
James Boggus
Oct 13, 2026
| Tuesday 13, 2026|Issue #0|Little Elm, Texas |
FROM THE PUBLISHER |
Welcome to the Inaugural Edition of The 380 Connector! Today marks the beginning of something we've been looking forward to building together: a useful, uplifting place to stay connected across the US-380 corridor. From Little Elm and Aubrey to Prosper, Frisco, Celina, McKinney, Denton and the communities in between, there's always more happening than any one headline can capture. Our goal is to share the local stories behind the story: the people making a difference, the businesses worth discovering, and the events that bring neighbors together. Thank you to everyone who explored our preview edition and shared encouragement or feedback. This inaugural issue is a beginning, and we'll keep listening and improving as we grow. Explore the stories, follow the links, and tell us what you'd like covered next. We're glad you're here. — James Boggus, Publisher |
![]() |
Trivia Question❓Which city in The 380 Connector coverage area is officially designated as the Halloween Capital of Texas? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
![]() |
![]() |
Behind the Business: Sandi Sabonis and 20 Years of Zip It Postal Center |

For two decades, Zip It Postal Center has been one of Little Elm’s familiar stops for shipping and everyday business needs. Behind that counter is the entrepreneurial story of Sandi Sabonis and her husband, Chris, who opened the center in 2006.
Before becoming a local business owner, Sandi worked as an IT project manager for Coca-Cola Enterprises. Her move from corporate project management to serving customers in her own community reflects the kind of commitment that helps a growing town feel connected.
Twenty years later, Zip It continues to support neighbors, families and small-business owners with the practical details that keep life moving. Its longevity is a reminder that local businesses do more than provide services: they build relationships through the countless everyday interactions that happen over time.
The Little Elm Chamber of Commerce lists a milestone celebration for Thursday, October 15, from 4–5 p.m., at 2701 Little Elm Parkway, Suite 100. It's an opportunity for neighbors to recognize Sandi, Chris and the business they have built.
Read more about Sandi and her 20 years serving Little Elm. We hope to bring readers more of Sandi’s story through a firsthand interview after the celebration. |
Hill Lane’s Phase 2 traffic pattern is now active in Little Elm. Southbound vehicles shift into the opposite lane between French Settlement and Dickson Lane, while northbound traffic is not permitted through that section.
Drivers near Oak Grove Parkway and Eldorado Parkway should allow extra time and follow changing work-zone signs. Read the official traffic update, view the Hill Lane project notice, or use the Town’s Submit/Report page for service concerns.
The safest plan is to check the route before each trip because configurations may change as construction advances. Read More... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
OUR COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS | Neighbors making a difference This week, we recognize Jacque Ballent of Frisco ISD for nationally recognized work connecting families with educational opportunities. Read her Community Champion feature below. |

Jacque Ballent — Bringing National Recognition Home to Frisco Great school communication opens doors. Frisco ISD marketing and special projects facilitator Jacque Ballent received the 2026 School CEO Excellence in Marketing Award for work helping families discover Access Frisco, Frisco Flex and tuition-based pre-K. Frisco ISD credits these programs with attracting more than 1,500 additional students. Her national honor shows how thoughtful outreach can create real opportunities for local families. Read Jacque's full feature. Know a Community Champion? Send nominations to support@the380connector.com. |
Denton’s Drone as First Responder pilot runs Oct. 1–31. Certified police and fire pilots can launch docked drones within seconds of selected 911 calls, including crashes, missing-person cases, robberies in progress and structure fires.
Live video can reach the 911 dispatch center before crews arrive, while every flight must be tied to a call for service and recorded. Read the official announcement, explore the city’s DFR information and transparency resources, or follow Denton public-safety updates.
The month-long test will help officials measure speed, usefulness and accountability before deciding what comes next. Read More... |
![]() |
![]() |

"After the storm, get peace of mind with a free damage inspection."
