Tuesday, August 18, D.L. Hopkins Jr. Senior Center members enjoyed our Monthly Mystery Lunch outing to Bull Pen Café in Mesquite, Texas. One of our most popular monthly excursions, Mystery Lunch adds an element of curiosity and excitement to the day, as participants do not learn the destination until they arrive. Pictured are long-time member Verna Bryd, seated with Norma Herrera and Avis Davis, along with other senior center members enjoying lunch together in the background.
Building Inspections
Rental Weekly Inspection Report
- 61 Rental inspections were Scheduled this week; 20 passed while 41 failed and 0 were canceled.
- The primary reasons for the failed inspections were absence of GFCI protection, missing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, ground rods and water heaters were not up to current code.
- A total of 13 Single Family Rental Certificates of Occupancy has been re-issued, and 8 Apartment complex Units were Inspected for this week and 0 complaints.
Building Weekly Inspection Report
- There were 75 Total Building inspections this week.
- There were 50 inspections passed, 21 failed, 1 canceled and 3 Partial Passed.
Health Weekly Inspection Report
- 9 Total Health Inspection this week,
- 5 Health Inspection for the Annual Renewal,
- 2 Health Certificate of Occupancy, Foster Care
- 2 Annual Swimming Pool Inspections,
- 0 Routine Health Inspections
- 0 Mobile Food Units,
- 0 Complaint/Closures, Observation and Consultations, Illegal Food Trucks
- 0 Temp. Health Day
Total Building Permits this week
- 67 Building Permits this week
Total Fees Collected for the Week
- The total amount of fees collected was $29,188.29
West Nile Virus (WNV) Sample Results
Testing conducted by Dallas County Mosquito Control.
- July 29, 2026 – Positive (spraying was conducted on July 30, 2026.)
- August 6, 2026 – Negative
- August 12, 2026 – Negative
- August 19, 2026 – Positive (spraying was conducted on August 20, 2026)
To protect yourself from West Nile Virus, use bug spray with DEET. It's also a good idea to stay indoors during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Take the Duncanville Better Block Survey
This fall, the City of Duncanville and Better Block will temporarily reimagine the South Main Street corridor at East Wheatland Road to explore safer streets, stronger connections, and more vibrant public spaces.
The demonstration will test ideas like traffic calming, safer pedestrian crossings, outdoor seating, public art, and community gathering spaces to better connect Downtown Duncanville, Armstrong Park, nearby neighborhoods, businesses, and civic destinations. Throughout the project, community feedback and data will help inform future investments and long-term improvements along the corridor.
We want to hear from the community! Your ideas will help shape the demonstration and test new possibilities before long-term investments are made. Share your ideas and help shape the future of Duncanville by completing the community survey before the August 27 deadline.
Visit betterblock.org/duncanville to learn more and take the survey! If you know someone who lives, works, or spends time in Duncanville, share this post so every voice has the opportunity to be heard!
Email Newsletter Updates
Read the Weekly Champion for August 18, 2026.
Join the Email List
DUNCANVILLE FIELDHOUSE
For the week of August 10 through August 16
- Church Service
Wednesday 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Sunday 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Suite #101c, the Center
- Community Stage Play “He That Finds a Wife…Find Me”
Saturday 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
3 courts
- Master’s Pro-am Adult Basketball League, Session III
Sunday 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
3 courts
Total visitors: 2,919
Revenue for the week: $5,892
Working with Ted E’s to transition Fieldhouse food and beverage operations.
Coming next week
- Church Service
Wednesday 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Sunday 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Suite #101c, the Center
- Players Tribe Youth Basketball Camp
Friday 6:00 PM to 8:00PM and Saturday 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
2/3 courts
- Master’s Pro-am Adult Basketball League, Session III
Sunday 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
3 courts
DUNCANVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Emergency Management Services (EMS)
- Sent an Alert for Cedar Hill to locate a missing critical 15year old child. The child was successfully located due to the alert. This was the first use of our Integrated Public Alert Warning System capability for any of the Best Southwest Cities.
- Attended the UME Prep School Safety and Security Meeting
- Updated and submitted Annex C- Mass Care to the State of Texas.
- Conducted Hands-Only CPR to Duncanville Staff in two offerings on 8/19. 11 staff attended. Photo attached.
Fire Administration
- At City Council Budget Workshop, funding of $67,500.04 to purchase two Lucas Devices for mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation was approved. They have been delivered and placed in service.
- Attended a meeting at the Southwest Regional Communications Center with City Managers, Fire Chiefs, and Police Chiefs on August 20, 2026.
