These evening markets are held only four times a year, and as the word spreads, so does the number of attendees.

“There's just like a fun energy about the night market,” said Clare Graham- Riecke, returning vendor of One Sweet Dove. “I'm just excited to be outside and enjoy this summer night and see folks enjoying the great outdoors.”

Amber Whitworth-Spigner is the market coordinator for The Farmer’s Wife Markets.

The company helps organize markets in other cities, such as Sanger, Justin and Valley View.

The company approached Tioga and received the green light.

“Farmers markets have such a great community amongst vendors and small businesses,” Whitworth- Spigner said. “… We're a small business ourselves, so we just try and promote all the other local small businesses.”

Vendors like Jacklyn Kruger Luensmann of Kruger Garden Farm, who grows fresh produce in her garden, shared what the market means to her.

“It means getting our produce to our neighbors, to our community, feeding them local,” Luensmann said. “We don't have a grocery store here, so this is the closest thing they're going to get. … It's also supporting the downtown businesses, so everyone's going to the pizza shop tonight [and] ice cream shop.”

Luensmann was also credited with the idea to bring the farmers market to Tioga.

“I live here in Tioga, and I wanted to bring my community together with the farmer's market,” Luensmann said. “We have this beautiful space here downtown that wasn't being utilized. So, Amber and I set up a farmers market, and it's been growing, and this is our biggest one yet.”

She added that the market is sponsored by the Tioga Economic Development Corporation, which covers the cost of the band and advertising.

“We're super grateful for the city's support and for the community support and just helping us make this a fun environment for everybody,” Luensmann said.

Ty Junah and the Young Guns provided the musical entertainment.

“I really liked the live music,” attendee Wren Sanchez said. “I was able to dance and sing all the way through. They were playing some good songs and also some originals.”

Sanchez, who recently moved to Tioga, appreciated the vendors' friendliness and said it was a warm welcome to the city.

“All of the vendors were really cool,” Sanchez said. “They had all types of things. They had desserts. They had salsas. They had soaps. I got so many things.”

This was the market's first time having a food truck, with food from Tiny Tina’s Deli and Grill. There to accompany Sanchez were fellow friends.

“I've lived here my whole life,” Stephanie Hodges said. “I've been to school here since pre-K, [and] I graduated in 2024. So, it's really cool to see how much this little town that used to be so ittybitty … get to do farmers' markets now. That is mind-boggling to me.”

The next market in Tioga is planned for Sept. 25.

The Farmer’s Wife Markets will post more information on their Facebook and YouTube pages @Tioga Farmers Market, as well as on the website at thefarmerswifemarkets. com.

“We just appreciate the Tioga community and everybody coming out and supporting our small businesses,” Whitworth-Spigner said.

The shop celebrated its seventh birthday and the expansion of its facilities, all without having to move locations.

“It happened very serendipitously that the gentleman that was in this shop wanted to move into the shop that had air conditioning over there,” Executive Manager Shannon Fasick said. “So, we were able to get this original shop [and] now have both of the big buildings.”

However, the work is not done. There are a couple more surprises still in store for the shop.

“We will soon be offering tire services,” Fasick said. “So, we won't be a full-service tire shop. We won't have, like, every single tire size in stock, but we will have the ability to order tires.”

The shop has come a long way since it first opened under the ownership of Jake Akins in 2019.

“When I moved into this first building, it was me and my dog,” Jake said.

Now the shop has over 10 employees, one of whom is his son Michael Akins.

He reflected on the growth of not only his business but the surrounding developments.

The shop's intent is still to remain family-centered and community-driven.

“We do more than fix cars,” Jake said. “We help all the community … in their darkest moment a lot of times. Nobody's in a good situation when they show up at our front door, and for me and I think the rest of my team, it's more about helping people out than it is about fixing cars or making money or anything like that.”

One of those loyal customers is Emma Moore, who’s become well acquainted with staff in the year since she’s been coming.

“I actually just bought my first house down the road from here, and shortly after that, of course, when you make a big purchase, then your car is like, ‘My turn, my turn,’” Moore said. “And I was like, ‘Oh, they're just right up the road. I'll stop in up there,’ and I keep coming back every time.”

She decided to show up at the event as a way of saying thank you.

“They care not just about your car, but about you,” Moore said. “They'll come and pick me up and drop me off when my car is in the shop, which I know not every shop does. It's just the attention to detail, I think, and just going the extra mile, I think, is the really impressive part about this place.”

Members from the Aubrey 380 Area Chamber of Commerce came to show their support for the business and do the ribbon cutting.

“On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, we want to congratulate Providence Automotive,” President Shannon Black said.

Also, there were Providence Village's newest council member, Jason Lucas, and town staff.

Friends and family of Jake were there, too, including his mom, Lynn Mowles.

“I'm so proud of him,” Mowles said.

She recalled how far Jake has come while reflecting on early childhood memories of her son and his love of cars.

“He's proud of his shop, and that shows,” Mowles said. “… He's proud of his people. Proud of his son, and it shows.”

That decision was made that the July 23 Aubrey City Council meeting, where the company's vice president and project manager, Tyler Firebaugh, explained the company's passion for parks.

'There's a whole bunch of people that you could have chosen for this, and we're honored to be the ones standing up here behind this mic,' he said to the mayor and council. '... Who are we? We are Dean Construction. We build parks. That's the only thing that we do. That's what we focus on over the past 40 years.'

The company will serve as the construction manager at risk, which means the company will work to handle the subcontractors for the project.

'We take pride in our workmanship, our ability to meet ADA standards, which is pretty unique to parks,' Firebaugh said. 'There's a lot of trails and plazas and complexes that the typical CMAR doesn't deal with on a daily basis, but we do that by working closely with city staff and architects to leave your job on time, in budget and keeping your original vision in mind.'

He also mentioned some of the 444 parks the company has created.

'We're just excited to get the opportunity to work with you guys,' Firebaugh said.

City Manager Charles Kreidler spoke of the 'family environment with' the Dean Construction team, as well as of the quality of the parks the city staff toured.

'We really connected with them during these site visits,' he said.

He also pointed out that Dean Construction only takes on at most five projects per year 'so that they give us a personal touch.'

Dean Director of Operations for Construction Kirsten George spoke about the CMAR model.

'It's a two-part contract,' she said. 'The first part of the contract is going to get you into the preconstruction service phase of things. This is where we're going to step in with Westwood ... and start doing some page turns on the plans. We're going to build out a 60% budget.'

At that point, she said, the council will give input.

'The point of that first budget is to get the numbers in front of you so that you can see where you are in design versus the money that you actually have to spend on your complex,' she said.

Then one of two things could happen: value engineering to bring the price down or moving forward with the plans to the 90% mark.

'Once we reach 100% bidding plans, not to say that there wouldn't be some changes after, but ... we have a trusted kind of trade network of about 18,000 subcontractors that we're going to get your plans in front of,' George said.

The hope is to encourage competing bids.

Dean would continue working through the details and help manage the construction phase as well, she said.

'Having done one of these before, I know it is nice to have the contractor involved in the end of design,' Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Fikes said. 'You can value engineer a bunch of stuff and hopefully save us a few dollars in the process, but we also get a better property because we have the contractor involved as we finish the design.'

Early in the meeting, Aubrey Police Chief Richard Brooks introduced municipal court bailiff Sergio Hernandez.

'Sergio retired from the New York City Police Department after 20 years of distinguished service, concluding his career as a detective. During his tenure, he served on duty during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack and received numerous commendations and recognition for his dedication and exemplary service.'

Hernandez was pinned by his wife and their two children after being sworn in by Mayor Chris Rich.

'Maria is also a retired NYPD lieutenant,' Brooks said.

Also in the meeting, the City Council received its annual evaluation of the Public Improvement Districts throughout the city, most of which had a decrease in the assessment levied for the year.

The council also approved an update to the engineering standards in the subdivision ordinance.

The council also authorized the city staff to apply for a 100%, no-match grant for $10,000 to the Texas Water Development Board based on House Bill 500.

'That's great,' Rich said. 'I think we should apply for all of the grants.'

After executive session, the council approved a residential agreement for the Bridleridge Development which is about 166 acres; approved the conditional approval and acceptance of the public infrastructure for the Aubrey Heights development; and approved a settlement agreement in the eminent domain case City of Aubrey, Texas v. Jerry H. Simmons, et al.

Pete Kelly, a transportation engineer with Kimley-Horn, presented on the roadway, water and wastewater impact fee studies, as well as some changes to roadway impact fees.

“State law requires that roadway impact fee service areas be no longer than six miles,” Kelly said. “So, due to some additional annexations in the last five years, we coordinated with city staff to create a second service area in the city of Pilot Point that's divided by north and south by FM 1385.”

He added that Service Area 1 is west of FM 1385, and Service Area 2 is east of FM 1385.

