A special thank you goes out to the voters who made this possible by passing the bond in the November 2023 election. Your support has laid the foundation for a modern, efficient, and much-needed facility for our fire department. Fire Station No. 2 will offer more space to house additional firefighters and will include updated safety features that our current station lacks. These improvements are vital to ensure our first responders have the tools and space they need to serve the community at their best.

I hope you’ll join us for the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, May 15 at 6 p.m. at 11042 FM 407, Justin, TX 76247. This is more than just a construction project—it’s a symbol of what we can accomplish when we work together to plan for the future.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that Justin is growing in all the right ways—from new businesses opening in Justin Town Square to infrastructure investments like this fire station. Thank you for continuing to believe in our community and helping us build a stronger, safer Justin.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the groundbreaking celebration!

The post City of Justin Update – May 2025 appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported losing a staggering $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year. Despite the number of fraud reports remaining steady at 2.6 million, the percentage of victims who lost money rose from 27% in 2023 to 38% in 2024.

Text Message Scams: Consumers reported $470 million in losses due to scams initiated via text messages, more than five times the amount reported in 2020.

Have you received a text from NTTA about you owing monies on your toll tag?  I have received (and deleted) many. 

If someone is saying you owe money, do not click on whatever they send you. Go to a different browser on your computer or phone and login to your account as you normally do. Verify to see if you really do have any balance due.

With open enrollment for Medicare behind us you may still get requests for quotes or claims that you need additional coverages. Always consult a professional you’ve dealt with before and trust to verify any information requests sent to you.

Email scams are still prevalent. Before clicking on ANYTHING look carefully at the email address that sent it. Watch for what comes after the @. Example: joesmith@xpy42.com versus joesmith@bankofhere.com. If the email address looks funny or the grammar and/or spelling are off it’s probably a scam. 

Calls from the IRS, your credit card company or anyone else asking you to give them your Social Security number is a scam. None of these agencies or companies will ask you for that information, they already have it. If someone persists or is aggressive on the phone, hang up! That’s your best defense. 

Always be vigilant. Monitor your bank accounts and credit cards online or review your statements received in the mail. Keep the phone numbers for your bank and credit card companies readily available. 

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338.

To learn more about Banking and Scams, how to spot them and how to avoid them, join us May 15 from 10-11:30 a.m. at National Title, 3360 Long Prairie Rd., Flower Mound. RSVP to SeniorTalkDFW.com. Or May 20 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Seeden Club, 306 US Hwy 377 N., Argyle. RSVP to SeniorTalkDFW-Argyle.com or call or text 469-616-0561.  

Edwena Potter, Senior Home Coach, Certified Senior Housing Professional, Certified Probate Expert, Keller Williams Realty. You go love on your loved ones, let us handle the details.

(Sponsored content)

The post Senior Talk DFW: Scammers are blooming this spring — protect yourself and your finances appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

This past month, we had the pleasure of coming together on April 8 for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. It was an evening dedicated to honoring the many individuals who generously give their time and talents to serve on our Town Council, boards, and committees. Their commitment to our community plays a vital role in keeping our town running smoothly. Whether helping to shape local policy, organizing community events, or offering expertise on planning and development, their efforts are felt in every corner of our town. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of them for their dedication and service.

At the April 15 Town Council meeting, several significant actions were taken that will impact the community’s infrastructure and leadership. One of the agenda items was the adoption of updated building codes. The council voted to transition from the 2009 building code standards to the 2021 versions, aligning the town with more modern safety, energy efficiency, and construction guidelines. This update is expected to enhance public safety and streamline future development projects.

We would also like to congratulate the Chief of Police, Kirk Riggs, who was officially appointed as the permanent Town Administrator while continuing his role as Chief of Police. Chief Riggs has been serving as Acting Town Administrator for the past 7 months, and his appointment reflects the council’s confidence in his leadership and ability to manage both public safety and administrative responsibilities.

The council also confirmed the appointment of Del Knowler as the town’s representative to the Upper Trinity Regional Water District Board for another four-year term. Mr. Knowler has held this position since 2013, contributing over a decade of service to regional water planning and resource management. His continued involvement ensures consistency and experience in representing the town’s interests in this vital area.

In response to increasing traffic and a concerning number of accidents, new traffic signals are currently being installed along FM 407 by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). These signals, which will be activated in the coming weeks, are intended to improve safety and manage the growing volume of vehicles on this busy thoroughfare. Town officials have been working with TxDOT for the past three years to get the signals installed, noting that it addresses long-standing concerns from residents and business owners about dangerous intersections and congestion in the area. These updates reflect the council’s ongoing commitment to strengthening town operations, improving public safety, and planning for long-term sustainability.

