Good Morning, Justin and Neighbors!

We’re kicking off the week as the hometown of a world champion… not a bad way to start a Monday 😉

17-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus made history over spring break, winning the 800m at the World Indoor Championships and becoming the youngest individual world champion ever. Safe to say he’s got the best “what I did over break” story at Northwest High School.

Back here at home, it’s a beautiful, sunny week ahead—perfect for getting out and enjoying all things Justin.

NISD parents, Spring Break ends on Wednesday… you’ve got this! Let’s make it a great week!

THE DIGEST

We’ve wrapped up all of our candidate interviews and can’t wait to start sharing them with you! Our series, “Justin Decides,” is designed to help residents make an informed choice when voting for city council members and the mayor of our town.

All candidates were asked the same set of questions submitted by Justin Journal readers, and we’ve compiled those written responses on our website for easy comparison. The interview videos will feature a different set of questions, including additional reader input and a few we added to help round out the conversation.

You can check out each candidate’s page here:

Mayor Candidates: Tomas Mendoza, James Clark, Joseph Cokel
City Council Candidates: Jason Wood, Shelby St. Claire, Daniel Dennis

The city council interview videos will be released the week of March 30, and the mayor videos will be released the week of April 6.

We’re excited for you to get to know the people who love Justin enough to step up and lead. Chances are, you’ve seen them around town—now you’ll get to hear their story.

Important Dates for the 2026 General Election:

For voter registration questions, please visit the Denton County Elections Office Voter Registration Information page.

TxDOT is proposing improvements to FM 156 from SH 114 to north of Intermodal Parkway, and they want your input.

Project Highlights:

Public Meeting Options (same info at both):

🖥 Virtual – Available April 2 at 5 PM
View anytime for at least 15 days
👉 http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/fm-roads/FM156

📍 In-Person Open House
🗓 April 2 | 🕔 5–7 PM
📌 Cinnamon Creek Ranch Event Center (come & go)

Share Your Feedback:
🗓 Deadline: April 17, 2026
📧 [email protected]
📞 (214) 320-6685
📬 TxDOT Dallas District Office, Mesquite

♿ Need accommodations or translation? Request by March 27.

Ignite Chiropractic is planning to open its doors in Justin at the end of May, bringing a new, family-focused approach to care to the community. Located at 1100 Timberbrook Pkwy, Suite A, the practice will be led by Dr. Justin Freas, D.C.

Dr. Freas is a neurologically based chiropractor who focuses on how the nervous system impacts the body’s ability to heal, adapt, and function. His approach centers on identifying and reducing interference in the nervous system—helping patients move, heal, and function the way their bodies were designed to.

With a strong passion for family-centered care, Ignite Chiropractic aims to help individuals and families build a solid foundation for long-term health and wellness. Dr. Freas shared that he is grateful to be part of the Justin community and looks forward to serving local families.

Stay tuned for more details as their opening approaches!

With new businesses opening and continued growth in the area, there are plenty of job opportunities around Justin and nearby communities. Whether you’re looking for part-time work or a long-term career, now is a great time to explore what’s available.

Longhorn Car Wash – Justin
Car Wash Attendants
Call to apply: 940-270-7201

Children’s Health Star Center – Northlake
Housekeeping Associate, Operations Technician, Scorekeeper, Hockey/Skating Instructor, Guest Services

City of Justin – Justin
Utility Maintenance Worker II
$21.61 – $30.25/hour
Apply: cityofjustin.com

Argyle ISD Job Fair
March 28 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Argyle
Meet the team, explore open roles, and learn about benefits

Northwest ISD Teacher Interview Fair (application required)
April 2 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM

UNT/TWU Education Career Fair
March 31 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Denton

Tip: Bring copies of your resume and be ready to connect—many employers are hiring quickly.

Still figuring out your Easter plans? Be sure to check out last week’s newsletter for a roundup of local events, activities, and ways to celebrate around Justin and nearby communities.

Monday~ March 23

Tuesday~ March 24

Wednesday~ March 25

Friday~ March 27

Saturday~ March 28

Sunday~ March 29

_{Plan Ahead:}
^{3/31~ Grand Opening of the Children’s Health Star Center Multisport
4/2~ Ladie’s Night at Ace Hardware
4/5~ Easter Sunday
4/7~ Ribbon Cutting Roanoke Live rescheduled
4/11~ Justin Farmer’s Market Opening day and Plant Sale
4/11-12~ Family Campout in Flower Mound}

Mary’s story feels like something straight out of a small-town Texas novel—rooted in family, service, and a whole lot of heart. Born in Fort Worth in February 1920, she grew up in a time when community meant everything… and she carried that value with her for the rest of her life.

At just 24 years old, she married Louis Tate in 1944, beginning a partnership that would become a cornerstone of the Justin community. Not long after, in 1946, the young couple took a leap of faith and purchased the Justin Drug Store from J.W. Collins. It wasn’t just a business—it became a gathering place, a lifeline, and a family legacy that would serve the town for many years.

Around that same time, Mary stepped into another important role—motherhood. Somehow, she managed to do it all: raise a family, work at the drug store, and still pour her time and energy into the growing Justin community. She joined the PTA and the 20th Century Club, always looking for ways to support local families and make Justin an even better place to call home.

In 19, Mary took her dedication one step further and ran for city council with the support of the 20th Century Club. While she didn’t win, it didn’t slow her down one bit—because for Mary, serving her community was never about a title.

One of her most lasting contributions came through her role in helping establish the Justin library. She didn’t just help start it—she supported it faithfully for decades, believing deeply in the power of knowledge, connection, and community spaces.

Mary lived an incredible 102 years, passing in 2022, leaving behind a legacy woven into the very fabric of Justin. In 2023, the community honored her in a way that feels just right—proclaiming her birthday as Mary Emma Tate Day and naming the very library she helped create after her.

It’s a full-circle story of a woman who gave so much to her town… and in return, became a part of its history forever.