Due to recent soaking rains, as well as the need of many residents to safely and efficiently dispose of downed trees and other plant debris after the storms, Commissioners voted unanimously to rescind a ban on outdoor burning approved at the April 26 meeting.

Having grown rapidly during the last decade – from 111,360 in the 2000 Census to 149,610 in the 2010 Census – Ellis County must draw new lines for its commissioner precincts. The redistricting process must adhere first to the Constitutional provision for equal protection – commonly referred to as “One Man, One Vote” – but must also meet the provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Important elections are coming up May 14, 2011 for the Italy and Milford communities. Italy voters have crucial decisions to make in both the mayoral and school board elections as well as a proposition. In Milford there are two council positions needing to be filled.

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With high winds and an equally high load of combustible plant life, along with the longest persistent drought in recent history, the Ellis County Commissioners’ Court voted unanimously to enact a ban on outdoor burning, effective for 90 days.

My name is Erick Thompson. I understand and recognize the commitment needed to be an asset to the Italy School Board. I would appreciate and honor the opportunity to be a part of the board that paves the way for a quality education at Italy ISD.

I want to make the Italy of tomorrow, better than Italy when it was in its heyday. If you want things to keep going like they have been, then I am NOT your candidate. If you are happy to have the Ellis County Observer digging up the dirt from Italy and splashing it all over the internet, then again, I am not the person you should elect. I want to make Italy’s government open and transparent. I want to get more people involved. The government is for the people, by the people.

The City of Italy, Texas will receive sealed proposals for a demolition project. Demolition contractors must attend a mandatory pre-bid conference on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the job site, 100 & 108 E. Main, Italy, Texas. Plans and Specifications may be obtained from the Project Consultant at the pre-bid conference for a non refundable fee of $50.00 payable to Gary Burton Engineering, Inc. (F-2812). Prospective bidders must notify Ms. Mary Andrews (903-534-5001) of their intention to attend the pre-bid conference, to be assured of receiving a copy of the Plans and Specifications.

Ellis County Law Enforcement officials are preparing for the largest Warrant Roundup in recent history, working aggressively on any and all warrants that remain outstanding after April 30, 2011.

After a short executive session during Monday’s regularly-scheduled meeting of the Ellis County Commissioners’ Court, Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Hanna McCleary as the interim Purchasing Agent.

The Italy Economic Development Corporation moved one-step closer to demolition of the former community center and adjoining building following a meeting Thursday evening.

My name is David B. South. I am passionate about education as I have played a huge part in all of my children’s formal education and common sense education. I am the owner of Monolithic Constructors, Inc. in Italy and the Italy Neotribune.

As a Republican, Nik Kinze plans to bring prosperity, accountability and fiscal transparency to the City of Italy Texas.

My name is Mark W. Stiles and I was born in Houston, Texas. I have two children, Ross (11th grade) and Emily (9th grade) that attend Italy High School. I also have two grandchildren, Kirstin Viator (5th grade) and Easton Viator (kindergarten) that attend Stafford Elementary.

Early voting for the Italy City Council and school board of trustees will be May 2-10 at city hall council chambers. Extended voting hours — from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. — will be Tuesday, May 3, and Tuesday, May 10. Election Day is Saturday, May 14, in the same location.

The Italy Park Board made last minute plans for the Mayor’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt at its monthly meeting Tuesday evening.

After adjourning to executive session near the end of Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting to consult with county attorneys, Ellis County Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize the County Judge to execute a contract of sale pertaining to the conveyance of all property located at 109 W. Franklin, 111 W. Franklin, 113 W. Franklin, 115 W. Franklin, 200 S. College Street, 114 S. Rogers Street, and an unnumbered lot on S. Rogers Street immediately adjacent to 115 W. Franklin in Waxahachie, Texas to Children’s Palace Investments, Inc., doing business as AZEB.

Ellis County Commissioners met in a special session today, adjourning immediately into executive session to deliberate on personnel-related matters. After reconvening in open court, they voted unanimously to dismiss the Ellis County Purchasing Agent.

The Italy EDC’s March meeting began with the roll call. Mark Stiles, Randy Boyd, Tom Little, Darrell Rosemond, Elmerine Bell, and Joyce Hobbs were all present. Mark Souder, Sr. was absent.

The Ellis County Commissioners’ Court and other officials recently recognized county employees for their years of dedicated service.

During the regularly scheduled meeting of the Ellis County Commissioners’ Court on Monday, March 14, 2011, the Commissioners appointed 12 citizens to serve on the Ellis County Citizens Advisory Board.

The Italy City Council voted Monday night to place a 40-yard dumpster at the wastewater treatment plant for resident use.

During the regularly scheduled meeting of the Ellis County Commissioners’ Court on Monday, February 28, 2011, two members of the board of directors of the Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District and the organization’s executive director gave an update on their progress.

The Italy Park Board is seeking donations of plastic eggs and candy for the Mayor’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The Italy Economic Development Corporation voted to hire Darryl Ratcliff of the Green Bandana Group of Dallas as grant writer at its monthly meeting Monday.

A meeting is set for Wednesday, February 23, at 7 p.m. to discuss the Insurance Services Office (ISO) fire rating in Ellis County. The meeting will be held on the second floor of the historic Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie.

A Citizens’ Advisory Committee for the redistricting process will be appointed by Ellis County Commissioners, following action taken during Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting.

The Italy City Council approved an ordinance calling for a general election May 14 for the purpose of electing a mayor and two council members for terms of two years and calling for a special election for the reauthorization of the local sales and use tax. The rate is one-fourth of one percent that will continue providing revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets.

The Texas Association of Counties is providing specialized safety training for Ellis County employees this month, utilizing a driving simulator that offers county employees a unique experience to prepare for unexpected driving situations.

The Italy Economic Development Corporation moved forward with plans to demolish the buildings at 100 and 108 East Main Street at a called meeting and public hearings Monday evening.

The May Uniform Election Date is set for Saturday, May 14, 2011. The ballots this year will be comprised of both city and school board elections.

City of Italy residents that were scheduled to have their trash picked up on Tuesday, February 1 will have their trash picked up this Friday, February 4. If further information is needed contact Italy City Hall (972/483-7329).

The meeting began with the roll call. Mark Stiles, Mark Souder, Sr., Randy Boyd, Elmerine Bell, Tom Little and Darrell Rosemond were all present. Joyce Hobbs was absent.