🦜Week of June 30, 2025

Good Morning, Justin!

Why did the firecracker join the small town parade?
Because it wanted to spark some community fun! 😄

Share the love—pass this newsletter along to your friends and keep our small town buzzing!

THE DIGEST
Texas Pirates: From Rec Ball to World Series Champs + City Council Highlights – June 26

Texas Pirates: From Rec Ball to World Series Champions

What started as a group of local boys playing rec ball quickly turned into something special. After making All-Stars, these friends wanted to keep playing together. With the help of Ryan Swartz—whose son’s older brother played for the Texas Pirates—they gathered more players from Krum and formed their own team.

Coached by Ryan Swartz, John Jarrett, Eli Ramos, and some dedicated dads, this small, close-knit team played like the legendary Sandlot crew. Over 2-3 seasons, their skills and teamwork grew, leading them to the World Series in Panama City, Florida.

There, the Texas Pirates played their hearts out—winning every game with great pitching, solid fielding, and some powerful home runs. What began as a group of boys simply wanting to play baseball turned into a championship-winning brotherhood.

Congratulations to the Texas Pirates on their incredible journey and well-earned victory!

City Council Meeting Recap – June 26

At the June 26 meeting, City Council took steps forward on a few exciting community projects.

Peterson Park is officially moving ahead! Thanks to a generous donation from Bloomfield Homes, the City now owns 2.7 acres near Timberbrook Parkway that will become a new neighborhood park at no cost to taxpayers. Plans include walking trails, green space, a basketball court, pickleball, ping pong, cornhole, an amphitheater for about 200 people, and parking areas with electricity for food trucks. The final construction plans were approved, so work can begin soon.

Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance to remove a small stretch of Range Hill Road from the city limits. This will allow nearby property owners to privately maintain the road at their own expense.

Mayor Pro Tem Shelby St. Claire also introduced an idea brought to him by Jeremy at the Justin Journal for a Justin Day of History to celebrate key moments from 1887 — like the arrival of the first train, the filing of the town plat, and the official naming of Justin. The Council discussed this but did not take action yet.

Stay tuned for more updates on these projects and events — great things are happening in Justin!

LOCAL BUSINESS
Sweet Smiles & Fluffy Ice: Meet PaPa’s Sunshine Sno Ball Co! + Grapes to Wine+ & Dumont Creamery Ribbon Cutting

Sweet Smiles and Fluffy Ice – Meet PaPa's Sunshine Sno Ball Co!

There’s a whole lot of sunshine in Justin—and not just the Texas kind. It comes in a cup at PaPa’s Sunshine SnoBall Co, where fluffy shaved ice and vibrant flavors are served with a whole lot of heart.

Owned and operated by Gary and Anjanette, who made Justin home in 2015, PaPa’s Sunshine Sno Ball Co is more than just a snow cone stand—it’s a dream come true. Gary, a Southlake native, has wanted to open a snow cone stand since he was a kid, and now, together with Anjanette from Corsicana, that dream is a bright and colorful reality. The business is lovingly named after Gary’s dad, “PaPa,” whose spirit of joy and warmth lives on through every scoop and smile.

With a multitude of toppings, a flavor for every craving, and ice so light it melts like snow, every visit is a refreshing treat. And if you're craving something creamy, you're in luck—they also serve Beth Marie’s Ice Cream, a local favorite that adds another layer of sweetness.

But it’s not just the cool creations that set this spot apart—it’s the heart behind it. “We love putting smiles on our customers’ faces,” Anjanette shares. “That’s what we’re most proud of—our customer service.” Gary lives by his personal motto: “Leave with a bigger smile than you came with.” And it shows.

As a family- and military-owned business, they’re heavily involved in the community—always showing up to support local events and fellow small businesses with warm hearts and sunny attitudes.

Celebrate Independence Day the sweetest way—stop by for their festive Firework Sno Cone, complete with pop rocks for a little sparkle and a special treat for your four-legged friend, too!

So next time the Texas sun’s beating down, swing by PaPa’s Sunshine Sno Ball Co. You’ll leave a little cooler—and a lot happier.

👉 Find more photos at Justin Journal Facebook Page

Grapes to Wine+ Approved & Coming Soon!

As first introduced in the May 12th newsletter, the vision for Grapes to Wine+—an upscale wine and bourbon bar in Old Town Justin—was officially approved by City Council on June 26 with the adoption of Ordinance 806-25. Operating hours are expected to be Tue–Thu: 2–8 PM, Fri–Sat: 2–10 PM, and closed Sun–Mon with approximately 78 parking spaces nearby. Sharing parking solutions under review.

Located at 112 W. 4th Street, this refined new hangout by Dan and Hazel Adams will offer:

• Curated wine & bourbon tastings

• Lounge-style indoor seating + outdoor fire pits

• Light snacks & BYOF (bring your own food)

Part of the City’s broader Imagine Justin plan, Grapes to Wine+ will bring a unique social experience to the heart of Old Town. 🥂

🔗 Revisit the May 12 Newsletter

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Dumont Creamery & Café

Join us in welcoming Dumont Creamery & Café to our community! Dumont began in India with over 50 stores across the country, delighting customers with an array of treats from rich coffee to delectable ice creams and bubble tea. After making its international debut in 2023 with 10 stores in the US, Dumont is rapidly expanding, with 30 more locations confirmed nationwide.

