He shared that with the guaranteed maximum price of $42,394,710 established at last month’s meeting.

“What that allowed us to do is start expediting contracts and buying out the contract,” Niven said. “They have a budget, and then we go through and start buying out, and so we ended up with 411 vendors on this job that had put a bid in for various parts of it. For the majority of it, the significant majority now is bought out.”

Niven stated that the project is “right at budget” at $41,183, and he added that the team consists of high-quality subcontractors that the consulting group has worked with before.

Niven also discussed the high school road, which includes an extension on Highmeadow to connect to the road behind the parking lot. Construction plans to start before June 1 and be finished by Aug. 1.

Director of Special Programs Karen Wright gave a report on the special education program district-wide that serves early childhood through 12th grade and offers an 18-plus program.

“This is the first year that it's been in-house because we are no longer a part of the Denton County Special Education Co-op,” Wright said.

Just over 20% of the district is in special education, and the program has increased over the year from families moving in and because dyslexia is now included in special education.

Wright shared that because of House Bill 2, districts would receive $1,000 for each initial special education evaluation completed, starting with the 2025-26 school year.

Also in the bill, certification and exam fees for special education teachers were waived to encourage more people to enter the field.

“We've had some people take advantage of this this year,” Wright said.

Additionally, more families are accessing the Parent- Directed Special Education Services, which provide a one-time $1,500 online grant to support a child’s educational needs.

Assistant Superintendent Eric Hough explained that contracted services have increased because of the cost of substitutes needed to fill vacant positions or cover teacher absences for school business and because special education is now being provided by the district, among other factors.

“We always have contracted services,” Hough said. “It's just, as it gets more difficult to find certified personnel, we rely a little bit more heavily on contracted services to make sure we're still meeting all the needs of our students.”

Brockett Elementary School Principal Lindsey Girlinghouse provided stats on the school.

There are 521 students, with around 8% in gifted and talented, 129 in special education and 34% economically disadvantaged.

Attendance is around 95%, she reported.

Girlinghouse shared that this year’s academic goal is to improve math scores on performance assessments to prepare for the curriculum changes set to take effect next year.

She added that teachers use student data and performance assessments as a guide and host monthly math-specific Professional Learning Community meetings.

Brockett has several active clubs, including Elementary Beta Club, UIL academics teams and choir.

Another focus is on teacher connectedness and family engagement events such as Grandparents Day and open house.

“We want the school to feel like a community hub,” Girlinghouse said. “It's important to me. It's important to them because a lot of them, this is their community, and we want it to be kind of a focal point.”

The board also approved the districtwide purchase of the Math Bluebonnet Curriculum for kindergarten through algebra 2.

The board approved several other agenda items, including increasing the available sick leave pool from 30 to a maximum of 60 days for any one condition for teachers out because of a catastrophic illness.

Also at the meeting, the board approved “the purchase of band instruments from FFE for Owens Middle School” in the maximum amount of $273,768.

The purchase is intended to support the growth of students participating in the band by replacing old instruments.

The board also renewed the Durham School Services contract for bus transportation for the 2026-27 school year.

“We currently have 38, but we're budgeting for as many as five additional routes over this current school year [with] the yearly cost of 41 routes, including funds for adding additional routes during the year if needed due to growth,” Director of Operations Matthew Gore said.

Chief Lynn Maher thanked her guests for attending the grand opening on April 14, along with those who helped to make it possible, like Maher’s friend, Deb Terrell, who saw the building’s potential before Maher could.

“She came out one day, and this building was just empty,” Maher said. “It was brown. She turned around and said to me, ‘You've got to change this.’ She's very definite. She said, ‘Why don't you have this as an event place?’ And that's how the event place started.”

Before digging into the food, Pilot Point’s Chamber of Commerce President Jimerson Adkins presented the ceremonial scissors to Maher to cut the ribbon.

“It's a great venue,” Adkins said. “She's got a great deal for you. Talk to her about hosting your next event here— $22 bucks a person for a chefprepared menu. You can't beat that.”

For the chef, the support was overwhelming.

“When I saw everybody, I said, ‘OK, now, for God's sakes, don't cry. I mean, come on, Lynn,’” Maher said. “Well, see, I've been working on it for two years, and all of a sudden, there were people.”

That support came from Pilot Point Chamber of Commerce members, the community, friends, city officials and the mayor.

Chamber member Dave Wheeler was happy to show support for other local businesses like his.

“The experience is great,” Wheeler said. “The people are great. They got a nice little outdoor area in the back with some games and stuff. People were really nice. The food was awesome. It's just kind of a sloweddown pace, and it's in a great area. I love it.”

At the tasting, guests got to try several of Maher’s dishes, including lasagna, finger sandwiches, fruit kabobs and cannoli.

She brings her cooking experience from Boston, Massachusetts, to Texas, serving up home-cooked meals and a cozy atmosphere.

“My goal is whoever comes in here goes out healthy and happy,” Maher said.

It's a place for individuals or groups to gather, regardless of the occasion, including for work events, celebrations, teas and luncheons.

The event place serves as both a place to unwind and have fun with games like bingo and cornhole, Maher said.

“I cater to whatever you want,” she said. “There's no time limit, and you don't pay for the building. That's the key I want people to realize.”

Maher also offers outside catering, and her first catered event since the pandemic will be Saturday and Sunday at Christie's Golf Ranch in Pilot Point.

A mix of new and longstanding residents came together at the Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum to get their Pilot Point artifacts preserved.

“The exciting thing about this program is that it's a bit of a pilot program in our area,” Library Director Jenna Glass said. “Other people in the county are interested in replicating this, so we're hoping to learn from this experience, see what works, what doesn't work.”

Amy Dane Lanier has always had an interest in preserving history, something she said she inherited from both her parents, with her dad’s passion for history and mom’s love of genealogy.

So, when it came time to write her dissertation, the focus was clear: community— Pilot Point’s to be specific.

“I just fell in love with people's stories and the fact that when we share our stories, it brings us together, and it helps us to understand each other,” Lanier said.

She was connected with Sara Wilson, the UNT Oral History Program’s administrative specialist and appointed commissioner on the Denton County Historical Commission, who could help bring the vision to life, and Glass, who oversees the Library and Cultural Arts Board.

“It's been a lot of people giving us advice to kind of pull this off,” Glass said. “I know that local history is really important to the residents here, so I'm glad we're able to do this.”

The three were able to put the event together in less than a year, with many residents staying for the whole

event.

“The people that have come out, they linger, they talk, they look at each other's archives, they sit around and listen to the extra interviews that we were doing, and so it's been a blessing to see how all of this has come about for the community,” Wilson said.

Rick Bradd and his wife, Deborah, brought a brochure from Pilot Point’s Rest Cottage organization from the 1960s or ’70s, along with photographs.

The experience connected them with new community members.

“We've met some people here that we'd not met before and learned a lot just in a few minutes,” Rick said. “… I really appreciate all the people that want to preserve this area.”

Pilot Point history—once hanging on walls, tucked away in attics or placed on coffee tables—is now to be preserved.

Residents brought both new and old memories, such as newspapers, photos of family or friends, and artwork.

Rebecca Marshall Hollar brought her aunt’s diary with entries dating back to the late 1920s.

Those who didn’t bring items brought their curiosity.

One listener carefully flipped through the diary's pages as Hollar talked.

Resident Cindy Farris, a historian, sat and listened as people shared the significance of their items during interviews, detailing the history behind them and the cherished memories.

“Hearing the old stories and who did what, what did who, you know, where it took place, it's interesting to find out the little facts of life back then,” Farris said.

As Lanier guided the interview portion, she learned new details and stories she hadn’t heard, even one of her father, Ray Dane, who spoke about a sentimental book he owned about Pilot Point’s history.

It was a copy of the book he had read as a child in the public library back when it was in the fire station.

So enthralled with it, her father, Dane, bought his own copy several years ago.

“I didn't realize the signifi cance of that book,” Lanier said. “If I hadn't heard him tell about it today, someday I would have found that, and it would have just looked like a dusty old book, and I probably would have kept it, because I keep everything.”

She chuckled at that.

“But that was really a good memory for him to share,” Lanier said.

With the event wrapped up, the plan is to put the digitized version on the city’s website, on the museum page, and to share short videos and stories on social media.

The hope is to continue hosting events like this in Pilot Point for years to come, as a way to unite residents old and new through a shared love of Pilot Point.

“We've lost several people recently, … people who hold all these memories, and I don't want the memories to go away forever, and so whatever we can do now to preserve the memories that people have, we need to do,” Lanier said.

Paisley McGee/ The Post-Signal

She came in response to issues identified within the town with trash and recycling services.

