❄️Week of January 6, 2025

Freezing Temps Ahead, Winter Preparedness, Local Women Shining at the Cotton Bowl, and the History of Justin’s Banks

Author

Amber Hill
January 06, 2025

Good Morning, Justin!

Brrr…it’s getting chilly out there! As freezing temperatures roll in, it’s time to bundle up and get ready for winter. Whether you’re stocking up on blankets, checking your heater, or just making sure your car is winter-ready, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ve got some exciting local updates, including our very own women performers at the Cotton Bowl and a look back at the rich history of banking in Justin. So, grab a hot drink and let’s warm up to all things winter, community, and more!

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THE DIGEST

Apollo Pet of the Month: Jordy

Meet Jordy, our Apollo Pet of the Month! Jordy is a young, male Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler from Justin, TX. This medium-sized, tricolor pup (brown, black, and white) is affectionate, friendly, and playful. He’s athletic and smart, making him a great companion for active families. Jordy is up-to-date on his vaccinations and has been spayed/neutered. He gets along well with other dogs and children, making him an ideal addition to your home.

Come meet Jordy and see why he’s the perfect match for you!

Winter Weather Preparedness: Are You Ready?

Those of you who have spent some time in Texas know that our winter weather is a bit different from what you might find up north. While northern states typically get snow, here in Texas, it’s all about the ice. And when it arrives, we’re often not as prepared as we should be. If you lived through the 2021 Winter Storm URI (aka Snowmageddon), you know just how disruptive and dangerous those icy conditions can be. It's made us all a bit more cautious when temperatures drop.

Now, I’m no weather expert, but from what I can tell, it doesn’t look like we’ll experience the same extreme freeze as we did during that storm. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. To help you prepare for the potential of icy conditions and treacherous roads, here are some tips to get you ready to hunker down at home:

  • Keep the heat on: Set your thermostat to at least 55°F. This helps prevent your pipes from freezing.

  • Open cabinet doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes, especially in kitchen and bathroom areas.

  • Let faucets drip: This keeps water moving through your pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.

  • Disconnect hoses: Drain and store outdoor hoses, and use pipe insulation covers where necessary.

  • Cover your plants: Protect your outdoor greenery with blankets or frost cloths to prevent damage.

  • Power outage prep: If the power goes out, be sure to have firewood for your fireplace, propane for your grill, and plenty of candles or flashlights for light.

  • Portable chargers: Make sure your phones and other essential devices are fully charged. Consider having portable chargers on hand so you can stay connected if the power goes out.

  • Disposable dishes: Trust me, no one wants to wash dishes with boiled water, so stock up on disposable plates and utensils.

  • Maximize warmth: Stay in a south-facing room where sunlight can help heat your home. Dress in layers, and if it gets really cold, camp out indoors with blankets and sleeping bags.

  • Check carbon monoxide alarms: Make sure your alarms are working, especially if you’re using a portable propane heater. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

  • Stay hydrated and well-fed: Keep plenty of bottled water on hand, in case of a boil-water notice, and stock up on easy-to-eat foods that require minimal cooking.

  • Be prepared for the worst: Wash clothes and dishes ahead of time, and make sure you’re signed up for emergency alerts from the city and Oncor.

For parents of school-aged children, be sure to check out the Northwest ISD school closing information for any updates on weather-related changes.

Remember, the streets can get tricky, especially in neighborhoods with less traffic. It’s always best to stay off the roads if you can and keep your home stocked and warm. Stay safe and stay prepared!

Honoring Former President Jimmy Carter

In remembrance of former President Jimmy Carter, the United States flag will be flown at half-staff from December 30 through January 28. This gesture honors his legacy and the significant contributions he made to our country throughout his life, both during his presidency and his post-presidential humanitarian work. Carter's dedication to peace, human rights, and service has left a lasting impact on the nation and the world. Let us take a moment to reflect on his remarkable life and leadership during this time of national tribute.

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LOCAL RESIDENTS

Local Women to Perform at 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Twenty-two women from Argyle, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Roanoke, Trophy Club, and Heather Bedinger from Justin will perform at the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the 89th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on January 10 at AT&T Stadium. These alumnae of the Kilgore College Rangerettes dance team previously performed at the Cotton Bowl when they were active members. The world-famous Rangerettes team is celebrating its 85th anniversary, and nearly 800 former members will join the current squad for this milestone event.

