🌱 Patch AM: Who’s set to take over Waco’s powerful federal court seat?

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

In today's newsletter:

• Who’s set to take over Waco’s powerful federal court seat?
• Is Waco’s newly privatized convention center really falling behind on events?
• Will Waco bear the costs of Lacy Lakeview’s massive data center?

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Partly sunny and cooler, with a high of 60 and low of 48 degrees.
• Monday: Intervals of clouds and sun, temps: high: 72, low: 64.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 78 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. State district judge from Fort Worth in line to become Waco's new federal judge (kwtx.com) — Waco is poised to get a new federal judge as Fort Worth state district judge Chris Wolfe, a Baylor graduate and former federal prosecutor, has been recommended to succeed U.S. District Judge Alan Albright on the Waco bench. Wolfe is expected to be nominated by President Donald Trump and, if confirmed, would take over a court that has drawn national attention for major patent cases filed in Waco.
   

2. Major event count dips at Waco Convention Center, but 1st year under private management shows promise (wacotrib.com) — Waco’s Convention Center just wrapped its first year under private operator Legends Global, with fewer big events and missed revenue targets but encouraging signs on other performance goals. City officials say it will take several years of bookings data to truly judge whether this management shift boosts Waco’s convention business and local economy.
   

3. Questions remain over plans for $10 billion data center in unincorporated McLennan County (kxxv.com) — A proposed $10 billion data center in unincorporated McLennan County sits inside Waco’s jurisdiction and state-mandated water service area, but city leaders say they weren’t consulted and expect “significant” water demand and possible air-quality impacts. Residents in nearby Lacy Lakeview are split between economic hopes and environmental concerns, with more than 2,000 people signing a petition against the project so far.
   

4. Police say man was burned trying to set a house on fire (fox44news.com) — Emergency crews responded to a fire threat near East Waco Drive after a man allegedly poured gasoline on a house and roadway, igniting a blaze that burned himself and nearby grass. Residents inside the home escaped injury, neighbors helped douse the flames before firefighters arrived, and the suspect was later found hiding in a nearby mobile home and jailed on multiple aggravated assault charges.
   

📸 Around Waco

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

📣 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

Sunday December 21

• Pumpkin Festival in West, TX
  Western Belle Farm , 7929 Heritage Pkwy , West
  10:00 am

Tuesday December 23

• PMP Certification 4 Days Classroom Training in Waco, TX
  Regus , 13701 Woodway Dr 2nd Floor , Woodway
  9:00 am

Wednesday December 24

• Code Enforcement Corner
  3015 Bellmead Dr , Bellmead
  2:30 pm

Tuesday December 30

• Burnet Girls Varsity Soccer @ Lorena
  Lorena High School , 1 Leopard Ln , Lorena
  11:00 am
• Hillsboro Girls Varsity Soccer @ Connally
  Connally High School , 901 N Lacy Dr , Lacy Lakeview
  3:00 pm

Wednesday December 31

• Noon Year's Eve
  Mayborn Museum Complex , 1300 S University Parks Dr , Waco
  12:00 pm

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

• If this is your dog, please secure her.
  She’s sweet and friendly with my dogs but is going to get hit by a car. Approached us this morning while walking on the corner of LaPorte and Edmond. (Nextdoor Melrose)
• Missing cat.
  He is very loved. Grey w/striped tail. Greenish eyes and a brown speck on his nose. He is chipped and no collar. Last seen by Chapel Rd and Hewitt Dr… (Nextdoor Western Ridge Estates)

• BJ's Restaurants, Inc. posted a job opening for Janitorial in Waco. Apply here.
• MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Forklift Operator Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$36/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: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook