Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How will new I-35 bridge lights change nighttime driving in Waco?
You won't want to miss Noon Year's Eve on the Waco Patch calendar
Good morning Waco! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How will new I-35 bridge lights change nighttime driving in Waco?
- How a Waco barrel race sparked a multi-state horse health scare
- Are Waco families overspending on holiday gifts this year?
Also on today's calendar: New Year Celebration and 2 more events.
Find out what's happening in Wacofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Wacofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 78 and low of 61 degrees.
- Thursday: Partly sunny and warm, temps: high: 78, low: 62.
- Friday: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of 85 and low of 61 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Waco City Council approves $1.5+ million contract for I-35 bridge lights (kxxv.com) — Waco drivers can expect brighter nights along the Brazos soon, as the City Council has approved a $1.59 million contract to fully replace the failing I-35 frontage road bridge lights. Work is set to begin in January 2026 and finish by spring, with new fixtures and wiring designed to be more reliable and easier to maintain. 
• Dangerous horse virus appears to be slowing after Texas event outbreak, but vets still urge caution (texasstandard.org) — Veterinarians say a dangerous equine herpesvirus outbreak tied to November’s World Championship Barrel Racing Finals in Waco appears to be slowing, but they’re still urging caution. Dozens of horses across eight states were infected after the Waco event, prompting quarantines, canceled rodeos, and tighter biosecurity while Texas owners weigh when it’s safe to travel and compete again.
• Texas families spending $720 on average for holiday gifts, ranking third highest nationally (kxxv.com) — From right here in Waco, new data show Texas families are among the nation’s biggest holiday spenders, shelling out about $720 on gifts compared with a $520 national average. Local parents and experts warn that rising use of buy-now-pay-later services can create a painful New Year debt hangover, and they share simple saving and budgeting strategies Waco families can use now and next season.
📸 Around Waco
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 Waco
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Noon Year's Eve
Mayborn Museum Complex, 1300 S University Parks Dr, Waco
12:00 pm
Wednesday December 31
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Baylor University Men's Basketball vs Arlington Baptist
Foster Pavilion Waco, Texas, - New Year Celebration
Camp Fimfo Waco , 1000 Chickadee Ln , Waco
2:00 pm - RHS Boys Basketball vs McGregor
Challenge Academy Waco, TX 76704
5:00 pm - Baylor University Men's Basketball at TCU
Schollmaier Arena Fort Worth, Texas,
Monday December 29
Friday January 2
Saturday January 3
📣 Waco 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
- Code Enforcement Corner
3015 Bellmead Dr , Bellmead
2:30 pm - Wednesdays at The Will
The Will , 5984 N State Hwy 6 , Waco
4:00 pm - Heart of Texas Storytelling Guild’s Monthly Gathering
Good Neighbor House , 2301 Colcord Ave , Waco
10:30 am - Sunday Outdoor Market
The Will , 5984 N State Hwy 6 , Waco
12:20 pm - Sasquatch Staycation
Painting with a Twist , 1621 N Valley Mills Dr , Waco
2:00 pm - Baylor University Men's Basketball vs Arlington Baptist
Foster Pavilion Waco, Texas, - CHS Lady Cadet Soccer vs Hillsboro
Mac Peoples Stadium , 900 N Lacy Dr , Waco
3:00 pm
Wednesday December 24
Saturday December 27
Sunday December 28
Monday December 29
Tuesday December 30
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!
Bruce was LOST on December 22, 2025 in Waco, TX 76705 near Skyline terrace apts Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Old Northcrest) - If anyone has seen my baby please lmk!
She’s about 7 months old and is a pitbull/lab mix. She’s really sweet and friendly! (Nextdoor Herring-Park Lake/23-33rd)
- Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Porter - Unit 140 in Waco. Apply here.
- Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Waco. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waco here.
🗞 Nearby News
Bellmead
- Man accused of multiple assaults of his own mother, violation of protective orders (fox44news.com)
Robinson
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: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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