Waco residents have a variety of opportunities to connect with the environment and their community this spring through a series of Earth Month events. Activities throughout April focus on conservation, education and volunteerism, offering options for all ages and interests.
Act Locally Waco With Waco Walks
Waco Walks will host a guided nature walk Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m. at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., in Woodway, where participants will meet in front of the Whitehall Center. Led by Heart of Texas Master Naturalists Aaron Lincoln and Randy King, the walk will explore the Arboretum’s gardens, groves and trails, with discussion focused on native plants, wildflowers and local wildlife, including birds and insects. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and includes a mix of paved and gravel surfaces. Participants are encouraged to bring water and wear appropriate footwear, especially if there has been recent rain. Parking is available at the Pavilion at the Arboretum, Woodway City Hall and the Woodway Family Center. Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash and follow Arboretum rules. The walk will take place rain or shine, and in the event of severe weather or cancellation, updates will be sent via email. For more information, contact Ashley Thornton at [email protected].
Message from Waco-McLennan Public Health:
Earth Day is an opportunity to care for the environment and support a healthier community. Reducing food waste is one simple way to make an impact. Cutting back on waste can help save money, ensure more people have access to food and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
One way to reduce food waste is to better understand what “best by” labels actually mean, as they refer to food quality rather than safety. Labels such as “best if used by/before” indicate when a product will taste its best but do not mean the food is unsafe to eat afterward. A “sell by” date is intended for retailers to manage inventory and does not determine safety for consumers, while a “use by” date reflects peak quality and is generally not related to food safety, except in the case of infant formula, which should not be used after that date.
According to Waco-McLennan Public Health, 5.7 million tons of food were wasted in Texas in 2022, and individuals in the United States waste an average of $759 per year on uneaten food. More information is available at www.fsis.usda.gov as part of the Live Well Waco McLennan County initiative.
Information from Keep Waco Beautiful:
Keep Waco Beautiful is offering multiple ways for residents to get involved in Earth Month efforts across the city. Individuals can sign up to clean a pre-selected Great Waco Cleanup site or participate in a collaborative cleanup April 25 at the South Waco Library. Each spring, designated cleanup locations are selected throughout Waco to encourage community participation. Supplies are provided, allowing volunteers to make an impact simply by showing up. A full list of cleanup sites is available online.
In addition to cleanup efforts, Keep Waco Beautiful is partnering with the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department to host Arbor Day activities April 24, including a tree planting event at the Waco STEAM Center from 9 to 11 a.m. Registration is required for participation.
The organization is also promoting a digital “Explore Waco’s Green Businesses” passport, which offers discounts at select local businesses. The free passport can be accessed through a web browser and will feature Earth Week specials from April 20 through April 24.
Throughout the month, youth-created upcycled sculpture displays will be on view across Waco from March 21 through April 25. The displays, created using repurposed materials, follow the theme “Our Water, Our Future: Creating Beauty from Waste” and are located at libraries, the Waco STEAM Center and other sites.
These activities are part of the broader H2Waco campaign, which highlights water conservation efforts through community programming and public art installations.
The South Waco Library Cleanup will take place April 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Participants should be aware that the area includes nearby traffic, and safety vests are required. The cleanup is part of the Great Waco Cleanup campaign in partnership with Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful. Registration is required.
Care for Waco Carnival Waco Farmers Market
The Waco Downtown Farmers Market will host the Care for Waco Carnival this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of ongoing Earth Day celebrations. The event will feature family-friendly games and activities, along with vouchers that can be used at participating food trucks. The event is hosted by the Waco Youth Council and the City of Waco Office of Sustainability and Resiliency. During the market, the City of Waco Beautification, Arts and Culture Division will also host the Waco Tree Canopy Workshop in recognition of National Arbor Day. Participants who previously registered for the workshop and tree giveaway are encouraged to attend.
By: Debbie Wright
Waco, Tx — Beto O’Rourke spoke to a large audience Tuesday evening in Waco, offering an inspiring and informative address on civic engagement followed by a question-and-answer session.
In his remarks, O’Rourke highlighted that candidates are running for every position on the Texas ballot in the upcoming election cycle, underscoring the breadth of opportunities for voter participation. He encouraged attendees to reflect on pivotal moments in history — from slavery and the Civil War to the Holocaust — and consider how individuals responded during those times and what lessons they might hold for the present.