“First and foremost, we own this problem that we've got with service in Providence Village, and I'm going to share all the reasons how we're going to fix that,” Harwell said.

One issue she identified was that, at the time of contract renewal, the number of homes billed was 3,484.

Since February, the number of addresses in Providence Village has increased to 5,831.

Harwell shared that some addresses were missed in the Republic Services system because the routes were built around those that were actively being paid.

Harwell shared that Republic Services has added new routes.

However, as the town continues to grow, the route may have to be split into two days.

That would be a last resort, Harwell said, and Republic Services plans to use other options first to reduce the number of missed houses.

“In the event that we do that, it's on us to do all of the communication with the residents and come in here with a plan,” Harwell said.

Harwell noted that communications have been improved to better notify residents who weren’t included in email alerts.

A new supervisor-intraining will cover Providence Village.

Other improvements to enhance communication include educating residents on which items, such as bulk items, can be placed in carts and where to place them, along with a flyer being developed that will include additional information.

Residents will receive information on how to set up an account, and the town will receive monthly reports and data from Republic Services.

Harwell shared that trash is collected in Providence Village a little over 67,000 times a month, and that there were 48 trash misses in March.

“One miss to me is one miss too many,” Harwell said.

Potential reasons a home may be missed by the waste collector several times include the collector starting the route earlier than the resident is used to, the use of a new driver or the cart being placed in the wrong spot.

“What we're going to find is that we have residents that are getting service that are not paying for it, … which is detrimental to you and to us,” Harwell said. “… Things happen. We still have work to do, but I'm committed to working on it.”

No residents took up Mayor Linda Inman’s invitation to the public to speak about their concerns regarding trash services during the meeting.

Paisley McGee/The Post-Signal

Tioga fielder Hayden Roberts, left, applies the tag to Pilot Point baserunner Garrett Evans during Saturday’s matchup. Pilot Point went on to beat Tioga 13-9.

Janette Pool/The Post-Signal

Pilot Point Lady Cats pitcher Samantha Maxwell releases the pitch during the Lady Cats’ play-in game against Ponder on Tuesday night. Ponder went on to beat Pilot Point 7-3, ending the Lady Cats playoff hopes.

Martin Edwards/The Post-Signal

'Mike Miller. Come to the front door with your hands up. This is the FBI.'

Those words rang out in the Foree Ranch neighborhood in the early morning hours of Wednesday during a roughly 26-hour hostage situation that was resolved in Providence Village at about 12:30 a.m.

The incident, which began around 11:30 p.m. on Monday, resulted in the arrest of Michael David Miller of Aubrey on charges of unlawful restraint, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated kidnapping with use as shield/hostage and burglary of habitation, with an added charge of violation of bond/ protective order with an offense date of April 15, according to the Denton County Jail records.

“One of the victims was identified as Astasia Rebhan, white female, 49 years of age,” according to the APD release Wednesday. “The Aubrey Police Department had previously arrested Miller on March 18, 2026, for aggravated assault stemming from an incident at the same residence involving Astasia Rebhan. Following that arrest, Miller was released on April 11, 2026, on a $50,000 bond, and a protective order had been issued for Astasia, her residence and her juvenile daughter.”

Miller allegedly called 911 from a home in the 12100 block of Thoroughbred Drive, police said.

“A male caller contacted 911 and stated that he was holding two female hostages, was in possession of weapons, [a flamethrower], cameras, and threatened to shoot the victims if officers approached,” according to the APD release Wednesday. “The caller then disconnected and did not respond to subsequent contact attempts. Upon arrival, officers observed a broken window on the side of the residence and immediately established a perimeter.”

The teenage girl was released at 1:16 a.m. on Tuesday.

Her description of the situation inside prompted the Aubrey PD to reach out to partner agencies for support.

Denton Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team responded, as did McKinney Police Department SWAT, the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, and the Prosper Police Department throughout the course of the standoff.

McKinney PD also brought its Mobile Command Unit to the scene.

Law enforcement attempted negotiations throughout the incident and blocked off roadways surrounding the home on Thoroughbred to reduce the risk of collateral damage to uninvolved parties.

“Miller refused to negotiate and indicated a desire to provoke a ‘suicide by cop’ scenario,” the release said.

Shortly before the FBI Hostage Rescue Team entered the home, power was cut to a large swatch of houses throughout Providence Village, including those in the Foree Ranch development.

Power was restored soon after the suspect was arrested.

“After an extended period without communication, power to the residence was disconnected,” the release said. “The Hostage Rescue Team subsequently made entry into the residence, successfully rescued Astasia and arrested Miller.”

The suspect was then taken to the Denton County Jail.

“He is currently being held at the Denton County Sheriff’s Office Jail without bond on two charges and $4.5 million bond on the others,” the release said. “Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.”

Area elected officials expressed their appreciation for the way the situation was handled.

'It worked out the best way possible,' Providence Village Mayor Linda Inman said. '… With every incident that we have, it makes me more and more proud of our interlocal agreement that we have with Aubrey that they are our chosen police force to work for our community.'

She also expressed her gratitude for the agencies who provided additional support.

'Everybody just did an outstanding job in my opinion,' Inman said.

Although the incident did not happen within the city of Aubrey, Aubrey Mayor Chris Rich took the time Wednesday to publish his support of the APD and partner agencies' work to resolve the situation.

'I am incredibly proud that the hostage situation in the Foree Ranch neighborhood of Providence Village has been resolved safely, with no injuries and no loss of life,' Rich said Wednesday.

Lori Nelson, the director of community engagement for Denton County Friends of the Family, spoke about the nature of domestic violence at her appearance at the Pilot Point PointBank Business Breakfast on Wednesday.

'Domestic violence knows no bounds,' she said. 'It happens in every community, every race, every economic status. It can literally happen to anyone—the most affl uent and the poorest of the poor, and so I just ask that y'all think about that. Think about her.'

That phase of the project north to FM 428 is on schedule for completion in 2027, NTTA Project Communications Manager Brian SanFilippo said to the Pilot Point Chamber of Commerce on April 16.

'It's been going more vertical these days, making a lot of progress, marching toward that finish late next year,' he said. 'Hopefully that makes a difference for you.'

Senior Manager of Engineering Rachel Kulhavy spoke about the work her team is doing on the DNT expansion.

'I love these photos because these were only taken probably a month ago, and they're already out of date,' she said.

That's because the project's contractor, Mario Sinacola, has been cranking out concrete for the crawl north.

'We're going to extend the paid lanes 6.5 miles from U.S. 380 to 428,' she said.

She added that so much prog- ress has been made through the Doe Creek Branch area that the crews have to be fastidious about the barricades.

'It almost looks like you can drive on it,' she said.

More bridge decks are set to go up throughout 2026 as well as wall work.

Once that section is complete, Phase 4B will pick up at 428 and continue to the Grayson County line.

'We will be starting our environmental process for the main lane extension from 428,' Kulhavy said. 'We should be starting that within the next two years, so you can probably expect construction to start on Phase 4B within the next five years or so.'

SanFilippo helped explain a bit about the organization's history as well as the projects it manages.

'We're founded in 1997,' he said. 'There were some legislators in the area that saw growth coming. They knew they needed to keep toll dollars in our region for projects here in North Texas, because … prior to NTTA, our toll dollars were either going to Austin or Washington, D.C., and then there's no guarantee that's coming back to help our projects here.'

He added that the NTTA is 'self-funding, self-sustaining,' not funded by the state.

The NTTA maintains the 360 Tollway, the Addison Airport Toll Tunnel, the Chisholm Trail Parkway, the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge, the Mountain Creek Lake Bridge, the President George Bush Turnpike and the Sam Rayburn Tollway in addition to the DNT.

It also handles the payment processing of the managed lanes with dynamic pricing in the area, although those are not priced by or serviced by NTTA.

All NTTA lanes have standard pricing throughout the system.

The system data shows how often those roads are used.

'It's about 3.2 million transactions across the entire system [daily],' San-Filippo said. 'It comes out to about 15.3 million customers per year.'

The projects NTTA focuses on are largely northsouth routes, and it works to plan its projects through cooperation with county governments, the Regional Transportation Council and the North Texas Council of Governments.

'We want to make sure that we're advancing as a partner in the region,' San-Filippo said.

With the roadways being funded by the drivers who use them, customer service is a key focus for NTTA, San-Filippo said.

'We understand that driving on our roads is a choice, so unless you choose to drive on the roads, you're not paying for them,' San-Filippo said. 'So we have to make sure that those that do use the roads are getting a high quality and safe experience.'

That includes providing roadside assistance on the tollway, including with a flat tire or an empty gas tank, but that assistance is not an allyou can-eat buffet.

'I always have to put a disclaimer on the gas,' he said. 'They keep a list, so you can't call every single day and get gas. I think they once had somebody call twice in one day. We can help you with a tow, but we don't have any more gas for you.'

Because the contract with Heather LaPoint falls under the $50,000 cap, the school district had the option of waiving the request for proposals process to award the contract to LaPoint.

'We aren't going to find anyone that's more familiar with us,' Superintendent Josh Ballinger said. 'Her audits have been accepted by TEA.'

Ballinger added that he didn't want to put out a request for qualifications just to stick with the same person.

'There's a lot of people that go through those, spend a lot of time getting ready, thinking they have a legitimate shot to get your business, … when, in reality, we had our person that we wanted anyway,' he said.

He said he values that LaPoint has gotten 'the job done the first time,' after the district had issues identified by the Texas Education Agency audit department before working with her.

'I value continuity of care,' Vice President Trina Colteryahn said. 'She's super familiar with us, she works well with [TISD Business Manager] Sondra [Hall].'

President Dallas Slay built on that. 'She's been through everything that we've been through over the last few years, and she still wants to be here,' he said.

In the recent abatement letter from TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, the district was told it must maintain or improve its academic accountability ranking and it must have a passing score on its next Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas to maintain accreditation.

'We've lost our ability to appeal any kind of future decision,' Ballinger said. 'That it is ultimately up to the commissioner if we were to have any kind of issues pick up … in the future.'

Ballinger pointed to the work LaPoint has done for the district and its potential impact on the upcoming FIRST evaluation.

During her time with the firm Hankins, Eastup, Deaton, Tonn, Seay & Scarborough, LaPoint spearheaded the Tioga ISD audit efforts to re-evaluate the audits from 2021-23 in addition to preparing the 2024 and 2025 audits.

'Hankins took us on in a tough spot,' Ballinger said. 'We had some history there with them before. They even turned around and agreed to the '21, '22 redo, but I think that was because we had such a good working relationship with Heather, who was with them at the time.'

LaPoint's bid was $9,500 lower than Tioga ISD paid for the '25 audit.

'I have not advertised much that the reason the wording of the agenda item is like that is because Heather has now gone out on her own, and that's recent within the last week or two, and our relationship with her has been great,' Ballinger said.

He and Hall spoke about how easy it has been to work with LaPoint.

'She's always willing to help me and she tells me how to do it without messing up our system, which [would] mess up our FIRST ratings,' Hall said.

The board approved the contract for $30,000, pending approval from TEA and communication with Hankins about the change.

Also at the meeting, the board accepted the TEA District Vulnerability Assessment.

Ballinger shared an overview of some of the things it will address, such as including security personnel duties and violence policies in the district improvement plan.

One of the vulnerabilities the state inspector found has been corrected.

'I think it was a total accident that just happened, but he was up against the wall, and [the motion sensor at the second layer of doors in the middle school] was sensing him and making them go off when he was on the inside of the school, so he didn't like that at all,' Ballinger said.

The motion sensor function was cut off as a result, he added.

The district also plans to recruit more students to help make up the budget gap for the Tioga Early Childhood Development Center.

'The game plan is to move forward and make up about an eight to 10 kid gap, and through that, you're going to immediately generate, even at that older age, $55- to $60,000,' Ballinger said.

The district will give its typical $1,000 STEP raise for the upcoming school year for teachers, counselors and nurses, which was affirmed by a unanimous board vote.

Ballinger suggested basing the other staff salary raises on the midrange of the market instead of having a flat rate across the board.

TISD continues to monitor its average daily attendance of 571 versus the 645 the state payout is based on to avoid owing the state more money in repayments.

Also at the meeting, former Tioga ISD parent Mary Alexander spoke during open forum about her frustrations with the way the district handled her complaint about former TISD teacher Brad Strickland's conduct toward Alexander's daughter.

Alexander said her experiences have motivated her to speak out about grooming.

'I'm going to continue my mission to continue to protect our kids and families,' she said.

For going on three of those 135 years, Texas Republic has been part of the Pilot Point community.

“It’s fun that you can work for a bank with the stability and the long-standing customer service,” Executive Vice President Brett Kuhn said. “That is basically what banking is all about. There’s plenty of banks that do the same thing, but what gets you more and more customers is just the ability to take care of their needs, and that’s the fun part about banking.”

Kuhn said he’s grateful for the local decision- making.

“It’s not a corporate atmosphere,” he said. “It’s just a down-to-earth, friendly bank.”

Many customers and long-time friends came into the bank throughout the day to celebrate with the staff.

Mildred Boerner, who worked with Kuhn during her 35 years in banking, stopped by.

“I know what it’s like to do this every day—a lot of work,” she said. “So, it brings back a lot of memories, and I’m glad to see him here and hope they can continue.”

Shelly Pelzel also came in with her husband.

“I love these people,” she said.

It’s their personal relationships that help her feel secure as their customer.

“It just gives you a sense of … security knowing that they’re not just keepers of your money, they’re keepers of your friendship, too,” Pelzel said. “And so, it just makes you feel like they’re … going to look out for your best interests.”

Pilot Point Mayor Chad Major and his wife Kate Major also stopped in.

“I love the way they support the community,” he said. “That’s the whole point. … They support the school, they support the chamber, they support all of these functions, but they also do this type of thing, so it’s part of the whole community participation, and this is a community bank.”

It’s that focus on community that makes Branch Operations Supervisor Julie Holloway, who has called Pilot Point home for 24 years, grateful to work for Texas Republic Bank.

“This is what I love doing, is doing things for the community,” she said. “I wouldn’t be at a bank that wouldn’t let us do that.”

Having people come by to say congratulations had her beaming.

“I’m loving all the hugs and the pictures taken and how happy people are to come sit down and just share with us for a little while,” Holloway said. “… We’re not going anywhere.”

Texas Republic Bank Operations Manager Sharon Pudenz spent the day in Pilot Point.

“As a bank as a whole, we love our people—our customers, our staff,” she said. “Our main goal is customer service, and Pilot Point exemplifies everything we talk about in customer service.”

The branch, which shares a building with Haughton Law Group and Healthy Gait, will eventually have a standalone building, although no specifi c site has been identified yet.

“We are definitely planning to make a permanent spot here and a standalone building,” Pudenz said. “And as the timing becomes right, we will go ahead with those plans, and we are looking for a long future of banking in Pilot Point and the surrounding area.”

The Ray Roberts Lake State Park Johnson Branch Unit, 100 PW 4153 in Valley View will have Volunteer Information Table, 1-3 p.m. Sunday and Skins and Skulls, 11 a.m. May 2, Kid Fish Pond.

The Isle du Bois Unit, 100 PW 4137 in Pilot Point will offer Native Gardening, 2 p.m. Saturday, Lost Pines Amphitheater; Texas Birding Classic, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 2, Lost Pines Trail; and Snakes Alive, 10 a.m. May 16, Lost Pines Amphitheater.

All events are free with a paid entrance fee into the parks. For more information, call 940-6372294 or 940-686-2148.

Paint a Birdhouse at PP library

The Pilot Point Community Library at 324 S. Washington St. will offer Paint a Birdhouse (adults), 2 p.m. Friday and STEAM Lab (ages 9-12), 4 p.m. Tuesday.

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

Tween Club, Lego at Aubrey library

The Aubrey Area Library at 226 Countryside Drive will have Tween Club (ages 9-13), 4:30 p.m. Friday; Come & Lego Build (ages 3-13), 12:30 p.m. Saturday; and Whodunit Book Club (ages 16 and up), 6 p.m. Thursday.

For more information or to register for classes, call 940-3659162.

Early voting for joint elections

Early voting for joint, general and special elections continues from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Election day will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 2.

To learn more, go to votedenton. gov.

Moms, Sons Kickball Night

Brockett Elementary PTO will host Moms vs Sons Kickball Night on Friday with kinder and first grade starting at 6 p.m.; second and third grades at 7 p.m.; and fourth and fifth grades at 8 p.m. at the Aubrey High School football stadium.

‘Seussical Jr.’ at Owens Middle School

Owens Middle School will perform “Seussical Jr.” at 6:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at 5000 FM 2931 in Aubrey.

General admission will be $15, and student admission will be $10.

Sales Tax Holiday this weekend

The Texas Sales Tax Holiday will be Saturday-Monday for emergency preparedness items such as batteries, flashlights and first aid items. For a complete list of items, go to comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/ publications/98-1017.php.

City of Tioga to host clean-up

The city of Tioga will host Spring Clean-Up from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday with dumpsters behind City Hall.

Residents need to bring a water bill as proof of residency. No chemicals, paint, tires, batteries or appliances that use refrigerants will be accepted.

