Thankful for a year of collaboration, success
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| The holidays are a time to be thankful for all we have and how fortunate we are to live in Denton County, Texas, as we make special memories with family and friends.
Our children attend the best schools and universities; our communities provide safe, secure neighborhoods and we enjoy an abundance of businesses. We have plentiful career opportunities, good roads with manageable commuting time, and our nonprofits provide the services we need for our physical and mental wellbeing.
We are also blessed that our local municipal and school district leaders, chambers of commerce, and State Legislators collaborate to ensure the future of Denton County. That was never more apparent than in preparation for the 88th Legislative Session when an estimated 225 individuals joined us for the Denton County Days 2023 in Austin at the State Capitol.
As the largest Denton County Days event with representation from all four corners of the county, we made an impact at the Capitol as we met with Legislators in the House and Senate to bring important issues affecting Denton County to the forefront. During our Denton County Delegation Breakfast, our Denton County Legislative Delegation and Secretary of State Jane Nelson spoke about issues at the top of the state’s agenda, including securing the border, education finance, addressing mental health, and continued economic development – to name a few.
We were successful with the Legislature to have the authority to invest local tourism dollars to build a new Exposition Center as part of our ongoing commitment to promote tourism, drive new economic impact and provide additional opportunities for residents throughout the county.
In the past fiscal year, we have attracted $1.14 billion in investments to Denton County by such major companies as Carhartt, DrinkPAK and McMaster-Carr in Alliance, Schluter in Roanoke, and Wells Fargo in Lewisville. These five companies will bring an estimated 1,533 jobs to Denton County, many paying an average of $70,000 to $80,000 in annual starting salaries.
While Denton County is third in the top fastest growing counties in the nation by percentage, we also recognize the need to be conservative with your tax dollars. This year, we adopted a $396 million budget with a tax rate of $0.189485, an estimated 3 pennies below the FY 2022-2023 tax rate. This no-new-revenue rate, due to our fast-paced growth of 86 residents every day, allowed us to prioritize public safety.
We earmarked $3.5 million for public safety to increase the minimum starting salaries for law enforcement by 14 percent; increase fire service, rescue funding, and new positions; and cover the rising cost of inmate food and out-of-county inmate expenses. We were also able to increase our employee pay scales by 5 percent to continue attracting and retaining the best and brightest among our more than 1,900 employees.
Thanks to your overwhelming support (3 to 1 votes in favor) for our $650 million Denton County Bond program last November, the transportation infrastructure in Denton County will continue to expand to meet the growing demand by our 1 million plus residents. This year, we sold our first tranche of road bonds – $110 million – to begin laying the groundwork for several projects in each of our four Precincts across Denton County.
And last, but certainly not least, we approved the hiring of two full-time mental health navigators under the direction of the Denton County Public Health (DCPH) to launch a new program making it easier for individuals to find available resources to address non-emergency mental health concerns.
As part of DCPH Links, navigators will assess the help-seeker’s need, make direct referrals to service providers, follow up to assess if the linkage was successful, build and maintain an online mental health resource directory, and track community assets and gaps in services.
We realize there is a need for more mental health resources. Hopefully, this one-stop-shop navigator system will be able to walk individuals through the process and help them seek treatment and reduce the ping-pong effect of bouncing around.
We have accomplished a lot this past year and we look forward to what the future holds. At Denton County, we sincerely wish each of you only the best this holiday season. |
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Christmas at the Administrative Courthouse
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| The generous spirit of our Denton County employees was demonstrated once again this year at our annual Christmas at the Courthouse. As gifts were hand-delivered to our office by employees, we celebrated Christmas at the Courthouse with music, cookies, cider, and hot chocolate.
Each year, our employees willingly meet the gift requests of the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Employees also provide gift cards, clothing, and toys for our children in foster care as part of the Community Partners of Denton County, Inc. To see the generosity of our Denton County employees is both a blessing and a humbling experience.