Storm Hail Repair - A North Texas Partner Since 2007In our 380 corridor communities, we take care of each other—and Storm Hail Repair has been taking care of North Texas homeowners for over 18 years with that same neighborly integrity. When hail damage hits, Storm Hail Repair becomes your advocate. Their licensed adjusters fight insurance companies for you, their expert PDR team (30+ years experience) restores your vehicle to perfection, and their roof restoration specialists use premium materials to protect your biggest investment. What makes Storm Hail Repair different? They're the first DFW company to offer complete auto and roof restoration under one roof, with one point of contact managing everything. No juggling contractors. No insurance headaches. Just expert, caring service that gets your life back to normal. Because your home and peace of mind matter. 📞 Free, no-obligation inspection: www.stormhailrepair.com Serving our communities with honesty and excellence since 2007. |
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
THE 380 BRIGHT SPOTS | Celebrating what's working in our corridor
✨ McKinney ISD earns multiple H-E-B education award nominations: The district, its trustees and educators have been nominated in the 2027 Excellence in Education Awards process. Read the story.
✨ Frisco's 4th Street Plaza: Rail District Celebration Week, October 13–17, welcomes residents into a new downtown gathering place. Explore events.
✨ Prosper's Hometown Harvest: Families gather at Frontier Park October 17, 4–8 p.m. Event details.
✨ Little Elm's lakeside soundtrack: LC Rocks performs at Little Elm Park October 17, 7–9 p.m. Town calendar. |
![]() |
![]() |
📅 This Week Around 380 | Oct. 13–19, 2026 |
Make room for memorable moments close to home. This week brings plaza celebrations, fall traditions, music, and opportunities to connect. Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 6–9 p.m. — Frisco Rail District Celebration Kickoff Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 7–8 p.m. — Frisco Improv Players Thursday, Oct. 15 | 7–8:30 p.m. — Glow in the Dark Yoga Friday, Oct. 16 | 7–9 p.m. — Plaza Live! featuring Patrick Casey Saturday, Oct. 17 | 4–8 p.m. — Celebrate Prosper: Hometown Harvest Fair Saturday, Oct. 17 | 7–9 p.m. — LC Rocks at Little Elm Park Saturday, Oct. 17 | 4–7 p.m. — From the Ground Times are Central. Check official pages before heading out for updates. |
Denton is leaning all the way into Halloween this month. This week, readers can find family-friendly movies, fall activities and other spooky-season events around the city. If you want several outing options in one place, Denton’s official Halloween calendar is worth checking before the weekend. |
| Read More... |
The State Fair of Texas is still in full swing at Fair Park through Oct. 18. With midway rides, food, live entertainment, exhibits and more than 100 free attractions, it remains one of the season’s biggest family outings beyond the 380 Corridor. |
| Read More... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Lakeast Boone, owner of Keasie B’s Coffee Cafe-Boutique, is redefining what it means to be a community-focused entrepreneur in North Texas.
After experiencing career roadblocks at a corporate coffee chain, Boone—a single mother—built a welcoming space inspired by her dream of inclusion and belonging for all.
Every detail, from the business name rooted in family to the pink tulip logo symbolizing rebirth and love, is designed with intention.
Keasie B’s serves not just handcrafted drinks and boutique goods from local creators, but also invests in the community by supporting the homeless and launching programs for re-entry after incarceration.
The cafe’s mission-driven spirit has even caught the attention of the Dallas Mavericks headquarters, earning Boone citywide recognition for her compassion and vision. Read More... |
Local Business Shout-Outs | Neighbors worth knowing Smallcakes Frisco: Cupcakes make a simple celebration sweeter. Find this bakery at 5999 Custer Road, Suite 115, Frisco. Little Elm Ace Hardware: A useful local stop for fall home and yard projects at 2130 Oak Grove Parkway. Have a business or neighbor we should spotlight? Tell The 380 Connector your story. |
![]() |
![]() |
Meet Ladybug! |
Paws & Community | Pet of the Week • October 11, 2026 |

Meet Ladybug! Pet ID A2026193
Some dogs have a special gift for making people feel welcome. Ladybug, this week's featured companion from Friends of Little Elm Animal Support, is one of them. She's an affectionate, people-loving pit bull who enjoys attention and is ready to find a family of her own. One important detail for potential adopters:
Ladybug is not fond of cats, so a cat-free household is recommended. If you're looking for a loving companion, she may be your match.
Adoption fee: $75, including spay/neuter, vaccines and microchip. Availability can change; please check with the shelter before visiting.
Little Elm Animal Shelter
|
![]() |
Quote Of The Day |
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." |
![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
Representative Sonoma F exterior image courtesy of First Texas Homes; the finished home’s features and appearance may differ. Room to Gather, Space to Unwind in Spiritas Ranch For readers looking for new construction with everyday convenience, 501 Loggia Way offers a single-story layout with four bedrooms, three full baths and approximately 2,575 square feet. Built by First Texas Homes, the Sonoma F combines open living, dining and kitchen spaces with a dedicated study. A secondary bedroom has its own bathroom, while the primary suite includes an oversized shower and walk-in closet. A two-car garage rounds out the home. Listed price: $589,471. The builder lists it as move-in ready; HAR shows active status as checked October 13. Three quick questions Explore the builder’s photos, floor plan and tour options | View MLS 21408791. Listing agent: Ben Caballero, HomesUSA.com — 888-872-6006. Confirm availability, pricing and features before visiting. Read More... |
![]() |
Interesting Facts | Know Your Corridor |
Five things you might not know about your neighbors Little Elm has 66 miles of shoreline. The Town’s parks department highlights this unusually extensive waterfront—one reason lake life is such a big part of the community. Explore parks and trails. Frisco was almost called Emerson. Postal authorities rejected that name because it resembled another Texas town’s name. Frisco’s eventual name honors the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway. Discover Frisco’s history. Prosper grew from two communities. The arrival of the railroad in 1902 brought Rock Hill and Richland together to form Prosper. Today’s familiar Rock Hill name carries a piece of that history. Read the Town’s history. Pilot Point’s name began as a landmark. A wooded hill, topped by a prominent cottonwood, helped travelers find their way. The place became known as Pilot’s Point, later shortened to Pilot Point. Explore the local history. McKinney’s Heard Museum began with one woman’s vision. Bessie Heard helped create a place where future generations could experience nature. The museum opened October 1, 1967; its wildlife sanctuary spans 289 acres. Meet the woman behind the Heard. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
THE 380 BRIGHT SPOTS | Celebrating what's working in our corridor ✨ McKinney ISD earns multiple H-E-B education award nominations: The district, its trustees and educators have been nominated in the 2027 Excellence in Education Awards process. Read the story. ✨ Frisco's 4th Street Plaza: Rail District Celebration Week, October 13–17, welcomes residents into a new downtown gathering place. Explore events. ✨ Prosper's Hometown Harvest: Families gather at Frontier Park October 17, 4–8 p.m. Event details. ✨ Little Elm's lakeside soundtrack: LC Rocks performs at Little Elm Park October 17, 7–9 p.m. Town calendar. |
McKinney ISD has been named an Outstanding School District nominee for the 2027 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.
The Board of Trustees and multiple educators were also nominated.
Applications are due November 1, with supporting letters due November 4. Read More... |
Spotted a Bright Spot? Know some good news happening in the 380 Corridor? Share it with us at support@the380connector.com or tag us on social media with #380BrightSpots. We may feature it in an upcoming edition. |
Ono Hawaiian BBQ has opened at 4610 W. University Drive, Suite 110, in McKinney. The Oct. 2 opening is the family-owned chain’s second Texas location and gives US 380 residents a new drive-thru option for Hawaiian-inspired plate lunches. The menu includes Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Chicken Katsu, Teriyaki Chicken and Kalua Pork, served with steamed rice and macaroni salad. McKinney location, hours and ordering | Explore the menu. Three quick questions Where is it? What can I order? Does it have a drive-thru? Photo courtesy of Ono Hawaiian BBQ. Read More... |
![]() |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Denton! The Texas Legislature officially designated Denton as the Halloween Capital of Texas in 2025. Source: City of Denton — https://www.cityofdenton.com/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1061 |
![]() |






