We Need You and Your Stories!

We’re excited to announce a new feature highlighting long-term residents who’ve made an impact on our hometown, as well as fun stories that our readers would love to hear! If you know someone who has a unique story or has contributed to making our community special—just like Heather’s—let us know!

We’d also love to hear about Justin’s rich history! If you have any stories, pictures, or videos that capture the essence of our town’s past, we want to see them. Whether it’s a special event, a memorable moment, or a glimpse into what life was like years ago, your contributions help preserve the history of our community.

Please share with us by emailing, tagging us on social media, or reaching out in any way you can. Let’s celebrate both the past and present of Justin together!

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just fun info we wanted to share.

EVENTS
January Happenings

📅Monday~ Jan. 6

  • When: 6-7PM

  • Where: Meet at Kroger 2061 Rufe Snow, Keller

📅Tuesday~ Jan. 7

  • When: 7PM

  • Where: Mule Barn

📅Wednesday~ Jan. 8

NISD students return to school

  • When: 10:30AM

  • Where: The shops at HIghland Village

Ages 55+ games and lunch

  • When: 9:30AM-1PM

  • Where: 415 N College Ave

  • When: 7:00 PM

  • Where: Three Wide Brewing 16230 Three Wide Dr

📅Thursday~ Jan. 9

  • When: 5:30PM

  • Where: 415 N College Ave

📅Friday~ Jan. 10

Breakfast with the Mayor
Join the mayor for small talk and breakfast every Friday morning.

  • When: 6:00 AM-8:00 AM

  • Where: Lonesome Spur Cafe 218 S FM 156, Justin

  • When: 8PM

  • Where: 156 Ice House

  • When: 9-11PM

  • Where: Mule Barn

📅Saturday~ Jan. 11

  • When: 8AM-4PM

  • Where: Online

Keller Fishing for Fun
Pond will be stocked with rainbow trout. Bring your fishing gear.

  • When: 9-11:30AM

  • Where: Bear Creek Park, Keller

  • When: 7-10PM

  • Where: Three Wide Brewing

  • When: 8-11:45PM

  • Where: Mule Barn

📅Sunday~ Jan. 12

Justin Area Mom’s Coffee Meetup
A group of local moms in Justin coming together to build friendships and support one another. Join their Facebook group to stay updated on meetups and connect with others! If you’re a little introverted, don’t worry they are so welcoming and excited to have new members.

  • When: 12PM

  • Where: Higher Grounds

  • When: 12-2PM

  • Where: Winestein’s Tasting Room, Grapevine

📅Upcoming Events

LOCAL HISTORY
The History of Justin's Banks

Today, Vista Bank stands proudly on Highway 156, but back in early 1904, Justin didn’t have a bank at all. That summer, the first bank in Justin opened under the name Citizens Bank. Dr. W.H. Pennington, local resident J.W. Spencer, and Spencer's brother-in-law Walter N. Shofner founded the bank with an initial capital of $6,000. In 1905, Dr. Pennington constructed the first building for the bank along Highway 156.

On January 24, 1907, Citizens Bank was renamed Justin State Bank after it received new capital—$10,000—and a fresh group of shareholders: J.C. Heath, G. Gibbs, W.N. Shoreur, J.W. Spencer, W.H. Pennington, J.C. Scott, A. Holloway, and S.T. Coleman. Walter N. Shofner became the president of Justin State Bank and served in that role until his retirement in 1942. He passed away on December 15, 1946.

In 1913, another bank, Farmers State Bank, was established with support from A.M. Wilson, J.H. Allen, and J.M. Hardeman. However, the two banks merged under the name Justin State Bank in 1916.

Over the years, Justin State Bank operated from three different locations along Highway 156, including one between 4th and 5th Street. In 1973, the bank moved once again to its current location, now known as Vista Bank.

Stay tuned for more on this rich history in future newsletters!

SPORTS NEWS
Northwest High School Varsity Events

Northwest High School Sporting Events

Support your local athletes and build community spirit by attending games and matches at Northwest High School. For updates on how the teams are doing follow Northwest High School on Facebook.

NISD Home Games week of 1-6-25.pdf7.72 KB • PDF File

Make sure to get out there and cheer on the teams! For additional schedule information see Northwest Sports Rank One.