I hope everybody enjoyed a great Thanksgiving holiday and had the opportunity to spend some quality time with friends and family. My family and I did. It was a welcomed relief from last year. Of course, COVID or no COVID, there is one constant, decorations start going up as soon as the Cowboys game is over. Some things never change. 

We closed out a very exciting November this year. After a vigorous National search, followed by a grueling interview process, we selected and approved the hiring of a new City Manager, Josh Jones, who will join us in the beginning of January. Josh comes to us by way of Converse, Texas. We also, in an equally intensive process, selected and hired a new City Secretary, Ms. Linda Proskey. Linda comes to us from Flower Mound and started the beginning of November. Both come highly recommended and will make outstanding additions to our Watauga team.

The end of another long year is upon us. They say that life is like a roll of paper towels, the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes. It must be true as the last 4 months seem to have just flown by. Despite the dark cloud of Covid, this year was filled with its own challenges, successes, and rewards.

Stores are crowded once again with holiday shoppers, Christmas music plays on the radio and houses are adorned with festive decorations. It is now that truly special time of the year. Enjoy everything this holiday season has to offer with friends and family. 

Watauga kicks off the holiday season with our annual Tree Lighting at Capp Smith Park on December 1st. Our library will hold a story time at 5:30 PM prior to the lighting of the tree at 6:00 PM. Additionally, our Fire Department will have “Cookies with Santa” on December 17th (please RSVP), and our Recreation Department is hosting a Winter Holiday Decorating Contest. See their Facebook or Department pages for details. And don’t forget the fur buddies at Watauga Animal Services that would love a new home for the holidays.

As 2021 comes to a close, it is again an opportunity to reflect on the many blessings bestowed upon us. It is also a chance to look ahead to 2022 with the hopes of an even more prosperous year. Maybe even make one or two New Year’s resolutions. I hope we can all safely spend time with the friends and family we were not able to see last year. After all, this is the most important part of the holidays. 

I will close with wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. Please remember those that are not able to be with their families this holiday season.