US Aviation, a Denton-based aviation training academy, was awarded $835 million in federal funds to provide initial pilot training for the U.S. Air Force, according to a Dec. 19 federal announcement.

Outside of the Denton location, training will take place at its outposts in San Marcos, Texas, and Peachtree City, Georgia.

The details: The agreement will run through December 2035 and supports the Air Education and Training Command requirements for flight students, according to the announcement. 

It allows US Aviation to give initial pilot training by providing contractor-provided aircraft, simulators, curriculum and instructional services under a performance-based model. 

What else? US Aviation Academy was founded in Denton in 2006 and has supported military and civilian flight training programs in the U.S. and abroad.

The training school offers courses on how to become a pilot, domestic flight training, military flight training and international flight training.

The city of Denton and Denton County have a variety of trails to explore that are connected to city parks. 

For those looking to get outside and take in the nature North Texas has to offer, or for those who want to walk in a Denton park, take a look at nine local trails and parks. 

This list is not comprehensive.

Lost Pines Nature Trail
Located within the Ray Roberts Nature Center off Ray Roberts Lake, this trail is located at the Isle du Bois Unit and offers a view of the lake.

• Trail length: 0.7 miles
• Trail type: hiking

• Trail length: 1.2 miles
• Trail type: walking, biking

Gierisch Brothers Motor Company celebrated its 60th anniversary Jan. 3.

The details: The family-owned business provides services on air conditioning, brakes, electrical systems, engine repair, oil changes, radiators, suspension, tire inspection, transmission service, tune-ups and wheel alignment, according to its website.

The background:  Brothers Carl and Dorman Gierisch opened a three-bay metal shop for vehicle repairs west of SH 114, according to a social media post.

The brothers opened Roanoke Auto Supply in 1973 to add auto parts to the repair shop. Carl Gierisch took over as the sole owner in 1975, buying out his brother's interest. In 2000, he added his three sons to the partnership.

• 605 N. Walnut St., Roanoke

Check out some recent transportation updates from Prosper and Celina, including the the US 380 expansion and First Street construction, according to their respective capital improvement projects.
This list is not comprehensive.

Upcoming projects:
1. Frontier Parkway waterline reconstruction

• Project: This project will replace existing water lines along Frontier Parkway from east of Preston Road to Coit Road. The work is being completed due to the Texas Department of Transportation project to widen Frontier Parkway from Preston Road to Custer Road.
• Update: Construction is expected to start in January.
  • Timeline: January 2026-July 2026

• Project: Prosper Trail will be reconstructed from Coit Road to Custer Road and the bridge will be replaced at the Wilson Creek crossing. It will be a four-lane divided roadway.
• Update: The project is in the design phase and construction has been delayed to start in summer 2028 to align with the Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s treatment plant expansion.
  • Timeline: summer 2028-summer 2029

Learn more about our sponsors by clicking the links below: 

• Cambridge Homes - McKinney
• City of Denton
• DCTA - Denton County Transportation Authority
• Denton ISD
• The Design House - Denton
• Drip Plumbing
• Landmark by Hillwood
• University of North Texas Denton