Good Morning, Justin and Neighbors!
Good Morning, Justin!
We’re still celebrating Team USA’s incredible 2–1 overtime win over Canada on Sunday to bring home Olympic gold in men’s ice hockey — the first since 1980! Jack Hughes with the clutch winner, Connor Hellebuyck standing tall in net… what a moment.
Now it’s Monday, Justin — let’s carry that energy into the week ahead. Have a great one and let’s kick it off strong!
THE DIGEST
Helping You Make an Informed Decision – Justin General Election 2025
At The Justin Journal, we believe local elections matter. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be sitting down with each candidate running for Mayor and City Council to share their background, priorities, and vision for Justin. Our goal is simple: to give you clear, helpful information so you can make an informed decision when you head to the polls.
The next General Municipal Election for the City of Justin will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
🗳️ Candidates on the Ballot
Mayor (3-year term)
James Clark
Tomas Mendoza
Joe Cokel
Place 4 (2-year term)
James Castle
Place 5 (2-year term)
Daniel Dennis
Jason Wood
Place 6 (2-year term)
Shelby Scott St. Claire
Justin’s City Council is made up of a Mayor and six council members elected at-large by majority vote. Council members serve two-year terms, while the Mayor serves a three-year term.
Important Dates
Last Day to Register to Vote: April 3, 2025
Early Voting: April 22 – April 29, 2025
Election Day: May 3, 2025
For voter registration information, visit the Denton County Elections Office.
We encourage every resident to follow along as we publish these interviews, learn about the candidates, and most importantly—make your voice heard this May.
Ever wonder how the Justin Journal is still chugging along?
Truth is — it’s powered by just two Justin residents who research, write, edit, post, proofread… and then proofread again. It’s truly a two-person show over here.
We’d love to tell you we’re rolling in the big bucks, but in reality? We pretty much break even covering the costs of running the newsletter. And that only happens because of you.
Here’s how our amazing readers keep us going:
• Clicking on the ads in our newsletter (no need to buy anything unless you actually want to!)
• Sharing the newsletter so more locals can subscribe
• Engaging with and sharing our social posts
• Sending us stories, tips, and events [email protected]
• Checking out our merch store
Every click, share, and mention helps more than you know. We love keeping Justin and nearby areas connected — and we’re grateful to have a community that supports local, hyper-local news.
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LOCAL BUSINESS
Step Into Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop – Now Open in Flower Mound!
Imagine walking into a place where childhood memories meet sweet adventures. That’s Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, now open at 650 Parker Square in the heart of Flower Mound. From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by bright colors, rows of classic candies, quirky gifts, and over 350 kinds of glass-bottled craft soda.
$5 Candy Buffet – Fill a box with any candy you can fit. No weighing, no surprises… just pure fun!
Nostalgia & Bulk Candy – Rediscover your favorite childhood treats, stock up for parties, or go big with a 30lb case of your top picks.
Unique Gifts – Socks, mugs, toys, Funko POPs, and gag gifts—perfect for friends, family, or just for you.
Old-Fashioned Glass Bottle Soda – Over 250 flavors, many made with real cane sugar. Try something new or take home a taste of home.
🕒 Hours:
Mon–Thurs: 9am – 9pm
Fri–Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 8pm
At Grandpa Joe’s, you’re never too old to feel like a kid again. Come see what all the buzz is about!
EVENTS
Upcoming Excursions on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Step back in time with the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and enjoy a nostalgic, family-friendly train ride in beautifully restored 1920s-era coaches.
Excursions run most Saturdays (and many Sundays) February through May and August through November, with additional Friday runs in June and July for the Cotton Belt Route. Riders can choose from:
• Cotton Belt Route – A round trip journey from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards with time to explore before heading back.
• Bear Creek Short Line – A 90-minute round trip departing from Grapevine, perfect for families looking for a shorter, affordable experience (does not travel to the Stockyards).
• Trinity River Excursion – A 45-minute scenic ride departing from the Historic Stockyards Station in Fort Worth and returning there.
Classes range from Touring and First Class to Ambassador Class on select routes. Tickets are required for all passengers ages 4 and up, and online ticket sales close at 8:30 a.m. the morning of each excursion (same-day tickets are not guaranteed).
It’s a relaxed, entertaining way to experience vintage Texas rail travel — and a fun outing to pair with shopping and dining in Historic Grapevine or the Stockyards.
Tuesday~ Feb. 24
Flower Mound Philharmonic Orchestra Concert~ A family freindly concert performed by the Flower Mound Philaharomonic Orchestra from 7-8PM at the Flower Mound Library
Wednesday~ Feb. 25
Texas Pickleball Ribbon Cutting~ 4:00-4:30PM 1108 N US Hwy 377 Roanoke, enjoy light refreshments and facility tour after the ribbon cutting.
Thursday~ Feb. 26
Theatre Denton Presents: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown~ at Denton Campus Theatre now through March 1. Tickets range from $20-$27
Fort Worth Music Festival~ at the Stockyards from Feb. 26- March 1
Friday~ Feb. 27
Bronte Evening Tea Party- Inspired by Wuthering Heights~ Cozy evening filled with tea, treats, and a touch of Wuthering Heights Magic at 221 W. Oak St. Denton beginning at 6PM
Live Music~ Live 90 Band from 7-10PM at Marty B’s
Live Music~ Aubrey Lynn Free Music at the Mule Barn
Saturday~ Feb. 28
Live Music~ Party Kings at Marty B’s
Live Music~ FiftySeven Sauce! at 3Wide Brewing from 7-10PM
Live Music~ David Huffman at Grapes to Wine+ from 7-9PM
Sunday~ March 1
📅See our online calendar for upcoming and ongoing events
Plan Ahead:
3/6-7~ Mother Son Game Night Keller
3/7~ Fishing in the Park- Roanoke
3/8~ Daylight Savings Time Begins
3/19-3/21~ Disney on Ice
3/19-3/22~ Tuff Nutterz in Little Elm
3/21~ Northlake Margarita Festival
3/22~ Sink or Sail Regatta in Flower Mound
3/22-29~ Back to the Future The Musical
3/28~ Vegas Night at Hilltop
4/2~ Ladie’s Night at Ace Hardware
4/11~ Justin Farmer’s Market Opening day and Plant Sale
4/11-12~ Family Campout in Flower Mound
4/12~ Kahwa Coffee Roaster Wheels of Hope Classic Car Show
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
HISTORY

1948 City Council From Denton Chronicle
Building Justin Together: A Look at the 1948 City Council
In our final installment highlighting the very first City Council of the City of Justin, we wanted to shine a light on the group of men who worked side by side to help improve our small but growing town.
In the photo, you’ll see members of the second City Council, elected in April of 1948. A few new faces joined the group at that time, including E.W. Curry and Newton Knox.
Back then, City Council meetings were held on the first Tuesday of every month at Adams Furniture Store — a far cry from today’s formal meeting spaces. At the time, the total property value of the entire town was around $250,000, which really puts into perspective just how small Justin was in those early days.
In addition to the council members, several others regularly attended meetings and supported the town’s efforts. Among them were Henry Davis, Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department, and C.W. Steward, the City Marshal. Their involvement reminds us that building a community has always been a team effort.
Goodbye February, Hello March 🌷
As we wrap up February this week, there’s already a hint of change in the air. The days are getting a little longer, and March is right around the corner.
Here’s to finishing the month strong and stepping into a fresh new one.


