Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Waco’s new food bank could change life for hungry neighbors

Make time for Waco Downtown Farmers Market on the Waco Patch calendar

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What's up Waco! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Waco's new food bank could change life for hungry neighbors
  • What Waco's new budget and tax rate really mean for your bill
  • Have you seen this missing 14-year-old near Waco or Axtell?

Also on today's calendar: Waco Downtown Farmers Market and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Where do math teachers go on vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 98 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 96, low: 74.
  • Monday: Sunshine and hot, with a high of 98 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New Waco food bank gives Baylor students a chance to 'give back' (baylorlariat.com) — A new Central Texas Food Bank facility on Gholson Road is opening to serve Waco families struggling with food insecurity and connect them with vital resources. Local leaders and Baylor's Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty say the site will ease pressure on working families and invite Baylor students to volunteer, learn about poverty close-up, and help neighbors move toward stability.
   

2. Waco finalizes budget, OKs police, fire union contracts (star-telegram.com) — Waco City Council has finalized a $733.3 million budget and three-year contracts with police and fire unions, dedicating over $103 million to their pay and benefits. The proposed property tax rate stays at 75.5 cents per $100 valuation, which would slightly lower the median homestead bill while still increasing total revenue, with one more vote needed to lock in the rate.
   

3. MISSING CHILD: Axtell boy missing after running away from home (kwtx.com) — A missing-child alert out of Waco involves 14-year-old Axtell resident Maximus Fernandez, who reportedly ran away from home and has no cell phone for contact or tracking. His mother shared detailed descriptions of his height, clothing, backpack, and distinctive red-laced Nike shoes, and authorities and parents are asking Waco-area residents to report any sightings immediately.
   

4. Student Senate approves 4 upgraded water fountains along Bear Trail (baylorlariat.com) — Baylor's Student Senate has approved funding up to $38,000 for four upgraded, freeze-resistant water fountains spaced along the Bear Trail to help runners and walkers cope with Waco's intense heat. Supporters say the new Elkay stations will reduce dehydration and heat-related risks, while one Waco senator questioned spending on warm, non-cooled water and urged more fiscal restraint.
   

5. Former Waco teacher sentenced to 20 years in prison in sexual assault of young girl, inappropriate touching of student (kwtx.com) — A former Premiere High School teacher in Waco has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child, improper relationships with a student, and violating bond conditions. The case involved allegations from a former child victim and a student at the charter school, with prosecutors securing concurrent sentences and parole eligibility only after at least 10 years served.
   

📸 Around Waco

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Waco

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📣 Waco Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • If anyone sees this sweet kitty (Max), he lives at 8911 Whippoorwill Dr.
    He is a young grey and black tabby with a blue checked collar with a bell (hopefully still has that on) and a spotted tummy. (Nextdoor Woodway-Oakdale)
  • I am interested in the three houses that burned in the TSTC area.
    I am willing to help with clothes, and outside towels. Who do I contact? (Nextdoor Texas Trails)
  • Heart of Texas Goodwill Industries, Inc. posted a job opening for Contracts Janitor in Waco. Apply here.
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Patient Services Coordinator Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $20-$37/Hr in Waco. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waco here.

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: Times Square (Thank you Jean K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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