Summer has arrived with a vengeance. We close out June with near-record temperatures. Also, in June, we had the kickoff to our library’s summer reading program and the “unofficial” reopening of the Splash Pad. Finishing out the month was Tarrant County 9-1-1 District’s “Sunday in the Park,” with contests, games, and prizes for kids and adults alike. Thanks to Abbey Gudek and Hank 92.1 radio for a fantastic job. And a special thank you to Donna Strickland.

On to July. Summer is here, and there are lots of activities for people of all ages. I am sure by now that everybody knows that the Splash Pad is my favorite. We have added a covered pad area so more of you may enjoy this attraction. Please abide by the posted rules to avoid unnecessary maintenance issues and downtime.

Speaking of my favorites, this year marks our 246th anniversary as a nation, and this is the time of the year that should remind all of us just how truly blessed we are to live in this great Nation. We have the inalienable right to the “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As I have said before, and I believe it to be even truer today, with all our flaws and differences, we still have more things that unite us than divide us. As Bill Clinton said, “there is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.” Never take these rights for granted. Cherish them.

Once again, the Northeast Chamber of Commerce is hosting their Family Fireworks Celebration on Monday, July 4th, from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. See their website (web.netarrant.org) for complete details. And a friendly reminder to our citizens that fireworks are not permitted within the city limits. Please be responsible.

Here’s hoping that everybody enjoys a great Independence Day weekend. As always, please take a moment to remember the many men and women keeping you safe, locally and around the globe, who cannot be with their friends and family to celebrate this great day.

Please be safe and remember that Family, Friends, and Neighbors makes Watauga “A Great Place to Live.” May God bless you, your family, Watauga, and the United States of America.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WATAUGA