Council Member Jill Jester

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Council Member Jill Jester At Large Place 6 Council Member Jill also has served as Chair of the Denton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

A Denton native and unabashed advocate for her city, Jill Jester brings both a rich history of leadership in community service and germane professional credentials to the Place 6 Denton City Council seat. A small-business owner, Jill is senior partner at Minor & Jester, P.C., a Denton law firm established more than 70 years ago, and a Certified Mediator. She also is a Fellow of the College of the State Bar of Texas and a member of the Texas State Bar Real Estate, Probate, Trusts Law Section; the Denton Bar Association, and the Southwest Association of Bank Counsel. In 2018, Jill was appointed by the Governor of Texas to the Texas Woman's University Board of Regents; during her tenure as chair, Jill worked for TWU to receive Legislative approval for expansion to a University System, which was accomplished in 2021. During her service as chair of DATCU, the credit union completed construction of, and relocation to, a new headquarters. In addition, Jill has served as Chair of Health Services of North Texas' Capital Campaign. Her service to the City of Denton includes tenure as inaugural chair of the Chief of Police Advisory Board, followed by a second term as chair. She has also chaired the Denton Economic Development Partnership Board, Downtown Economic Development Committee, and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 2 Board. A veteran of theatrical writing and performance, Jill has been honored to serve as an emcee at events benefiting the Denton Black Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Denton County, American Cancer Society, Our Daily Bread, Friends of the Family, Court Appointed Child Advocates, and Women In Commerce, a program of the Denton Chamber of Commerce. Jill earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Oklahoma, where she majored in history and political science and minored in English. She earned her Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law-Houston (STCL) and qualified as a Certified Mediator at the Frank Evans Center for Conflict Resolution, a center within STCL. Jill and her husband, Chris Rasmussen, share their home with thoughtful felines Max and Jasper, both adopted from the Linda McNatt Denton Animal Care and Adoption Center, and Archie, a golden retriever and confirmed people-person, like his human mom.

BLOCKTOBER PARTY and PUMPKIN DROP has been rescheduled to October 8th!
10/01/2026

BLOCKTOBER PARTY and PUMPKIN DROP has been rescheduled to October 8th!

BLOCKTOBER PARTY AND PUMPKIN DROP RESCHEDULED: When you're trying to set up the Pumpkin Drop, and the weather............. flops. 😢 Not to worry, next week's weather is looking beautiful, so the Blocktober Party and Pumpkin Drop has been rescheduled to October 8 at 6 p.m., at the Quakertown Civic Center!

Here are the details for the rescheduled date!

6 p.m.: The ultimate city-wide block party kicks off, offering you a way to meet your neighbors and city staff with goodies, games, and yummy eats.

7 p.m.: Watch pumpkins filled with various food items splatter from dizzying heights. It'll be a smash!

🚘PARKING: Both free and paid lots are conveniently located downtown for access to the Denton Civic Center. Here's a complete guide to parking in Downtown Denton: www.dentonhalloween.com/planyourvisit.

🍴EATS/DRINKS: Food and drink vendors will be available on site, including Groovy Chicken & Waffles, So Forkin Good BBQ, DonutNV, Kona Ice, Brooklyn Dawgs, and Chug It.

Between the decor, themed bars, restaurants, shops, and events that can be enjoyed rain or shine, there's still plenty to do today in the Halloween Capital of Texas!

For all things Halloween, visit www.dentonhalloween.com

At Denton Blues Festival having a great time! Come on out to Quakertown Park today.
09/19/2026

At Denton Blues Festival having a great time! Come on out to Quakertown Park today.

Am proud of Rick Villarreal and all he has done for UNT Athletics and Denton! Congratulations Rick Villarreal!
08/18/2026

Am proud of Rick Villarreal and all he has done for UNT Athletics and Denton! Congratulations Rick Villarreal!

15 years. 31 conference championships. A legacy that helped shape the modern era of Mean Green. Hall of Famer 🏆

Rick Villarreal has been has been elected to the UNT Athletics Class of 2026 Hall of Fame.

🔗 northtex.as/2026HOF

🦅

Important news regarding a special election for District 1 Council Rep.
08/07/2026

Important news regarding a special election for District 1 Council Rep.

SPECIAL ELECTION UPDATE: The Denton City Council has voted to hold a Special Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, following the official resignation of District 1 Council Member Jordan Villarreal.