I would like to personally thank all of the employees who participated in this year’s event. Your gifts will make a difference in the lives of others this Christmas.
Giving to others is the true spirit of Christmas.
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Intermodal Logistics Center Ribbon Cutting
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| With an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, we welcomed Intermodal Logistics to the Alliance business park this week. At this time, five of the proposed seven buildings are complete, and we are proud to welcome six businesses to one of the largest industrial parks in the DFW region with 6.6 million square feet of space.
This development is indicative of how our transportation components have come together over the years to create the synergy we see today – with the ongoing expansion of I-35W, major feeder roads, and the intersection with BNSF.
Our Denton County Commissioners Court is dedicated to creating a foundation for providing quality housing and attracting companies that provide good wages as well as a wide variety of entertainment that, together, allow our residents to live, work, and play within our county.
AllianceTexas continues to be the economic engine of the North Texas region generating an economic impact of $111 billion with over 560 companies providing 66,000-plus direct jobs. |
 
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FindHelp in Denton County
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| This week Denton County, the City of Denton, and the City of Lewisville jointly released an online resource directory for community members to find available support services and programs through an online directory. FindHelp Denton County is where community members can find up-to-date information on hours, locations, and programs that provide free or reduced-cost resources.
By accessing the website, anyone can search for what they need near them. Resources include food access, transportation, medical care, financial assistance, and job training. The resources can be filtered by keyword and zip code; results will be viewable by the nearest or most relevant programs.
Social services and nonprofit agencies can also access this service to provide referrals to their clients.
On Tuesday, Nov. 28, Denton County Public Health updated the Commissioners Court on the rollout of this program. It is exciting to see how collaboration across our county continues to benefit so many citizens!
Explore FindHelp Denton County today by visiting findhelp.DentonCounty.gov.
  
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Celebrating Hickory Creek’s 60th Anniversary
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| The Town of Hickory Creek was incorporated on Nov. 25, 1963, and is celebrating 60 years as a town in Denton County.
The venture to become a city began in 1961 with a small group living on the banks of Hickory Creek. They met together and decided to pursue township. That same year, the residing Denton County Judge granted the petition, and an election was held for the town incorporation proposal. On April 29, 1961, the Town of Hickory Creek was incorporated with a mayor and two commissioners, now known as the town council.
On the official date of incorporation, November 26, 1963, the town consisted of 219 people and two square miles of land. Now, the population is over 5, 600 and more land marks out the boundaries of Hickory Creek. |
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Champion-Macedonia Cemetery update
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| During the Denton County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, Nov. 28, Jackie Shaw and Victoria Meyers shared about the exciting work that has been completed, and more is upcoming at the Champion Macedonia Cemetery in Lewisville.
Mark your calendars for the work reveal at the cemetery on January 15, 2024, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Victoria, a Girl Scout and Denton County resident, has been working with Project 80 Roots to bring beauty, life, and recognition to the cemetery and honor those laid to rest there.
This is an exciting project, and I look forward to seeing the work being done when it is revealed in January. |
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Flower Mound Chamber recognized
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| I am thrilled to share that the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce was awarded a 5-star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. They received this award based on their policies, organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. By receiving this award, they have worked hard in their industry to be leaders and provide others with leadership and examples of excellence.
It is no small feat to reach this mark of excellence. The chamber was put through rigorous reviews of its organization, staff, leadership, policies, etc. The self-review can take 6 – 9 months to complete, which is no small task.
Ultimately, they were commended for their proactive efforts of free enterprise and commitment to serving members and local businesses.
“This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence, economic growth, and the overall prosperity of Flower Mound. We recognize that it is not just a validation of our efforts; it is a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of our members, partners, and the entire community. This 5-Star Accreditation is more than a recognition – it’s a promise to continue fostering a thriving business environment, cultivating opportunities, and contributing to the lasting success of Flower Mound.” said Lori Walker, Flower Mound Chamber President.
