ALMA
Alma city officials said they had been notified by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that seal coating operations would be conducted on FM 1183, extending from Highway 34 in Ennis to Interstate 45 in Alma, beginning Aug. 20 and continuing over several days. Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution, reduce speeds, and remain alert for road crews and construction equipment in the work area.
BARDWELL
Bardwell’s city website has a posted notice of “Small Taxing Unit Notice” in which the Bardwell will hold a meeting at 6 p.m., Sept. 8, 5746 Planter’s Gin Rd, Bardwell is considering adopting a proposed tax rate for tax year 2026 of $0.177713 per $100 of value. The proposed tax rate would increase total taxes in Bardwell by 8.50%.
CEDAR HILL
Cedar Facebook congratulated one of their students for achieving an important goal writing “Here’s something worth celebrating! Cedar Hill’s own Timothy, representing Cedar Hill Elite, is officially a 2X ALL-AMERICAN! He was #4 in the Nation – Long Jump; #8 in the Nation – 100M; and #12 in the Nation – 200M. Timothy set a goal, put in the work, and made his community proud on the national stage!”
ENNIS
Ennis hosted its State of the City event this past Tuesday featuring Ennis Mayor Lynda Isbell, Ellis County Judge Wray, Ellis County Sheriff Norman, and Ennis ISD Superintendent, Dr. Greg Bradley.
FERRIS
Remember Ferris’ food pantry is the third Thursday of the month at Ferris Memorial Park.
GARRETT
Bids closed last week in Garrett for qualified General Contractors interested in the construction of the new city hall building.
GLENN HEIGHTS
At last week’s City Council Meeting, Council Member Nelda Washington presented a check to Dr. Lisa Hill, Director of Community Services, and Luis Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer of St. Vincent de Paul Resource Center, through her Council Initiative Funding for 7-Corridor Community Support. Glenn Heights is proud to be one of the seven corridor cities served by this vital resource center, which provides families in need with non-perishable food, emergency assistance, and essential household support.
ITALY
Last week residents were affected by a water leak and those living on Hwy 667, Genoa, Venice, Milan, Rosemond, Parker, S. College and select addresses on Dilworth experienced low water pressure or a temporary outage.
MAYPEARL
Maypearl ISD Golf Tryouts are Aug. 27 from 6 to 7 a.m. and 3:35 to 4:35 p.m. at the Maypearl Golf Facility.
MIDLOTHIAN
Atmos Energy was in and around Midlothian this past weekend conducting overnight inspections of natural gas lines. The work is part of their commitment to being the safest natural gas provider and using advanced technology to monitor and survey their system for potential leaks.
MILFORD
Last week the Milford Police Department held its monthly Town Hall meeting. Stay informed of city activities through these monthly meetings are by attending Milford City Council meetings held on the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Milford Community Center, located next to City Hall at 109 S. Main St.
OAK LEAF
A public hearing was held on the proposed tax rate on Aug. 17. A tax rate of $0.300012 per $100 valuation was proposed by the governing body of Oak Leaf.
• PROPOSED TAX RATE: $0.300012 per $100
• NO-NEW-REVENUE TAX RATE: $0.273578 per $100
• VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE: $0.285638 per $100
• DE MINIMIS RATE: $0.457394 per $100
OVILLA
Ovilla posted on its Facebook page recently a look at some of the work currently underway or scheduled in the city: At Founders/Cindy Jones Park work continues on the new 38-space concrete parking lot and sidewalk connection to the walking trail.
Also, at Founders/Cindy Jones Park the pavilion expansion is underway and will add two 15’ x 44’ bays, one on each end of the existing pavilion, along with sidewalks around the outside of the pavilion and an additional connection to the walking trail.
The new pickleball court lights have been erected and are expected to be operational within the next couple of weeks.
Work to repair Suburban Drive was scheduled this and the existing chipseal cul-de-sacs at High Ridge Court and Thorntree Court are being replaced with concrete. Work is anticipated to begin mid-to-late September.
PALMER
Palmer Fire Rescue announced it will hold its Annual Fish Fry on Oct. 10, 2026.
PECAN HILL
Pecan Hill held a combined Public Hearing and City Council Meeting on Aug. 18 at the Municipal Building on South Lowrance.
RED OAK
A new playground is taking shape in The Oaks Park at 1319 Beaumont Street Red Oak. The latest update is a play structures for ages two to five and five to 12; shade over all play structures and swings; A "Mommy & Me" swing, A full-bucket swing and construction is underway.
VENUS
Venus roadway construction is underway at W. 3rd Street between FM 157 at Walnut at the Square and S. Walnut on the west side of the Square. Residents may notice that some streets remain in one phase of construction for a period of time before the asphalt overlay is placed. This is a normal part of the construction process. Work is completed in phases so the contractor can efficiently move crews and equipment through the project area. Use caution in the area and expect construction equipment and workers near the roadway, temporary lane impacts and traffic delays, follow all traffic control signage and directions and reduce speed and stay alert when traveling through the construction zone.
WAXAHACHIE
The Water Distribution & Collections Department in Waxahachie implemented a scheduled water shut-off for the MLK Water and Sidewalk project on Tuesday. The affected areas were the 100 & 200 blocks of Wyatt St.; the 100 block of Tuggle St. and the 200 block of McCuen St.
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, Bristol, Britton, Crisp, Five Points, Forreston, Ike, India, Ozro, Rankin, Reagor Springs, Rockett, Sardis, Telico and Trumbull.