Both water and wastewater are each a service area, and they incorporate the CCN and parts of the extraterritorial jurisdiction.

“The next component that we calculated for the roadway, water [and] wastewater impact fee studies was land use assumptions,” Kelly said. “This is what determines the growth and how much infrastructure is recoverable through impact fees over a 10-year period.”

Based on that information and planned developments, he estimated that over 10,000 single-family units and over 4,000 multi-family units will be added between both service areas, with more development in Service Area 2.

For roadways, the maximum impact fee per single-family home is $9,073 in Service Area 1 and $6,127 in Service Area 2.

“I want to stop to remind everybody that these are for new homes, for new development,” Kelly said. “These are not for existing homes. This is a one-time fee, and it's also the maximum that this body can choose to collect.”

For water infrastructure, over 5,000 service units are expected to be added over 10 years, with the maximum impact fee per service unit of $6,809.

Wastewater is also projected to have over 5,000 service units, with the maximum impact fee of $14,137 per service unit.

Kelly shared the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee’s recommendation for singlefamily homes with the council: $6,809 for water, $7,775 for wastewater, $9,073 for roadway Service Area 1 and $6,127 for roadway Service Area 2.

The city’s current rates are $2,228 for water, $3,899 for wastewater and $4,373 for roadways.

Kelly added that part of the reason maximum impact fees is higher is “because there is more growth to plan for.”

Council unanimously approved setting up the public hearing for Aug. 27 to discuss impact fees.

In June, the council rejected the three bids they received for solid waste and recycling services.

After readvertising the bid for a five-year contract instead of a threeyear one to lower service costs, the city received four new bids.

“Currently, residential services [are] trash and [recycling] on a weekly basis and twice a month bulk services, as well as sponsorship of two cleanup events on an annual basis,” Assistant City Manager Michele Sanchez said, adding that the current rate for those services is $17.

The lowest rate the city received was from Republic Services at $21.10, which was recommended.

The rate is not fixed, and Republic Services does reserve the right to increase prices based on the consumer price index.

However, the contract will state that the city may terminate it if Republic Services is not up to standard and any issue persists.

The council approved negotiating a contract with Republic Services for solid waste collection, including twice-monthly bulk pickup.

Sanchez discussed the water and sewer debt repayment schedule over a 10-year period, and council authorized the publication of the Notice of Intention to Issue Certificates of Obligation.

Also, Sanchez provided a budget and tax rate calendar. Important dates include Aug. 6, a draft budget will be sent to the council and posted online, and then, on Sept. 10, there will be a public hearing and adoption.

Also at the meeting, the council unanimously approved a development agreement for Heritage Ridge that is similar to the one with Hat Creek, City Manager Britt Lusk said.

The developer of the project asked to establish a Public Improvement District. A public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 27.

Pilot Point also recognized the May and June Pilot Point PROMISE Champions.

The May recipient was Parks Tech's Chris Caperton, who was recognized for going the extra mile, both on and off duty, to help residents.

The June recipient was the Fire Department’s B Shift Crew Station One for their efforts in saving a man who was experiencing cardiac arrest from electrical shock.

The man required three AED defibrillations, “with a reported downtime of up to 25 minutes,” Lusk read.

“We're so excited to have these kinds of people represent our organization,” Lusk said.

Branch Manager Lisa Cave, right, draws names for door prizes after Post-Signal Editor and Publisher Abigail Bardwell finishes sharing her presentation, “Highlighting the Community with Community Journalism,” at the July 22 PointBank Business Breakfast in Pilot Point.

Jim Bardwell/The Gladewater Mirror

Passion really makes a difference.

On the evening of July 23, I had the chance to cover the Aubrey City Council.

During the meeting, they approved the company that will bring a massive park project to life for the city.

When I stepped outside to head home from the meeting, I got the opportunity to speak with Tyler Firebaugh, Kirsten George and their fellow Dean Construction team member.

Their excitement about winning the contract with the city and their desire to do a good job with the project were clear.

It was a reminder to me of how much it matters to care about what you do and to love it whenever possible.

That reminder came the day after I spoke at the Pilot Point Point-Bank Business Breakfast, where I got to share some of the highlights that we documented from the community over the course of the last year.

Passion helps us push through when we face challenges, as Thomas Daniels of Capital Plumbing and Mechanics mentioned during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Capital Gainz complex.

Passion also gives direction in serving others, as Lisa Cave with Point-Bank demonstrates on a regular basis.

That was also fully on display at the rehearsal for 'Always... Patsy Cline' on Tuesday evening where Director Cindy Kennedy, Stage Manager Randy Killham, the cast, crew and band all demonstrated their love of performing and dedication to doing it well.

There is little professionally that I get more inspiration from and take more excitement from than seeing the passion others have for their work or their service.

Sometimes society seems to discourage us from expressing our excitement.

I would instead encourage you to share your passions and interests with others.

Life is too short to be passionless.

Abigail Bardwell is the Editor & Publisher of the Post-Signal, and she serves on both the North and East Texas Press Association and the Texas Press Association boards. She can be reached at abardwell@postsignal.com.

At the July 22 school board meeting, Director of Demographic Research Brent Alexander reported that the district’s enrollment has increased by 88.9% over a six-year period from 2019-20 to 202526.

“The demand to live here is at record levels, and it's continuing,” Alexander said.

The graph showed that the district's total enrollment is around 5,000 in 2025-26, compared to just over 3,300 three years ago.

“It's very staggering,” Alexander said.

One reason for the growth is the new housing developments, as the district ranks 14th in DFW for new-home activity, with high-demand subdivisions such as Silverado and Highpointe.

The report projects that over the next 10 years, the district could see more than 7,000 new homes built and occupied.

Elementary No. 5 will help relieve pressure on West, which is described as over-capacity, and on Fuller, which is described as full.

Alexander shared that both the middle schools and the high school have around another decade before reaching functional capacity.

Construction Consultant Dr. Scott Niven gave an update on Elementary No. 5 and said that, so far, the utilities are complete, and the next step is to work on the slab.

“We're moving at a pretty good pace out there, so everything is on target on that job,” Niven said.

Niven said the city had requested a left-turn light at Highmeadow Drive and U.S. 377, and that the Texas Department of Transportation has the money to cover the cost and the crew to install it.

He added that they are trying to expedite the process.

Renovations to the high school field house are near completion, and Niven shared that the district should be able to use the facility before school starts.

The board approved the publication of the proposed tax rate and approved the public meeting date for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 to adopt the proposed tax rate and budget.

“If our tax values remain flat, then they could potentially see a decrease in their tax bill,” Chief Financial Officer Dr. Brian Walton said.

Also at the meeting, Executive Director of Curriculum Joanie Rouk shared how students performed across the district in STAAR and End of Course testing.

To better understand student performance, the board requested more data to compare and track whether students are continuously enrolled.

During public comment, parent Christina Sneed brought to the board's attention what she described as an “emotional rollercoaster” for her daughter, who was a senior last school year.

“The Friday … before graduation, ... we got a call,” Sneed said. “She's failing a half credit of geometry, and she's not going to be able to graduate.”

She shared that the news came as a shock, and the solution was for her daughter to walk the stage with next year’s class.

Sneed said she wanted to raise awareness of the issue and, hopefully, prevent a similar situation from happening to other students.

Also at the meeting, the board approved the hazardous routes resolution and the AISD Student Code of Conduct for the 2026-27 school year with no major changes to each, along with technology equipment purchases not to go over $200,000.

The local actress grew up listening to her songs, including several in the show like her favorite, 'Walking After Midnight.'

'My great-grandparents raised me listening to this era of music, and so it's just a really big deal that I get to kind of have this full circle,' she said.

For Maegan Jasbring, who is playing Louise Seger, being part of the production has been a beautiful way to learn Patsy Cline's work.

'I wasn't super familiar with a lot of Patsy Cline's repertoire before starting this show, so I'm really thankful to be able to learn about her and experience that music in a way that's actually really unique compared to how most other people would experience it,' she said.

The two, backed by a live band, will help the Pilot Point Community Arts bring 'Always... Patsy Cline' to life.

The production celebrates the friendship Cline and Seger shared and the actual correspondence they sent each other.

Director Cindy Kennedy has wanted to do the show for a while.

'I had this idea two years ago when I heard Rae singing one night at the coffee shop,' she said.

Although a number of obstacles elongated the process, Kennedy is excited to see it all come together.

'I'm excited it's finally happening,' she said. 'It's a great band. It's a great cast. It's been a long journey, but we're ready to do it.'

The six-piece band has worked to get 27 songs under their fingers so they can help Sires reproduce Cline's music on the stage at the Starbright Center for the Arts.

'It's been a great partnership,' Kennedy said. '... We're all community-partnershipminded— PPCA is and Starbright is.'

Don Hankinson, who is on bass, spoke about the complexity of the music and his joy about helping with the production.

