Good Morning, Justin and Neighbors!

We’ve got a fun and busy week ahead. May Day is coming up this Friday—so get ready for flowers, fresh starts, and all the spring vibes to close out the week.

In the meantime, don’t forget Election Day is May 2—make sure you’ve got your vote in and your voice heard.

It’s also NASCAR weekend, so expect a little extra energy around town, and we’re kicking off the $5 a Day Justin Challenge! It’s a simple, fun way to support local—be sure to follow along on our social media pages for all the updates and don’t forget to share your spending photos with us.

THE DIGEST

We want to clarify that a quote featured in a recent campaign flyer was not written by our newsletter. The statement came directly from the candidate as part of their response to questions we provided.

While we appreciate the mention of our publication, it should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any candidate.

Our commitment remains the same: to provide neutral, community-focused coverage that keeps our readers informed and engaged.

— The Justin Journal

It’s almost that time—Texas Motor Speedway is hosting a full NASCAR weekend from Friday, May 1, through Sunday, May 3! Fans from across Texas (and beyond) will descend on the track for high-speed racing, thrilling qualifying sessions, and all the excitement that comes with a major motorsport event.

What This Means for Local Residents

If you live near the Speedway—like here in Justin—get ready for HEAVY traffic. And when we say heavy, we mean avoid that area at all costs. Sunday afternoon and evening, following the main race, are especially brutal, with congestion peaking from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Travel times on I-35W, Hwy 114, and Hwy 170 can double, and local roads like FM 156 may crawl with cars trying to navigate around the Speedway.

New to the area? Mark your calendar now! Plan ahead so you’re not caught in the traffic nightmare if you’re running errands or commuting during race weekend.

What to Expect & Tips:

Economic Impact

Texas Motor Speedway isn’t just a racing hot spot—it’s a major economic engine for North Texas, generating roughly $300 million annually. NASCAR events alone draw about 1 million fans, one-third of whom come from outside Texas, boosting local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.

For residents in Justin, it’s exciting to see such an economic boost so close to home—but it also means plan ahead and stay clear of the Speedway corridor during race weekend. Your best bet? Enjoy the thrill of the race from afar and let everyone else handle the post-race traffic jams.

We hope you were able to make it out and enjoy Justin Fun Day this past weekend! From the rodeo and local vendors to Little Miss and Mr. Justin, Mutton Busting, and so much more—it was a great day full of community, fun, and hometown pride.

It was wonderful seeing so many familiar faces come together to celebrate.

And just between us… rumor has it next year may be an even bigger event!

If you’ve been around Justin for a while, there’s a good chance you appreciate a story that comes full circle—and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Arise Foot & Ankle.

Led by William Stephens, a Justin native and Northwest High School Class of 2008 graduate, this practice is built on both hometown pride and years of advanced medical training. After nearly two decades of education and hands-on experience, he returned home with a mission: to bring high-level podiatric care back to the community that helped shape him.

Arise Foot & Ankle offers a full range of services, with a strong focus on everyday foot care that so many people quietly deal with. From treating ingrown toenails and providing routine toenail trimming to managing diabetic foot care and relieving the pain of plantar fasciitis, the goal is simple—helping patients stay comfortable, mobile, and healthy. In addition to general podiatry, the practice also offers sports medicine and surgical care when more advanced treatment is needed.

What really sets this practice apart is the personal connection. This isn’t just another medical office—it’s a neighbor coming back to serve neighbors. From a high school senior project that first sparked an interest in medicine to opening a practice in Justin, the journey feels deeply rooted in purpose.

Located just a few steps behind Valor Dental—look for the Big Blue Foot!—the office sits in one of Justin’s growing professional areas. It blends into the town’s evolving landscape—where, as many locals might say, “the dirt roads are now paved, and the paved roads are now double-laned.” It’s a fitting reminder of how much the town has grown, and how businesses like this are growing right alongside it.

Looking ahead, Arise Foot & Ankle is staying active in the community as a proud sponsor of the Metroport Master’s Golf Classic on April 27, 2026.

If you’re looking for specialized care with a local touch, this is one business that truly brings it home.

Arise Foot & Ankle
17516 Matany Road, Suite 200
Justin, TX 76247

May Day has long been a simple, heartfelt tradition—welcoming spring with small acts of kindness. Across Texas, it’s often celebrated by leaving fresh flowers on a neighbor’s doorstep as a quiet surprise to brighten their day. It’s a reminder that even the smallest gestures can help a community feel more connected.

Election Day – May 2
Don’t forget—Election Day is right around the corner on May 2. Take a few minutes to learn about the candidates and issues before you head to the polls. You can visit our website for helpful information to make an informed choice.

Let’s show up for Justin and make this one of the most participated elections our town has ever seen. Every vote matters, and every voice helps shape our community.

Wednesday~ April 29

Thursday~ April 30

Friday~ May 1

Saturday~ May 2

_{Plan Ahead:}
^{5/6~ Plantastic Bingo at Hilltop Truck Park
5/7~ 75th National Day of Prayer
5/15~ Deadline to protest property taxes
5/23~ 4th Annual Car Show and Cruisn’ in Justin at Justin Town Square
6/5-7~ FoodieLand Food Festival- Fort Worth}

The Justin area is often linked to the New Icarians as our original settlers. Interestingly, they were very close to present-day Justin, but not actually located within it—and they also had no connection to our later founding families such as the Allens, Harmonsons, Hardamens, and others who helped shape the community we know today.

The Icarians came from France following the dethroning of Louis Philippe and the establishment of a republic. During this time, new political groups formed, including a Socialist party whose motto was “Liberty, Fraternity, and Equality.” Inspired by these ideals, a group decided to take their message beyond France.

They met a man in England associated with Peter’s Colony, who offered land in Texas—320 acres for single men and 640 acres for heads of families. With that promise, the Icarian leader, Dr. Adolphe Gonnough, and about 500 families set out for Texas in the summer of 1848.

They settled at the “mouth of Oliver Creek between that creek and Denton Creek.” Peter’s Colony had promised to build cabins, prepare fencing every six acres, provide a year’s provisions, arms and ammunition, and farming tools. Unfortunately, those promises were not fulfilled. The Icarians were left to rely on a store they had established in Stewartsville (near present-day The Colony), which led to unexpected hardships. Unprepared for the realities of Texas life—including medical challenges—the settlement struggled to endure.

More on this story in the next newsletter…