“Why didn’t someone speak up? Why didn’t they do something? What would I have done?” Beto O’Rourke asked. He said the country is living through a pivotal moment that could shape its future and that people will one day look back and ask what actions were taken, calling it an opportunity to do the right thing.
O’Rourke described the current era as one that may be seen as consequential in hindsight and encouraged people to consider their role in shaping the future. He also acknowledged challenges faced by grassroots campaigns while pointing to recent local election outcomes as examples of the impact of organized civic effort.
A large audience attended the event, many of whom signed up to volunteer with O’Rourke’s civic engagement organization, Powered By People. The evening concluded with an opportunity to meet local and regional candidates.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made a campaign stop in Waco last year and confirmed he intends to seek re-election in 2026; his visit included a discussion of state priorities and legislative issues. Gov. Greg Abbott also recently visited Waco for a State of the State event at the Baylor Club.
Upcoming elections and voting information
Election officials in McLennan County remind residents of several important upcoming dates and ways to participate in the democratic process:
- Joint Primary Election: The Texas primary is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Texas uses an open primary system, and voters may participate in either party’s primary by signing a pledge at the polls. Registering to vote by Feb. 2, 2026, is required to participate in this election.
- City of Waco General Election: Waco’s city council and mayoral general election is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Early voting for that election in McLennan County is expected to run from April 20–28, 2026.
- Polling locations: Voters may find vote centers and polling locations throughout McLennan County where they can cast ballots on election days or during early voting periods.
- Voting options: Registered voters may also be eligible to vote by mail if they meet specific criteria. Applications for ballots by mail must be received by the deadline for each election.
Voters should verify their registration status, polling locations and specific ballots through the McLennan County Elections Office or the official Texas election website for current and detailed information.
McLennan County Offices — March 3 and November 3, 2026
Residents in the county will also vote in primary and general elections for several county offices. Key candidates in the March 3 primary (with winners advancing to the November general election) include:
Countywide Positions
- Andy Harwell — McLennan County Clerk (R).
- Rick Tullis — McLennan County Judge (R).
- Josh Tetens — Criminal District Attorney (R).
Precinct Commissioner — Precinct 2
- Jeremy Davis (D)
- Travis Gibson (D)
- Donis Wilson (R)
Constable and Justice of the Peace Races
- Multiple candidates filed for constable and justice of the peace positions across precincts.
These county races affect local governance, public safety, and court functions across McLennan County.
State and Federal Representation Impacting Waco
In addition to local races, McLennan County voters will help choose nominees for statewide and federal offices in the March 3 primary. Some of the candidates in those races include:
- U.S. House — District 17
- Pete Sessions
- Milah Flores
- J. Gordon Mitchell
- Casey Sheppard
- Texas Senate District 22
- David Cook
- Jon Gimble
- Rena Schroader
- Amy Martinez-Salas
- Texas House District 56
- Pat Curry
- Ralph Patterson
- Janessa Givens
- Ashley Bean Thornton
Photos provided by Sherrell Huff
These races determine who will represent Waco area voters in the state legislature and U.S. House of Representatives.
City of Waco — May 2, 2026 Election
Residents will vote for mayor and city council seats in the upcoming municipal election. According to the City of Waco candidate filing list:
- Mayor
- Jim Holmes — incumbent mayor and banker.
- Aiden Morgan — healthcare worker.
- City Council, District 1
- Rachel E. Pate — vice president.
- Andrea J. Barefield — consultant.
- City Council, District 3
- Jed Cole — finance/real estate professional.
These candidates have filed to be on the May 2 city ballot. Early voting is expected to take place in late April, with newly elected officials sworn in after the election.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed, verify their voter registration status and review upcoming election dates and polling locations. Official, up-to-date information for McLennan County voters is available through the McLennan County Elections Office at
https://www.mclennan.gov/337/Elections.
Community members are also encouraged to engage respectfully, seek accurate information and participate in civic processes in ways that align with their values and eligibility.
For many, the turn of the calendar marks new beginnings, and the Greater Waco area, in agreement, has stepped into another year of development. Alongside the construction and traffic of infrastructure improvements, budding business adventures are opening their doors to new possibilities in Waco.
Recently, the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center celebrated its launch directly on the banks of the Brazos. The Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center provides a thriving environment for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, where Wacoans of any age can learn, play, and work in a space dedicated to their creative and educational advancements. With teaching kitchens, robotic laboratories, recording studios, and standard playgrounds, there is no dream too big to create at the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center.