'She had sophisticated music, and this is kind of the Broadway theater musical treatment of music that's already sophisticated,' he said. 'This is some stuff. We're having fun.'

Kennedy said she is grateful for Hankinson, band leader and lead guitarist George Macias, slide guitarist Matt Boulia, acoustic guitarist Dave Brannon, drummer Travis Hundley and pianist Mike Carroll.

'I feel really lucky to have this caliber of musicians working with us and willing to put in the time,' she said.

The show, which will run from Aug. 7-9 only, was funded by two local grants as well as sponsorships by CH Lonestar Promo and Hosanna Artworks and also by PPCA memberships.

Proceeds from the ticket sales will go back into supporting the mission of the PPCA.

For more information about the PPCA, visit pilot pointcommunityarts. org.

Tickets for the show are available at https://www.starbrightmpa. com/tickets.

The Ray Roberts Lake State Park Johnson Branch Unit, 100 PW 4153 in Valley View will offer Be Water Smart, 2 p.m. Aug. 7, Nature Center, and Full Moon Hike, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 29, Nature Center parking lot.

All events are free with a paid entrance fee into the park. For more information, call 940-6372294.

Ice Cream Party at PP library

The Pilot Point Community Library at 324 S. Washington St. will have the End of Summer Reading Ice Cream Party, 1-3 p.m. Friday. The Digital Newspaper Program: All About the Portal to Texas History will be at 11 a.m. Aug. 15 at the Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum.

The library will have a program pause in August to prepare for fall.

For more information or to register for classes, call 940-6865004.

Puppet Show at Aubrey library

The Aubrey Area Library at 226 Countryside Drive will offer Fun Friday Finale: Puppet Show & Dino Meet and Greet (all ages), 4:30 p.m. Friday, and The Cat Book Club, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The library will be going on a program pause through Aug. 15 to transition into the fall season.

For more information or to register for classes, call 940-365-9162.

Pilot Point HS back to school events

Pilot Point High School will have back to school events for students.

• Schedule pickup, grades 9-11, 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Friday;

•Meet the Teacher, 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday;

•Fish Camp, 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday;

• Senior pictures, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 7.

Pet vaccination mobile clinic

The Penny Paws mobile pet vaccination clinic will be at Atwoods Ranch & Home, 3401 U.S. 377 in Cross Roads from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 817-993-1234.

Back to School Bash at PP Middle School

A Back to School Bash will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Pilot Point Middle School, 828 S. Harrison St. There will be free haircuts, bikes, helmets and school supplies for Pilot Point ISD students.

Donated items of new undershirts, underwear and socks can be dropped off at the Pilot Point Police Department, 1797 N. Washington St. through Friday.

For more information, call 940686-2969.

Main Street Fest in Aubrey

The city of Aubrey will have Main Street Motor Fest from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday in Downtown Aubrey. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and will cost $20. For more information, go to aubreytx. gov/202/events.

PP Booster Club Paint the Paws

The Pilot Point Booster Club will have the annual Paint the Paws at 7 p.m. Sunday at Massey Stadium. All are welcome, and supplies are provided.

Bearcat football season tickets

The 2026 Bearcat football season tickets will go on sale Monday at the PPISD Administration Office, 829 S. Harrison St. For questions, call 940-686-8700.

JetDental to offer free dental services

Free dental services will be offered by JetDental from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday at Pilot Point Elementary School for enrolled students at 501 E. Carol St. Services will include exams, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, cavity screenings and fillings.

To register, call 801-430-9262 or email hello@jetdental.com.

Theatre Camp at Tioga HS

Theatre Camp will be held from 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Wednesday for incoming third-eighth graders at the Tioga High School cafeteria for the production of “Cinderella.” Cost will be $50 per camper. Show dates will be Oct. 10-12.

To register, go to our.show/cinderellacamp.

Coffee Brews, Business News

The next Coffee Brews & Business News will be held from 8-9 a.m. Tuesday at 1902 Central Hall, 201 E. Liberty St. hosted by the Pilot Point Municipal Development District, PointBank and Yvonne Flippen with Humana.

Participants should bring their favorite coffee mug.

Meet the Teacher at PP Elementary

Pilot Point Elementary will host Meet the Teacher on Thursday for first and fourth grades from 5-6:30 p.m. with second, third and fifth grades from 6-7:30 p.m. at 501 E. Carol St.

The Pilot Point PTO will sponsor Chalk the Walk on Aug. 8-9 as a come and go event for community members to write encouraging messages for students in anticipation of the first day of school.

‘Always... Patsy Cline’ at Starbright Center

Starbright Center for the Arts will present “Always... Patsy Cline,” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7-8 with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at 110 S. Washington St. The movie “School of Rock” will be shown at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 22.

To purchase tickets, go to starbrightmpa. com.

Community Market at Mountain Springs

A Community Market will be held from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Mountain Springs Community Center, 173 Mountain Springs Lane in Valley View. A Community Garage Sale will be from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 22.

For more information, go to mountainspringscommunitycenter. com.

Aubrey ISD to hold Chaparral Link

Aubrey ISD will have The Chaparral Link from 10:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at Owens Middle School, 5000 FM 2931. This will be a free community event for Aubrey ISD students and includes school supplies, haircuts, food trucks, dental screenings, and campus and district information.

Donations of school supplies can be dropped off at Aubrey 380 Area Chamber of Commerce, 205 N. Main St. through Aug. 7.

Krugerville Market to have BTS Bash

The Krugerville Farmers Market will have Back to School Bash 2026 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 9 at Woodland Park, 5200 U.S. 377 in Krugerville. To become a sponsor, email krugervillefarmersmarket@ gmail.com.

DCMG to offer indoor gardening

The Denton County Master Gardeners will offer Indoor Plants from 12:15-1:15 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Aubrey Community Center, 226 Countryside Drive. To register, email Dusty Fife at dfife@aubreytx. gov or call 469-678-0889.

Back to School Drive at Secured Title

A Back to School Drive is being sponsored by Secured Title of Texas for Tioga ISD students. School supplies can be dropped off at 101 Gene Autry Drive in Tioga.

Dinner, auction to support athletes

The Pilot Point Booster Club will have the annual dinner and auction starting at 5 p.m. Aug. 15 at Selah Event Venue, 12750 Pelzel Road. Cost will be $15 per person.

To sponsor a table or to donate items, call 940-395-5815 or email pilotpointboosterclub@gmail. com.

Tioga ISD to have meet teacher, schedules

Tioga Elementary and Middle School will have Meet the Teacher Night from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 19 at 405 N. Florence St.

Tioga High School will have schedule pickups for grades 9-11 from 9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Aug. 19 with senior pickup from 9 a.m.noon and 1-3 p.m. Aug. 20 at 855 McKnight Road. Senior yearbook photos will also be taken during this time.

After-hours PP Chamber Mixer

The Pilot Point Chamber will host an after-hours mixer from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 20 at Bella Mia Winery, 111 S. Jefferson St. Participants need to RSVP by Aug. 18 at pilotpoint. org.

Local Lovepacs requests donations

Lovepacs Aubrey/Pilot Point is requesting the following donations: ramen, applesauce cups or pouches, oatmeal, Pop-Tarts, microwave popcorn, granola bars, and mac and cheese or pasta cups.

Area drop-off sites include Brookshire Brothers, Martin General Store and Pilot Point Senior Center in Pilot Point; The Peanut Gallery in Aubrey; and One Mane Place in Krugerville.

Financial donations can be made at lovepacs.org. If interested in delivering weekly bags on Wednesday mornings, email aubrey@ lovepacs.org, call 214-2873758 or go to lovepacs.org.

Meals on Wheels needs drivers

Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver Meals on Wheels one day a week Monday-Friday for 2 to 2 1/2 hours from 10:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. in Aubrey, Krugerville and Pilot Point.

For more information, call Cindy Faris at 972-838-3259.

Around Town is published weekly. Submit information to abardwell@postsignal.com.

Every Weekday

•11 a.m. Congregate meals, conversation and games. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. 972-838--

3259. Friday, July 31

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse, 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•11 a.m. Early Childhood Storytimes (Ages 0-6). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-365-9162.

•7 p.m. Live music with Timothy Shane Stevens. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•7:30 p.m. Karaoke with Pam and Dave. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550,

905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Saturday, Aug. 1

•8 a.m. Cross Roads Community Farmers Market. Cross Roads Town Park, corner of FM 424 and Fishtrap Road.

•9 a.m. Fruit Jar Junction Market. Veterans Memorial Park,

301 S. Main St., Aubrey.

•9 a.m. Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum, 201 S. Jefferson St., Pilot Point.

•10:30 a.m. The Aubrey Area Museum opens for walkin tours. Tours can also be scheduled by appointment.

