Good morning!

Hope you survived the wild temperature swings this weekend and enjoyed some cozy time at home. We may sneak above freezing this week… or not — Texas weather loves a plot twist. Either way, we’re here if you need us. Just an email or DM away.

THE DIGEST

Northwest ISD schools are closed Monday and Tuesday due to inclement weather, and many local businesses may also be closed or operating on delayed hours. Before heading out, we recommend calling ahead to be sure your destination is open—and as always, take it slow and stay safe on the roads.

Local school districts have started posting their official academic calendars for the upcoming school year — perfect for planning vacations, activities, and family schedules ahead of time.

• Northwest ISD (NISD) – Calendar approved! First day of school for 2026‑27 is August 12, 2026, with both fall, winter, and spring breaks listed.

It looks like Ponder and Argyle have not released there’s yet. We’ll keep you posted once we see them.

Keller Daddy‑Daughter Dance
Jan. 30 & 31 | Times vary for ages
Keller Senior Activities Center
A magical Paris‑inspired night with music, dancing, and smiles beneath the lights. Registration is limited and tickets often sell out!

Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Ball
Feb. 7 | 7-9 pm
Walker Middle School Little Elm
A fairy tale night for Fathers and their sweethearts.

Watauga Sweetheart Daddy/Daughter Dance
Feb. 7 • 6–8 pm
Watauga Community Center (near Keller)
Dance, treats, and fun for dads and daughters — a great nearby Valentine’s event for families.

Mother & Son Valentine’s Dance
Feb. 12 | 6-7:30 pm
Sanger Middle School
Moms, grab your favorite little or not so little guy and join Kiwanis Club of Sanger for a sweet evening of music, dancing, and unforgettable memories.

Daddy/Daughter Sweetheart Dance – Northlake
Feb. 13 | 6:30–8:30 pm
Fellowship of the Parks – Northlake Campus
A classic Valentine’s evening filled with music, refreshments, and cherished moments for dads and daughters.

Daddy‑Daughter Valentine Dance – NRH Centre (North Richland Hills)
Feb. 21 • 4–7:30 pm
Grand Hall at NRH Centre
An elegant Valentine’s evening with dancing, photos, and refreshments — tickets often sell out early.

Tip: Many of these fill up early — so mark your calendar and grab tickets soon!

If you’re a homeowner in Justin, chances are you’ve opened your property tax appraisal and thought, “How did they get that number?” You’re not alone. Property values across Denton County have risen quickly in recent years, and higher values often mean higher tax bills. The good news? Texas gives you the right to protest your property taxes every single year - and the process is more manageable than most people think.

Start With Your Appraisal Notice
Each spring, the Denton County Appraisal District (DCAD) sends out a Notice of Appraised Value. This shows what the county believes your home is worth. Take a few minutes to review it for accuracy. Is the square footage correct? Are there features listed that your home doesn’t actually have? Does the value seem higher than similar homes nearby? Even small errors can impact what you owe.

Don’t Miss the Deadline
For most homeowners, the deadline to file a protest is May 15 or 30 days after your notice is mailed—whichever comes later. Filing on time is critical, but filing itself is simple and can be done online, by mail, or in person.

You Don’t Need to Be an Expert
Many people avoid protesting because they think it’s complicated or confrontational. It doesn’t have to be. When you file, you’ll usually have an informal meeting with a DCAD appraiser first. Often, this step alone leads to a reduced value. If needed, your case can go before the Appraisal Review Board, where you’ll present your evidence.

Strong Evidence Makes All the Difference
The most effective protests are based on data, not emotion. Comparable home sales, photos showing condition issues, or documentation of repairs can all help. This is where many homeowners get stuck—and where local expertise can be valuable.

If you’d like help pulling recent comparable sales or understanding how your home stacks up against others in Justin, I’m happy to assist. Having accurate, local market data can make your protest much stronger.

A Matter of Fairness
Protesting your property taxes isn’t about getting out of paying taxes—it’s about making sure you’re paying a fair amount. With a little preparation and the right information, homeowners can take control of the process and potentially save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars.

If you have questions or would like help reviewing recent sales, feel free to reach out.

Melinda Miller, Realtor
Magnolia Realty
📞 817-881-0778

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on PetMePlus, now open at their third location right here in Justin! We met the owners during our walk-around with Laura Hill, and their passion for pets (and the people who love them) was clear from the start.

Located at 1114 FM 156, Justin, PetMePlus offers state-of-the-art grooming, boarding for dogs and cats, a self dog wash, plus pet food and supplies—all in one convenient spot. Their experienced, animal-loving team is focused on keeping your pet safe, comfortable, and cared for every step of the way.

They’re open Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm, offer senior and rescue group discounts (pre-approval required), and accept cash and all major cards.

If you’re looking for a trusted, local place to treat your four-legged family members, PetMePlus is one to check out!

Big news for our littlest locals—Little Village Play, a women-owned indoor playspace, is coming to Justin Town Square! Designed as a cozy, imaginative spot for kids to play and parents to relax, this new village is all about community, creativity, and fun.

From celebrating your favorite person on National Spouses Day, to puzzling your way through National Puzzle Day, grabbing a buttery bite for Croissant Day, or bravely honoring Eat Brussels Sprouts Day (we salute you) — this week is full of fun little reasons to make plans. Here’s what’s happening around Justin!

Monday~ Jan. 26

Tuesday~ Jan. 27

Wednesday~ Jan. 28

Thursday~ Jan. 29

Friday~ Jan. 30

Saturday~ Jan. 31

Sunday~ Feb. 1

_{Save the Date:}
^{2/4~ Synergy Home Care ribbon cutting 11:30AM
2/7~ Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Ball in Little Elm
2/11~ Valentine’s Day on the Rooftop ($216.92)
2/12~ Patio Series- The Wilder Blue at Marty B’s
2/13~ Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Dance at FOTP Northlake
2/19-2/18~ Frozen Jr at The Actors Conservatory Theatre in Lewisville
2/6-2/22~ Ordinary People Play at Lewisville Playhouse}

On June 18, 1887, the first train passed through Justin.
Local historian and lifelong resident J.E. Bradley recorded the moment, noting that a passenger train operated by J.F. Stout traveled from Cleburne to Purcell, officially linking Justin to the wider world. Whether it was truly the very first train remains a small mystery, but its impact is undeniable — that day changed Justin forever.

The story of how that train came to pass began a year earlier.

In 1886, leaders from Fort Worth, Gainesville, and Denton gathered in Galveston with directors of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway (GC&SF), all hoping to persuade the railroad to extend its northern route their way. Denton came especially prepared, sending Mayor O.P. Poe, J.W. Jagoe, and H.M. Spaulding, and even authorizing Judge J.A. Carroll to offer $20,000, a free county right-of-way, and depot grounds.

Despite stiff competition from much larger towns — including Gainesville, Dallas, Decatur, and Grapevine — the railroad made a surprising and consequential decision: the line would run through the small town of Justin.

This expansion followed the March 3, 1886 merger of the GC&SF with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Texas law required the GC&SF to remain a subsidiary, and the agreement demanded an extraordinary feat — building more than 300 miles of track across North Texas in just one year.

According to J.E. Bradley, construction began in the summer of 1886 with an incredible workforce: 100 engineers, 2,000 teams of horses, and 5,000 men. Against the odds, the entire line was completed — with just three days to spare.

One thing is certain: when the railroad chose Justin, it set our town on a path of growth and possibility. And even today, a little bit of that history still hums beneath the rails.