As state lawmakers continue to propose legislation that could reshape local zoning authority, several bills have emerged this session that would directly impact how towns like Bartonville manage Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These proposed laws aim to increase housing options statewide but raise concerns about preserving local control and community character. Senate Bill 673 and House Bill 1779 are among the most significant proposals, seeking to substantially limit the authority of local governments to regulate ADUs. These bills would prohibit municipalities from banning ADUs or imposing overly-restrictive regulations. They also allow for multiple units on single-family lots and eliminate owner-occupancy requirements. SB 673 has already passed the Senate with a 27-3 vote, while HB 1779, filed on Jan. 9, has not yet moved forward to committee.

House Bill 2480 takes a slightly more moderate approach, preserving some local authority but still mandating that municipalities like Bartonville permit ADUs. While it does not allow for a complete prohibition, it grants limited flexibility in regulation. Filed on Feb. 5, HB 2480 has also not yet advanced to committee. As your mayor, I remain committed to keeping our residents informed and advocating for policies that reflect Bartonville’s unique values and priorities. I will continue to monitor these bills closely and ensure that our voice is heard at the state level.

Bartonville will celebrate their annual Spirit Day on May 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Hall. This event celebrates all the things that make Bartonville a truly special place to call home—our sense of community, shared spirit, and timeless, good old-fashioned fun. We’ve planned a day for the entire family, with live music to set the tone, delicious food trucks offering a variety of treats, and games and activities that will bring smiles to faces of all ages. For the kids, we’re excited to have a waterslide bounce house—a guaranteed hit on a warm spring day. Whether you’re new to town or a longtime resident, Spirit Day is a chance to connect, celebrate, and make lasting memories.

Development Update: 

Deer Hollow (5-acre subdivision behind Hat Creek) – this subdivision includes 14 residential lots.

Eagle Ridge (2-acre subdivision across from Tractor Supply on FM 407) – this subdivision includes 33 residential lots.

Hudson Hills (2-acre subdivision behind Marty B’s) – this subdivision includes 33 residential lots.

Trifecta Estates (2-acre subdivision off McMakin) – this subdivision includes 8 residential lots.

Do not miss any exciting news, updates, or meetings; visit the Town’s website at www.townofbartonville.com and sign up for updates by clicking on “NOTIFY ME.”

The post Bartonville Town Update – May 2025 appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

Suppose you live in Texas and you have an adult child: Jim.

Jim has been helping you pay your bills. You want him to have direct access to your bank account to make it easier for him to do that. 

You and Jim think that adding him as a co-owner to your bank account is the perfect solution. You do that, with the banker helpfully setting up the account as a “joint tenant with right of survivorship account.” (Bankers are so helpful when they give legal advice, aren’t they?)

 Let’s look at the result. 

Because it is set up as a “survivorship account,” you just made a present gift to Jim. That may be fine if there was only $10,000 in the account, but if there was instead $50,000, then you probably need to check with your CPA about filing a gift tax return. 

Suppose you accidentally overdraft the joint account. Who is on the hook for the overdraft?  You and Jim. 

It is a two-way street. What happens if Jim forgets to pay his taxes, and the IRS places a lien on his accounts? The lien will include your joint account, of course.   

Now suppose Jim gets a divorce. He will have to disclose that he is an owner in the joint account. Could the funds in the account be in jeopardy? Yes. 

You may be able to successfully fend off the IRS and Jim’s horrid spouse, but it will cost you money and time.  

What is a good alternative to adding Jim as an account owner? You could add him as an account signatory so he can access your account during your lifetime to help pay your bills. Or you could name him as your agent under a power of attorney, which would give him access to manage your account. If you want Jim to inherit the account when you die, then just name him a beneficiary. 

You have choices, and not all of them are wild.  

Attorney Virginia Hammerle is an attorney at Hammerle Finley Law Firm, a boutique law firm offering services in estate planning, probate, guardianship, business law, litigation and real estate. Contact her at (972) 436-9300. This article does not constitute as legal advice.

(Sponsored content)

The post Legal Talk Texas: Mom’s banking shortcut; why an easy fix is a bad idea appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

May is here, which reminds us of the opportunity to honor mothers and women in our lives that reflect a unique facet of the heart of God. If you look closely into a diamond, all the many facets reveal various forms of beauty and brilliance. So does the heart of women. Whether you have a great mom, remember one who has passed away, long to be one, or have been loved by someone who mothered you—Mother’s Day speaks to all of us.