209 S. Main St. 940-343-1313.

•Noon. Pioneer Baptist Food Bank. Pioneer Baptist Church,

100 Cumberland Trail, Valley View.

•7 p.m. Karaoke Night. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•8 p.m. Backroad Travelers. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Sunday, Aug. 2

•6 p.m. Pilot Point High School football parent meeting. PPHS cafeteria, 1300 N. Washington St.

Monday, Aug. 3

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse. 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•6 p.m. Cross Roads Town Council. Town Hall, 3201 U.S.

380, Ste.105. 940-365-9693.

•6 p.m. Pilot Point Main Street board. Pilot Point City Hall,

102 E. Main St. 940-686--

2165.

•7 p.m. Recovery Care Group. Midway Church, 9540 U.S.

377, Pilot Point.

•7:30 p.m. Pool tournament. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Tuesday, Aug. 4

•8:30 a.m. Positive Pilot Point meets for breakfast and fellowship. PointBank Community Center, 739 E. Liberty St.

•9:30 a.m. Games. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. 972-838-3259.

•Noon. Lake Ray Roberts Rotary Club. PointBank Community Center, 739 E. Liberty St.

•1:30 p.m. Local Vocals Community Singers. Contact Charlotte Petermeier, 214-514--

4892.

•5:30 p.m. Pilot Point Municipal Development District. Pilot Point City Hall, 102 E. Main St.

940-342-5023.

•6 p.m. Aubrey Friends and Family FFA Alumni meeting.

Krugerville Community Center, 5097 U.S. 377.

•6 p.m. Aubrey Parks and Recreation. Aubrey Council Chambers, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-440-9343.

•6 p.m. Cross Roads Planning and Zoning Commission. Town Hall, 3201 U.S. 380, Ste.

105. 940-365-9693.

•6 p.m. Jam Sessions. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•6 p.m. Pilot Point FFA Livestock meeting. PPISD ag barn.

•6:30 p.m. Providence Village Economic Development Corporation. Providence Village Town Hall, 1755 Main St. 940--

365-9333.

•7 p.m. Poker tournament. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

•7:30 p.m. Providence Village Town Council. Providence Village Town Hall, 1755 Main St.

940-365-9333.

Wednesday, Aug. 5

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse. 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•9 a.m. Mountain Springs Quilters. Mountain Springs Community Center, 173 Mountain Springs Lane. 940-736-8013.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•Noon. Pilot Point Parks and Recreation board. Pilot Point City Hall, 102 E. Main St. 940--

686-2165.

•1 p.m. Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum, 201 S. Jefferson St., Pilot Point.

•6 p.m. Pilot Point Ladycats High School girls athletics parent meeting. PPHS library,

1300 N. Washington St.

•6 p.m. Music Bingo. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•6 p.m. Queen of Hearts. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

•7 p.m. Karaoke Wednesdays with Pam and Dave. Lowbrows Saloon, 200 S. Washington St.

•7:30 p.m. Pool tournament. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Thursday, Aug. 6

•9 a.m. Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum, 201 S. Jefferson St., Pilot Point.

•9:30 a.m. Games. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. 972-838-3259.

•10:30 a.m. Stitch & Sketch (ages 10-adult). Pilot Point Community Library, 324 S. Washington St. 940-686--

5004.

•11 a.m. Tioga Senior Center open for refreshments, games and bingo. 305 N. Porch St.

•11:30 a.m. Women’s Lunch.

First United Methodist Church,

217 S. Church St., Pilot Point.

940-686-2338.

•6 p.m. Improv Club. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•6:30 p.m. Pilot Point Planning and Zoning. Pilot Point City Hall, 102 E. Main St. 940-686--

2165. Friday, Aug. 7

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse, 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•2 p.m. Friends of the Pilot Point Community Library. Pilot Point Community Library,

324 S. Washington St. 940--

686-5004.

•7 p.m. Jam & Java. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•7:30 p.m. Karaoke with Pam and Dave. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550,

905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Community Calendar is published weekly. To add or change a listing, email abardwell@postsignal.com.

He got to celebrate the morning with the groundbreaking for the Capital Gainz complex, which will soon be the home of Capital Plumbing, Capital Mechanics and a lease center.

'It's a dream come true,' he said. 'We always wanted to get to a size where we'd have to have our own building, have to have our own place.'

After working through adversity for years, they are now there.

'Sometimes those difficult times are hard to see through, but after you get through them and you see what you're made of, then all of a sudden things start coming together, and you put your trust in God,' Thomas said. 'He'll handle it from there.'

He owns the companies with his wife, Sarah Daniels, who serves as the president of their companies.

'We're just blessed beyond belief to be able to start this and in a great community with so much support,' Sarah said about the Capital Gainz complex.

There will be 7,700 square feet for Capital Plumbing and Mechanical at the back of the lot at the corner of U.S. 377 and South Donation Street, with a 10,800 square-foot lease center facing the highway.

'We'll rent it by the square foot, but there's opportunity for six bays in there,' Daniels said. 'But if somebody comes in and says they want two, three bays, then we'll rent out whatever square footage they want.'

The growth their company has seen has exceeded her expectations, and she credited Thomas with that.

'He is the rock and the stronghold of everything,' she said.

Eric Francois, who works for the Daniels, said he is grateful for the way they treat their employees and excited to see the way the company is evolving.

'This company is growing really quick, ... and it's awesome to see all this support out here that we have,' he said. 'And I'm just excited to see what the future brings.'

He added that the Daniels 'run this company like we're their family.'

'I'm very honored to be a part of this company,' Francois said.

Several members of the Tioga community as well as the Pilot Point Chamber of Commerce turned out to celebrate with the Capital family.

Tioga Mayor Craig Jezek and Tioga Police Chief Curtis Macomb participated in the turning of the dirt.

Jezek said the center could help highlight what's possible for future commercial projects around town.

'It's good growth,' Jezek said of the project.

Lisa Cave, who serves on the Chamber board and who is working with the Daniels as part of the lending team with PointBank, said she is so happy to see the project fully starting.

'[Thomas] really wants to bring new vitality to Tioga and continue to watch it grow, and what he wants to do is also help other business owners,' she said. '... It is a great project, and it's been great to be a part of that and to have this relationship with him.'

Thomas also thanked Terry Hilliard with Signature Company Realtors, who sold the lot to the Daniels.

Hilliard said after the ceremony he wanted the right buyer for the property.

'This will spark a lot of other ideas here,' Hilliard said. 'It will show people that it can be done.'

At the close of the ceremony, Ruby Daniels, Thomas' mother, announced that it was her son's birthday, prompting a round of 'Happy Birthday.'

'It has just made my heart so happy, and he's a blessing, and he's doing what God wants him to do,' Ruby said. 'It's just an honor to have a child that grew up to do this.'

THEFT – Krugerville PD investigated a theft report around 6:30 p.m. Monday in the 6000 block of New Hope Road.

CRASH – A four-vehicle crash was dispatched to CRPD on Sunday near the intersection of U.S. 380 and U.S. 377. A man, 33, was arrested on charges of intoxication manslaughter and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

DEADLY CONDUCT – Pilot Point police responded to a shots fired call Sunday in the 400 block of St. Thomas Aquinas Avenue. The investigation is ongoing.

PROTECTIVE ORDER – On Saturday, Aubrey PD arrested a 55-year-old on a violation of bond/protective order in the 1400 block of Kingston Place.

CRASH – A two-vehicle accident was reported to Cross Roads police July 24 near the intersection of FM 424 and Lakeway. No injuries were reported.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION – A 34-year-old was arrested July 24 by APD on a charge of public intoxication near the intersection of Millican Lane and Tobias Lane.

ACCIDENT – Around 3:30 p.m. July 23, Krugerville PD investigated a traffic accident with no injuries near the intersection of U.S. 377 and Stewart Road.

CRASH – Cross Roads police responded to a twovehicle crash investigation July 23 near the intersection of U.S. 380 and FM 424. No injuries were reported.

FRAUD – Pilot Point PD received a report of fraudulent use/possession of identifying information July 22 in the 500 block of East Carol Street.

ASSAULT – A teenager was arrested July 22 by Aubrey police on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon family violence in the 3100 block of Burmese Street.

WARRANTS – On July 22, APD arrested a 42-yearold on four Denton County warrant charges in the 500 block of Springhill Road.

SHOPLIFTING – A shoplifting investigation July 22 by Cross Roads police resulted in a man, 18, being issued a citation for theft under $100 in the 11700 block of U.S. 380. He was also given a criminal trespass warning.

DWI – An accident involving injury and driving while intoxicated was investigated July 22 by PPPD in the 1200 block of Foundation Drive. No arrests have been made.

WARRANT – Aubrey PD arrested a 20-yearold July 22 on a Jefferson County warrant charge in the 9800 block of Cedarcrest Drive.

