Coffee in hand, Waco? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do some birds fly south for the winter? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Waco's 'Christmas lights lady' getting a helping hand (star-telegram.com) — North Waco neighbors are rallying around longtime "Christmas lights lady" Alice Tristan, helping her pull decades' worth of decorations from storage so she can keep brightening Proctor Avenue. After health challenges, vandalism, and even a national TV win for her display, the Dean Highland community is adjusting its own holiday plans to give her more space and support.
2. Baylor University's Bear Habitat loses AZA accreditation (kxxv.com) — Baylor University's Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat in Waco has lost its prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation, even as a major alumni donation funds a significant renovation and expansion. Upgrades now underway include new education space, seating, landscaping, technology, and a memorial plaza for past bear mascots, with completion expected in early 2027 while Indy and Belle periodically move off campus.
3. Affidavits: Serial vandal targeted 14 Waco businesses with BB gun, caused more than $26K in damage (kwtx.com) — A months-long string of BB‑gun vandalism has damaged at least 14 Waco businesses, causing more than $26,000 in broken windows and leading to 26 criminal mischief charges against a Liberty Hill man. Waco police say the suspect admitted driving past Triangle Tower and other nearby businesses in two different vehicles while firing at windows, and he remains jailed on a sharply increased bond.
4. Pain At The Pump: Local Gas Prices Ease Downward (fox44news.com) — Drivers around Waco are seeing some relief at the pump, with McLennan County's average gas price dropping to $3.75 a gallon, down 17 cents from last week. Bell and Brazos counties, along with several rural Central Texas counties, are also seeing modest declines, though some outlying areas still face prices near or above $4.
5. Football Recap: Marlyn Smith Does It Again Near the Goal Line (maxpreps.com) — Waco High's Lions fell 34-16 to Ellison on Friday, continuing a tough stretch that's seen them drop 15 of their last 16 games. The Lions, now 1-5, will try to regroup at home when they host Belton this Friday at 7 p.m., giving Waco fans another chance to back the team.
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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: "Why do some birds fly south for the winter?" — Because it's too far to walk..! (Thank you Theresia F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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