If you walk down Main Street in downtown Milford don’t be surprised to see a large man with an eye patch and wearing a kilt sitting out in front of his

Miracle comebacks, big plays and ice packs were just some of the going ons surrounding the county wide, Girls Softball District Tournament on Tuesday. The IYAA fielded one team in Ennis and one Grandview while a couple of IYAA players represented Italy at the Upchurch Fields in the 8 & Under Division.

Around 4:00 AM this morning an eighteen wheeler carrying produce flipped over on I-35E north bound near Chambers Creek. The driver, Amelio Rivas said," I got a little distracted and ran off the road, couldn’t get the truck back on the road and flipped the truck. I am fine, I did not get hurt."

Back in 1926 the Dallas – Waco electric interurban rail road had reached Milford Texas. Milford began a slow decline due to the depression and in 1948-49 the railroad was closed down.

Part of an elaborate, multi-town, Girls District Softball Tournament, The IYAA will be hosting 8 & Under Coach Pitch tournament games in Italy at the Upchurch Fields starting Tuesday, July 7-10 (The games were rescheduled to Tuesday due to rain).

On behalf of the Ellis County Renegades 12 and Under baseball team, Chick-fil-A® in Waxahachie will be sponsoring “Spirit Night” on Monday, July 6th between 5-8 p.m.

The IYAA will be having Football/Cheerleading sign-ups on Saturday, July 11th from 10 until 4 at Italy City Hall at 101 W. Main Street. All players MUST be present. County issued birth certificates and registration fees must be submitted at the time of sign-up. Eligible players are 2009-2010 school year Kindergarten to 6th graders.

The Italy Park Board will meet on Tuesday, July 7, 2009. The meeting will begin at 6:30 in the council chambers behind the police department. The agenda items pertain to the upcoming construction and grand opening of the new park equipment.

You only thought that the fun was over after the Fourth of July! Sunday afternoon on the fifth of July at the Shell station located at the corner of Highway 34 and Kinfolk Lane in Italy the fun was just beginning.

Bob Davis, who helps work the land and livestock for the Harper Cattle Company, LLC Ranch in Waxahachie, had his 4th of July start unexpectantly while standing on his front porch. Davis saw what seemed to be an airplane loosing altitude and crashing down into a pasture full of cattle across from his house.

Meals-on-Wheels client, Kenneth Bryant of Waxahachie, will be the first to tell you, he’s no hero, though he served his country not only at Okinawa during World War II, but he didn’t hesitate when his country needed him again during the Korean conflict.

Tina & Allen Richards, with a little help from their family, will be selling fireworks for their 6th consecutive year. From giant jumbo assortment packs for the serious fireworks enthusiast to smaller kid assortment packs for the youngsters, the Richards’ firework stand is the place to go this 4th of July!

There was a “special delivery” for the Adams family this week. Toby and Kelly Adams were blessed with twin boys, Charles Gracin Adams and Zachary Penn Adams. They were born June 30th in Waco Hillcrest Hospital at 11:43 and 11:44 AM.

A driver for the TXI Transportation Company out of Dallas was traveling to a job site between Waxahachie and Forreston when his 18-wheeler took a turn for the worst.

Saturday, June 27th around six o’clock at the Church of Christ Annex building the Italy Lions Club had their first awards and installation of officers banquet. Alice Conway District Governor for the Lions Club District 2X1 was there to officially install the incoming officers.

The 9th annual Above The Rim Invitational Basketball Tournament was held Friday and Saturday night at the Old Gym in Italy. Italy Basketball Coach Larry Mayberry and Milford’s Basketball Coach Otis Carter organized this year’s event.

You might have seen him today on Highway 35 E heading toward Italy. I am talking about a young man wearing a cape and pulling a wagon tied around his waist running down the highway. You were probably thinking, what in the world is he doing? Well, let me tell you what he is doing.

The next regular meeting of the Italy Economic Development Committee is scheduled for Monday, Jun 29. Agenda items include an audit review by Murray and Associates, discussion and possible action regarding a proposal by David Miracle for professional Economic Development services and discussion and consideration of action regarding the management of EDC administration.