THEFT – A retailer reported July 21 to CRPD that a man took a hoodie and left on foot in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

ASSAULT – Pilot Point police officers were dispatched to an assault call July 21 in the 600 block of McFarland Street.

THEFT – A woman, 39, was arrested July 21 by Cross Roads PD on a charge of theft in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

FRAUD – A report of fraudulent use/possession of identifying information was made to Pilot Point police July 20 in the 600 block of Cheryl Street.

ASSAULT – A 42-yearold was arrested July 20 by APD on a charge of assault by contact family violence in the 10800 block of Cobalt Drive.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS – Pilot Point police arrested an individual July 20 on a charge of criminal trespass in the 300 block of North Prairie Street.

-Kim Fleming

Apex was represented by five competitors at the Sevierville Convention Center in Sevierville, Tennessee, where they battled over 800 athletes from across the country and returned home with three medals.

“As a coach, my requirements for athletes at any competition are always for our goal to be hitting routines in competition as well as they do in practice,” said Tyler Terrell, Apex owner and head coach. “If they do that successfully, it’s a win in my book, regardless of how we place, and that’s what we did this year.”

Harley Piper, who competed in the 15+ age group, was Apex’s top performer this year, earning medals in the girls level 5 trampoline and double mini trampoline events.

Piper finished third in the trampoline with a score of 15.27 and fourth in the double mini trampoline with a combined score of 37.47.

This year’s competition marked Piper’s fourth time competing at the Stars & Stripes event, and the Decatur resident said she’s already looking forward to next year.

“It felt nice to go back, and I hope next year I can move up to a new level and perform well with a new level of competition,” she said.

Logan Houck, the reigning level 5 national champion in the boys double mini trampoline for the 11–12-year-old age group, placed sixth in the level 6 double mini trampoline this year with a combined score of 37.33.

Houck also tied for 11th place in the level 6 trampoline event with a score of 14.6.

“It was harder, but [the performances] were fun,” he said.

Kennedy Walker of Pilot Point, who competed in the 11–12-year-old age group, also returned to the big stage for the second consecutive year, finishing 40th in the girls level 5 tumbling event with a combined score of 34.06.

Walker also finished 45th in the level 5 double mini trampoline with a 34.27-point total.

“I was so happy and excited to go back, and I wasn’t nervous because I did it last year,” she said. “I was a little down when I got my scores, but I am proud of how hard I worked in the gym this year and going back to Nationals.”

Apex was also well represented by two new faces in Isaac Evans from Little Elm and Zoe Stephenson from Aubrey, who both made their first appearances on the national stage.

Evans placed 11th in the boys level 5 double mini-trampoline event with a score of 18.53 in the 11-12-year-old age group.

“He struggled with a bit of a mental block of flipping backwards in the gym over the past month, which was really unfortunate but not unheard of late in the season, and that was a big challenge,” Terrell said. “He had two routines and hit one really well but was unable to complete the second due to the mental block.”

Despite his struggles, Evans said he enjoyed competing at the event and that he’s looking forward to returning to the competition mat.

“I felt good until I got to the back tuck because I lost it, but I’ve lost my back tuck multiple times, so I’m definitely going to get it back,” he said.

Stephenson placed 15th in the girls level 6 trampoline event with a score of 15.2 in the 11-12-year-old age group.

“Trampoline is the hardest [event] to calm your nerves because the leg shakes affect you the most compared to tumbling or double mini, where you get to run before you start your skill, but [Zoe] did a great job managing her nerves and hit her routine just like she did in practice,” Terrell said.

Stephenson said she also enjoyed competing at the event and offered words of encouragement for anyone else interested in gymnastics.

“If you want to learn [gymnastics], don’t give up, even if it’s hard, and be proud of yourself in whatever you do,” she said.

Terrell echoed Stephenson’s sentiments. “The thing I love about gymnastics is that it can help everybody at whatever they may pursue later,” he said. “Gymnasts are the ultimate generalists, and they can go from here and do anything athletically; so if you have a kid that’s bouncing off the walls and tearing up your couch like I did to my parents back in the day, gymnastics is a great way to work that energy out.”

Talia blazed her way down the ramp for the first time this season, beginning her training this spring and culminating with her competing at the national- level event in Navasota, where she set a new personal record of 4-feet-6-inches to finish in first.

“I’m absolutely floored at how much progress she’s made in such a short period of time,” Talia’s father and coach, Troy Horton, said. “When she started on May 4th, she could barely swing herself up onto the landing pad, to now where she can clear a crossbar that’s over her head is nothing short of amazing.”

Talia, who comes from a family of pole vaulters, said her father and older brother Jayson Stogner were her biggest inspiration to start pole vaulting.

“I saw them jumping high, and I said maybe I can do that too someday,” she said.

Despite growing up around the sport and even having a great uncle, Glenn Engelland, who was a collegiate pole vaulter, Talia said her first time trying to launch herself through the air proved challenging.

“I thought, ‘I don’t know how to do this, but I’ll keep trying, and I’ll get better,’” she said.

Talia continued practicing at home and started training with pole vaulting coaches Vladimir Kalmykov and Ekaterina Kalmykova at Keys Athletics in Haslet.

She said working on her technique has been the biggest lesson so far.

“I learned I had to start trying to get my feet all the way up to the bar,” Talia said.

Once she was ready, Talia took part in her first competition at the Off the Grid Summer Jam on June 13 in Granbury, where she finished fourth in the 8U division with a height of 3-feet-3-inches.

“I tried to jump high, and I was pretty close to doing 3-feet-6-inches,” she said.

And “jump high” she did, with Talia improving her personal best multiple times at the competitions that followed.

She cleared 3-feet-6inches less than a week later at the Port Aransas Beach Vault on June 19, followed by a new personal best of 4-feet-three-inches at the Texas Express Don Isett Invitational in Princeton on July 18, where she won first place in the 8U division.

“She went over to Princeton and had a breakthrough,” Troy said. “She started to do what she’s been doing in practice.”

Talia said one of her biggest motivators is outperforming her older brother, Jayson, who is the current boys pole-vaulting record holder for Tioga Independent School District, and Jayson said he couldn’t be happier.

“It’s awesome that she’s looking at me for motivation, and I’ve worked harder this summer because I know she’s watching,” he said. “… I think it helps us both, and I think it would be even more [amazing] for two siblings to dominate the record board at Tioga in women’s and men’s pole vaulting; that would be a dream come true.”

With the national championship out of the way, Talia will wrap up her first season of competition at the Texas Express Jump for Dylan Meet on Saturday at the Texas Express Training Center in Princeton.

“I’m just so proud of her for deciding she wanted to do it, because up until that point I’d ask, ‘Do you want to start pole vaulting like Daddy and [Jayson]?' and she'd say, ‘No, it's scary,' and then one day, she said, ‘I’m ready,’' Talia’s mother, Susan Horton, said. “She just decided she wanted to do it and beat her big brother in the medal count department, and she’s done so well already.'

Mason Smith, Chris Caruthers and Ben Thacker are the newest members of the Bearcats’ athletic program, and the trio is planning to help the Bearcats continue their return to prominence.

“We’re happy to have all the new coaches hired,” said Chad Worrell, Pilot Point athletic director and head football coach. “We brought in some people with different backgrounds and [experience], and it's going to make our staff more well-rounded and add to the culture that we already have established here with our staff.”

Smith joins the Bearcats coaching staff after working the last three years in Sanger ISD, where he served as an assistant coach with Sanger High School’s football and soccer programs and as an assistant coach for Sanger’s middle school basketball and track teams.

He said the strength of Pilot Point’s community was one of the biggest motivators for him joining the Bearcats’ program.

“I grew up in Corinth, and my neighborhood there felt close-knit, and I feel like it’s the same type of closeknit community here,” he said. “In these types of places, everybody comes to each other’s aid when they need it, which is something I really love.”

Smith arrives in Pilot Point as an assistant coach with the Bearcats’ powerlifting and track and field teams and as an offensive and defensive line coach with the football program.

“I just want to build relationships; that’s what I feel like is the biggest part in coaching and education,” he said. “If we can build relationships as a coaching staff, as teachers and administrators, and most importantly, with the kids and parents, that’ll set us up for success in the long run.”

Caruthers comes to Pilot Point as an assistant coach with the middle school track team and the Bearcats football team, where he will work specifically with the running backs and defensive line.

He said he gained most of his coaching experience while playing rugby for the Jakarta Komodos Rugby Football Club in Indonesia.

“The team had a junior program, so we’d go out to where they trained and help them get going,” he said. “There was also a touch rugby league that really grew during the COVID years, while we didn’t have a season, and we had a bunch of new people coming in, so we were the ones teaching them the basics of the game.”

He added that he hopes to be a good example for the young athletes.

“I played college football in Scotland and then rugby in Jakarta, and I want to bring those experiences here,” he said. “Some of my teammates were shorter guys, and we played guys that were 6-feet-5 inches and 350 pounds, while some of us were 110 pounds soaking wet, but I want these kids to know that it is possible to do anything you put your mind to.”