The mission of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce is to support the business community for the economic prosperity of Flower Mound
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Denton County Legislative Luncheon
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Denton County Master Gardener’s Classes
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| The Denton County Master Gardener Association released classes for December. Listed below are opportunities for the community to get involved and hone their skills to become the best gardeners.
Permanent Gardening Class
December 2, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Global Spheres Center
7801 S. Interstate 35-E
This class will equip participants with the elements needed to create a successful gardener path. Register here.
Houseplants
December 8, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Denton Senior Center
509 Bell Avenue
This class is to help participants in taking care of house plants to brighten the wintry days. |
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Heart Gallery of North Texas: Meet Devin
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| Heart Gallery of North Texas provides photos and information about children in North Texas who are in CPS care and available for adoption. Each child is professionally photographed and has biographical information included with the photo. Each child is unique in their situation, but all long to be adopted into a loving home and have a family.
Please meet Devin. Below is his biographical information from the
Heart Gallery of North Texas. He is 11 years of age.
Click here to inquire about Devin.
Devin is a Star Wars fan who loves to build with Lego’s and blocks and play with Pokémon cards. He also likes playing with characters, drawing, and coloring. He gets along well with others. He is generally polite with adults and follows directions. He often keeps to himself but is learning to open up more and have honest conversations. He is learning to put words to feelings. Devin understands that his actions and words can affect others around him, and he is always working on improving his behaviors. He is a very polite young man and respectful. He likes school, and his favorite subject is Science. Things that upset him are loud noises and things happening really fast. Devin wants to be an engineer when he grows up and spends any free time that he has building things. His favorite foods are spaghetti and vanilla ice cream.
Devin’s forever family will patiently support him as he learns what it’s like to be part of a family that is committed to his needs. Devin’s forever family will welcome him with intentionality. His family will ensure he is able to participate in extracurricular activities and encourage him to pursue his various interests. Devin’s forever family will provide him with opportunities to keep his hands preoccupied and his mind engaged. Devin simply wants a family – a home environment that loves him. He would respond well to a family with a mom and a dad or a single parent. Devin would do well with other children or as the only child. In-state and out-of-state home studies are being accepted at this time.
I am a respectful young man who loves to play with Legos and Pokémon. I can’t wait to be part of a family who will love me no matter what! |
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Holiday Happenings Around Denton County
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| Denton County is booming with events from all four corners! As the holidays are in full swing, I wanted to provide a sampling of events in each precinct. I’ve also included a full list of events posted from our communities hosting holiday events.
Carrollton
Santa on the Square
December 2, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Historic Downtown Carrollton
This event includes photos with Santa, face painting, live reindeer, trackless train rides, tree lighting at 6 p.m., and more.
Corinth
1st Annual Christmas at the Commons
December 7, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Activities include live music, games, cookie decorating, and Santa.
Denton
Denton Holiday Lighting Festival
December 2, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Downtown Denton Square
Official tree lighting, free Wassail Fest tasting contest, music, and more.
Flower Mound
Christmas Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
1200 Gerault Road
Community Activity Center
Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m. at Spinks Road and Lexington. Tree Lighting will follow the parade at 7:20 p.m. at 1200 Gerault Road at the Community Activity Center.
Hickory Creek
Holiday at the Park
December 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
1301 Sycamore Bend Road
Sycamore Bend Park Pavilion
Enjoy band and choir performances, rides, a photo booth, popcorn, and more.
Justin
Old Town Christmas
Dec. 9, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
City Hall Park
This event includes food trucks, an ice skating rink, live entertainment, a photo station with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more.
Lewisville
Holiday Stroll (First Fridays & Lewisville Lights)
December 1, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
December 2, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Old Town Lewisville
Friday events include food vendors, a winter carnival, hayrides, a tree-lighting ceremony, and a movie in the Plaza (Elf).
Saturday events include pancake breakfast with Santa, winter carnival, music, dance, and parade.