In Isaiah 66:13, God says, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” From the beginning, God designed motherhood to show us His nature—nurturing, steadfast, and sacrificial. A mother’s love points us to the comfort and compassion of our Creator.

Even Jesus used this picture in Luke 13:34, describing His heart like a mother hen longing to gather her children close. Jesus longs for you to open up to receive His love, His grace, and His protection. Jesus is always drawing near; the only question is are we willing to open up and turn to His love.

Jesus in His kindness gives us the gift of moms to reflect and reveal His heart to us in tangible ways. And yet, this kind of love isn’t limited to moms. It shows up in teachers, mentors, neighbors, and friends—anyone who chooses to nurture, protect, and encourage. A mothering spirit is a powerful reflection of God’s love.

This Mother’s Day, may we celebrate and honor the kind of love that gives freely, has good will toward us, and that shows up again and again.

Happy Mother’s Day.

The Pastor’s Place features columns written by a different area church leader each month. Call 940-728-8284 for more information.

The post Pastor’s Place: Facets of Love appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

The kickoff meeting for the project was held on April 17 with attendees including Town staff, Denton County representatives and Aguirre & Fields Engineering. These project meetings will be held monthly.

During the kickoff meeting, the scope of work was reviewed and efforts began to review rights-of-way, easements and floodplain boundaries. Work is also underway to develop a plan for maintaining traffic flow during construction. The project team will be meeting with residents throughout the project to keep them informed of the progress. We are at a very early stage and there will be more information to come over the next 90 days. 

Aguirre & Fields Engineering is expected to present a draft project schedule at the May meeting. The Town has committed $250,000, with Denton County covering most of the project’s costs. While final expenses are still being determined, they are expected to exceed $1 million.

You may have noticed construction activity at FM 407 and Vickery Blvd. The piers for the new traffic signal have been installed and the project remains on schedule for completion this summer, pending any weather delays.

Current development updates:

Copper Knoll Estates has installed streets and infrastructure and is now importing dirt to the site over the next two weeks, weather permitting.

Jernigan Estates: Town staff scheduled an onsite meeting the week of April 28 to conduct a final walkthrough and accept site improvements.

Quarter Horse Estates is currently working on the downstream assessment study required before submitting the final plat application to the Town.

Aune Ranch presented the final plat to the Planning and Zoning Commission at the April 21 meeting. It will now proceed to Town Council for consideration on May 12.

This month, we celebrate and thank all mothers for the profound impact they have on our lives, shaping who we are and inspiring who we strive to become. Please join us in recognizing the remarkable role they play in our families, our communities and our hearts.

We also observe Memorial Day, a day of national reflection and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by service members to protect our freedoms. Memorial Day originated after the Civil War, first known as “Decoration Day,” when Americans honored fallen soldiers by decorating their graves. Over time, it evolved to honor all military members who died in service and became an official federal holiday in 1971, observed on the last Monday in May.

The post Just the Facts with Mayor Ron Robertson – May 2025 appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

Denton’s small businesses are more than just shops and stores; they are the identity of our city. They are family-owned restaurants where we gather for special occasions, the independent bookstores that foster a passion for reading, the neighborhood boutiques that offer unique finds and the skilled service providers who keep our lives running smoothly.

These businesses are built on a deep commitment to maintaining our culture and serving our neighbors. Their impact far exceeds the goods and services they provide. They are significant job creators, offering opportunities for our residents and contributing to our local tax base. They often sponsor our local sports teams, donate to community events and contribute to the charitable organizations that make us such a connected place.

Small Business Week begins with a Mayoral proclamation at our upcoming City Council where we will formally acknowledge the immense value of these businesses across the City of Denton. Now, more than ever, our local businesses deserve our support. They have navigated economic fluctuations, adapted to changing consumer habits, and consistently demonstrated resilience. By choosing to shop locally, we are not just making a purchase; we are making an investment in our neighbors, our community and our future.

When you choose to spend your dollars at a local business, you are directly supporting a member of our community. You are helping to keep their doors open, sustain local jobs, and ensure that the unique flavor and charm of Denton continues to thrive. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee at the corner café, picking up a gift from a local artisan or utilizing the services of a nearby repair shop, every purchase makes a difference.

This week, and indeed throughout the year, I encourage everyone to make a conscious effort to explore and support our local small businesses. Let’s celebrate their hard work, their dedication and their significant contributions to making Denton a wonderful place to live, work and shop. Together, we can ensure that our small businesses continue to be the vibrant and essential cornerstone of our community for many years to come.