Thacker joins the Pilot Point staff as an assistant baseball coach and football coach, where he will work primarily with the running backs and linebackers.

“I was raised [in Celina], so I’ve been around small-town football forever,” he said. “I did my student teaching at Prosper Walnut Grove, which was a nightand- day difference from places like this. I went back to Celina for a year and a half and then came here this summer, and it’s been great.”

Thacker said he’s excited to hit the ground running with the Bearcats.

“Wherever I go, I try to bring a don’t be soft mentality, and I want to help maintain the competitive environment that’s already here,” he said. “And I’ve been here this summer, and that’s been showing. These are some of the hardest working kids that I’ve ever been around, and it’s been incredible to see.”

AAYSA sent 66 competitors to Brewer High School to compete against the best Region 4 had to offer, with 22 athletes across 26 events moving on to the 2026 TAAF Summer Games of Texas State Track and Field Meet.

“The competition this year was a lot more intense, and there were a lot more runners,” AAYSA track commissioner Michelle Watkins said. “Some events had anywhere from 30 to 90 participants, but overall, we did well, and I’m excited at how many we have going to State.”

Cross Oaks Elementary first grader Allison Agochi was the team’s top performer in the sprint events, winning gold in the 6U girls 50- and 100-meter dashes with times of 9.43 and 18.68 seconds.

“I liked running and getting first place,” Agochi said. “… I felt like I had super energy, so I ran fast.”

She added that she “wants to bring home gold and silver” medals from the State meet.

Pilot Point Elementary third grader Luke Eichenberger finished seventh in the 8U boys 400-meter dash with a time of 1:19.05.

“I felt really excited about how I did, and now I get to go on to State,” he said. “I’m really hoping I can beat my best time there and come back with a medal.”

Jaxon Hester was the team’s lone qualifier in the middle-distance races, finishing sixth in the 12U boys 800-meter run with a time of 2:43.15.

Tripp Lankford was the top performer in the long-distance events, placing fourth in the 12U boys 1600-meter run with a time of 5:52.6.

Audrey Johnson finished seventh in the 14U girls 1600-meter run with a time of 6:22.9.

Ella Watkins placed seventh in the 14U girls 3200-meter run with a time of 15:03.8.

Ava Walton finished seventh in the 16U girls 3200-meter run with a time of 14.41.74.

Aubrey High School freshman Harley McCraw was the top performer in the hurdle events, recording silver medal finishes in the 14U girls 100- and 300-meter hurdles with times of 17.39 and 49.86 seconds.

“I did pretty great, all glory to God,” McCraw said. “I feel like you get out of the experience what you put into it, and I [ran] well, and I only need to trim off one second to beat the top person at State, so I feel pretty confident.”

She said she hopes last year’s experience will help her be more relaxed on the big stage.

“Last year, when they said, 'on your mark,' I was so nervous I flinched,” Mc-Craw said. “I’m hoping it's better this year because I know what it’s going to be like, so it won’t be as scary for me.”

Tyson Edwards took bronze in the 14U boys 110-meter hurdles, recording a time of 18.8 seconds.

Waylon Graham finished sixth in the 12U boys 80-meter hurdles, with a time of 17.35 seconds.

Tessa Brezofski finished seventh in the 12U girls 80-meter hurdles, with a time of 19.27 seconds.

Alia Crosland was the top performer in the field events, placing fourth in the 8U girls long jump with a distance of 10-feet-2 1/2-inches.

Ved Keshari finished fifth in the 10U boys shot put with a throw of 18-feet-11-inches.

Graysen Brown placed sixth in the 10U boys shot put with a toss of 13-feet-3inches.

Ellie Clay finished seventh in the 12U girls shot put with a throw of 20-feet-5-inches.

Camden Brown placed seventh in the 14U boys shot put with a throw of 25-feet-2-inches.

In the relay events, the 12U girls team finished fifth in the 4x400-meter relay with a time of 1:13.52.

The 10U girls team placed seventh in the 4x100-meter relay, recording a time of 6:09.77.

As the AAYSA’s track program continues to grow, Michelle said she’s hoping the team can also improve in its second appearance at the TAAF Summer Games of Texas.

“I want them all to be able to place, and they have the opportunity to place high,” she said. “… Last year we had two who earned ribbons out of the 12 [athletes] we took, so I’m hoping for more than that this year.”

AAYSA’s track team is scheduled to compete at the 2026 TAAF Summer Games of Texas starting Thursday through Aug. 2 in Bryan and College Station.

AAYSA’s new golf team partnered with Christie’s Golf Ranch and the Tee Indoor Simulator for a six-week program, teaching the sport of golf to Aubrey area athletes.

“We wanted to give kids that have never played an opportunity to learn in a space that is conducive to learning and not feeling judged,” AAYSA golf commissioner Randy Hagen said. “Most of our golfers were first-timers, so we wanted to build an affordable option for the kids to start learning.”

The AAYSA board sent out emails to spread the word and gauge interest about its new golf program and eventually welcomed 61 young athletes for its first season.

“The response was encouraging and also a little scary because I was worried that we had too many kids, but it worked out really well,' Randy said. “We were able to get age groups all the way from 6U to 14U, so it all worked out in the long run, but sending out those emails to everybody and seeing their response made it a lot easier to move forward with the program.”

Over the last six weeks, Randy, along with Becca Barton, AAYSA golf co-commissioner; Jeff Christie, owner of Christie’s Golf Ranch; and Patrick Nolan, owner of the Tee Golf Simulator, worked together to teach the young athletes the fundamentals of the game of golf.

“It was our first time partnering on something like this, and we had a few kinks, but all in all, we had a great turnout, and we’re looking forward to doing another one in the fall,” Christie said.

Randy’s son and Monaco Elementary first grader Hays Hagen said he enjoyed learning the new sport.

“I thought it was going to be fun, and honestly, it was,” he said. “I felt like I was going to do well because playing baseball taught me how to hit the ball hard.”

Monaco Elementary fourth grader Maria Dominguez- Martinez highlighted the golf simulator at the Tee as her favorite part of the program.

“It has this screen that lets us know the height of the ball after we hit it, and the teacher at the simulator really helped us out and gave us tips in a nice way,” she said.

Aubrey High School freshman Tess Gore offered words of encouragement for anyone interested in giving golf a try.

“It’s lot of fun, you’ll meet new people, and it’s just a great experience to have no matter what grade you’re going into,” she said.

AAYSA parent Scott Bryant shared his thoughts on the program.

“I love golf and love being out in nature, myself, so I thought it was good for this generation that tends to be electronically fluent to get outside,” he said. “This provided a great opportunity during the summer when it may be too hot for the running sports for the kids to touch some grass and enjoy the outdoors without [straining] themselves in the heat.”

AAYSA president Cindy McCraw said she hopes that this is just the beginning for the program.

“We want to double registration in the future,” she said. “… In the future we want to put together a one- to twoday coaching clinic for our volunteers because there are a lot of parents that play golf but may be intimidated by coaching, but we want more people that are willing to help grow the program and ultimately help us put Aubrey on the map and send our kids into high school and beyond, loving the sport.”

Restoration has begun to breathe new life into the historic building on Main Street, built in 1890, and further the mission of Aubrey’s Municipal Development District.

“There is also a lot of value in preserving the character of Aubrey,” MDD Board President Holly Drew said in a message. “We are growing quickly, but I think it is extremely important that we don’t lose sight of who we are and where we came from. Restoring existing buildings gives us an opportunity to embrace growth while still protecting the history and personality that make Aubrey special.”

One of the roles of the MDD is to develop and support economic development projects that benefit Aubrey and the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. Part of the decisions the board makes is to buy properties, MOMS on Main being one.

The last business there was the MOMS on Main restaurant, a name by which the building is still affectionately referred to today. It served as a community gathering place up until its closing in 2023.

“The biggest benefit is bringing life back into a building that has been sitting vacant and making it a productive part of our downtown again,' Drew said. “Every occupied building matters in a historic downtown. It creates activity, brings people into the area, supports surrounding businesses, and encourages additional investment.”

She added that behind the scenes, it took a lot of discussions and planning by the team.

The restoration work has already started on the building, including masonry repairs both interior and exterior, along with repairs to the facade, wood, windows and roof.

Construction is expected to finish at the end of July or early August.

“There's quite a bit of renovations that need to take place,” MDD board Vice President Todd Davis said. “But I think that gave the MDD a great opportunity for a selling point for anyone that wants to come into it, because they do get that fresh, clean slate on the inside, to really design the establishment they want, while maintaining that architecture on the outside, that historic look to the downtown buildings, but being able to bring a modern elegance to it in a way.”

Davis also gave kudos to the surrounding tenants for already maintaining that legacy and feel.