- Councilmember Veracruz met with Chief Connealy at Fire Station 2 on July 28, 2026, to discuss his idea of creating a September 11th commemoration ceremony at Station 1 this year. We are currently working with City administration and staff to promote the event.
- Spoke to the Citizens Police Alumni as part of their August 20, 2026, meeting.
- Work on Texas Fire Chiefs Association Best Practices project. Making a lot of progress with 92% of the project completed at this point. I expect to complete this project in 2026.
- Participated in Cooksey communications audit interview on August 19, 2026.
Fire Marshal
Reviews
- Design Review Committee reviews: 1
- Plan reviews: 13
Inspections
- Business: 9
- Fire Alarm Acceptance: 1
- Fire Sprinkler Acceptance: 1
Miscellaneous
- Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal completed State mandated Security Awareness training.
Fire Operations
The Fire Department responded to 172 calls for service.
Emergency Medical Services: 120
Fires
- Grass fire: 1
- Outside fires: 4
- Vehicle fire: 1
Hazardous Situations
- Natural gas odor: 1
- Smoke investigation: 1
- Vehicle collision: 5
Public Service
- Citizen Assist: 3
- Lift Assists: 14
Rescue
No Emergency
- Accidental alarm: 1
- Box alarms in Tri-cities – cancelled before arrival: 10
- False alarm: 1
- Good intent: 3
- Malfunctioning alarm: 5
Law Enforcement Support: 1
DUNCANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
On Monday, August 17, 2026, Officer Arias, Interim Assistant Chief McCarty, and Assistant Chief Byrd met with members of the Forest Hills Neighborhood and other members of the Duncanville community. During the meeting, attendees were provided with current crime statistics, information on ways residents can assist the department in reducing and preventing crime, and an opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns directly with department representatives. Attendees were also introduced to the department’s Axon FUSUS program and learned how the technology can assist officers with responding to and investigating criminal activity.
The meeting was a success and provided a valuable opportunity for the department to engage directly with residents, answer questions, and strengthen relationships within the community. The department appreciates the invitation and looks forward to participating in future neighborhood and community meetings.
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Duncanville Detectives and the Duncanville SWAT Team executed a search warrant and arrested a suspect involved in a road rage shooting.
Our Professional Standards Division attended the TCOLE Conference in Waco, Texas, during the week of August 10. During the conference, division personnel received updates on emerging law enforcement issues and proposed legislation that may be considered during the next legislative session.
Our K9 officers completed K9 casualty training at the Irving Police Department. The training provided officers with instruction on responding to medical emergencies and injuries involving police K9s.
Officer Becerra began training this week with the department’s newest K9, K9 Chico. This marks the first week of an eight-week training program designed to prepare Officer Becerra and K9 Chico for deployment as a K9 team.
Officer Delgado completed FEMA ICS-300 and ICS-400 training this week. These advanced courses focus on incident command, management of complex incidents, and coordination during large-scale emergency operations.
DUNCANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Save the date for the Friends of the Duncanville Public Library Annual Book Sale! This sale starts with a Friends Member Preview Day on Thursday, September 10. General sale days are Friday – Saturday, September 11 – 12.
Stream the best films from every decade for free with your Duncanville Public Library card! Explore Kanopy's Dedicated to the Decades collection and discover classics, award winners, and fan favorites.
To explore the collection online: http://www.kanopy.com/category/91253
Ongoing Adult Programs
- Tech Tutors, Wednesdays at 7 – 7:45 PM. Get help with any of your own devices or on one of our public computers.
- Maker Time, Saturdays at 3:30 – 5:30 PM. Use the makerspace to work on your creative projects.
- Thursday Threads, Thursdays (3 – 5 PM). Learn to work with buttons, zippers, elastic, and more in these beginner-friendly project-based tutorials! Limit 3 per session. Sign up in person or contact the library by phone (972-780-5050).
Ongoing Teen Programs
- Teen Advisory Guild: Teens aged 14 – 18, are you ready to make your voice heard and have fun? Come share your ideas, plan awesome events for teens and earn volunteer hours. Wednesday, August 5 and 19 (5 – 6 PM).
- Sew What?!: Teens aged 14 – 18 can learn machine sewing by creating cool projects! No sewing experience required. Materials and machines will be provided. Limit 3 per session. Sign up in person or contact the library by phone (972-780-5050).
- Crochet Crew: Wednesday, August 13 and 27 (4:30 – 5:30 PM). Teen crocheters of all skill levels are welcome; supplies will be provided.