Neighborhood sale at the Villages

The Villages at Cross Roads will have a neighborhood garage sale from 7 a.m.-noon Saturday. Participants can enter at the intersection of FM 424 and Lake Way.

Spring Clean-Up planned for PV

The town of Providence Village will host a Spring Clean-Up event from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday at Town Hall, 1755 Main St. Acceptable items include household hazardous waste, electronics waste collection and on-site paper shredding.

For a complete list of acceptable/ unacceptable items, go to pvtx.gov.

PPISD to sponsor sports physicals

Sports physicals for Pilot Point ISD incoming seventh-12th graders will be from 10 a.m-2 p.m. Saturday at the PPHS gym. Cost will be $20 with cash or check only.

DEA National Drug Take Back

The DEA National Drug Take Back event will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. The following locations will participate.

For more information, go to dea.gov.

•Aubrey Police Department, Providence Village Town Hall, 1755 Main St., Providence Village;

•Aubrey Police Department, 108 E. Elm St., Aubrey;

•Cross Roads Police Department, 1401 FM 424, Cross Roads.

Market, Jazz Fest set in downtown PP

The city of Pilot Point will have Market on Main from 5-9 p.m. Saturday with handmade goods and home-baked products, Mint Julep Round Up and Chamber Saturday drawing.

In conjunction with the market, Pilot Point Neighborhood Events will host the first Jazz Fest with featured headliner Joseph Vincelli and special guests The Creekside Cats and Luke Bielfeldt Quartet.

For more information or to become a sponsor, go to pilotpointtx. gov or pilotpointjazzfest.com.

Magic, movies at Starbright Center

Hester’s Theatre of Magic Performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday; “Casablanca” will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday; and “Groundhog Day” will be at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 2 at Starbright Center for the Arts, 110 S. Washington St.

Auditions for “Murder Comes to Pilot Point: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” will be from 6-8 p.m. May 3-4.

To purchase tickets or for more information, go to starbrightmpa. com.

Spring Fest at St. Thomas

Spring Fest will be held Sunday beginning with Mass at 8 a.m. (English) and 9:30 a.m. (bilingual) at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 400 St. Thomas Aquinas Ave.

All booths and activities will be from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with live entertainment, food booths, bingo, games for children and teens, a Sweet Shop and a Mini Market. Attendees are invited to bring nonperishable food items to benefit Shepherd’s Storehouse.

Pre-k qualifying events at Aubrey ISD

Aubrey ISD will have several pre-k qualification events for the 2026-27 school year.

•5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Fuller Elementary School library;

•5:30 p.m. Thursday, Brockett Elementary School cafeteria;

•5:30 p.m. May 4, West Elementary School cafeteria;

•5:30 p.m. May 6, Monaco Elementary School cafeteria.

For a list of required documentation and qualifications, go to bit. ly/AubreyPKRegistration.

Irrigation 101 at Providence

The Town of Providence Village will host Irrigation 101 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Town Hall, 1755 Main Street presented by the Upper Trinity Regional Water District.

PP Athletic Booster Club Scholarship

The Pilot Point Athletic Booster Club Scholarship is open to Pilot Point seniors through May 1 on the Pilot Point Booster Club Facebook page.

The Woodlands garage sale

The Woodlands in Krugerville will have a neighborhood/community garage sale from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. May 1-2 with entrances off U.S. 377 from Woodlands Drive, Surveyors Road and Texas Ash Drive.

Community market to return in Cross Roads

The 2026 Cross Roads Community Market will be every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon from May 2-Aug. 8 at Cross Roads Town Park, corner of FM424 and Fishtrap Road.

HOPE Ministry garage sale

HOPE Food & Clothing Ministry will have the annual Community Garage Sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 2 at 819 W. Sherman Drive in Aubrey.

Bingo Night at Blue Sky

Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding will have Blue Sky Bingo Night at 5 p.m. May 2 at 5098 U.S. 377. Tickets will be $25 and includes a BBQ dinner, drink and bingo card.

PPISD to hold art reception

Pilot Point ISD in partnership with the Pilot Point Community Arts will have an art showcase reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m. May 8 at the Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

AHS dancers to present ‘Legendary’

The Aubrey High School Chaparette Dancers will present “Legendary,” a night of dance, at 7 p.m. May 8 at the AHS auditorium. Tickets will be $5 for students and staff and $10 for general admission.

Mountain Springs to host market

A Spring Market will be held from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 9 at the Mountain Springs Community Center, 173 Mountain Springs Lane in Valley View. There will be fresh foods, unique finds, handmade items, live music and a bounce house.

Aubrey to offer Health Talk Express

The city of Aubrey along with Aubrey Parks and Recreation will offer Health Talk Express for senior residents from noon-1 p.m. May 11 and June 15 at the Aubrey Community Center, 226 Countryside Drive.

For more information, contact Dusty Fife at 469-678-0889.

Community development and local government

The city of Pilot Point will join the Denton County Commissioner’s Office in a joint community meeting to provide residents information about the roles and processes in government as it relates to local development at 6 p.m. May 11 at the Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

PPISD band program end of year concert

The Pilot Point ISD band program will have an end of year concert at 6 p.m. May 12 at the Pilot Point High School, 1300 N. Washington St.

2026 Rotary Club holiday flag program

The Lake Ray Roberts Rotary Club will sponsor the 2026 holiday flag program for Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, 9/11 – Patriots Day and Veterans Day for a cost of $50, supporting Aubrey and Pilot Point high school scholarships, Shepherd’s Storehouse, Lovepacs, Pilot Point Angel Tree, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and dictionaries for all Aubrey and Pilot Point third graders.

To participate, go to lakerayrobertsrotary. com or email Wendy Adkins at wadkins@pilotpointtx. gov.

Yard of the Month continues in PP

The city of Pilot Point will continue the Keep Pilot Point Beautiful Yard of the Month program during the spring and summer months. Winners will receive a $50 Rooted In gift card.

To nominate a yard, go to bit. ly/3QnwSpk.

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

The students had a successful run, snagging blue ribbons and first-place finishes in different events from March 1-6.

“Altogether, I think it was a very successful year,” TFFA adviser Tanner Hash said.

He noted that eight students made it to the sale, with several finishing as alternates.

“Making the sale at Grayson County is a pretty good accomplishment,” Hash said. “It's a really competitive county, so anytime you can make the sale, there is definitely a big reward and a big accomplishment for sure.”

In ag mechanics, the group of Raul Chavez, Graham Arnold and Anthony Rocconi took home the title of the Gooseneck Division Champion for their trailer.

Calan Sweeney and Jody Harrison each won a blue ribbon for their shop tables. Hudson Howard received a red ribbon for his smoker.

Caleb Wilson received a blue ribbon for his deer blind, and Hudson Vining won a blue ribbon, too, for his duck blind.

Zander Lewter won a blue ribbon for his metal rack, and Rocconi won one for his skid steer attachment.

In the swine show, Brooklyn Lewter placed third in Yorkshire, fourth place in Light Cross and made sale.

Hudson Howard received fifth and seventh in Berkshire, first place in Dark Cross, and made sale.

Brynn Tackett placed fourth in Yorkshire, sixth in Light Cross, sixth in Dark Cross and made sale.

Emory Hailey received fifth place in Yorkshire, and Jackson Lewter got ninth in Dark Cross.

Both Caleb and Emma Howell made sale, with Caleb placing seventh in Dark Cross and Howell placing second in Duroc.

Jett Colteryahn took home a first-in-class with his heifer.

Kelci Pittman won first, second, third and fourth for Reserve Division Heifer, and she also received fifth and made a sale for her steer.

“I started showing when I was in seventh grade, so it's just been an ongoing thing,” Pittman said.

She also received a blue ribbon for her ag bench.

“For my ag mechanics project, I decided to do something simple,” Pittman said. “I just did a bench. … I worked very hard on it. I spent countless hours in the shop working on it. It was very successful.”

In the sheep show, Millie Sweeney placed sixth, Coye Wilson placed fifth and Izzie George received eighth place in Market Lamb and made sale.

In the goat show, Codee Sweeney placed third, Millie was fourth, Attalee Sweeney got fifth, and Emory Hailey and Timber Sheid both placed seventh in Breeding Doe.

Brynleigh Taylor received fourth, fifth, sixth and made the sale in Market Goat.

As the students prepare for the next ag season, Hash shared some of his goals for the year ahead.

He said he wants to have more students participate, more ag mechanic projects and more students make sales, hoping to top the success of this school year.

“The future for us is looking pretty good,” Hash added.

Every Weekday

•11 a.m. Congregate meals, conversation and games. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. 972-838-3259.

Friday, April 24

•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.

•10:30 a.m. Early Childhood Storytime (Toddler Time). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-365-9162.

