the heart of downtown Ennis at Minnie McDowal Park. The weekly event turns the park into an open-air cultural hub every Saturday morning throughout the summer.
FERRIS
Following approval by the Ferris ISD Board of Trustees, administration and payroll systems are finalizing the rollout of a 6% general employee raise ahead of the upcoming school year. Under the newly enacted budget, first-year certified teachers will see a starting salary of $64,831.72, and district bus drivers will receive a boosted rate of $31.46 an hour. The board also finalized hefty stipends ranging from $3,500 to $6,000 for bilingual, special education, secondary math, science, and English teachers.
GARRETT
Reflecting high mid-July temperatures across Ellis County, the Garrett Rural Fire Department teamed up with mutual aid crews to suppress a quick-moving, 1.5-acre grass fire burning in heavy fuel loads along FM 879. The fire was successfully contained with no reported structural damage
GRAND PRAIRIE
On Saturday, July 4, Grand Prairie Police responded to a shooting in the alleyway of the 5000 block of Red River Trail, where officers located an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported by Grand Prairie Fire Department medics to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased by medical staff. Detectives determined the suspect and the victim were involved in an altercation that escalated when the suspect produced a handgun and shot the victim. The suspect fled a short distance from the scene but was apprehended by responding officers.
GLENN HEIGHTS
The local chapter of the Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) has successfully mobilized dozens of Glenn Heights mothers and their high-school-aged sons for summer volunteering. The group is spending their weekends executing park beautification projects, cleaning up public spaces, and partnering with local food pantries to support families in need.
ITALY
District administrators at Italy ISD are facilitating community review sessions for federal funding programs – including Title I, Part A and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B). Superintendent Rachel Kistner is coordinating with parents and local business owners to integrate funding applications directly into the 2026 school programming.
MANSFIELD
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center was officially awarded a prestigious national distinction for its advanced bariatric surgery program, recognizing excellence in specialized patient care and surgical outcomes.
MAYPEARL
Maypearl High School officially welcomed back former alumnus Jordan (Briggs) Southerland to lead the varsity volleyball program. Southerland, who starred as a player at Maypearl, returns to her hometown after gaining 18 years of coaching experience, most recently serving as a varsity assistant and junior varsity head coach for Ennis.
MIDLOTHIAN
Ashley Evans was selected to join the campus administration team as the new assistant principal at Midlothian Heritage High School. According to Midlothian ISD press release, Evans brings extensive experience in curriculum development and teacher coaching. She transitions into the role after serving in prior leadership positions within nearby Duncanville ISD and Grand Prairie ISD.
MILFORD
Milford ISD officially extended a warm welcome to its newly hired Secondary Principal, Ms. Green.
OAK LEAF
CWD will begin servicing Oak Leaf at 6 a.m. beginning June 1st through the end of August. They ask everyone to have their trash and recyclables (every other week) out by 6 a.m. on Fridays.
OVILLA
Following the closure of the recent resident survey, municipal planners are consolidating community feedback to finalize future park features, trail additions, and long-range land-use blueprints funded by a $300,000 development grant.
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
Expect traffic changes on Red Oak Road from July 6 through approximately August 3 as construction continues in the area. There will be no eastbound through traffic allowed on Red Oak Road, westbound traffic will remain open, and Red Oak Road will be closed at the intersection of Hidden Lane.
VENUS
Venus has officially published its formal intent to issue up to $16,750,000 in Certificates of Obligation. The multi-million-dollar funding package is designated entirely for massive upgrades to the Venus’ water and sewer systems. Infrastructure improvements will target municipal water treatment plants, expanded sewer lines, additional water wells, local lift stations, and advanced storage facilities. The City Council is scheduled to formally review and adopt the funding ordinance at their upcoming public meeting on August 10.
WAXAHACHIE
Waxahachie announced that beginning July 14, admission rules will be tightened at the Lee Penn Park Pool. The facility will restrict access to Waxahachie residents only for the remainder of the summer season.
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