Guess who turned ninety-six this month at Trinity Mission? Well let me tell you, it was: Odell Kelley, Helen Honsicker and Lillie Speer! June Frame turned one hundred this month!

Meals on Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties have released their meals menu for July 2009. These meals are subject to change.

We knew they would be better. We knew they would be good. After witnessing Italy in action during the 7-on-7 all passing league Thursday at Willis Field, we can now expect the Italy Gladiators to be great next season.

Four days of basketball camp to make an impression. Four days for an opportunity to be a new player. Just four days. Four chances for glory.

Waxahachie Lady Indians, Head Basketball Coach Leslie Priebe, was invited by Lady Gladiators Head Coach, Stacy McDonald, to work with the team on running offensive sets during a one-day camp on Thursday.

The IHS Boys basketball teams finish summer league play strong and hope to leave a mark in the tournament that starts Monday, June 29 and ends Tuesday June 30.

When you travel down Main Street downtown Italy you will see a beautiful new bank front on the now First State Bank of Italy. But that is not the only thing new about this bank.

Hiking, fishing, camping under the stars and telling stories around the campfire. You get the feeling of being outside when you travel to Camp E.D.G.E. (Experience & Discover God Everywhere). The First United Methodist Church of Italy is hosting vacation bible school Friday-Sunday and invites all Pre-K to 6th grade students to participate.

The Italy Gladiators Athletic Department has been hosting a 7-on-7 summer passing league this summer. Varsity and J.V. have been mixed together as they competed against Palmer, Rio Vista, Ferris and Blooming Grove. Italy’s final challenge will be today, Thursday, June 25, at 6:00 p.m. in Italy.

Avalon ISD announced the results of the district’s 2009 TAKS testing. According to school administration, based on preliminary results from all tests taken this school year and an evaluation of all subgroups, Avalon anticipates maintaining the state rating of “Recognized” for the fourth consecutive year.

Ellis County has been awarded a 2009 National Association of Counties Achievement Award for its Indigent Health Care Program partnership with Hope Clinic.

Amber graduated on May 8th, 2009 with her Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She graduated Cum Laude through Texas A&M University-Commerce and took all her classes at the Navarro College Campus in Midlothian. Navarro and A&M Commerce have a partnership and she suggests that anyone interested in furthering their education should check out the programs they have to offer.

The IYAA will be having Football/Cheerleading sign-ups on Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri during evening baseball games at the Upchurch Fields. On Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., sign-ups will be at the Dunlap Library on Clark Street in Italy.

The Central Baptist Church in Italy began its Vacation Bible School Boot Camp Tuesday. There was singing under the cross, marching in the hallways and soldiers everywhere were coloring, decorating canteens and playing games.

“Welcome To Italy,” is the headline across the top of the new marquee sign installed this morning at the corner of Hwy. 77 and Hwy. 34. Travelers from all four directions will be able to view the sign that will highlight current events within the City of Italy.

The South Ellis County Water Supply Corporation has released its 2008 Annual Drinking Water quality Report. This is their annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

The Ellis County Commissioners Court will have a workshop on Thursday, June 25 at 9:30 a.m. The US Highway 287 Corridor Study conducted by TxDOT will be discussed. The workshop will be held in the Ellis County Alternate Courtroom which is located at 109 West Franklin, Waxahachie, Texas.

Kaiden Hill Buchert
Born: April 17, 2009
Weighed: 6 lbs 8 oz
Length: 18 7/8 inches long

With the help of the Lone Star Cyclists of Grand Prairie, the 24th Annual Tour d’Italia was a success. The cyclists started arriving on Friday night to register for the bike rally held every third Saturday in June. Some of the riders camped on the lawn in front of the Italy High School and in the parking lot, as well.

What a fun and wonderful weekend at Midway Regional Airport. I am talking about the aviation extravaganza that took place June 19th through June 21st. It was three days of hot air balloons, skydivers, helicopters, gliders and airplanes.

The Italy Park Board will meet on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 in the Council Chambers at the Italy City Hall. Their agenda includes items pertaining to details of the Park remodeling and upcoming grand opening. This meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 and is open to the public.