•11:30 a.m. Early Childhood Storytime (Baby & Me). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-365-9162.

•7 p.m. Music Bingo. 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, April 25

•8 a.m. Aubrey Homeschoolers Expo. Cross Roads Town Park, corner of FM 424 and Fishtrap Road.

•9 a.m. Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding and Respite Purpose Mercantile, 5098 U.S. 377, Krugerville.

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

•10:30 a.m. The Aubrey Area Museum opens for walk-in tours. Tours can also be scheduled by appointment. 209 S. Main St. 940-343-1313.

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

•8:30 p.m. Music with Tony Coulter. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Sunday, April 26

•10 a.m. Krugerville Farmers Market. Woodland Park, 5200 U.S. 377. krugerville.org.

•Noon. ALA and SAL meetings.

Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point. 940-6869901.

•1 p.m. American Legion Membership meeting. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point. 972-816-4353.

Monday, April 27

•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.

•5 p.m. Coffee with the Mayor. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•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, April 28

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

•10 a.m. Mountain Springs Garden Club. Mountain Springs Community Center, 173 Mountain Springs Lane. 940-9025457.

•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.

•4:15 p.m. After School Storytime (all ages). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-365-9162.

•5:30 p.m. Meditation Hour (ages 16 and up). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-365-9162.

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

•6 p.m. Pilot Point Lodge No.

1025 Order of the Eastern Star.

Ford Masonic Lodge No. 270 AFAM, 824 U.S. 377.

•6 p.m. Mountain Springs Book Club. Mountain Springs Community Center, 173 Mountain Springs Lane. 940-902-5457.

•6:30 p.m. DivorceCare. Midway Church, 9540 U.S. 377, Pilot Point.

•6:30 p.m. Providence Homeowners Association board.

Providence HOA Clubhouse, 809 Oakcrest Drive, Providence Village. 940-440-2200.

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

Wednesday, April 29

•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.

•10 a.m. Pop Up Storytime in the Park (ages 0-5). Pilot Point Community Library. Old City Park, 130 E. Division St. 940686-5004.

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

•5 p.m. Aubrey Book Club. Aubrey Area Library, Community Center, 226 Countryside Drive.

940-365-9162.

•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, April 30

•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. Little Readers Book Club (ages 2-5). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-365-9162.

•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.

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

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

CRASH – A two-vehicle accident was dispatched Sunday to CRPD near the intersection of U.S. 380 and Naylor Road. No injuries were reported.

UNAUTHORIZED USE – A 56-year-old was arrested Saturday by Aubrey PD on a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle near the intersection of Arvin Hill Road and U.S. 377.

DISTURBANCE – On Saturday, Cross Roads police responded to a disturbance call in the 11900 block of U.S. 380. An investigation resulted in two women, 19 and 20, and a man, 20, being issued citations for possession of drug paraphernalia, minor in possession of alcohol and minor in possession of tobacco.

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE – Krugerville PD responded to a domestic disturbance call at 10:44 p.m. April 17 in the 800 block of Squires Lane.

ASSAULT – A 21-yearold was arrested April 17 by APD on charges of assault by contact/family violence and interfering with emergency request for assistance in the 12000 block of Arabian Lane.

SHOPLIFTING – A woman, 29, was issued a citation for theft and a criminal trespass warning April 17 by Cross Roads PD in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

ACCIDENT – A traffic accident at 4:40 p.m. April 17 between two vehicles resulted in one driver receiving a citation for no driver’s license from KVPD in the 5000 block of U.S. 377.

ASSAULT – A 34-yearold was arrested by Aubrey police April 17 on a charge of assault causes bodily injury/ family violence in the 3600 block of Pinto Way.

TRAFFIC – A man, 45, was arrested during a Cross Roads PD traffic stop investigation April 17 on a charge of possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1 in the 1900 block of New Hope Road.

ASSAULT – Aubrey PD arrested a 43-year-old April 17 on a charge of assault by contact/family violence in the 10000 block of Tidwell Street.

WARRANT – A traffic stop by Cross Roads police April 17 led to the arrest of a man, 29, on an outside agency warrant charge in the 3200 block of U.S. 380.

DWI – Aubrey PD arrested a 56-year-old April 17 on a charge of driving while intoxicated near the intersection of FM 1385 and Frontier Parkway.

WARRANTS – A 43-year-old was arrested by Aubrey police April 17 on APD warrant charges in the 10000 block of Aledo Lane.

ASSAULT – A teenager was arrested April 16 by APD on a charge of assault causes bodily injury in the 9400 block of Cape Cod Boulevard.

FOUND PROPERTY – On April 16, Pilot Point police located missing property in the 500 block of Liberty Street.

WARRANT – Aubrey PD arrested a 35-year-old April 16 on a Collin County warrant charge near the intersection of U.S. 377 and Ike Byrom Road.

CRASH – A two-vehicle crash with no report of injury was dispatched April 15 to Cross Roads police near the intersection of U.S. 380 and U.S. 377.

POSSESSION – A Cross Roads PD traffic investigation April 15 resulted in a man, 23, being issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

CRASH – A two-vehicle accident involving a tractor trailer was reported to Krugerville PD at 1 p.m. April 14 near the intersection of Ike Byrom Road and U.S. 377.

VERBAL ALTERCATION – A verbal altercation between two men, 59 and 26, regarding $20 that one believed the other had taken was reported to CRPD on April 13 in the 15000 block of U.S. 380.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON – A suspicious person/vehicle was investigated by Krugerville police around 11 p.m. April 13 in the 800 block of Squires Lane.

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE – A domestic disturbance was reported to KVPD at 10:25 p.m. April 13 in the 800 block of Squires Lane.

THEFT – Krugerville police were dispatched to a theft of two totes, a pump and a skid steer bucket around 3 p.m. April 13 in the 9000 block of Ike Byrom Road.

WELFARE CONCERN – A welfare concern call was reported to Krugerville PD at 1:40 p.m. April 13 in the 300 block of Ranch Road.

-Kim Fleming

Senior Hank David and sophomore Kipton Goodin represented Pilot Point at the 2026 UIL Region II-3A Boys Golf Tournament hosted at Oak Hurst Golf Course in Bullard on April 13 and 14.

“We were extremely blessed to win all the individual medals from our district because only the Top 2 get to go to regionals, and the fact they had the chance to play together was fantastic,” said Rick Baker, Pilot Point head golf coach.

David won the silver medal in his second appearance at the regional tournament, finishing second overall with a two-day total of 147.

“After the practice round my dad and I found out that my driver was cracked, and when that happens it’s basically unusable, so that made things a little different,” he said. “I just hit with a three wood everywhere, which was weird because that’s not a club I hit with very often, so I had to step up and trust myself that I would hit the ball well.”

David’s second-place finish earned him a spot at the State Tournament for the second year in a row.

Goodin finished with a two-day total of 172, placing 44th overall.

Good shared his thoughts on his first appearance at the regional event.

“I didn’t play as well as I thought I would, but it was a fun tournament,” he said. “I didn’t prove myself how I hoped, but it felt good that I even made it there, and I’m [planning] to make it to State, hopefully by my senior year.”

Senior Zander Zafar and sophomore Emerson Moore represented Tioga at the boys and girls 2026 UIL Region II-2A Golf Tournaments hosted at Old Brickyard in Ferris on April 13-14 and April 1516.

“I was really proud of both of them,” Tioga head golf coach Ragan Smith said. “… Zander qualified for State as the second individual medal recipient, and Emerson just barely missed State by one person, but either way it was a solid showing for Tioga and a solid showing for both of those kids and speaks to their work ethic.”

Zafar, who made his fourth consecutive appearance at the regional tournament, finished fourth overall with a two-day total of 145, qualifying for the State Tournament for the third time in his career.

“I know how the [Old Brickyard] plays and knew where to hit the ball and how the greens roll and break,” he said. “When I get to State, I’m hoping I can play better, make more putts and greens, and shoot lower scores.”

Moore completed the tournament with a two-day total of 171, placing 6th overall.

She shared how proud she was of her performance after finishing outside of the Top 20 at last year’s regional tournament.

“During the summer I did PGA tournaments, trying to build my confidence and improve my hitting, and every day, I try to go to the [driving] range, so I definitely feel like those things and putting it all together on the course helped me improve a lot,” she said.

Sophomore Lady Chaparral Yuri Judge represented Aubrey at the 2026 UIL Region II-4A Girls Golf Tournament on April 15 and 16 at the Sulphur Springs Country Club.

“Competing against a tough field, Judge demonstrated determination and composure throughout both rounds,” Aubrey golf coach Mandy Darwin said in a game report. “She continues to develop her skills and gain valuable experience at a high level of competition, and with two more years ahead of her, [her] performance signals a bright future and continued growth in golf.”