Little Elm
Christmas Parade & Firework Show
December 1, 7 p.m.
312 Airline Road
Lobo Stadium
The parade begins at Lobo Stadium and ends at Little Elm High School. There will be a fireworks show following the parade.
New Fairview
Breakfast with Santa
December 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa
999 Illinois Lane
New Fairview City Hall
Enjoy pancakes, hot cocoa, wagon rides with Santa, and more.
Pilot Point
Christmas on the Square
Saturday, Dec. 3, 4 – 10 p.m.
Enjoy live performances by local musicians and dancers, photo opportunities, and more.
Roanoke
Hometown Holiday
December 2, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
500 S. Oak Street
Historic Oak Street
This event includes tree lighting, a parade, a petting zoo, carolers, children’s activities, live music, Santa, and more.
Trophy Club
Christmas in the Park
December 9, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
2240 TX-114
Trophy Club Town Center
Enjoy tree lighting, a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, choir performances, Santa, refreshments, and more.
Texas Motor Speedway’s Gift of Lights
December 1 – January 7, 2024
Sunday – Thursday, 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 6 – 10 p.m.
A drive-thru holiday experience filled with magic and wonder. |
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Wreaths across America in Denton County
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National Wreaths across America is fast approaching and will be here on Saturday, Dec. 16. Typically, more than two million volunteers and supporters will gather to Remember, Honor, and Teach on Dec. 16 at more than 4,000 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad.
Below are the cemeteries in Denton County that participate in this program by placing wreaths on veterans’ gravesites. By clicking the city name, you will be directed to the cemetery and can purchase a wreath or volunteer to serve on Wreaths across America Day.
Volunteer to be a Scholarship Reader with LISD
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The Lewisville Educational Foundation is seeking readers for Lewisville ISD student scholarship applications.
Requirements for a reader include:
A reader will read the assigned 25-30 applications online (on your device) and grade each like a teacher grades a student’s work. LEF will provide readers with a rubric to follow while grading. The time requirement is estimated to be 15 minutes per application. LEF asks that readers take their time and grade each one fairly. Each application is read and graded by a team of up to four volunteers. The scores are combined for the team leader’s final review.
Timeline to participate:
Deadline to sign-up to be a reviewer: December 31, 2023
Reading/Scoring Applications: January 10-28, 2024
Deadline: All scoring completed by midnight on January 28, 2024
For more information and to apply as a volunteer, follow this link.
Don’t forget to register to give blood!
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In the News Around Denton County
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A mission in motion: Boys & Girls Club continues to expand reach into Denton County
In order to address the growing needs of children and teenagers, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County has extended its services to Denton County.
Continue reading |
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Homewatch Caregivers of Lewisville provides assistance for activities of daily living
Jessie Nair, owner of Homewatch Caregivers of Lewisville, wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. The agency provides nonmedical care for patients in their own homes by assisting with activities of daily living, or ADLs.
Continue Reading |
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United Way of Denton County’s President/CEO has a passion for improving and transforming lives
Gary Henderson became United Way of Denton County’s President and CEO in 2011.
Continue reading |
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Children’s Health report shows increasing anxiety among North Texas kids
A new report from Children’s Health shows an increase in children experiencing anxiety caused by gun violence in schools, COVID-19 and potential harmful effects of social media.
Continue reading |
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Upcoming Reminders for Denton County
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Mark your calendars!
Tuesday, Nov. 21 – NO Commissioners Court
Thursday, Nov. 23 – Denton County Offices closed -Thanksgiving
Friday, Nov. 24 – Denton County Offices closed – Thanksgiving
Monday, Dec. 25 – Denton County Offices closed – observance Christmas Eve
Tuesday, Dec. 26 – NO Commissioners Court (offices closed) – observance Christmas Day
Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 – Denton County Offices closed – observance of New Year’s Day
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 – NO Commissioners Court
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