MOMS on Main is one of several historical buildings on the street still standing over a century old as a testament to Aubrey's rich history.

“They play an important role today, and they remind us of the heritage of the founding families of Aubrey who built those buildings, and they were the original entrepreneurs in Aubrey,' MDD Executive Director Christine Gossett said. “… To continue using those buildings for businesses is really a major goal for us.”

The decision to invest was an important one for the MDD.

“The board deliberated on a decision about it just because it is such a large parcel in downtown in a historic strip of buildings, which is very important to the core of the Central Business District,” Gossett said.

Another draw was the possibilities and opportunities it would create for the city, and that comes with choosing the right tenant.

“At the end of the day, it's what do the citizens of Aubrey want?” Davis said. “What are they looking for in our future growth? So finding an establishment that's gonna maintain that history but also provide a service that we desperately need as a city … and that the citizens desperately want.”

The Request for Proposal is posted on AubreyMDD. com under the Real Estate & Maps tab and on AubreyTX.gov.

The RFP will be listed as “Tenant Proposals for 204208 S. Main,” and it will have all the requirements for a potential restaurant tenant and contact information.

The deadline to apply has been extended to Aug. 10, and potential tenants can arrange a tour of the building.

“Having the opportunity to be on the board during this crucial period and having that opportunity as a board to make the decision to purchase the MOMS building and develop it and help guide development … is a great opportunity for this city and the citizens to see exactly what the purpose of the MDD is,” Davis said.

At the inaugural health fair, there were just under 40 vendors offering services for all ages and around 100 attendees; there were 62 vendors and 101 attendees as the second annual event Saturday.

“For Denton Freedom House, it's a way for us to give back to a community that gives so much to us,” Health Fair Foundation President Maria Jones said. “We're a nonprofit, and a lot of our donors are from this area, and so it's just a way that we can give back to them.”

Helping to organize the event with Jones are its founding members: Wendy Adkins, Abigail Bardwell and Renee Polk, who diligently worked behind the scenes to organize it and stayed prepared when unexpected road bumps occurred.

“At our original planned location, we had some maintenance issues that we couldn’t overcome in time to continue at that location,” Polk said. “But the [Pilot Point] ISD was very gracious to us and immediately made this space available to us, which it has worked out wonderfully.”

Something new this year was having both a website and a Facebook page for the Pilot Point Health Fair created by coorganizer Adkins.

“We are Pilot Point, we are in the process of growing, but we are still small and just seeing the kinds of vendors and the resources that are available just right up here in the 377 corridor. It’s amazing and I’m hoping it’s opening people’s eyes to what exists in our community where they can go and get themselves healthy, well and ready to tackle the world,” Adkins said.

Pilot Point Mayor Chad Major gave the welcoming speech; he thanked the many sponsors and volunteers, including the Lake Ray Roberts Rotary Club, the Pilot Point Independent School District, Denton Freedom House, the city of Pilot Point and the Pilot Point Post-Signal.

Resident Basil Gist served as the event’s emcee, calling out winners and helping distribute the raffle prizes.

Foodies in Texas was there as both a vendor and to cater healthy lunches.

One couple returned for the second year, browsing from booth to booth and appreciated the variety of vendors, and encouraged more people to come out.

“I know it’s early in the morning, but people are missing out on a good opportunity to learn about things that could help them, especially the older adults, like myself,” Gary Garcin said.

Another attendee, Shaniqua Murrell, came to the event for the first time with her mom to get her first mammogram after learning that Texas Health Resources offered the service and was appreciative of the health fair.

She was one of 15 participants who received that free breast cancer screening.

The fair offered a range of services, including dentistry, fitness, outdoor activities, counseling services, veteran services and other unique options to support both physical and mental health at a free or reduced rate.

Co-organizer Bardwell experienced the benefits of having a health fair firsthand.

“Last year I was in a different position in life than I am this year,” Bardwell said. “It was actually helpful for me last year to go and get my own blood work done because I had been kind of nervous about where I was, and it helped give me peace of mind.

“That might be an opportunity for that for other people in the community who maybe don’t have the resources they need to go to the doctor at the moment or think they don’t have the ability to do that right now. It gives them that chance to have that snapshot at what’s going on.”

It also gave people the chance to give through services like the Carter BloodCare drive that was offered on site and had 30 people donate.

“It’s just at a critical time right now,” advocate and resident BJ Wheeler said. “I’ve been saying 1,600 units, but that has increased to about 1,700 units a day in the North Texas area that are needed every day. The great thing is every unit of blood can help three people. … Donation is something that you can do and should do because it’s desperately needed.”

Lori Nelson, director of community engagement at Denton County Friends of the Family, said events like these help spread awareness of their services aimed to help those in need.

“Victims don’t always have a way to make those connections, or they are given messages that no one will believe you or there’s no one out there to help you, and we want everyone to know that we exist,” Nelson said. “So, whether they’re a victim or they know someone who might be a victim, this is the best way for us to get our information out there.”

The update resulted from the district administration and the Texas Education Agency-appointed Conservator Dr. Karen Wiesman working with the state to adjust the payments over the course of the school year to reflect an accurate average daily attendance number.

'The majority of it was adjusted on that payment schedule,' Superintendent Josh Ballinger said. 'That's when we dropped a couple hundred thousand dollars the last three payments, and this last payment will be about [$200,000].'

As a result, the district will be able to record a roughly $1 million surplus to continue chipping away at the financial bind it has been working through for about half a decade.

The board also accepted the resignation of trustee James Hurt, who submitted his letter of resignation on June 24.

'This decision has not been made lightly,' he wrote. 'Due to the growth of my business and several projects located outside the state of Texas that require my direct onsite supervision, I am no longer able to dedicate the time and presence necessary to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of a school board trustee.'

He added that he came to the decision 'in the best interest of the district' so his fellow trustees can 'appoint a replacement who can be consistently present and fully engaged in all meetings, training requirements and district activities,' according to the letter.

Hurt also expressed appreciation for the opportunity he had to be part of the board.

'Serving the students, families and taxpayers of Tioga has been a privilege and an honor,' he wrote.

School board President Dallas Slay echoed that sentiment in his comments.

'Shout out to James for stepping in and stepping up when he could, but sometimes life throws you a curveball and things have to change,' he said. 'So, if you are considering applying to be on here, just know that when you do sign up, you are expected to be here, so it does need to be a priority for you.'

Ballinger informed the board members they have 180 days from accepting the resignation to appoint a new trustee and that the spot will be on the next May ballot.

The trustees also voted to increase the meal prices for lunch and breakfast to help cut the deficit created by the food costs.

'It's not a secret of the cost of living and the cost of products,' Ballinger said. 'It was the one area in our budget adoption last month that I said we're being very generous on the revenue stream there.'

Increasing the lunch price for students to $3.75 and breakfast to $1.70 will make an impact, Ballinger said.

Ballinger also explained why the district does not receive the same level of reimbursement as other districts that have a greater number of students who qualify for free and reduced meals.

Fifth-grade teacher Penny Tucker asked about teacher meal prices, which will increase to $5.45 for lunch.

Ballinger said he will work with a representative from Region 10 to assess the pricing.

'I hope this is sufficient,' he said.

The trustees also approved the purchase of an additional 77-passenger International bus and a 15-passenger Transit van and authorized Ballinger to handle the purchase of both.

' As I mentioned last month, in adopting the budget, you've already approved enough for that payment to be made,' Ballinger said.

Also at the meeting, the trustees honored the members of the FCCLA program who represented Tioga at the national level in Washington, D.C.

Recent THS graduates Lacie Gray and Emily Ballinger were present for the recognition.

'We had three teams representing not only our school, but [also] the state in their star events, which is a project-based learning competition,' FCCLA adviser Christi Crowe said.

Gray and Ballinger placed in the Top 10, as did Gabby Cuellar, who took fourth, with Jimmy Hendricks placing 11th in his event.

That's how the members and leadership of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps felt Monday when they used Pilot Point Middle School as their temporary base before performing in McKinney.

'We travel all over the country, and we count on high schools that open their doors to let us make this our home,' Phantom Regiment Tour Director Joe Taylor said.

The five members of the bass drum line found a cluster of trees across the street from Massey Stadium to continue working on their parts with the help of Jacob Wetzel.

He told them to draw from their 'entire bass drum experience' as they performed.

They proceeded to play the section he told them to practice while marking time with their legs.

'Isn't it crazy how that was better than 20 minutes ago,' Wetzel said. '... There's a certain element I think sometimes when you're working and when you're teaching, and you go, I have to think about only what I've been taught here because I'm here, but that's not the case at all.'

He continued to encourage the five bass drummers to trust their experience and skills.

Section leader Alex Gorman, who has been with the Phantom Regiment for three of his four years in the drum and bugle corps, said being part of the drum corps had been a dream for him 'since elementary school.'