For anyone interested in becoming a part of the business-friendly environment that exists in Denton, I encourage you to reach out to the City’s Economic Development Director, Ms. Brittany Sotelo, to learn all about your next steps.

The post Hudspeth: Celebrating our small businesses during National Small Business Week appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

It is not uncommon to find yourself in a situation where you need access to cash fairly quickly. That is the point at which many people consider taking money out of their employer-sponsored 401(k) plan through either a loan or distribution. But before you make the decision to withdraw, consult with your financial advisor. An advisor can take your personal situation into account and work with you to find other options.

“It is understandable that people may consider dipping into their 401(k) plan,” said Sylvie Feist, director of Retirement & Personal Wealth Solutions at Bank of America. “In some circumstances, your 401(k) plan may be your only choice for getting access to necessary cash.”

Here are some things to consider before you look at your 401(k) as a source for meeting your current needs.

A lost opportunity to grow your savings: As much as you may need the money now, by taking a distribution or borrowing from your retirement funds, you are interrupting the potential for the funds in your 401(k) plan account to grow through tax-deferred compounding — and that could make it more difficult for you to reach your retirement goals, says Feist. Taking funds out of your account might mean missing out not only on the potential growth of the money you have invested but also on any growth of that money’s earnings.

“As a general rule, dipping into your retirement funds to cover a short-term need could end up costing you more in the long run. If it is possible, I would encourage you to consider other ways to access cash that could be more beneficial to your long- and short-term financial goals,” Feist said. “However, if you are considering a withdrawal from your 401(k), consider the ordinary income tax and early withdrawal additional tax implications before you remove funds from the account.”

For example, if you are under 59.5 years old and withdraw $50,000, you could owe $12,000 in ordinary income taxes and $5,000 in additional federal taxes, leaving you with just $33,000. This assumes a 24% effective federal income tax rate and that no exception to the 10% additional tax applies.

Keep in mind that the taxes noted in this example apply only to a true withdrawal. There would be no taxes imposed on funds that you borrow and pay back via a loan (unless you fail to pay it back, as noted below).

What happens if you leave your job before the loan is paid off?: Although you generally have up to five years to repay loans from your 401(k) plan, leaving your job (or losing it) before the loans are repaid may mean you have to pay the money back in full quickly. “This is called a loan offset,” explained Feist.

Even though no additional money leaves the plan at this point, the amount that still needs to be repaid is considered a distribution. You may be subject to federal and state income taxes, as well as an additional 10% federal income tax if you are under the age of 59.5, unless an exception applies, she adds. However, you may avoid this tax treatment by repaying or rolling over the loan offset amount to a new employer’s 401(k) plan or an IRA, as long as this is done by the federal income tax filing deadline, including extensions, for the year in which the offset occurred.

“For all of these reasons,” said Feist, “Before you consider taking a loan or a withdrawal from your retirement savings, make sure you have explored other options that could meet your needs. Your retirement savings should be your last resort.”

By tapping into them, you are jeopardizing your future financial security. An action to consider, if you are able, is to set aside funds for short-term needs so you have the money available – if and when you need it.

For more information, contact Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Financial Advisor Jeffery D. Price of Price & Associates at jeffery_price@ml.com or (817)-410-4940.

(Sponsored content)

The post Money Sense: Should you borrow or take a distribution from your 401(k)? appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

I wanted to use this month’s column here in The Cross Timbers Gazette to celebrate two friends of mine and so many others, Fred and Bobbie Mitchell. As you have mostly likely already learned, Denton County Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell and her family suffered an unfathomable tragedy on April 21 – one that has struck all of us deeply locally and across the nation.

As we wish only the best for Bobbie, who is on the road to recovery and expected to be released from the hospital by the time newspaper is published, we also deeply mourn the loss of her husband, Fred. 

Bobbie has given so very much of her time and energy to serve others here in our community for the past 40 years, beginning with the City of Lewisville Zoning Board of Adjustment in 1985. Since then, she has served as a Lewisville councilmember for three years and was the first Black Lewisville Mayor elected in 1993. She served until 2000 when she stepped down to pursue a seat on the Denton County Commissioners Court that same year – a role she has held ever since. 

I’ve known Bobbie since I was a child, I met her as she was one of my mother’s good friends and they are still friends to this very day. Back then, she worked at GTE where she held numerous management positions until she retired in 1993. She then worked in the Precinct 3 Constable Office from 1996 until 2000, when she took office as our Precinct 3 Commissioner. I have had the privilege to work alongside Bobbie on the Commissioners Court for the past 18 years. During this time she has been my friend, colleague and mentor.