Come celebrate this sweet new addition at their ribbon cutting ceremony!
📍 Location: 1633 Robson Ranch Rd #600, Northlake

EVENTS

Welcome to your go-to guide for all the fun and local flare happening right here in Justin (and just a short drive away)! From neighborhood meetups to live music under the stars, there’s something for everyone:

Tuesday~ July 1

• Story Time and Craft with our Cow at Chick-fil-A Argyle from 9:30-10AM

• Science Camp ages 5 and under from 10-11AM at Mary Emma Tate Community Library

• Prosper – Pride in the Sky from 5 PM - 10 PM at Frontier Park, 1551 W. Frontier Pkwy

• Lewisville – Red White & Lewisville from 6:30 PM - 9:40 PM at Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W. Church St.
  

Wednesday~ July 2

• Keenagers 55+ lunch and games 9:30AM at 415 N College Ave

• Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse~Despicable Me 4 at 9:30AM at Cinemark Movies

• Storytime at 10AM and Heart to Heart Craft (ages 12+) from 11AM-12PM at Mary Emma Tate Community Library

• Trivia Night from 7-9PM at Three Wide Brewing

Thursday~ July 3

• Justin Business Association meeting from 8-9AM at The Mule Barn

• 4th of July Craft ages 6+ from 4-5PM at Mary Emma Tate Community Library

• Denton- Fireworks Show from 6-10 PM at 2217 N. Carroll Blvd

• Roanoke – All American Fireworks & Festival from 5 PM - 10 PM at Historic Oak Street, 500 S. Oak St

• Southlake – Stars and Stripes Celebration from 5 PM - 11 PM at Southlake Town Square, 1400 Main St

• Keller – Keller Lights from 6 PM - 10 PM at Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy

Friday~ July 4

• Trophy Club – Fourth of July Celebration from 7:15 AM – 10:30 PM at Independence Park West, 500 Parkview Dr

• Flower Mound – Independence Day Children's Parade & Festivities 
  10 AM (Parade) / 1 PM - 5 PM (Stars and Stripes Splashtacular) / 5 PM - 10 PM (Independence Fest)
  Various locations: 1800 Timber Creek Rd & Bakersfield Park

• Northlake – Hilltop Truck Park July 4th Celebration a5PM, Fireworks at dark at 8150 Thompson Rd, Northlake

• Grapevine- Fireworks Extravaganza 9:30PM at Oak Grove Soccer Complex
  

Saturday~ July 5

• Market Day from 8AM-12PM at 307 Bolivar St. Sanger

• Home Depot Kids Workshop~ Toucan Mobile from 9AM until supplies run out at your local Home Depot

Sunday~ July 6

• Farmers Market from 9AM-1PM at Hilltop Truck Park

• Farmers Market from 9AM-1PM at 4203 River Walk Dr Flower Mound

• Farmers Market from 9AM-1PM at 500 S Oak St Roanoke

• Farmers Market from 10AM-2PM at 96 McMakin Rd Bartonville

📅See our online calendar for ongoing events

LOCAL HISTORY
A Dramatic Night in Justin’s History: The 1934 Main Street Shootout

Just a year after the end of Prohibition, Justin’s Main Street became the scene of a deadly raid on July 2nd, 1934. Around 10:30 pm, Deputy Carl “Red” Garrett and Deputy Sheriff Hugh Elliott were searching for two men, Jimmy Glasscock and Boyd Wilkerson—both already facing charges related to illegal liquor from an earlier raid.

Glasscock and Wilkerson worked at The City Cafe, where the officers confronted them that night. The situation quickly turned violent when Glasscock and Deputy Garrett exchanged gunfire. Tragically, Deputy Garrett was fatally shot. In response, Deputy Sheriff Elliott managed to shoot Glasscock, who later died in a Denton hospital.

Wilkerson was jailed in connection to the incident but was released after the jury’s decision. Deputy Garrett lived just south of Justin with his wife and daughter, while his parents and brothers called Justin home.

This intense moment reminds us of the turbulent times following Prohibition and the brave men who kept our town safe.

Justin memorialized Deputy Garrett with a plaque that you can visit on 110 4th Street.

KIDS CORNER
A New Choice for Texas Families: Senate Bill 2 (SB2)

Texas has passed Senate Bill 2 (SB2), creating a new Education Savings Account (ESA) program that gives families extra state money to help pay for approved education costs—like private school tuition, tutoring, or special therapies—in addition to the free public education already available. For the first two years (starting with the 2025–26 school year), the program will have a spending limit and will prioritize students who attended public or charter schools last year. If there are more applicants than funds, spots will be filled through a lottery, with priority for siblings and students with disabilities from lower-income households.

Parents apply through certified organizations that help with the application process, explain how the program works, handle payments, and connect families with approved schools and services. ESA funds can be used for tuition, required textbooks, online classes, tutoring, certain tech, and some meal costs—though the money can’t be used to pay family members or buy unapproved items. To keep things fair and transparent, families can see annual reports showing student progress and program results, and privacy is protected by law. If a family disagrees with a decision, they can appeal to the state comptroller.

This is our interpretation of SB2, so please be sure to read the full bill text to fully understand all details for yourself. For the complete, official version, visit: SB2 Full Bill Text.