Good Morning, Justin and Neighbors!

It’s Monday morning in Justin, and with election season now behind us for a bit, the Justin Spending Challenge is still going strong. So far, we’ve stopped by Ace Hardware, Grapes to Wine+, and MyLan Pho and Grill—with more to come.

It’s also Teacher Appreciation Week, so take a moment to thank a teacher for the time, dedication, and impact they have on shaping future generations.

THE DIGEST

Many city representatives and residents attended the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) public meeting on April 30, 2026, regarding the proposed FM 407 Widening Project between Bill Cook Road and FM 1830 in Denton County.

The project proposes to expand the existing two-lane rural roadway into a six-lane, urban divided roadway over approximately 11.5 miles. Planned improvements include widened travel lanes, a raised median with turn lanes, curb and gutter drainage, and new pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, including sidewalks and a shared-use path. A grade separation is also planned at FM 156 to improve safety and traffic flow.

TxDOT outlined that the project is intended to reduce congestion and improve east–west mobility as the region continues to grow. The current right-of-way would be expanded from approximately 80–90 feet to about 140 feet, requiring additional land acquisition. Preliminary plans indicate the potential displacement of six residences, with relocation assistance available through TxDOT programs.

Environmental considerations discussed during the meeting included impacts to wetlands and floodplains, traffic noise analysis (including a proposed noise barrier in one area), and compliance with federal environmental review requirements under NEPA.

The project is currently unfunded for construction, with a “ready to let” date still to be determined. The public comment period remains open through May 15, 2026, and all feedback will be incorporated into the final environmental review process.

The May 2, 2026 election brought a wide range of local races and ballot measures across Denton County and surrounding communities, including mayoral contests, city council seats, school board elections, and infrastructure-related propositions. The results below reflect early and unofficial reporting as of election night, and remain subject to certification as additional ballots are verified.

City of Justin – Results

Mayor

City Council Place 4

City Council Place 5

City Council Place 6

Denton – Mayor

Town of Dish – Mayor

Krum – Mayor

Northlake – Proposition A

Town of Ponder – City & Propositions

City Council Results

Proposition A – Street Maintenance Sales Tax

Ponder ISD – School Board

Place 1

Place 2

Place 3

Ponder ISD – Bond Election

Proposition A ($290.6M School Construction & Expansion Plan)

Across Justin and surrounding communities, the 2026 election cycle highlighted a mix of leadership decisions and major infrastructure funding measures. While several mayoral and council races reflected competitive contests and continuity in local governance, voters also approved key propositions tied to streets, economic development, and school district growth.

These results remain unofficial until fully certified, but they provide a clear early picture of how communities across the region are shaping priorities around growth, infrastructure, and long-term planning.

When a space gets overwhelmed—whether it’s a garage, rental property, or full home clean out—Overhaul Ops is one of those local DFW companies stepping in to make the hard part easier.

They provide professional junk removal, clean outs, and light demolition services across the region, handling everything from single-item pickups to full property clean outs. The focus is simple: fast response, upfront pricing, and dependable service without cutting corners.

What makes Overhaul Ops stand out, though, goes beyond the work itself—it’s the mindset behind it.

The owner, originally from Fort Worth and now a resident of Justin, also serves with the Justin Volunteer Fire Department. That same approach to service carries directly into the business: show up when it matters, do the job right, and take care of people.

“This business reflects the same values I bring to the fire service—accountability, communication, and doing things the right way,” Aaron Harper shared. “I live in the same communities I serve, so there’s real pride behind every job.”

What started as a way to stay productive on days off has grown into something more meaningful—a business built on helping people reclaim their space while staying deeply connected to the community.

Now operating out of Hardeman Estates in Justin, Overhaul Ops continues to grow with a strong local foundation, built on trust, consistency, and showing up when neighbors need help.

🔗 Learn more: https://overhaulops.com/

In Other Business News…

Longhorn Carwash is offering free car washes throughout the week as they fine-tune their equipment. Keep an eye out for Laura Hill outside inviting drivers in while they work to get everything running at top-notch level for an even better wash experience soon.

It’s a busy and meaningful week ahead with Teacher Appreciation Week, National Day of Prayer, Cinco de Mayo, “May the 4th Be With You,” and Mother’s Day all taking place. A great mix of celebration, recognition, and community fun happening throughout the week!

Monday~ May 4

Tuesday~ May 5

Thursday~ May 7

Friday~ May 8

Saturday~ May 9

Sunday~ May 10

_{Plan Ahead:}

^{5/15~ Deadline to protest property taxes
5/16~ Gaston House Paint as High as you Can Reach
5/23~ 4th Annual Car Show and Cruisn’ in Justin at Justin Town Square
5/22~ Early Release NISD and Argyle ISD/ Last Day of School
5/25~ Memorial Day
6/6~ Community Clothes Closet Purse Auction}

Last week, we explored where “New Icaria” was located. This week, the story turns to why they came—and how quickly their vision unraveled.

It all began with revolution. In February 1848, Paris overthrew its last king, Louis Philippe, ushering in the French Second Republic. Political movements quickly took shape in the aftermath, including the Socialist Party of France. Inspired to spread their ideals and build a model society, members set their sights far beyond Europe. That same summer, they arrived in Texas—along with other locations—hoping to establish a utopian community.

But the dream didn’t last long.

By 1849, the colony was already struggling. That year became the rainiest on record, leaving the ground unable to produce enough crops. Food grew scarce. Illness spread. Their leader, Doctor Gonnough, was overwhelmed. His remedy for fever—resting in the shade by the creek until it passed—did little to inspire confidence. As conditions worsened and lives were lost, the colonists began to lose faith in both his leadership and his medical judgment.

Fearing for his safety, the doctor fled to the nearest Ranger post.

The Icarians attempted to regroup under new leadership, but the challenges proved too great. Eventually, the settlement was abandoned. Some returned to France, others relocated to Dallas County, and a number joined another Icarian colony in Illinois, which itself lasted until 1860 before also dissolving.

In the end, very little remained of New Icariwa. No thriving community, no lasting structures—just fragments of a bold idea that never quite took root. And one notable piece of their legacy still exists today: a bell that continues to draw curiosity… though that’s a story for another time.