'Finally being able to be at the top of the activity and do what I've always wanted to do means just absolutely everything to me,' he said. 'Being here with such special people is such a privilege every day. It's the best thing that we could be doing here with our time.'

He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and he fell in love with the Drum Corps International bands after watching the performances online.

'If people are questioning it or not sure if they should do it, always just try to go out to a camp and see how it turns out,' Gorman said. 'There's no downside to auditioning and trying.'

He also spoke about gaining lifelong friendships, something color guard captain Jocelyn Wallen also spoke about.

'The main thing is the connections with the people that I've met here,' she said. '... We have a similar drive and passion to do this one thing for three months.'

Wallen has been part of the Phantom Regiment, which is based out of Rockford, Illinois, for five years.

Originally from Eastern Tennessee, Wallen spoke about enjoying performing alongside people from across the country and beyond.

'We have people from Japan and Great Britain,' she said.

Like Gorman, she will be aging out after this season.

'You can turn 22 on or after June 1, and my birthday is June 1, ... so it's kind of like meant to be to do this last season for me,' Wallen said.

Monday was the Phantom Regiment's final performance in Texas for the summer.

'It's nice to have a gym like this so we can have AC and be able to practice, especially in the heat of Texas,' she said. '... [Having] the turf field is nice as well.'

Having help from school programs like Pilot Point is crucial for the success of the Drum Corps International program, Taylor said.

'This is the first time that we've been at this facility, and they've been so welcoming,' he said. '... Because Pilot Point opened up for us, we're able to continue doing what we do on a regular basis. Otherwise, this organization just simply couldn't go on.'

He also hopes that being visible in the community helps inspire local students to pursue being part of a Drum Corps International group, as it did him.

'Way back a long time ago, 1989, I saw Phantom Regiment live and I said, 'That's it,'' Taylor said. 'Whatever I have to do, I'm going to make that drum corps.' I'm hoping there was somebody in the stands today that said the same thing.'

Ryan Adamsons, who is the brass caption manager for the bugle and drum corps, was also a Drum Corps International performer as a young adult and has worked with multiple groups since.

'For me, it was the first thing I couldn't do and just get by on talent,' he said. 'So it was just very, very helpful for me as a younger student to understand what it meant to work ... as a team.'

He loves the chance to share that with the young adults in the Phantom Regiment, along with his love of music.

His admiration for his peers is also a major reason he loves being part of the Phantom Regiment staff.

'Everybody here is a world-class expert at what they do,' Adamsons said.

He is a composer who lives in Chicago for his fulltime profession.

'I do a lot of jazz stuff, but I'm basically writing music all the time,' he said.

Being part of multiple Drum Corps International groups has had a lifelong impact on Adamsons, as that's how he met his wife.

He loves the passion and dedication he sees throughout the Phantom Regiment and other DCI touring groups.

'To be able to share [your experiences] and help them get where they want to go is definitely the thing that gets you through the day when it's hot like this,' Adamsons said.

The project is split into three phases with the intent to widen FM 1385 from two lanes to six.

“[The Texas Department of Transportation] entrusted the design portion of the FM 1385 project a few years ago to Denton County in an effort to keep it moving,” according to a statement by Denton County Commissioner Ryan Williams, Precinct 1. “Because of that partnership, the Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT Dallas and the Regional Transportation Council were able to allocate $38 million in new funding towards widening FM 1385 from U.S. 380 to Union Park Boulevard.”

The Precinct 1 Transportation Report states that the estimated construction cost for Phase 1 on FM 1385 is slightly over $39 million in the latest report released in June.

“I'm excited about any movement that would show interest in 1385,” Pilot Point Mayor Chad Major said. “You have to walk before you run.”

Aubrey Mayor Chris Rich shared a similar sentiment.

“It's great that they've got something, and if they're going to break it into phases, I assume they're going to have to do them in order, so if they're doing one, that means two is next,” Rich said. “At least we're moving in the right direction.”

The press release added that Denton County and TxDOT will continue to work together to move utilities out of the vicinity swiftly to help with construction efforts in that portion.

“While we work on that, we will continue our efforts to get more portions of FM 1385 and FM 2931 funded as well,” the press release stated.

The next phase in the FM 1385 project is Phase 2 from Union Park Boulevard to north of Mustang Road, and Phase 3 will be from north of Mustang Road to FM 455.

“The Universal Transportation Program, or UTP, is a 10-year working document, and it is extremely rare to see new projects receive potential new funding, especially as spending levels are trending downward,” said Paul Slough, the district director for Rep. Jared Patterson.

He added that, for the funding to be approved, the next step is for TxDOT’s Texas Transportation Commission members, a group of five people appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, to vote to approve the funding, which is expected to happen in August.

“This is one step of a hundred more that still needs to occur on the back end, assuming that they approve this vote,” Slough said. “It's not going to be a shovel in the dirt tomorrow after they take the vote. … They still have things they have to accomplish.”

Before the vote happens, there will be an opportunity for public comment during the virtual hearing at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Comments can be submitted via email at UTP-PublicComments@txdot.gov, by telephone or by mail to TxDOT directly until Aug. 3.

Additional information, including the link to the live stream, can be found on txdot.gov.

“With this rare exception of additional funding being added to a new project, the encouragement is for people to use that public comment period to really voice their support continually, as they've done before, for this project,” Slough said.

Calling all cars! Calling all cars!

Be on the lookout for any yard worthy of the Pilot Point Yard of the Month award.

Sign will be placed in yard.

All willl know of winner. A $50 gift card to Rooted In awarded.

Additional plants could be purchased.

Advice could be given. Be on the alert. Beauty could be lurking around any corner.

Send in photos. Respond with any suspicious locations.

Calling all cars! Calling all cars!

Please send photos, an address, etc., to https:// share.google/nqkych4ADe-41j7HXr.

That is all. Over and out. The dog days of summer are upon us and it's time for us to be aware of safety when getting into hot spaces like our cars, travel trailers or sheds.

The following information applies to humans and animals.

Staying hydrated is important during our hottest weather.

Do not succumb to a heat illness and do not put your animals through it as it can affect future health.

When getting into a car that has been parked in the sun for a period of time, start the car before closing the door.

Turn on the air conditioner full blast, let the car begin to cool, roll down the windows, then close the door, allowing the temperature in the car to drop towards 70°.

Once the car has cooled off, roll up one window at a time checking for a comfortable level. Two years ago, I found a friend slumped over her steering wheel because she had gotten into her car and shut the door—she had walked away from me one minute before I arrived at my car. It does not take long to succumb to the heat.

The interior of your car can heat up to 150 degrees within 45 to 60 minutes in 100-degree weather.

The dashboard and upholstery can heat up to 160 degrees during that same period.

The higher the temperature, the less time it takes to heat the interior. Also, remember that those sheds sitting in the sun waiting for you to take out the lawn mower or your travel trailer heat up in the same manner.

The dog days of summer comes from a Latin phrase, used by the Romans to describe the hot days between July 3 and Aug. 11.

It was based on the fact that the brightest star in the sky and the most apparent star in the constellation Canis Major, Sirius (scorching in Latin), rose and set at the same time as our sun.

Stay safe, take precautions, please, please, please!

Take Sirius seriously.

Thank you!

Cindy “Mama C” Faris is a Pilot Point resident, and she is offering life advice for any who want it. She can be reached at cynthiafaris47@gmail.com.

School's just around the corner, but first comes preparations for marching season.

My oldest daughter has spent this week at a camp at the school to prepare for the band season, and I love seeing her excitement about performing in the marching band.

It's truly amazing the impact music can have, whether that's from performing it or just listening to it.

Music can change your mood.

It can boost your focus.

It can help you work through emotions—good or bad—that have been pent up and need to come out.

Music, too, can provide a way to connect with others.

That can be in the form of working together to create it.

It can also be in the form of listening to live performances together.

For some, a shared love of a musician or band can help you find a full community that you can bond with.

On Monday, I had the chance to go to the Pilot Point Middle School campus to speak with people who dedicate their summers to the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps.

They were in town to practice before heading to McKinney to perform their show, Bloodline. You have to be dedicated to what you're doing to be willing to sweat in the Texas sun for hours as you practice meticulous movements. Their love and passion for what they do was clear. That's the power music has.

There's very little in this life quite like when a musician hits just the right combination and you get goosebumps.

As a former band nerd, I'm so excited that both of my girls have fallen in love with band, too, and that this year will mark the start of six years of solid marching band seasons where I will be listening to and watching my own kids and their close friends make magic happen on the field.

Texas football might be king, but it wouldn't be the same without our amazing marching band musicians in the stands.

Abigail Bardwell is the Editor & Publisher of the Post-Signal, and she serves on both the North and East Texas Press Association and the Texas Press Association boards. She can be reached at abardwell@postsignal. com.