2024: A Great Year in Denton County
It is hard to believe 2024 is coming to an end. This year has been a great opportunity to visit with Denton County residents at ribbon cuttings, town meetings, important discussions about workforce development and legislative issues, groundbreaking ceremonies for public safety and a new home for a deserving family, special 50th and 60th anniversaries, tours, and more.
While part of my job is going to events to show support, participate in discussions and help people celebrate, it is also a listening opportunity as I meet with our residents. They often have questions or may need assistance. I appreciate when I can walk away with some kind of assignment to provide answers and offer help.
At a Lewisville event, a woman approached me about her grown son, who was experiencing a mental health crisis. With the help of Denton County MHMR, we worked over the weekend to find her son some help.
As I reflect on this past year, I am especially grateful for all these moments and people that work hard to be difference makers.
This year began with a dedication in Lewisville to the historic Champion Macedonia Cemetery, which stands as a testament to community involvement and volunteerism. Preserving our history plays an important role in recognizing those who came before us.
In Carrollton, the second health and safety fair brought numerous health and human services partners together to inform and educate the public about available resources and emergency services.
In April, the Dallas Stars were on hand to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Starcenter Multisport Northlake center. It will bring youth sports opportunities when it is completed in 2025.
I met with Mayor Cindy Aughinbaugh, Councilmember Mike Nowels, and other key staff members from the Town of Shady Shores to discuss strategic improvement plans including infrastructure improvements and the preservation of valuable green spaces. I often meet with community leaders to discuss issues and find solutions. We meet monthly with Denton County mayors.
In June, Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell, Precinct 2 Commissioner Kevin W. Falconer, and I joined the Lake Cities Bus Tour, where the mayors of each of the four communities narrated highlights of new developments. We saw the fabrication of steel beams for new home construction, a tiny house village in Lake Dallas, a flyover by Hidden Valley pilots, and much more.
A lot of knowledge was packed in one room at the City of Lewisville training room for an Accelerator Session set up by the Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas. Discussions on everything from transportation to childcare and aging out of foster care to training the next generation for upcoming jobs were among the many topics discussed among individuals from Lewisville, Denton, Carrollton, University of North Texas, Denton Chamber of Commerce, Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce, Little Elm Chamber of Commerce, Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce, and many others throughout Denton County.
In July, the Elm Fork Chapter of our Texas Master Naturalists held a project showcase in our Elections building featuring 28 of more than 40 ongoing projects dedicated to preserving the beauty of Denton County and surrounding areas for generations to come. Projects ranged from youth education, park preservation and wildlife rehabilitation to turtle repopulation, to name just a few.
The Denton Economic Development Forum highlighted our county’s ongoing growth including a new master-planned development, Landmark, under the direction of Hillwood. Afterward, I joined City of Lewisville officials for the Windhaven Parkway grand opening to celebrate new improvements in our transportation network to connect major parts of Lewisville.
Pilot Point held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new Public Safety Station No. 3, which will enhance emergency services as Mobberly Farms, Creekview Meadows, and the upcoming Bryson Ranch development.
The Regional Transportation Council, of which I have been a member for 16 years, celebrated its 50th Anniversary in conjunction with the 2024 Infrastructure Summit. Transportation has always been vitally important to me as we plan to deliver critical projects.
First Refuge Ministries invited me to see their Community Strong Farms off Milam Road just south of Sanger where they provide food to help the community.
In September, I traveled to Austin to attend the Texas Association of Counties 2024 Legislative Conference. I remain committed to enhancing public safety, maintaining local roads and bridges, and safeguarding vital records, among other things.
On that same note, I once again moderated the Metroport Chamber of Commerce’s Lone Star Legislative Report in September. Held at the Texas Motor Speedway, the event featured State Senator Kelly Hancock (District 9), State Representative Giovanni Capriglione (District 98), State Representative Ben Bumgarner (District 63), Vice President of Government Relations for Fidelity Investments Scott Orr, and Northwest ISD Superintendent Dr. Mark Foust, as well as Congressman Michael Burgess.
I was honored to attend the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Denton County Alternative Resolution Program (DCAP) and the grand opening of the new Law Center for the Denton County
Bar Association.
The Town of Little Elm invited Precinct 1 Commissioner Ryan Williams and I to speak at their annual State of the Town, Education Update, and Business Expo in September.
In October, I attended the grand re-opening of the Explorium – Denton Children’s Museum. In partnership with Denton County Friends of the Family, this amazing space provides a safe and engaging place for children to explore, learn, and grow. With hands-on exhibits and interactive programs, children from 6 months to 12 years old can enjoy learning through play.
Aubrey celebrated its ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Council Chambers and Community Room at 226 Countryside Dr.
Commissioner Mitchell and I attended the celebration marking the 60-year anniversary of Northview Baptist Church in Lewisville. This cherished institution has been serving residents for many decades.
Commissioner Falconer joined me in a tour of the new Lake Ralph Hall, which is expected to be completed in 2026. The lake will be about the size of Lake Grapevine and will allow for 56 million gallons of water to be pumped back to Denton County to provide water for 30 of our communities.
Habitat for Humanity of Denton County had a groundbreaking of a new home in Justin for the Frazier family. With the help of the Rotary Club of Champions, $200,000 was raised to build the home.
In Lantana, Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson and I cut the ribbon for the grand opening of Lantana’s new Ferguson Pickleball Courts located on 2.5 acres near E.P. Rayzor Elementary.
As Chairman of the Elections Commission in Denton County, I was part of one of the biggest events – the November General Election. More than 2,000 residents from across the county offered their time and dedication to ensure our elections ran smoothly.
Thank you to all the individuals and officials who graciously invited myself and my fellow Commissioners Court colleagues to join in celebrating and acknowledging your many accomplishments. We look forward to the many opportunities coming in 2025.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at: andy.eads@dentoncounty.gov or 940.349.2820.
