🌱 Patch AM: Why global manufacturers are suddenly eyeing Victoria and the Crossroads

Good morning to you Victoria! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Why global manufacturers are suddenly eyeing Victoria and the Crossroads
• How one Victoria dispatcher stayed calm during last year’s plane crash
• Which Victoria restaurants will actually be open on Christmas this year?

Also on today's calendar: Year-End Reporting Made Simple and 4 more events.

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Fog in the morning and breezy, with a high of 78 and low of 64 degrees.
• Saturday: Partly sunny, a shower or two, temps: high: 79, low: 58.
• Sunday: Clouds and sun; windy, cooler, with a high of 62 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Economic shifts make Crossroads region an ideal spot for industry (victoriaadvocate.com) — Major manufacturers and their suppliers are increasingly choosing the Victoria Crossroads region, bringing billions in potential investment and new industrial projects. The Victoria Economic Development Corporation is courting both domestic and foreign firms, while Caterpillar expands its Victoria facility, all boosted by recent federal trade and tax policies favoring U.S.-based manufacturing along the Texas Gulf Coast.
   

2. Dispatchers' commitment and professionalism shine in ensuring public safety (crossroadstoday.com) — Victoria residents are looking back one year after the plane crash near Mockingbird Lane and Zac Lentz Parkway, as local dispatchers’ calm response is being recognized. Dispatcher Amber Ochoa recalls redirecting the Victoria Fire Department from the airport to near Victoria East High School, underscoring how intensive training and constant radio monitoring help keep first responders and the community safe.
   

3. What restaurants are open on Christmas eve and Christmas in Victoria? (victoriaadvocate.com) — If you’re planning to eat out in Victoria on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, dozens of local spots will be open with special holiday hours. From 24-hour staples like Denny’s and IHOP to local favorites like Mumphord’s, Victoria Cafe, and Taqueria La Frontera, this guide helps you quickly see who’s serving and when so you can plan ahead.
   

4. One year since plane crash in Victoria (crossroadstoday.com) — One year after a small plane crashed onto Zac Lentz Service Road at Mockingbird Lane in Victoria, all five people injured have recovered, and federal investigators have released their findings. The NTSB report concludes the pilot failed to properly inspect the aircraft or calculate fuel needs, leading to total engine failure just 10 miles from Victoria Regional Airport.
   

5. Victoria West heads into GP tourney at 6-3; East dominant at home against Needville (victoriaadvocate.com) — Victoria West’s boys basketball team heads into this weekend’s Gregory-Portland Tournament at 6-3 after a tight win at the Cypress Christian event, while Victoria East rolled past Needville at home for its second straight victory. Sacred Heart beat the Victoria Cobras, and St. Joseph cruised past Austwell-Tivoli, giving local fans several strong early-season performances to follow.
   

📸 Around Victoria

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Victoria

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Friday December 12

• Live Music by Neal Tolbert 7-10pm
  J Welch Farms, 111 Ripple Rd, Victoria
  7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Friday December 12

• Year-End Reporting Made Simple
  10:00 am
• Live Music in Victoria Texas
  J Welch Farms , 111 Ripple Rd , Victoria
  7:00 pm

Saturday December 13

• Victoria Farmers' Market
  2805 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX, 77901
  9:00 am

Wednesday December 17

• Victoria Farmers' Market
  2805 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX, 77901
  9:00 am

Saturday December 20

• Photos with Santa at the Victoria Farmers' Market
  2805 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX, 77901
  9:00 am

Sunday December 28

• Texas Gun Shows Victoria Dec 27-28
  Victoria Community Center , 2905 E North St , Victoria
  4:00 pm

📣 Victoria Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Friday December 19

• VPL Jams - Open Mic Night
  Victoria Public Library , 302 N Main St , Victoria
  5:30 pm

Saturday December 20

• German Christmas Fest for The Texas Zoo
  The Texas Zoo , 110 Memorial Dr , Victoria
  6:00 pm

Tuesday December 23

• PMP Certification 4 Days Classroom Training in Victoria, TX
  Heritage Mark , 5606 N Navarro St , Victoria
  9:00 am

Tuesday January 27

• CAPM Certification 4 Days Classroom Training in Victoria, TX
  Heritage Mark , 5606 N Navarro St , Victoria
  9:00 am

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

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
  Salem was LOST on December 9, 2025 in Victoria, TX 77901 near Hiller and Deleon Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor N Navarro St)
• How do you keep the squirrel from sharpening their teeth on the lead covers on your vent pipes?
  I like the little critters. I’ve trimmed my trees but they still get on the roof. (Nextdoor Northcrest)

• McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager (Up to $16.50 hr) in Victoria. Apply here.
• Steel Fabricators, LLC posted a job opening for Machine Operator - Weekend Shift (Fri - Sun) in Victoria. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Victoria here.

Ok Victoria! 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: I couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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