And if that wasn’t enough, she has served and continues to serve on so many boards that I would be reciting them for a while if I named all of them now. 

Bobbie is known most for her servant leadership and for those wonderful prayers. She has received prayers and support from across our county, across the state and I have even heard from people around the world who are praying for her. I ask that those prayers for healing to her body, mind and spirit continue. 

I have also known her husband, Fred, my whole life and have seen up close and personal his support for Bobbie. He has backed her every step of the way. As I often say about political spouses, they might not have been elected, may not have been appointed, but they too serve. Fred Mitchell served this community all these years by sharing his Bobbie with the rest of us. 

As vibrant as Bobbie is, he was equally just as quiet. Fred loved NASCAR racing and was a huge Texas Motor Speedway fan. He also enjoyed fishing and time with his family. 

Please join me and our entire Denton County family in lifting up every member of the Mitchell family – all generations – as they traverse these uncharted waters. 

And thank you, so very much, for continuing to honor the Mitchell family’s privacy as they navigate this tragedy. She has told me she is feeling the love and prayers that are being sent her way. 

I want to provide some information related to funeral services for her husband, Fred Mitchell.

Visitation will be Friday, May 2 at Westside Baptist Church, 900 Bellaire Blvd., Lewisville, from 6-8 p.m.

The funeral will be Saturday, May 3 at Westside Baptist Church at 11 a.m. 

The burial will follow at Old Hall Cemetery, 1200 McGee Lane, Lewisville.

Many of you have asked me about flowers or memorials. Donations for her and in remembrance for Fred, are being accepted by the Lewisville Noon Rotary Club. Donations can be sent to Lewisville Noon Rotary, P.O. Box 274, Lewisville, TX 75067. The donations will be distributed, with Commissioner Mitchell’s review, to area non-profits later.

As we honor their lives and move forward together in support of Bobbie and the remaining family, let us continue to show love to others in a world that needs it now more than ever. 

Connect With Us: If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. My email is andy.eads@dentoncounty.gov and my office number is 940-349-2820. For more information, register for my newsletter at Dentoncounty.gov/countyjudgenewslettersignup.

The post Eads: Wishing longtime colleague and friend Bobbie Mitchell support as she recovers appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

May is a busy month for many in our area, between local elections and the last day of school for most, a lot of change can be found!

First, Saturday May 3 is the last day to vote in local elections. Things that you will see on a typical Northlake resident’s ballot will be three Northlake town council seats, with one of them contested. You will also see either School Bonds or School Board seats up for election. It is disappointing how so few people turn out for local elections when they most directly affect your life from tax rates and polices to what your kids are learning in school and those associated tax rates. Elected officials do not know HOW you voted, but they do know IF you voted. In other words, do not complain if you do not vote!

Soon the last day of school will be upon us, as well. This is a substantial change for many families from the daily structure of the school day to (hopefully) more fun with your family. Fortunately, we also see a small decrease in traffic during the summer months, which I am sure is welcome by all!

I unfortunately must announce some bad news. During a recent call with TxDOT, I was informed that they have delayed two major projects in our town. Most importantly they have delayed the 407 Breakout project (expanding 407 from Cleveland-Gibbs Rd. to Gateway Dr. in Argyle) from a “ready to let” date of September 2025 to September 2027. An additional two-year delay. I was pretty angry about this announcement. I immediately held talks with TxDOT, our transportation consultant and found it was yet again delayed by “utility relocations.” I do not know about you, but I have not seen a single shovel or worker working on these in the past year, when they first told us it was delayed by utility relocations. By the time you get this paper, I hope to have completed a Northlake-focused meeting with Atmos Energy, who is likely the biggest holdup in this reaction project. I hope to bring more positive news regarding this next month.

Secondarily, due to “a lack of funding” TxDOT has also paused the access roads project along I-35W. This project would ultimately be the best one to happen right now as it would completely rebuild all interchanges on FM 1171, FM 407 and Robson Ranch Roads to their ultimate version. This delay is due to TxDOT reprioritizing projects in West Texas over our fast-growing area. I can assure you that the news of both of these delays is my number one priority right now and I am working to get these dates improved. Judge Andy Eads and Commissioner Dianne Edmondson were surprised to hear this news when I broke it to them, and they are equally disappointed.

We have new businesses to share. In Northlake Commons, Branded Bagels has opened.
In Northlake Crossing, I understand that on May 8, LeRich Med Spa will be opening and is owned by a local Northlake resident.

The post Northlake Notes – May 2025 appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.