The Special Election will be open to residents of District 1. Early Voting will occur Oct. 19-30, 2026, with specific dates, times, and locations to be published by Denton County Elections in the coming weeks.

Candidates may file their applications with the City Secretary’s Office (215 E McKinney St.) until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.

Need to find your City Council District? Visit www.cityofdenton.com/citycouncil and type your home address in the search box under “Find My Council Member.”

For more details about the Special Election, visit www.cityofdenton.com/vote

07/29/2026

Thank you City of Denton Staff for creating this series "Dude Makes 'Cents' of Denton! Watch and share!

The Denton Natatorium will be temporarily closed Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 2 to host the USA Polo Junior ...
07/22/2026

The Denton Natatorium will be temporarily closed Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 2 to host the USA Polo Junior Olympics Tournament.

During the closure, current pass holders can use the Civic Center Pool at 515 N. Bell Ave., open noon to 6pm daily. Water Works Park keeps its normal hours and operations.

The Natatorium reopens Monday, August 3. More info at www.cityofdenton.com/Denton Parks and Rec

Interesting facts from Denton's City of Denton Police Department
07/20/2026

Interesting facts from Denton's City of Denton Police Department

We’re halfway through 2026, y’all 🤯 Here’s a quick look at how Denton PD is working to keep our community safe:

⬆️ Total Calls for Service: 57,336 (up 1.41% from 2025)
⬆️ Traffic Stops: 19,679 (up 3.43%)
⬆️ Citations: 8,333 (up 17.48%)
⬇️ Arrests: 1,997 (down 8.44%)
⬇️ Crash Reports: 1,313 (down 0.91%)
⬇️ Driving While Intoxicated Arrests: 314 (down 4.27%)
⬇️ Burglary of Motor Vehicle Reports: 252 (down 4.18%)
⬇️ Vehicle Theft Reports: 162 (down 1.82%)

Denton is missing some of its sparkle with the passing of our friend John Baines.
07/20/2026

Denton is missing some of its sparkle with the passing of our friend John Baines.

With heavy hearts the Denton Black Chamber of Commerce mourns the passing of one of our original founders, Mr. John Baines.

John wasn't simply a founding member of our Chamber—he was one of the men who helped build its foundation more than three decades ago. As Past Chairman, mentor, CPA, business leader, and community advocate, he dedicated countless hours to cultivating relationships, creating opportunities, and ensuring the voices of minority-owned businesses were heard throughout Denton County. His leadership extended far beyond our Chamber, serving organizations across Denton and helping shape the economic and civic future of our community.

But those titles only tell part of his story.
Anyone who had the privilege of knowing John knew that he rarely entered a room without a smile, a kind word, a song on his heart, or an encouraging spirit. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and inspired. His positivity was contagious, and his wisdom was freely shared with anyone willing to learn.

John was also instrumental in helping establish traditions that continue to unite our community today, including the Denton Blues Festival—a celebration of music, culture, and togetherness that has become a cherished Denton tradition.
For many of us, this isn't just the loss of a community leader. It is the loss of a friend. A mentor. A teacher. A servant leader. A man whose legacy will continue to echo through every life he touched.

John showed us that leadership isn't about titles—it's about service. It's about lifting others while expecting nothing in return. His fingerprints will forever remain on the Denton Black Chamber of Commerce, and we are better because he chose to pour into this organization and this community.

On behalf of our Board of Directors and members, we extend our deepest condolences to the Baines family and to everyone blessed enough to call John a friend.

Thank you JB, for your vision. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for always bringing joy—and often a song—with you wherever you went. Your work here is complete, but your legacy will live on in Denton for generations to come.

Rest in Heaven, our brother, JB



"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23

Today we observe Juneteenth — a day of profound significance in American history.On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Ga...
06/19/2026

Today we observe Juneteenth — a day of profound significance in American history.

On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. That moment marked a turning point not just for Black Americans, but for the promise of freedom and equality our nation strives to uphold.

As your City Council, we are committed to honoring this day not only with remembrance, but with action — working toward a community where every resident is seen, heard, and valued.

Wishing everyone a meaningful Juneteenth. 🖤❤️💚
Information on celebratory events in Denton can be found at:
https://dentonjuneteenth.com

06/09/2026

TODAY is the last day for early voting in the Denton City Council runoff elections.

You can vote at any location today until 7:00 p.m.
Let your voice be heard!

Address

601 East Hickory Street
Denton, TX
76205

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