Good Morning, Justin!
Why do small towns never sweat in the summer?
Because there’s always a neighbor with sweet tea and a shady porch. Stay cool out there, Justin — and don’t forget to check on your neighbors (and share the tea)!
THE DIGEST

Reya
Pet of the Month: Meet Reya – A Loyal and Loving Protector
Reya is a stunning, intelligent dog whose heart is as big as her protective instincts. At Apollo Support & Rescue in Justin, TX, she’s shown an incredible bond with those she trusts—offering warmth, loyalty, and a comforting sense of security.
Reya thrives in a calm, low-traffic home where she can feel safe and settled. She needs an experienced owner who understands her breed’s instincts—someone with patience, structure, and a commitment to positive guidance. Once she bonds, Reya is deeply affectionate and devoted beyond measure.
She isn’t a beginner’s dog, but for the right person or family ready to invest time and understanding, Reya promises to be a fiercely loyal and loving companion.
City Council Meeting Highlights
The Mayor opened with condolences for families impacted by the Camp Mystic tragedy. The Justin Fire Department remains on the ground doing difficult work — searching floodwaters, finding victims, and responding to fires.
Chief Frieda reminded everyone to leave recovery work to trained crews for now. Calls here in Justin are still being answered. Residents who want to help can donate through Amazon, the American Red Cross, or offer prayers.
Pastor Allen shared that Gateway Church helped buy individually fitted vests for our police department.
Quilts of Valor continues to honor veterans with hand-made quilts, and the Stitchers Group at First Baptist Church welcomes donations for local projects like pillowcase dresses for CASA and foster families.
Timberbrook is growing fast — from 7,500 residents now to nearly 13,500 by 2030.
Council also discussed the proposed budget, including a possible plan to create a motors unit for the police department with input from cities like Fort Worth. Street projects are planned for North Sealy, North Snyder Ave., and other spots.
Property Maintenance, Training & Demolition Timeline:
July: Justin Fire Department training at several W 12th St. addresses (7/5–7/18).
TxDOT: Staging properties for demolition 7/21–7/25.
Demolition:
7/25–8/10: Property 1
8/11–8/24: Property 2
8/25–9/7: Property 3
9/8–9/21: Property 4
9/22–10/5: Property 5
Final Cleanup: 10/6–10/10 — City and TxDOT will clear debris and address safety concerns.
Public comment included thanks to the Champion Rotary Club for donating “go bags” to the police, and concerns from the Meadowlands HOA about tree removal and construction accountability — with strong neighborhood support for enforcement.
Join your community for Breakfast with the Mayor every Friday, 6–8 AM at the Lonesome Spur — come say hi, chat, and help keep Justin connected.
👉 For more details, watch the full meeting recording!

Ways to donate to the flood recovery efforts
Local Lives Remembered
We now have a special section to honor residents we’ve lost in Justin, Argyle, Northlake, Ponder, Krum, and nearby towns.
Tributes will appear at the end of our newsletter when we have one to share — if there are none, this section won’t appear. To add a tribute, please email [email protected].
LOCAL BUSINESS
Local Business Spotlight: The Classy Cactus
Right in the heart of Justin, The Classy Cactus is more than an antique and vintage store — it’s a local gathering place where shopping feels like visiting friends. Owned by longtime Justin residents Carrie and Jamie, this family-run shop has grown into a true local favorite over the past six years.
Housed in one of the original Justin Boots buildings, The Classy Cactus offers a huge variety of treasures: vintage and antique items, metal signs, coins, furniture, collectibles, military and sports memorabilia, women’s clothing and jewelry, golf gear, tallow skin care products, home décor, plants, candles, baby gifts, 3D-printed fidgets, knives, and more. Booths are rented out to local vendors, creating an ever-changing mix of finds you won’t see anywhere else.
One feature that’s become a special draw is the colorful mural on the side of the building, painted by local artist Adam Davenport — it’s a favorite backdrop for quick photos and adds to the shop’s welcoming character.
The story behind The Classy Cactus is just as charming: after military life brought Carrie and Jamie to Texas, they fell in love with Justin and have called it home for the past 11 years. What started as Carrie opening a booth quickly turned into a shared passion, and eventually led them to buy the business itself.
Every 4th Saturday of the month, they host Customer Appreciation Day — complete with storewide sales and a table of snacks — welcoming both new shoppers and regulars they know by name.
Stop by and discover why The Classy Cactus has become a true local stop in Justin!
Website: theclassycactus.com
Facebook: facebook.com/theclassycactus
Instagram: instagram.com/theclassycactusantiques
Check out our Facebook page for an inside look!
Coming Soon:
Dan’s Bagels – New York–style sourdough bagels and specialty cream cheeses coming to US-377 in Argyle.
