Good Morning, Justin and Neighbors!

It’s one of those weeks — Presidents Day 🇺🇸, National Kindness Day, Margarita Day, and Fat Tuesday. Basically, be patriotic, be kind, eat the king cake… and maybe enjoy a margarita (we won’t tell).

Here’s your local scoop to keep you in the loop — let’s dive in!

THE DIGEST

We’re currently collecting community questions for our upcoming interviews with the mayoral and city council candidates. What do you want to know? What issues matter most to your family, your business, and the future of Justin?

Please take a quick moment to complete our survey and share the questions you’d like answered. (Note: You must be subscribed to the newsletter to submit the survey.) If you’re not subscribed yet, feel free to email us at [email protected] and we’ll make sure your voice is included.

And don’t forget to share the survey with friends and neighbors who care about the future of Justin — the more voices we hear, the better the conversation.

Families in our community with little ones won’t want to miss the wonderful (and completely free!) support offered through Northwest ISD Parents as Teachers. Northwest Independent School District is providing free developmental screenings for children ages 2 months to 5 years now through April 2026. Screenings look at motor skills, social-emotional growth, communication, and problem-solving—and children ages 3–5 (not yet in Kindergarten) can also receive a Kindergarten readiness screening. Best of all, no district enrollment is required.

Services are offered through the NISD Family Involvement Center (1800 W. Hwy 114 in Justin, Door #2—just ring the bell when you arrive). The Northwest Family Services Program partners with parents and caregivers to support children from birth to five with home visiting, playgroups, parent workshops, family navigation, leadership programs, and even a Swap & Shop resource room.

Throughout the year, families can also enjoy special Play to Learn events like Fall at the Barn, Holiday Extravaganza, Celebrate Reading, and Field Day—fun ways to connect, learn, and grow together.

All services are free and designed to support your child’s optimal development.
Check out their webpage for additional information.

Exciting changes are happening around Justin! From new restaurants and grocery options to youth sports and entertainment venues, our community continues to grow and evolve. Here’s a quick look at what’s opening, closing, and making headlines nearby.

A taste of the islands is headed our way. Mo' Bettahs plans to open at Harvest Town Center (where Argyle and Northlake meet along FM 407 near I-35W). Founded in Utah in 2008 and inspired by backyard family gatherings, the fast-casual chain serves Kalua Pig, Pulehu Chicken, teriyaki steak, shrimp tempura, rice plates, and family-style meals. Construction is expected to begin in late March with a projected June opening.

Dog grooming brand Scenthound is expected to open February 20 at 7160 Justin Rd. #102 in Lantana. The membership-based concept focuses on routine hygiene and wellness for pups — keeping tails wagging across southern Denton County.

Argyle residents will have another convenient shopping spot with the grand opening of Tom Thumb on March 6. The location promises to bring fresh groceries, prepared foods, and everyday essentials closer to home for southern Denton County families.

Two longtime retailers are preparing to close at Southlake Town Square. Outdoor apparel brand Eddie Bauer is shutting down North American stores, including its Southlake location, with liquidation sales underway. Women’s boutique Francesca's has also filed for Chapter 11 and launched storewide closing sales. If you’ve been meaning to stop in, now’s the time.

Justin and the surrounding communities are seeing plenty of change — from fresh dining and shopping options to new services for families and pets. While we say goodbye to a few familiar stores, there’s also lots to explore and enjoy. Keep an eye on these openings and closings — they’re shaping the vibrant, growing community we call home!

Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” marks the final day of Carnival before the start of Lent in the Christian calendar. Traditionally, it was a day to indulge in rich foods, music, and celebration before the more reflective season began. Brought to the U.S. by French settlers in the early 1700s, cities like New Orleans made it famous with parades, beads, masks, king cake, and the rallying cry: Laissez les bons temps rouler — let the good times roll!

In 2026, Fat Tuesday falls on February 17, and there’s plenty of festive fun happening around us.

February 17 | Starting at 6:00 PM
Bring the family and eat till it’s gone! For $30, enjoy crawfish, catfish, Cajun sausage, jambalaya, and all the fixin’s. A casual, come-hungry way to celebrate Fat Tuesday close to home.

February 17 | 7:00 PM
The 33rd Annual Krewe of Kowtown Mardi Gras Party returns to the Stockyards at The World’s Largest Honky Tonk! This 18+ Fat Tuesday celebration features Blues Champs with Latin Express Horns, Zak Webb, Claire Hinkle Band, and James Hinkle.

February 21 | Starting at 5:00 PM
Bring the family and take part in a Kings Cake contest, raffles, and live music.

February 28 | Little Elm Park
This Mardi Gras-themed 5K with glow-in-the-dark decorations is a local favorite! Not a runner? No problem — grab a bib for the crawfish platters instead. There’s a kid’s one-mile walk, fireworks, food trucks, and even a king cake eating contest.
Race registration starts at $35 | Parking $10.

Monday~ Feb.16

Tuesday~ Feb. 17

Thursday~ Feb. 19

Friday~ Feb. 20

Saturday~ Feb. 21

Sunday~ Feb. 22

_{Plan Ahead:}
^{2/27~ Denton Business Bingo Cards turn in
2/28~ The Library is Open: The Roast of Denton Comedy
3/6-7~ Mother Son Game Night Keller
3/19-3/21~ Disney on Ice
3/22~ Sink or Sail Regatta in Flower Mound
3/22-29~ Back to the Future The Musical
3/28~ Vegas Night at Hilltop
4/11-12~ Family Campout in Flower Mound
4/18~ Kids Fishing Derby in Flower Mound
4/25~ Father Daughter Prom in Flower Mound
4/25~ Justin Fun Day
5/3~ NASCAR Cup Series- Liqui Moly
5/15~ Deadline to protest property taxes
6/5-7~ FoodieLand Food Festival- Fort Worth}

Today we’re taking a look at one of Justin’s early settlers — Zeno Parr.

Zeno was born in Tennessee in 1829. His early years were marked by frequent moves. By 1835, his family had ties in Arkansas, and later they were living in Missouri, where his father passed away in 1849. His mother followed in 1852.

After his father’s death, Zeno headed west to California during the Gold Rush, hoping to strike it rich. While he didn’t find the fortune he was looking for, he did make his way back to Missouri — and there, in 1853, he married Sara Sappington.

Zeno and Sara had two sons while living in Missouri, Christopher and William Albert. However, there is conflicting information regarding their children. One source lists only these two, while another indicates they had four children total, adding James Hardy and Cynthia Jane.

In 1867, like many families seeking land and new opportunity, they moved to North Texas and settled about one mile northeast of present-day Justin. At the time, it was said there were only two houses between their homestead and Denton — nearly 20 miles away — highlighting just how rural the area truly was.

Sadly, sometime between the birth of their son Albert and 1868, Sara passed away.

In 1868, Zeno remarried Susan Roark in Denton. Together they had seven more children: Jack, Pressley, Harris, Sue, Mary, Nancy, and Josie.

One of Zeno Parr’s most meaningful contributions to Justin was founding the town’s first church (Presbyterian)— helping lay not just physical foundations, but spiritual ones as well.

The Parr family’s impact on Justin didn’t end there. A descendant later wrote The Justin Story in 1976, preserving the history of the very town their family helped shape.

From gold-seeking dreams to prairie homesteading, Zeno Parr’s journey is woven into the roots of Justin itself.