Judge finished with a two-day total of 182, finishing 18th overall.

“I felt very good about my performance, but I know I could’ve done better on a couple of holes, [but] I felt good and had a lot of energy,” she said.

Judge also shared her appreciation for everyone that supported her this season.

“Thank you to my parents and my coaches for being there to improve my game, as well as everyone who wished me good luck and congratulated me on being able to make it to regionals,” she said.

David is scheduled to compete at the 3A State Golf Tournament on Monday and Tuesday at Jimmy Clay Golf Course in Austin.

Zafar is scheduled to compete at the 2A State Golf Tournament also on Monday and Tuesday at Lions Municipal Course in Austin.

Tioga golfer Zander Zafar winds up for a shot at the Region II2A Golf Tournament hosted at Old Brickyard Golf Course on April 13 and 14. Zafar finished as the second individual medal recipient, earning his third appearance at the State Tournament.

Photo Courtesy of Tioga ISD

A knee injury in January almost derailed her senior season, but Goodin battled her way back on the track, winning the bronze medal in the 400-meter dash and helping the Lady Cats win bronze in the 4x400-meter relay at the UIL Region II-3A Track Meet in Whitesboro on April 16.

“With a broken kneecap a few weeks ago, it’s remarkable that she’s even competing at all and especially competing at a high level like she is,” said Jeff Price, Pilot Point girls track coach. “She’s basically a medical marvel. … To see her improvement and how much faster she’s been getting, which is due to how hard she’s worked in rehab, but I’m just glad she’s seeing the benefits of that and that we get to see her run at regionals.”

Outside of her sophomore season, which was missed because of a different knee injury, Goodin racked up the wins on the track, winning multiple gold medals and qualifying for the 3A State Track Meet twice.

Goodin said she entered her senior year planning for it to be her best season yet after increasing her offseason training and competing in indoor track for the first time in her career.

“It went really well,” she said. “I was nervous since it was my first time competing in indoor track, and indoor track is always a little different from outdoor, but I ran the 400[-meter] and went 59.5 [seconds], which was great to start my season. I thought I would have been great in the 100, 200 and 400 and could possibly end the season with a 55 [second time in the 400].”

What was supposed to be a moment of fun during the January winter storm that froze a large portion of the state put everything she’d worked for at risk.

“ A couple of weeks after that indoor meet I was in a sledding accident,” she said. “We hit a fence, and I sprained all the ligaments in my left knee and had a nondisplaced horizontal fracture to my patella.”

Goodin said the injury shook her to her core.

“I thought, ‘I can’t run my senior year,’” she said. “… The hardest part was the why. Why was it me out of everyone that was sledding that day, and it sucked because I had just come off a really good indoor meet and I was ready for the next one.”

The injury required Goodin to wear a straight leg brace and use crutches for six weeks, sidelining her for most of the season.

“I went to every meet, but I couldn’t do anything,” she said. “I got released from the crutches and brace on March 11, and Coach Price texted my mom and me the day he took over girls track and was like, ‘Do you want to come to practice tomorrow?’ and I said, ‘I’ll try, but it's not going to be pretty.’” 

Goodin emphasized that her first practice after the injury was extremely challenging.

“I was running with the worst limp ever and it was not good-looking," she said. “I kept doing physical therapy the next week, and when the Krum Meet came, I knew I wasn’t going to run, but all the coaches were asking, ‘Do you think you’re going to run at district?' and based off the way I was running, I didn’t think there was a chance."

With the district meet a week away, Goodin said she had come to terms with missing the season until Price suggested she do a light workout at the Krum Bobcat Invitational on April 2.

“He told me, ‘You don't have to run at the meet, but let’s just get your legs moving,’ and Coach [Jesse] Hallmark said, ‘You actually look like you’re running normally,’ and I felt good,” she said.

After Hallmark’s encouragement, Price decided to allow Goodin to run the first leg of the 4x400-meter relay to replicate running the 400-meter dash.

“He told me, ‘You have nothing to prove to anybody. Everyone here knows what you’ve gone through,’ so I ran and it felt great,” she said. “I limped a little at the end, but I finished, and I split a 63 or 64, but I wasn’t mad. I had just gotten out of a brace not long before that.”

After her successful run in Krum, Goodin said her confidence in her knee started to come back, but she was still a work in progress as the team prepared for the district meet.

“My leg still wasn’t fully there yet, and I still wasn’t having amazing practices, so I was a mental case when district came and I was freaking out,” she said.

Despite the nerves, Goodin survived the 400-meter prelims and advanced to the finals, where she finished fourth with a time of 1:02.83.

“I wasn’t happy about that,” she said jokingly. “I was so mad to go from being last year’s district champ to fourth place and fighting for a spot at Area.”

After another week of training to prepare for the area meet, Goodin said her confidence on the track continued to grow.

“I ran a 62 by myself, so I knew I was going to be faster when Area came around, but when I got there, I was so scared,” she said. “… I was doubting myself, but everyone kept saying, ‘You don’t need to doubt yourself. We know what you can do," so I ran, and when I passed the girl in third place, with about 70 yards left, I had the biggest smile on my face.”

Goodin shaved three seconds off of her time at the district meet, recording a season-best of 59.32 seconds.

“It was so surreal,” she said. “It was just a huge moment, and Coach [Travis] Marsh and a coach from Ponder came over, and they had told me at district, ‘Everybody on this field is your supporter,’ and I was not expecting any of it when three weeks before I could barely run normal.”

Goodin thanked her parents; Price; Pilot Point Coach Shawn Vincent; and Chad Worrell, Pilot Point athletic director and head football coach, for their support and encouragement as she fought her way back from the injury.

With one track meet left before State, Goodin said she’s just hoping to run her best the rest of the way.

“I definitely want a time drop, and if I make it to State, I make it, but regardless of what happens, I’ve made it this far,” she said. “I’m going to train to the best of my ability, and I’ll be good with whatever happens as long as I know I left it all out there on the track.”

Chance Kirby/The Post-Signal

The Pilot Point Bearcats and Lady Cats track teams are picking up the pace, with both teams placing in the Top 5 at the UIL Region II-3A Area 09 & 10 Meet in Whitesboro on April 16.

The Bearcats took first place overall out of 12 teams, with a team total of 134 points.

“Everyone that advanced to area went out and competed, and some of them did better than they did at district,” said Tyler Lawson, Pilot Point head boys track coach. “The points show that when you have that many kids in events, you have a good shot at winning the area meet, and they went out and did that.”

The trio of Hunter Newman, Michael Marsh and Caleb Johnson set the pace for the Bearcats, taking first, second and fourth in the 400-meter dash.

Newman won gold with a time of 50.99 seconds, Marsh won silver with a time of 51.58 seconds, and Johnson finished fourth with a time of 52.08 seconds.

In the middle-distance races, Angel Garcia earned the bronze medal in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:08.10.

Blake Warren kept things roll- ing in the long-distance races, winning bronze in the 1600-meter run with a time of 4:44.07 and finishing fourth in the 3200-meter run with a time of 10:35.05.

In the hurdle events, Jack Harpool won silver in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 16.49 seconds and placed fourth in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 42.39 seconds.

Luke Conner finished fourth in the 200-meter dash, with a time of 23.25 seconds.

In the field events, Johnson secured the silver medal in the long jump with a personal best of 6-feet-2-inches, while Conner took bronze with a height of 6-feet.

Newman took gold in the long jump with a season best of 20-feet-9 1/4-inches.

Kaleb Reid won silver in the pole vault with a height of 13-feet.

The Bearcats relay teams won bronze in the 4x100-meter relay with a time of 43.44 seconds, silver in the 4x200-meter relay with a time of 1:30.11 and closed out the meet winning gold in the 4x400-meter relay with a time of 3:22.20.

The Lady Cats finished fourth overall out of 13 teams with a team total of 61 points.

Ava Smith was the Lady Cats’ top individual runner, winning gold in the 1600-meter run with a time of 5:24.1.

Smith also won silver in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:27.31, followed by Kaelyn Chaney, who took bronze with a time of 2:28.26.

Sophia Garcia won silver in the 3200-meter run, recording a time of 12:17.15.

Peytyn Goodin, who recently returned from a knee injury, won bronze in the 400-meter dash, recording a season best time of 59.32 seconds.

In the hurdle events, Austin Crow finished fourth in the 100-meter hurdles with a personal best time of 16.83 seconds.

Crow also finished sixth in the 300-meter hurdles with a personal best time of 50.11 seconds.

The Lady Cats’ relay team closed the meet, winning bronze in the 4x400meter relay with a time of 4:14.2.

