MURPHY MURPHY
U P C O M I N G C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S
Murphy, Texas, has always been a place of resilience and transformation. Long before the bustling neighborhoods and modern conveniences, Murphy was a quiet farming community, its fields stretching wide with rows of cotton and golden corn. The land, rich and fertile, was the foundation of the town’s early days, where hardworking families built their lives around agriculture. The first settlers in the Murphy area were Comfort and Lydia McMillen and their six children, who arrived from Arkansas in 1846, settling on a branch of Muddy Creek, which was later named Maxwell Creek. Along with the McMillen family were Lydia’s brothers, James and Henry Maxwell. By 1850, the William and Dorothy Murphy family also settled on Maxwell Creek. These founding fathers were rugged individuals of Scotch-Irish descent, drawn to the area with the promise of abundant land, fertile soil and ample rainfall.
Did you know it wasn’t always named Murphy? In the 1870s, the town grew and needed a post office; however, when they applied, they found there was already a town named Decatur and the post office was designated as Maxwell's Branch By 1888, the town was renamed for William Murphy, who donated land for the Murphy Train Depot
In those early days, life revolved around farming, family, and faith, with a tight-knit community that supported one another through good seasons and bad.
In its earliest governmental days, Murphy was run with a simplicity that matched its rural character. The first City Council meetings weren’t held in formal chambers, or video recorded for the public to view at their leisure as they are now. Back then, meeting minutes were handwritten on notebook paper - a humble beginning for what would become a thriving, well-organized city.
As time passed, the landscape of Murphy began to change In 1973, the city created its first Master Plan, a crucial step in shaping Murphy’s future At the time, Murphy was still a small community, but the plan laid the foundation for controlled growth, infrastructure, and community development Though it remained a quiet, largely agricultural town for years, the seeds of change had been planted
The 1990s and early 2000s brought a wave of transformation As the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex expanded, Murphy found itself at the center of a new chapter - suburban growth
Families looking for a peaceful yet connected place to call home discovered Murphy’s charm, and the population surged
Farmland gave way to neighborhoods, schools, and parks, and the city’s once-small government evolved to meet the needs of its growing population.
Today, Murphy is home to over 21,000 residents.
Just as the first Master Plan helped shape Murphy’s development, the city is now in the beginning stages of a new Master Plan - one that will guide the remaining few spaces for development, and help define possible redevelopment opportunities.
This new vision will ensure Murphy remains a well-planned, welcoming community while preserving the small-town values that have always defined it
One of the most cherished aspects of Murphy’s history is its strong sense of community, largely reflected in its local events Decades ago, the Murphy Fair was a highlight for families and farmers alike, bringing the town together for a day of festivities The fair was a simple yet meaningful gathering - an opportunity for neighbors to catch up, showcase local crafts, and enjoy excellent food There were friendly competitions, games, and even the occasional livestock showcase, all celebrating Murphy’s agricultural roots
As the town grew, so did its celebrations What once was the small-town Murphy Fair evolved into Maize Days, a large, vibrant annual festival that honors Murphy’s farming past while embracing its modern community spirit Another event to honor Murphy’s hometown feel is the newest addition to the packed lineup - Murphy’s Backyard BBQ A friendly competition where teams will compete for the title of Brisket Master ($1,000 cash prize and championship belt) and People’s Choice winner ($500 prize and trophy)
Through all of these changes, one thing has remained constant - Murphy’s spirit of resilience, community and progress From its humble beginnings as a railroad stop to the thriving city it is today Murphy’s story is one of growth, vision, and a deep respect for its roots And just like those early Council minutes written on notebook paper, the city’s story continues to be written - one chapter at a time
Pictures sourced from the Murphy Historic Society Archives.
TIPS TO REDUCE CHLORINE ODOR & TASTE IN WATER
DRINKING WATER
•
Refrigerate water in an open pitcher for several hours
• • Add a slice of citrus or cucumber
Consider installing filters on kitchen faucets
BATH OR SHOWER WATER
• • Add a crushed 1000 mg Vitamin C tablet to bath water Consider installing filters on bathroom faucets or shower heads
WHAT’S DIFFERENT?
NTMWD first disinfects water using ozone and chlorine as part of the treatment process to eliminate bacteria and viruses Then, for most of the year, NTMWD also adds chloramine (chlorine + ammonia) as a secondary disinfectant to keep drinking water clean as it travels from the treatment plants through miles of pipes to homes and businesses.
Each spring for one month, NTMWD temporarily suspends the use of ammonia and uses free chlorine as the secondary disinfectant to maintain water quality year-round.
