Greetings Waco! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Waco Downtown Farmers Market and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Former HGTV Star Gives Strong Advice to First-Time Business Owners: 'Your Heart Will Lead You' (entertainmentnow.com) — Visitors to the Magnolia Silos in Waco recently found Chip Gaines offering free, in-person business advice, encouraging first-time owners to trust their hearts when making key hires. The longtime Waco entrepreneur and TV personality also helped fund Baylor University's newly renamed Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark, further cementing the Gaines family's local footprint.
2. Pasture mealybugs spread to 80 Texas counties, threatening hay crops and supply (kxxv.com) — Pasture mealybugs have now spread to 80 Texas counties, and Waco experts warn local landowners the pest can wipe out a hay field in just days. A Waco feed store owner and the state agriculture commissioner urge residents to inspect pastures frequently, secure limited treatment chemicals quickly, and contact AgriLife Extension if they suspect an infestation.
3. State moves to revoke probation for Waco 'CEO' Akylon Benson over fake Facebook news persona Ashley Peña (kwtx.com) — McLennan County prosecutors are asking a Waco judge to revoke probation for local resident Akylon Kyle Benson, alleging he violated terms by secretly running a Facebook persona that posted about local politics and solicited money. Benson previously received deferred probation after pleading guilty to exploiting an elderly man, and now faces a possible adjudication of guilt and new jail time.
4. Waco man sentenced to 33 years in prison in 2025 murder of Hewitt man (kwtx.com) — A Waco man has been sentenced to 33 years in prison for the 2025 shooting death of his friend in Hewitt, following a plea deal in McLennan County's 19th State District Court. Police say the argument at a Hewitt apartment escalated into multiple gunshots, and Bellmead officers later arrested the suspect after locating his vehicle outside a trailer home.
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Ok Waco! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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