Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What’s next for MCC after President McKown’s retirement announcement?

Coming up: The Great Handmakers Market on the Waco Patch calendar

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Friday August 21st Patch AM
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Hey hey Waco! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What's next for MCC after President McKown's retirement announcement?
  • How a routine Waco traffic stop turned into a violent drug arrest
  • How anonymous Waco tips are quietly putting suspects behind bars

Also on today's calendar: Waco Downtown Farmers Market and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Record-tying heat, with a high of 106 and low of 77 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Record-tying heat, temps: high: 107, low: 78.
  • Sunday: Toasty conditions, with a high of 106 and low of 78 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. MCC President Retiring After 17 Years in Charge (fox44news.com) — McLennan Community College President Dr. Johnette McKown, who has led the Waco campus since 2009, plans to retire in May 2027 after a 37-year career there. She and colleagues describe a student-focused legacy, and the coming year will be used to transition and search for MCC's next leader.
   

2. Suspect swallows baggie of drugs during struggle with Texas DPS troopers in Waco: warrant (kwtx.com) — A DPS-directed traffic stop on the I-35 service road near South 9th Street in Waco turned violent when a passenger allegedly swallowed a baggie of suspected drugs and struggled with troopers. The man now faces multiple felony charges, including assault on a peace officer and tampering with evidence, and is being held in McLennan County Jail on $73,000 bond.
   

3. Crime Stoppers tips lead to arrests, cash rewards in Waco (kwtx.com) — Waco Crime Stoppers is highlighting how anonymous tips and a new mobile app are helping local law enforcement arrest wanted suspects and clear cases across Waco and McLennan County. From January through June, tips led to 11 arrests, 17 solved cases, and thousands in rewards, with residents encouraged to report information by phone, website, or the P3 app.
   

4. Who is dominating in the McLennan Co. Battle of the Badges? (fox44news.com) — Waco residents can still influence the Battle of the Badges blood drive, where the McLennan County Sheriff's Office leads donations ahead of Waco police and fire. Another chance to give is Friday at Waco Fire Station #6 on North 25th Street, where one donation can help save up to three lives.
   

5. Baylor Baseball Announces 2027 Schedule (kwtx.com) — Baylor baseball fans in Waco can start circling 2027 home dates, with 33 of the Bears' 55 regular-season games set for Baylor Ballpark. The schedule brings in marquee opponents like Arizona, Houston, Arizona State, and Cincinnati, plus several non-conference series and updated home game times along the Brazos.
   

📸 Around Waco

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Three Harmony North Texas High Schools Ranked No. 1 in Their Cities by U.S. News —Brittany Lehning Read on Patch
  • Harmony School of Innovation-Waco Surges 6 Points to Earn 'B' Rating in 2026 TEA Accountability Ratings —Brittany Lehning Read on Patch
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Eden was LOST on August 19, 2026 in Waco, TX 76710 near Near Lockwood Drive Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Arroyo/Cedar Point Dr)
  • Hello!
    My Cat Eden went missing - we are on Lockwood Drive and looking to find her. We recently moved into a house we are renting . She should be roaming… (Nextdoor Arroyo/Cedar Point Dr)
  • Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Porter - Unit 140 in Waco. Apply here.
  • ManpowerGroup posted a job opening for material handler 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: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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