Good Morning, Justin!

Sunday was a real wake-up call—so cold you half expected penguins 🐧to show up—but thankfully, we’re back in the much kinder 35–68° range for the rest of the week.

Hope you got out and enjoyed some of the weekend festivities—because nothing says “fun” like a little local adventure (and maybe a warm drink in hand). And remember: if someone’s shivering today, just tell them it’s “chill therapy”—guaranteed to build character!

THE DIGEST

Justin Old Town Christmas brought the holiday cheer in a big way! If you missed it—or want to relive the fun—be sure to check out our reels on Facebook for a glimpse of all the festive moments.

Families packed Justin City Hall to enjoy the ice skating rink, obstacle course and bounce houses, and hands-on fun at the crafts station. The food trucks kept everyone fueled, while the s’mores station and cookie decorating station added extra sweetness to the day.

The Main Stage stayed lively with entertainment throughout the event, plus crowd favorites like snack cake eating competitions, photos with Santa, and even a live reindeer making a special appearance.

The evening wrapped up with two can’t-miss moments—the town tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Light Up Parade at 6:30 p.m., filling Old Town Justin with lights, smiles, and holiday spirit. What a magical way to celebrate the season!

Northwest ISD plans to recommend that current 6th and 7th graders have the option to stay at their current middle schools if they choose. Families will receive an “intent to remain” form in early spring. This option follows standard district practice: no bus transportation and younger siblings are not included. No changes have been made to the proposed boundary maps so far.

With continued growth—adding roughly 1,200 students per year—and the opening of Romer Elementary and Barksdale Middle School in August 2026, the district will rezone elementary and middle school boundaries to relieve overcrowding and balance enrollments. Proposed changes affect several elementary and middle schools and feeder patterns for middle schools.

Families can provide feedback via email or at upcoming rezoning meetings, and the Board of Trustees will vote on final changes January 12.

Families can also view information on proposed attendance boundaries for the 2026–2027 school year on the Northwest ISD website. We’ll continue to share updates as more details become available.

And in case you haven’t noticed, Adam Davenport has been braving the cold and putting the finishing touches on the mural at the Justin Mule Barn. The level of detail going into this piece is incredible, and it’s already turning heads. We can’t wait to see the final product revealed soon!

We’re on the lookout for guest authors! If you’ve got a story, tip, or local insight to share, we’d love to feature you.

Also, if your church, nonprofit, or school district is hosting any free or low-cost activities to keep kids busy over winter break, let us know! We want to help families find fun, safe, and affordable ways to keep the little ones entertained during the holidays.

Think small-town Justin, Texas, doesn’t have much to offer? Think again.
When I first moved here in 2001 from HEB—Hurst, Euless, Bedford (not the grocery store!)—I thought that. For more than twenty years, I wondered if Justin would ever grow beyond its quiet charm into a place that truly offered more to those who called it home. But today, it’s a destination in its own right, where visitors come to explore, and locals gather with friends.

This once-sleepy town, known for Justin Discount Boots and its proximity to Texas Motor Speedway, has transformed into a lively community worth visiting—and living in. I’m proud to call it home.

Justin is growing fast. Newcomers are arriving from across Texas and even from other states, while some longtime residents head farther out in search of more of the countryside that was once Justin. Yet many of us embrace the change, welcoming the energy and opportunities that growth brings. From the historic murals that tell Justin’s story to the vibrant new ones celebrating growth, we favor them all.

I know our town is enjoying the coffee shops, the many great places to dine, and the farmers' markets that are popping up, but I'm especially excited about the new wine and bourbon bar on 4th Street and its potential as a great place to meet up with friends and neighbors.

Be sure to read the rest of Kim's article: The Top Things To Do In Justin, TX.

~Kim Croisant is a native Texan based north of Fort Worth, and is the owner and writer behind Texas Travel Talk. As a seasoned freelance writer, she covers destinations, festivals, and events across the Lone Star State. When she’s not exploring Texas, Kim balances family life, cares for her mother, and raises her grandson. She enjoys red wine, chips and dip, and flipping through travel magazines.

If you’ve noticed the recent construction at Justin Town Square and found yourself wondering what’s coming—here’s the scoop. We’ve learned that three medical offices are being built side by side. One is confirmed to be a pediatrician’s office, while the other two are still unconfirmed at this time.

Right next to La Vie Nails, a new mail drop location will be opening, adding a convenient stop for everyday errands.

And the one we’re especially excited about a new café will be a welcome addition to Justin’s growing food scene. We’ll be sharing more details as they become available in future newsletter editions—so stay tuned!

Check out our Guide to Festival Finds and Local Holiday Fun for additional ideas on ways to enjoy the season.

Monday~ Dec. 15

Tuesday~ Dec. 16

Wednesday~ Dec. 17

Thursday~ Dec. 18

Friday~ Dec. 19

Saturday~ Dec. 20

Sunday~ Dec. 21

_{Upcoming:
12/19-1/6~ NISD Student/Staff Holiday
12/19-1/5~ Argyle ISD Student/Staff Holiday
12/22~ Yule Book Flood from 4-7:30 in Roakoke
12/24-12/25~ Justin City Hall closed for the Holidays
12/27&31~ Free Olympic Ice Skating performance in Grapevine
12/31~ New Years Celebration at Mary Emma Tate Library
1/1~ Justin City Hall Closed
1/8-10~ Descendants the Musical at 2300 Texan Dr, Justin}

The final member of Justin’s first group of aldermen brings us to Charlie Sims—a familiar name to many and a fixture in early Justin business life.

When Charlie became an alderman, he was listed as a garage owner. He received 35 votes, making him the 4th highest vote-getter on Justin’s very first City Council.

Charlie was born in March 1906 to Thomas and Sallie Sims. In 1928, he married Mabel Knowles, and together they had two children. Sadly, one of their children passed away at birth in 1938, the other child is named Sandra who lived in Justin for a number of years. Charlie passed away in 1977 at the age of 71 and is buried in the Justin Cemetery.

Beyond city leadership, Charlie was deeply involved in the community. He served as the first president of the Community Chamber of Commerce and later as its vice president. He was active in his church and widely known around town through his work as an auto and appliance dealer for 22 years.

In 1959, Charlie purchased the Ferguson Motor Company in Denton, renaming it Sims Motor Co. His original car lot—once a busy hub of activity—was located at the corner of East Prairie and Locust Street, where an apartment complex now stands.

While several of Justin’s original council members focused their influence on advancing local schools, Charlie Sims concentrated on strengthening the town’s business landscape, helping attract commerce and growth to Justin during its early years.