Little Joe’s Farmstead Ice Cream Shop – Walk-up ice cream shop plus brownies, sandwiches, and pastries. Opening in July. 401 US 377 S., Argyle.
Shell Gas Station EV Chargers – Two electric vehicle charging stations coming soon to 104 Frenchtown Road, Argyle.
Paris Baguette Grand Opening – July 11, 6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. at 2000 Long Prairie Rd, Flower Mound, TX. (More info)
No sponsorships here—just sharing local growth and business updates for your awareness! |
EVENTS
Monday~ July 14
Cinemark Summer Movies~ The Wild Robot from July 14-17th at participating Cinemark locations
Tuesday~ July 15
Science Camp ages 6-12 from 10-11AM at Mary Emma Tate Community Library
Wednesday~ July 16
Christopher Lyle Magic Show at 10AM at Mary Emma Tate Community Library
Dumont Creamery & Cafe Ribbon Cutting from 11:30AM-12PM at 1633 Robson Ranch Rd Northlake
Thursday~ July 17
Quilts of Valor from 10AM-1PM and Jellyfish Craft ages 6+ from 5-6PM at Mary Emma Tate Community Library
City of Justin Economic/ Community Development Meeting starting at 5:30PM
Friday~ July 18
Stuffed Animal Sleepover starting at 6PM at Chick-fil-A Champions Center
Dive-in Movie~ Despicable Me 4 starting at 7:30PM at Denton Water Works Park
Free Summer Music Series~ Joel Hignojoz from 9-10PM at The Mule Barn
Saturday~ July 19
NISD Enrollment Help Event from 9AM-3PM
Denton Community Market from 9AM-1PM at 317 W Mulberry St Denton
Lowe’s Kids Workshop~ Messi Soccer Shootout from 10AM-1PM
Ducky Derby from 10AM-12:30PM at Sun Valley Aquatic Center Lewisville
Live Music~ The Martin Brothers from 7-10PM at Three Wide Brewing
Sunday~ July 20
National Ice Cream Day
Hoamsy Sourdough Making Basics from 2-4PM at Three Wide Brewing
📅See our online calendar for upcoming and ongoing events
Upcoming:
9/27-9/28 Monster Truck Wars in Denton
LOCAL HISTORY
Before Justin: The Helm Family Legacy
Did you know that when the Justin town plat was officially accepted by Denton County back in May of 1887, there were some interesting names on it — names you might recognize, or at least think twice about?
For example, according to a Denton Chronicle article from 1946, Justin was almost named Helm instead! If that little “almost” surprises you, then you might see why two names on that old plat matter: L.S. Helm and Thomas H.B. Helm.
So, who were they?
L.S. Helm stands for Lawrence Stern Helm, and Thomas H.B. Helm was his eldest son — Thomas Hart Benton Helm.
Lawrence Helm was born in Virginia in 1814. He married Susannah Rea in Macon, Illinois, in 1836, and they welcomed baby Thomas in 1837, also in Illinois. Over the next 13 years, Lawrence and Susannah added three more kids to the family in Illinois, and had one more in Oregon in 1851. Sadly, Susannah passed away that same year.
Lawrence remarried in 1852 to Amanda Haley, and together they had eight more children. Between 1863 and 1865, Lawrence moved the whole clan to California. Then, between 1876 and 1880, he packed up again — this time heading to Denton County. That’s where Lawrence started surveying and working the land that would become the town of Justin.
And as for Thomas Helm? Well, let’s just say his first marriage ended in quite an unexpected way — but that story’s for next time!
KIDS CORNER
While We’re on Break… Teachers Are Gearing Up!
While many of us (and our kids) are soaking up summer break, local teachers are already busy behind the scenes—using this downtime to plan, prep, and get classrooms ready for the new school year.
Want to lend a hand? Check out their Amazon wish lists on our Facebook page: View & Support Here. It’s a great way to help meet their classroom needs—especially while you’re shopping back‑to‑school sales for your own kiddos.
NISD schools start back on August 13!
Find your child’s supply lists here:
Youth Art Contest
Free Art contest open to youth ages 5-18. Submit artwork online by August 1, 2025 with “A Day at the Fair” or “Denton” theme — include local landmarks, carnival rides, rodeo, parade, or anything Denton-related. Art work must be 2D artwork on flat paper (small 3D details like buttons or ribbon allowed) and related to the North Texas State Fair.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this peek into Justin’s past, please share it with a neighbor or friend — we love seeing our little stories travel far and wide. Got an idea, correction, or something you’d love to see in The Justin Journal? Shoot us an email anytime at [email protected] — we’re all ears!
Have an amazing week out and about in Justin — we’ll see you around town