“Everybody that we took qualified for regionals, so I was really happy with the kids’ performance,” said Jeff Price, Pilot Point girls track coach. “… We’re just trying to make sure they peak at the right moment here and just keep building. Hopefully, we run extremely well at regionals, and then we’ll see what happens.”

The Top 4 finishers from each team will compete again at the UIL Region II3A Regional Track Meet on May 1 & 2 at Whitehouse High School.

The Chaparrals took first overall out of 11 teams, with a team total of 136 points, earning their fifth area championship in as many years.

“I’m blessed to be able to coach a group of young men that are just phenomenal,” said Lance Low, Aubrey head boys track coach. “And it’s not just in their performance at the meets, but in how they train and approach each day. Coach [Don] Spaulding created something special, and thankfully our guys haven’t missed a beat. They’re continuing to find different ways to compete and win.”

The field events got the Chaps’ momentum rolling, with Brayden Wood, Luke Warren and Stephan Coffman finishing first, second and fourth in the shot put.

Wood won gold with a throw of 46-feet-11 1/4-inches, while Warren took silver with a throw of 45feet-11 1/2-inches and Coffman earned fourth with a throw of 43-feet-8-inches.

Warren also finished fourth in the discus with a throw of 116-feet-2-inches.

Riley Lemons placed fourth in the high jump with a height of 6-feet.

In the individual running events, Nathaniel Nkwodinma and Reid Smith were the Chaps’ top performers, with the duo finishing first and second in the 400-meter dash.

Nkwodinma won gold with 49.89 seconds, followed by Smith, who earned silver with 50.66 seconds.

Smith also finished fourth in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:05.84.

Marquez Lucas secured silver in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.74 seconds, while Jaxsen Bowlin earned the bronze medal with a time of 21.58 seconds.

William Storey and Ethan McMeen took silver and bronze in the 110-meter hurdles, with times of 14.73 and 15.14 seconds.

McMeen secured silver in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 38.24 seconds, followed by Cade Duncan, who finished fourth with a time of 40.65 seconds.

In the long-distance running events, Kaden Plaugher finished fourth in the 1600and 3200-meter runs, recording times of 4:57.63 and 10:51.82.

The Chaps relay teams won gold in the 4x100-meter relay with a time of 41.88 seconds and silver in the 4x400meter relay with a time of 3:20.40.

The Lady Chaps were fourth overall out of 10 teams, with a team total of 66 points.

Abby Lynch-Buxton was the top performer in the field events, winning the silver medal in the discus with a throw of 108-feet-11-inches.

Aniyah Davis won the bronze medal in the triple jump with a distance of 34-feet-7-inches.

Davis also placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 16.28 seconds.

Sa’Miyah Sims placed fifth in the long jump with a leap of 16-feet-11 1/4-inches.

In the long-distance running events, Abby Turner finished second in the 3200-meter run with a time of 12:26.89 and third in the 1600-meter run with a time of 5:52.34.

The Lady Chaps’ relay teams finished fourth in the 4x100-meter relay with a time of 49.74 seconds and third in the 4x200-meter relay with a time of 1:48.2.

The Lady Chaps’ 4x400 auto-qualified for regionals along with all of District 10’s 4x400 teams because there were no 4x400-meter relay teams from District 9.

“The girls all performed well and about as we expected knowing what kinds of times the other district was bringing in,” said Kristin Goodin, Aubrey head girls track coach. “Our district is so competitive that it prepares us well for area, and we are taking our time this week and just working on cleaning up some handoffs and trying to keep the girls focused and their legs healthy.”

The Top 4 finishers in each event will compete again at the UIL Region II4A Regional Track Meet on May 1 & 2 at East Texas A&M University in Commerce.

The Bulldogs earned their second area championship in a row, finishing first overall out of 15 teams with a team total of 120 teams.

“It makes me super happy for our kids, the school and all the people that pour into these kids,” said Beau Burruss, Tioga head boys track coach. “From the English teacher to the ag teacher, everyone is a part of this, and as we move forward, it’s always good to bring something home.”

Garrison Black and Alexis Santoyo-Pina were the Bulldogs’ top performers in individual running events, with the duo winning gold and silver in the 1600-meter run.

Black finished first with a time of 4:43.28, and Santoyo-Pina finished second with a time of 4:46.46.

Black’s first-place finish was also his second time winning gold in the event at the area meet in Jaxson Hurst finished fourth in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.25 seconds, followed by August Strittmatter, who placed fifth with a time of 11.26 seconds.

Noah Vazquez won bronze in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.56 seconds, with Hurst finishing fifth with a time of 24.06 seconds.

Kyson Kirkland earned the silver medal in the 400-meter dash, recording a time of 51.51 seconds.

In the hurdle events, Raul Chavez placed fourth in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 41.83 seconds, besting Tioga ISD’s previous record of 43.28 set by Chavez in March.

Tioga swept all three relay events, winning gold in the 4x100-, 4x200- and 4x400-meter relay events, recording times of 43.46 seconds, 1:30.90 and 3:22.52.

In the field events, Jayson Stogner won gold in the pole vault with a height of 11-feet-6-inches.

Bryson Bradley earned the silver medal in the shot put, with a distance of 47feet.

The Lady Bulldogs finished second overall out of 15 teams, with a team total of 76 points.

Kyndall Whitley was the Lady Bulldogs’ top individual performer, winning the silver medal in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.36 seconds.

Timber Johnson also competed in the 200-meter dash, finishing fifth with a time of 27.94 seconds.

Jillian Rodriguez earned the bronze medal in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.93 seconds.

The Lady Bulldogs also swept the relay events, winning gold in the 4x100-, 4x200- and 4x400meter relay events, recording times of 49.66 seconds, 1:44.83 and 4:08.78.

Burruss said the Bulldogs will be ready to meet the challenges when they arrive at the regional meet.

“People can see the times, and there are some times in the region that are competitive with us, but as soon as we show up, the ‘T’ has already been put on the map in Springtown, so they know who we are,” he said. “We will not surprise anybody, and we’re not going to sneak up on anybody. It’s all eyes on us, and that’s the way we like it.”

The Top 4 finishers from each team will compete again at the UIL Region II-2A Regional Track Meet on May 1 & 2 at Porcupine Stadium in Springtown.

Martin Edwards/ The Post-Signal

Starting in the ’26-27 school year, there will be limitations on districts' ability to waive teacher certification requirements through the District of Innovation plan for elementary math and reading from House Bill 2, passed during the 89th Texas Legislature session.

“We are a district of innovation, which gives you a lot of flexibility and freedom in who you can hire,” Wall said. “They don't necessarily have to have a certificate. We ask that they reach certification within three years, and then after three years, we touch base and see how the program is going.”

Uncertified elementary teachers have until June 1 to get certified.

However, she shared that the teachers impacted by the bill are enrolled in a certification program.

“They've been really great about touching base with me and checking in and letting me know where they're at in the process, so I'm really super proud of the work that they're doing,” Wall said.

In the ’27-28 school year, certification will be required for all core curricula, regardless of grade level.

Teachers who become certified are eligible for a onetime $1,000 payment, an added incentive, Wall said.

In addition, the district is working to get teachers ESLcertified within three years, given the large number of students receiving ESL services, to better meet students' needs.

“We’re going to do what’s best for the kids,” Wall said.

Because of the district's growth, several teachers have been hired at all four schools, including a bilingual kindergarten teacher, core curriculum teachers, and teachers in elective and coaching positions.

The district proposed Friends Consulting Group to partner and assist with budgeting, project management and design among other things in preparation for the $295 million bond proposal before PPISD voters that would fund construction of two new campuses as well as current campus renovations and infrastructure.

“Our goal is to take care of business for you and at the same time make sure the transparency and reporting and what you guys want to see,” said Dr. Scott Niven of Friends Consulting Group.

The consulting group, which also works with Aubrey ISD, would be paid 1.2% of the construction contract.

Trustee Amy McEvoy expressed her hesitancy to approve services without additional data from the consulting group and asked for more time to review; trustee Craig Bickers agreed.

“I'm currently an expiring- term board member, so I feel like it would feel uncomfortable to either be making this decision as a sitting board member for the next,” McEvoy said.

Board President Renee Polk shared positive feedback she received from someone who has worked with the group and was on board with hiring the consulting group.

“This approval is based on the contingency, should the bond be approved,” she said. “… It would set them up to be able to be on the ground and running on May 3, should it pass on May 2.”

The item was tabled with Polk voting no, in a 4-1 vote.

PPISD Police Chief Eric Dortch sought board approval on four applications for public safety grants totaling $63,849.42.

If the district wins the grants, the money would be used for active attack response equipment and three specialized training programs.

The board also approved a new exhaust hood vent in the middle school kitchen, not to exceed $88,000.

