This Week's Top Stories

city council

Council Picks Grass Fields for Lions Park, Approves Land for New Animal Shelter

The Waxahachie City Council voted this week to move forward on two long-discussed city projects: a natural-grass playing-field renovation at Lions Park and the purchase of a 20-acre site for a new animal shelter.

After years of discussion and multiple competing proposals, the Waxahachie City Council voted at its September 22 meeting to advance the redevelopment of Lions Park using natural grass practice fields rather than synthetic turf. The Waxahachie Community Development Corporation had earlier pledged $5.8 million toward the project at its July 8 meeting, and the council's vote this week locks in the grass-field option as the preferred design.

trails

Waxahachie–Midlothian Regional Trail Comment Period Closes Today

The public comment period for a proposed 2.3-mile shared-use trail connecting FM 875 to Getzendaner Park ends September 25, 2026.

TxDOT and the City of Waxahachie have been gathering public input on a proposed 12-foot-wide concrete trail running approximately 2.3 miles between FM 875 and Getzendaner Park. The project is part of the larger Midlothian-to-Waxahachie Regional Trail corridor, which would eventually link the two cities via an approximately 9.8-mile shared-use path. The city hosted a virtual public meeting and an in-person open house on September 10 at the Waxahachie Civic Center.

business

Texas Roadhouse Heading to Waxahachie After Council Approves Economic Development Deal

The Waxahachie City Council approved a Chapter 380 economic development agreement in August, clearing the way for Texas Roadhouse to build at I-35 and U.S. Highway 287.

The Waxahachie City Council approved a Chapter 380 economic development agreement with Roadhouse Enterprises Inc. at its August 18 meeting, paving the way for Texas Roadhouse to construct a restaurant in the city. Public filings show the planned location at the intersection of I-35 and U.S. Highway 287 in Waxahachie, with permitting records indicating a construction completion target of June 2027. Texas Roadhouse, known for hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and its signature honey cinnamon butter rolls, has nearly 800 U.S. locations.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, September 26

Ellis County Poultry Trades Day

📍 Ellis County Expo Center, Waxahachie · 9:00 AM · Verify · AllEvents.in

Saturday, September 26

Haunted Waxahachie: Paranormal Tour & Museum Investigation

📍 Ellis County Museum, Waxahachie · 8:00 PM · Verify · AllEvents.in

Saturday, October 3

2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's – Ellis County

📍 101 W. Main St., Waxahachie, TX 75165 · 8:00 AM · Verify · Alzheimer's Association

Saturday, October 24

Crossroads of Texas GO TEXAN Country Festival

📍 Downtown Waxahachie (Courthouse Square) · 9:00 AM · Verify · Waxahachie Convention & Visitors Bureau

Through November 8

19th Annual Paint Historic Waxahachie Plein Air Paint Out

📍 Throughout historic Waxahachie; show at Art on the Square, 113 W. Franklin St. · Various times · Verify · Waxahachie Daily Light

More from the Community

City Puts FY 2026-27 Budget and Tax Rate in Place After 3-2 Council Vote

The Waxahachie City Council approved its budget and tax rate for fiscal year 2026-27 at its September 8 meeting by a 3-2 vote, according to the Waxahachie Daily Light.

Ellis County Burn Ban Remains in Effect

Ellis County has been under a county-wide burn ban since the Commissioners Court voted to impose one at its July 21, 2026 meeting.

Fire Station #1 Rebuild Moves Toward October Construction Start

The City of Waxahachie is working with construction manager Key Construction Texas LLC to replace Fire Station #1 at 1475 Spur 394.

WISD Discusses Future Uses for Former Coleman Building and Admin Offices

Waxahachie ISD trustees discussed competing proposals for the district's former Coleman building at a recent board session, as reported by the Waxahachie Daily Light on September 21.

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