đŸ„‹Week of July 7, 2025

Local heroes step up, new places to gather, stories from our town’s past, and family adventures waiting to be explored — all inside this week’s newsletter.

Good Morning, Justin!

We hope everyone had a fantastic Fourth of July weekend—and that you managed to keep all your fingers and toes despite the fireworks fun! Here’s to a safe, sunny, and sparkler‑free week ahead!

THE DIGEST

Image from Metro Fire Aparatus Specialists

Local crews answer the call

This weekend, our fire department deployed a Type I engine (E571) as part of Strike Team 155 to help with flood rescues in the Hill Country. Captain Nelson and Firefighter Jenkins joined forces with two Fort Worth Fire Department personnel to support communities hit hardest by rising waters.

Introducing Our New “Local Lives Remembered” Section

In response to community requests, we now offer a dedicated space to honor and remember residents we’ve lost in Justin, Argyle, Northlake, Ponder, Krum, and nearby towns.

When a tribute or obituary has been submitted and purchased, it will be featured at the bottom of our newsletter and posted on our website’s Local Lives Remembered page. If there are no new submissions, this section won’t appear.

This page celebrates the neighbors, friends, and loved ones who helped shape our community. Please keep an eye out for these special remembrances when they are shared.

If you would like to purchase a tribute or obituary, please email us at [email protected].

Help us welcome the brand‑new Justin Farmers Market!

Stop by Saturday, July 12th from 9 AM–1 PM at 417 N Sealy Ave, Justin, TX and explore 20+ local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, clay earrings, candles, jams, dog treats, coffee, candy apples, crochet crafts, and more.

Enjoy live music from Andy DeBerry as you shop local in the heart of Old Town Justin.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Justin Jiu Jitsu: Real Skills. Real Community. Real‑World Ready.

Justin Jiu Jitsu is a local, family‑run academy founded by three longtime area residents: Billy from Justin, Paul from Argyle, and Tristan from Northlake. Their mission? Practical self‑defense for real life—not just flashy TV moves.

One highlight is American Warrior Combatives on Tuesday nights—a program created by a retired Navy SEAL that blends striking, ground control, and real‑world scenarios so students can react confidently under stress.

A Local Story, In a Local Space
The academy operates out of the historic former Holloway Custom Combining building, once used for agricultural transport and harvesting services. Its concrete floors still carry the old grease stains—a daily reminder of hard work, community roots, and building real‑world resilience.

What sets them apart:

  • Free week trial, beginner‑friendly, no egos

  • Classes taught by experienced black & brown belts

  • Special programs for law enforcement and military

  • Family‑friendly pricing so parents and kids can train together

  • 24/7 weight training area

They offer kids’ classes, home school sessions, adult evenings, and open mats—all right here in Justin.

As the founders say: “If everyone’s trained, no one’s fighting—because you never know who’s trained. And if it does happen, you’re ready.”

📍 705 N. Sealy Ave, Justin, TX 76247
🌐 JustinJiuJitsu.com

Check out our Facebook page for additional photos.

New life for the old Chop Shop Live spot in downtown Roanoke

The Fort Worth‑based team behind Keller Tavern is set to buy and transform the former Chop Shop Live property into three new spots:

  • Roanoke Tavern: a casual place to watch sports and hang out

  • CafĂ© Republic: a breakfast and lunch spot

  • Roanoke Live: a 350‑seat outdoor music venue, opening July 12

The original Chop Shop Live, co‑founded by country artist Randy Rogers, closed in November 2024 after six years as a creative, container‑built venue. Now, the space is ready for its next chapter.

Other Business Buzz:

Blo Blow Dry Bar will open its newest location on July 11 at 8131 Gateway Drive, Suite 800 (corner of FM 407 and Gateway).

Chuy’s Tex‑Mex is set to break ground this September near I‑35W & FM 407 in Argyle’s Harvest development.

No sponsorships here—just sharing local growth and business updates for your awareness!

EVENTS

Monday~ July 7

Tuesday~ July 8

Wednesday~ July 9
  • Storytime at 10AM, Mermaid Keychain ages 12+ from 3-4PM at Mary Emma Tate Community Library

Thursday~ July 10
Friday~ July 11
  • Crochet from 2-4 at Mary Emma Tate Community Library

  • Slurpee Day~ stop by participating 7/11’s to grab a free small Slurpee and tongue tattoo

  • Free Music Series~ Colby Townley from 9-11PM at The Mule Barn

Saturday~ July 12
Sunday~ July 13
📅See our online calendar for ongoing events

LOCAL HISTORY

Who is Stephen R Roberts? And why should anyone in Justin care?

You’ve probably never heard of him—but a dusty 1979 Denton County landowner map we found revealed his surprising connection to our town’s history.

After the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto, the young Republic of Texas had plenty of land but not enough settlers. To help, they gave 640 acres to each soldier. Roberts, who served in Captain Joseph B Chance’s company guarding the camp baggage, received land certificate #526 (listed as 562 on the old map).

The twist? Roberts actually lived in Washington County near Houston—far from Denton County. So on November 26, 1853, he sold all 640 acres—which now make up what is downtown Justin—back to the state for $160.

Next week, we’ll explore why the names L.S. and Thomas Helm ended up on the original Justin Town plat in 1887. Stay tuned!

KIDS CORNER
Take the Kids on a Money-Making Adventure!

Looking for something unique (and free!) to do with the kids? Visit the Western Currency Facility Tour and Visitor Center located at 9100 Blue Mound Rd, Fort Worth, about 30 minutes from Justin.

At this one-of-a-kind spot on Blue Mound Road, you can watch billions of dollars being printed from an enclosed walkway high above the production floor. Before or after the tour, families can explore two floors of fun, interactive exhibits that share the history and art of making money. There’s even a theater film that explains how it all comes together.

Free self-guided tours offered Tuesday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (last tour at 2:30 p.m.)

For safety, be sure to check out the list of prohibited items (like backpacks, cameras, and food), and always follow staff and security instructions. For the most up-to-date hours or more info, call (817) 231-4000 or visit Moneyfactory.gov.

Free kids’ meal at Wendy’s! 
On your way home or before your trip, swing by Wendy’s: buy a Premium Combo (like a Baconator or Dave’s Double with fries and a drink) and get a free kids’ meal when you order through the Wendy’s app or website—no limit on how many times you can redeem!

  • Nearby locations include:

    • 1204 N Highway 377, Roanoke, TX 76262

    • 8424 Denton Hwy, Watauga, TX 76148

    • 385 W Loop 820 N, Fort Worth, TX 76108 (convenient stop on the way to Blue Mound Road)

LOCAL LIVES REMEMBERED

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