“The fire marshal has indicated that the kitchen cannot continue operating without properly maintaining a compliant vent hood system,” said Dr. Brant Perry, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services and Operations.

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Alicia Bonnett sought approval to purchase a three-year iCEV Curriculum instead of annually.

“It went from between $8,000 and $9,000 to $24,000 in one year, so the reason I'm bringing this to you is it locks us in for the next three years so that we won't see that sort of price hike,” Bonnett said.

The program is used for the Career and Technical Education curriculum and industry- based certification exams.

The board approved the $78,232.50 cost for the 202627 school year.

There are additional capital water and sewer improvement projects included in the masterplan that need work, with combined project costs over $125,000,000.

“We sold $34 million of bonds through the Texas Water Development Board in 2023,” Chief Financial Officer Michele Sanchez said. “In 2022, we also sold a tranche of debt to complete some critical water and sewer projects. There's still $3.4 million left in that bond, … so that brings our balance to about $87 million.”

Sanchez added that if the city is awarded $10 million in grant funding from the Texas Water Development Board, that would bring the total down to a little over $77 million, which the current debt service schedule is based on.

The water and sewer projects would be financed in increments, starting in June, by selling $5 million for initial engineering costs and fees, $30 million in September and $35 million in September 2029.

Sanchez added there are several ways the city will pay for the debt, including continuing to “leverage impact fees for all new developments” within the water and sewer CCN and a new capital recovery fee included in the development agreements.

“When you get your water bill every month, and you pay it, a portion of that funding goes directly to pay down debt that already exists in the water and sewer fund,” Sanchez said. “So, this is still continuing the idea that a portion of your funding that you pay on your utility bill is going to pay down that debt service.”

The debt service rate will remain at 28 cents because of the city’s projected 500 new residential utility customers each fiscal year and 8% annual home value growth.

“I will say that 8% is low, because that's not taking into account all those new homes that are coming on; our growth has been much greater than 8% every fiscal year,” Sanchez said.

The council also discussed a mural proposed for the site at 102 E. Main St., next to City Hall.

“I would like to have some kind of mural that is interactive where people want to take Instagram photos with it,” City Manager Britt Lusk said. “Also, something that gives a nod to the history, all the way to the future of the site.”

He added that the mural's interactive element would align with the city’s master plan and could serve as an attraction to residents and visitors.

The mural’s design would have to be approved by the three boards that govern it: the Parks and Recreation board for the temporary pocket park that will be placed there, the Main Street Advisory board and the Library and Cultural Arts board.

Lusk shared that the next step is to create an RFP and then bring the recommendations back to the council.

The council approved a recommendation by council member Mike Wilson to change the signage along Highway 455 to G.A. Moore Parkway.

“G.A. Moore was a big person in the city of Pilot Point, also in the city of Celina, so, naming it G.A. Moore Parkway, it attaches our two cities,” Sanchez said. “It's a nod to what a great man he was.”

The council agreed. “His involvement is beyond coaching for Pilot Point,” Mayor Chad Major said. “... There’s a deep tie, and I think this is very important.”

The council approved a similar ordinance, recommended by the city of Aubrey, to rename the sign on U.S. 377 to Ray Roberts Parkway.

It would run continuously from Aubrey to

Tioga.

“It creates regionalism,” Lusk said. “Everybody knows Preston Road, so it would be the same deal for Ray Roberts Parkway.”

Council also discussed an agenda item requested by Wilson to streamline the Boards and Commission’s appointment process.

His suggestion included a single application with specific questions for each board, a subcommittee of three council members to review applications and conduct interviews when needed, and input and recommendations from board directors and chair.

The council agreed with Wilson’s suggestions, and the next step is to rewrite the application process and bring the new resolution to the council for approval.

Aubrey FFA

Aubrey’s London Gravely won the Suffolk breed champion, a blue ribbon in the livestock equipment competition and first and third market lambs.

Lexi Gravely received the grand champion in Breeding Goats.

In horticulture, Chole Owen received a blue ribbon for vase design, and Ashley Quarles received one for container design and made a sale in market goats.

Ella Watkins placed second in breeding goats and received a blue ribbon for her banana bread.

Kyla Evans won a red ribbon for her red velvet cake.

Brady Cassity won Grand Champion in the junior division for tractor driving, third place in breeding gilts and sixth place in market swine.

Bridget Barry competed in market swine and placed seventh and 10th on two occasions.

Will Croom received seventh and ninth in market swine.

Anastasia Alatzas was the breed champion for Dark Cross market swine and competed in the Light Cross market swine.

Alatzas also received first place in breed champion for crossbred market swine and third place for overall Intermediate Showmanship for crossbred market swine.

Addi Appleby competed in market swine and won eighth and also finished seventh in breeding gilts.

Ariana Wensel received fourth and second place in breeding gilts.

Naylan Larman placed fifth, Odra Larman placed sixth, and Leo Bigley placed fourth in breeding gilts.

Harper Redus placed third, Naomi Welch placed fourth, and Kaylee Barber received Champion Spot in the breeding gilts.

Angel Baer won champion Berkshire and champion senior showmanship in breeding gilts.

Michael Murry finished fifth in breeding gilt, Camila Guitian received third, and Izabella Van Rijn received fourth in breeding gilt.

Zoe Fikes won first and reserve champion in the breeding goats class.

Ashlynn Navarro placed seventh in commercial breeding does and made sale in market goats.

Tess Gore placed third in commercial breeding does.

Alyssa Waddell received first and won Reserve Breed Champion in Southdown Ewes breeding lambs, Breed Champion in Southdown market lambs, first in medium wool and second in showmanship market lambs.

Maddox Rodriguez placed third in Southdown Ewes breeding lambs and won Junior Showmanship Champion in breeding lambs.

Carmela Castiglione won Hampshire Breed Champion, Hampshire Overall Breeding Ewe Champion, Senior Showmanship Champion, AOB Breed Champion, third in medium wool market lambs, medium wool champion, and overall grand Champion.

Sawyer Noles placed fourth in Southdown and fourth in Medium Wool market lambs. Noles placed third and fourth in the Santa Gertrudis breeding Heifer and fourth place in the Medium Wool Commercial Ewe in Wether Dams.

Jenna Wellborn received the Novice Showmanship Champion in Breeding Lambs and fifth in medium wool commercial Ewe in Wether Dams.

Pilot Point FFA

Pilot Point’s Laney Scott competed in the Youth Rodeo and placed eighth, fifth in poles and competed in barrels.

Mitchell Eddins also competed in the Youth Rodeo and was the champion in Tiedown.

In the market goats, Paisley Alcorn received ninth, Garrett Evans placed sixth, Hayden Plilar placed seventh, Cash Evans placed eighth, Kiptin Goodin placed second and Julises Najera placed ninth.

Peytyn Goodin took home Grand Champion in Market Goats, Reserve Champion in Medium Weight Market Goat, Reserve Champion Commercial Breeding Goat and Champion Medium Weight Commercial Doe.

Caden David competed in both market goats and ag mechanics. David received seventh in market goats and placed third in mechanics for his Utility Trailer.

Kaclyn Stuckly competed in Market Goats/ Commercial Breeding Goats and Market Sheep and received eighth place, third place Junior Showmanship, second in Class, second place Junior Lamb Showmanship and Reserve Champion Light Weight Commercial Doe.

Kade Stuckly won Champion in Santa Gertrudis Heifer, Champion Simmental Heifer, Champion Exotic Heifer, Champion Overall Heifer and also third and second places.

In Market Swine, Aliyah Smith placed fifth and Roman Funk placed eighth.

Brooklyn Renfro received fourth in class twice for market swine and won fifth place in the public speaking senior division.

Ava Smith received first place in the senior division for Public Speaking.

Savannah Olson competed in Market Swine and Breeding Swine, Olson placed fifth, fourth and third.

Blakelynn Peoples placed third and ninth in market swine.

Lyla Kirby also competed and won fifth and 13th in class, and Lillie Kirby placed eighth.

Lukas Marquis won Reserve Champion Berkshire in Market Swine.

Hunter Tidwell competed in Market Swine, Breeding Swine and Ag Mechanics. Tidwell received seventh, first place, and third place in Metal Furniture.

Kennedy Driver competed in the Market Swine and Ag Mechanics competitions. Driver placed sixth and won third in Junior Ag Mechanics.

In ag mechanics, Memphis Smith received third in the Market Show.

Fellow students, Ricardo Rodriguez, McKayla Rushing and Timothy Kopsian all received blue ribbons.

For market sheep, Mary Tannehill placed third, and Tenley Stephens placed second twice.

In Market Broilers, Riggin Stewart placed seventh and 11th.