This is a preventive measure to maintain the system and high water quality year-round
Individuals sensitive to chlorine may notice a stronger smell or taste for a few weeks in the spring during NTMWD’s temporary change in drinking water disinfectant.
Have a problem?
Yo, we’ll solve it
If you see something that needs our attention, this is the best way to let us know!
Just snap a picture and upload it via our website or app, and we’ll get it taken care of.
Click on “Report a problem” on our homepage or download our app!
things you might want to know
V O T I N G
April 3, 2025
Last day to register to vote in the May 2025 election.
Early Voting
Held at the Murphy Community Center: Homer & Marie Adams Room
April 22, 2025 through April 29, 2025.
Saturday, April 12, 2025
FREE and open to Murphy residents (with proof of residency)
Drop off items for proper disposal like:
Household Items
Electronics
Documents for shredding
Hazardous Waste
Spring / Summer Alert! The guide has landed, and registration is officially live!
Get ready for a whirlwind of Youth programs, Sports galore, Adult activities, family martial arts, and a whole lot more fun!
Don’t miss out on the Spring Break & Summer Camps—your adventure awaits!
For a full list of what’s taken, please visit our website.
Questions? Call: 972-468-4304
Food Truck Friday
March 28, 2025
Spring Clean & Green
April 12, 2025
Hop n’ Hunt
April 17, 2025
Good Friday (Offices Closed)
April 18, 2025
Murphy’s Backyard BBQ
May 10, 2025
Moonlight Movie North Hill Park
Safety Monitoring
Distribution
THE CITY IN NUMBERS
Code Violations
January’s most frequent violation: Property Maintenance
Inspections: 40
Cases opened: 10
Cases closed: 9
Inspections
Building: 224 Health: 7
To learn more about when a permit is required, visit: https://www.murphytx.org/66/Building-Inspection
To see our local health scores, visit: https://www murphytx org/158/Restaurant-Health-Scores
Other Numbers for January
WHAT’SNEWON
A B C
AND THE SURVEY SAYS...
Updates on things you mentioned in our recent survey
SIDEWALKS
council unanimously approved an additional $500,000 for concrete flatwork (roadway panels, sidewalks, and curb & gutter) at their February 18th meeting.
To add your address to the list, or check the status of your request visit: https://www.murphytx.org/738/SidewalkRehabilitation
KUDOS
One resident commented: “On multiple occasions, contractors (that we have hired) speak very highly of our city inspector(s). They have praised both the ease of scheduling inspections and the thoroughness of the inspections.
We sincerely appreciate your feedback! Did you know we have an employee recognition program? Check it out next time you receive exceptional service.
STREETLIGHTING
There is a delicate balance of too much or too little light. If you have any suggestions of lighting additions drop us a ticket via Murphy connect!
See one in need of repair? report it directly to oncor & farmers electric to expedite repairs: https://oncorstreetlight.com/ https://farmerselectric.coop/outage-center/
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Daddy Daughter Dance
Presidents Day
Rainbow Trout Roundup
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Monday, January 20, 2025
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Monday, February 17, 2025
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Food Truck Friday Friday, March 28
Spring Clean & Green
Moonlight Movies: Hop N’ Hunt
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Good Friday Friday, April 18, 2025
Murphy’s Backyard BBQ
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Moonlight Movies: North Hill Park Friday, May 23, 2025
Memorial Day
Sounds at Sundown Concert
Sounds at Sundown Concert
Sounds at Sundown Concert
Sounds at Sundown Concert
Independence Day
Murphy Games
Monday, May 26, 2025
Friday, June 6, 2025
Friday, June 13, 2025
Friday, June 20, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Friday July 4, 2025
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Moonlight Movies: Aviary Park Friday, July 18, 2025
Back 2 School Bash Thursday, July 24, 2025
Labor Day
Food Truck Friday
Monday, September 1, 2025
Friday, September 5, 2025
Moonlight Movies: Travis Farm Park Friday, September 19, 2025
Maize Days
Fall Clean & Green
Columbus Day
Skele-bration
Arbor
Veterans Day
Campout
Jingle Jog/Reindeer Dash
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Monday, October 13, 2025
Friday, October 24, 2025
Saturday, November 1, 2025
November 11, 2025
November 14, 2025 &
November 15, 2025
If you want to stay up to date with the latest news from Murphy, be sure you’re subscribed to our alerts! You can choose which types of alerts you’re interested in receiving. https://www.murphytx.org/List.aspx Click here to view current openings!
Who said local government has to be boring? The City of Murphy recently adopted NEW core values based on 96% employee participation feedback. Our organization values being: Respectful Professional Trustworthy Friendly.
Pretty much, you gotta be cool to work here.