Ongoing Youth Programs
- LEGO Maniacs, Mondays (4:30 – 7:30 PM). Children have fun creating and building with LEGO bricks!
- Starting Monday, August 17, Homeschool Hangout returns (11 AM – noon)! Homeschoolers can join in fun STEAM activities…or hang out with each other! For children 6 – 11 and their families or caregivers.
- Baby Bookworms, Tuesdays at 10:15 AM. Storytime fun for the smallest! Ages 0 – 3 years and a caregiver.
- Game On! Tuesdays (6 – 7:30 PM): Teens aged 12-18 can enjoy board games or console games (Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5) together.
- Preschool Story Time, Thursdays at 10:15 AM. Story time fun for ages 3 – 6 and a caregiver.
- Toddler Story Time, Thursdays at 11:15 AM. Story time fun for toddlers. Open to ages 0 – 3 and a caregiver.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic Development staff attended the 2026 Taiwan Expo & Investment Networking session in Dallas, TX with Mike Grace – Chair of the Tax Increment Financing Board (TIF) to explore business attraction prospects for a vacant site in the industrial district.
Duncanville Open Rewards – Shop Local Campaign
You often hear the phrase, “Shop local. Support local.”
Well, there’s never been a better time - you can now shop local and earn cash back, right here in Duncanville!
- Download the Open Rewards app and create an account.
- Shop or dine at participating Duncanville small businesses listed in the app.
- Earn cash back in your Community Wallet.
You’ll be supporting local businesses, helping create jobs, strengthening Duncanville’s economy, and getting rewarded for it.
TO LEARN MORE: https://www.duncanvilletx.gov/business/duncanville_economic_development/open_rewards
Business Visits
- Business Expansion Meeting – Gahwena Coffee Station - 711 South Main Street
- American Trophy Awards & Gifts/ Across The Pond Creations - 544 E. Wheatland Road, Suite 104
- Fruta Loca - 212 N Main Street
FISCAL SERVICES
Accounting and Reporting
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) invoices processed: 36; total payment: $530,640
Check invoices processed: 47; total payment: $2,552,311.
HUMAN RESOURCES
APPLY TODAY!
The Human Resources Department is currently recruiting for the following positions:
Interested candidates may review current openings, including job descriptions, and apply online at Current Openings.
- This week, the City received 29 new employment applications from the 7 job openings.
- The City did not hire any new employees this week.
- The City promoted 1 employee this week.
The Police and Fire Departments are actively recruiting candidates for entry-level Civil Service positions.
PARKS AND RECREATION
D.L. Hopkins Jr. Senior Center
Upcoming Events
- National Senior Citizens Day and Wacky Hat Day – Friday, August 21, 2026
- Pancho’s – Monday, August 24, 2026 - 4:00 PM
- Bingo with Suvida – Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 10:30 AM
- Downtown McKinney – Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 9:00 AM
- Coffee with the Mayor – Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 12:00 PM
- Bingo with Life and Health Insurance – Friday, August 28, 2026 - 10:30 AM
Parks
- Crews removed fallen limbs and debris from Harrington Park and Rotary Park.
- Staff removed weeds, trash, and overgrown shrubs at Memorial Park.
- Crews continued cleanup and maintenance along the Main Street Corridor, including trimming Sunshine Ligustrums.
- Crews removed weeds from the front flower beds at James Collins.
- Crews continued watering flower beds as needed due to the hot and dry weather conditions.
- Staff installed soccer goals at Harrington Park in preparation for soccer practices.
- Staff prepared two athletic fields for scheduled games/events.
Recreation Center
New Program Highlight – Journey Dance Center
This past weekend marked the start of the Recreation Center's newest program, Journey Dance Center. The program welcomes competitive dancers ranging from 2 to 16 years old, providing young athletes with an opportunity to develop their dance skills, confidence, and teamwork in a positive environment.
We are excited to welcome Journey Dance Center to the Recreation Center's growing Program Family and look forward to supporting their dancers throughout the season. Register Today!
Program Highlight – Brazilian United Soccer Club Association (BUSCA) Fall Clinic
BUSCA is returning to Armstrong Park this fall with its Fall Soccer Clinic, running from September 16 - October 25. This co-ed clinic is open to athletes ages 4–12 and will be held every Sunday.
What makes this program unique is that BUSCA's coaches are native to Brazil and bring their knowledge and experience of Brazilian-style soccer to young athletes in Duncanville. The clinic provides participants with an opportunity to develop their skills while experiencing a unique style of coaching and instruction. Register today!
Facility Highlight – Village Tech Volleyball
Village Tech Volleyball will be utilizing the Duncanville Recreation Center gymnasium on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Volleyball practices. We are excited to welcome Village Tech athletes to the Recreation Center and provide a quality space for them to train, develop their skills, and prepare for their upcoming season.
Upcoming Events
Movies in the Park
- September 5 - Remember the Titans | 7 :45 PM
- October 17 - Scooby-Doo | 7 :30 PM
- November 21 – Free Birds | 6 :45 PM
- December 19- The Polar Express | 6 :45 PM
Concert in the Park
- October 24 - Prince Djae & The Vibe Crew X Ayyye Line Dancing | 6 :45 PM
Community Events
- October 23 - Boo Bash | 6:00 PM– 9:00 PM
- October 31 - The Pink Hike – HikeHER | 7:30 AM– 12:00 PM
- December 12 - Cookies with Santa | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Clinics
- September 13 – October 25 – Brazilian United Soccer Club Association | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Special Events
Festival de las Américas
September 12, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Armstrong Park
Staff continue to finalize event logistics, entertainment, programming, and operational needs as the event approaches.
The event’s new branding has been implemented across marketing materials, and staff are continuing to promote the festival through social media, digital content, and community outreach. Video content is also being developed to increase engagement and build excitement leading up to the event.
Programming will include EZ Band, Mariachi Las Alteñas, cultural entertainment, dancing horses, a car show, food and marketplace vendors, and additional family-friendly activities. Staff are coordinating final details with participating groups and vendors, as well as VIP hospitality and event-day operations.
Staff have met with the City’s Emergency Management team to review the event layout, safety considerations, traffic flow, and operational needs. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for August 24 to continue final preparations and coordination between departments.
With the event less than a month away, the Special Events team is transitioning into final production, focusing on site logistics, staffing, vendor coordination, marketing, and day-of-event readiness.
PLANNING AND ZONING
- The Planning and Zoning Commission held a meeting on Monday, August 10 for two items. Both items were approved.
- The Planning and Zoning department is preparing land use chart revisions.
PUBLIC WORKS
Construction Notice
The City of Duncanville is starting construction! Please anticipate increased traffic and delays in the area. Construction will begin on April 25, 2026, with an estimated completion in mid-May 2027. Please note that rocky soil conditions and weather can impact the scheduled timeline.
Who: Residents of Duncanville
What: The project consists of the reconstruction of roadway paving, drainage, water, wastewater, sidewalk, and pedestrian improvements.
Where: North Cedar Ridge Drive from Cathy Self-Morgan Way/Middale to W. Camp Wisdom Road.
When: April 25, 2026, through mid-May 2027.
Why: To repair the roadway and utilities that have exceeded their lifetime and provide better service and safety to the residents and public.
Engineering Division
Cedar Ridge Road Reconstruction & Utility Improvements – RFB 25-0014
- Continued daily construction management, field inspection, documentation, and coordination with Estrada Concrete LLC and the project team.
- Continued monitoring of concrete materials, mix designs, testing requirements, and quality-control concerns following previous non-compliant concrete results.
- Continued monitoring of traffic-control conditions and temporary pavement to maintain safe travel through the Cedar Ridge work zone.
- Construction progress continues to be closely monitored due to previous delays, corrective work, material/submittal issues, and contractor staffing/productivity concerns.
- Camp Wisdom West / Forest Hills ADA Ramps
- Projects remain in closeout status.
- Awaiting contractor notice/certification of completion, where applicable, so final inspections can be scheduled.
- Continued tracking outstanding restoration and punch-list requirements before final acceptance.
Right-of-Way Permitting / MGO
- Continued processing ROW contractor registrations and permit applications through the MGO portal.
- Clarified that contractors applying for ROW permits must be properly registered as Right-of-Way Contractors and provide the required insurance, bonds, and authorization documentation.
Street Division
- Crews removed large tree branches obstructing vehicle traffic on Jungle Drive.
- Crews identified and located 12 utility storm drain inlets at various locations throughout the city.
- Crews provided Duncanville High School with barricades for the scheduled football game.
- Crews removed tree limbs and overgrown vegetation surrounding a creek headwall on West Wheatland Road.
- Crews completed five pothole repairs at multiple locations across the city.
- Crews removed small trees and accumulated debris at the intersection of Bigstone Gap Road and South Greenstone Lane.
Utilities Division
- From August 10-16, 2026, 50,787,000 gallons of water were pumped, with an estimated loss of 762,427 gallons.
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project – completing read Route 101. Crews are working on Route 102. 516 meters have been installed to date.