Dreaming big has never been a bad thing, and as we approach Black History Month, we take a necessary moment to celebrate one of the most influential dreamers in American History, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who is nationally honored on the third Monday of January each year. Here in Waco, the Community Race Relations Coalition annually hosts a Wreath Laying Ceremony to commemorate the work of Dr. King and all other Civil Rights leaders. While honoring the contributions and legacies of Rev. Dr. King, this event includes various activities aimed at reflecting on Dr. King’s vision of equality, justice, and peace. Community leaders, activists, and speakers often share their thoughts on Dr. King’s impact and the ongoing struggle for civil rights, while encouraging participants to engage in service projects that embody Dr. King’s belief in serving others.
This week is OCD Awareness Week.
OCD Awareness Week is a worldwide event that serves to dispel myths about obsessive compulsive disorder, break the stigma around mental illness, provide education about the disorder, and share how to support those affected. There are over 200 million people worldwide living with OCD, and public misconception can prevent them from accessing timely and effective treatment needed to advance from suffering to thriving. This week, whether you share facts, tell your own story, or otherwise support OCD Awareness Week, you are making a powerful difference.
I was officially diagnosed with OCD at 21, meaning I lived a long time not understanding what my brain was doing to itself. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is also called the doubting disorder. It not only makes you doubt yourself and all aspects of your life, but, most of the thoughts that come with OCD are entirely illogical, which makes you doubt others, including those you love and trust most, and your basic understanding of reality.
Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings. Compulsions are behaviors an individual engages in to attempt to get rid of the obsessions and/or decrease distress. Together, they create harmful cycles of thinking and patterns of behavior. There is a public misconception that OCD is just a minor personality quirk or preference and that everyone is “a little bit OCD.” In reality, OCD is a serious and often debilitating mental health disorder that affects people of all ages and walks of life.
One of the unintended consequences of mental health education and advocacy amidst a time of social media is the watering down of clinical terminology. Many people can experience obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors at some point in their lives, but that does not mean that we “all have some OCD.” In order for a diagnosis of OCD to be made, this cycle of obsessions and compulsions must be so extreme that it consumes a lot of time, causes intense distress, or gets in the way of important activities that the person values.
Again, not all behaviors associated with OCD are indicative of a mental disorder, and a comprehensive evaluation from a qualified mental health professional is highly encouraged before self diagnosing. Obviously, I passed my tests with flying colors; no studying needed. I was in talk therapy, working out my thought processes with a mental health professional when she simply suggested the idea. The recognition and affirmation shocked my system. I was connected with a psychiatrist who gave me a lot more information on the specific diagnosis, connecting me with OCD specific resources. Going to therapy with OCD has been described as being in a boxing ring with an imaginary opponent, and I can attest to that. A lot of it is straight up exposure therapy or forcing yourself out of thoughts and behaviors that have been crafted for a sense of safety.
This week, I challenge you to share your story, listen to the stories of those living with OCD, share findings on the reality of it, and challenge myths and misinformation you see regarding this diagnosis.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
The Month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, where communities are going the extra mile to raise awareness and take a stand against domestic violence. Advocates say that awareness is the first step towards prevention and making lasting change, and here in Waco, the Family Abuse Center is advocating for the education of our community on the cycles of violence. Early intervention, prevention education, domestic violence education, and community awareness can interrupt the intergenerational cycle of violence and reduce the social acceptance of domestic violence.
The Family Abuse Center offers a free, safe, and confidential place for adults and children to begin to experience life without violence. Their professional staff listens, advocates, and provides support to all those seeking services. They offer counseling, transportation, job and life skills education, and more.
Each October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Family Abuse Center recognizes the victims who have died due to domestic violence during the previous year. This year, the Family Abuse Center will be gathering on October 17th at the Waco Suspension Bridge in memory of the Texas women and men killed by their intimate partners. Domestic violence violates an individual’s privacy, dignity, and security due to the systematic use of control and abuse. This day provides an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about domestic violence issues and show support for the organizations and individuals who are providing advocacy services to domestic violence victims.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
The Baylor University revised “Animals on Campus Policy” inhibits the feeding of any cats on campus property. Baylor originally issued the “Animals on Campus Policy” in December of 2009, and it was last revised in June of 2023, with the content reportedly being pushed and publicized to students, faculty, and staff in May of 2025. The purpose of this policy is to address the health and safety concerns that animals pose to the campus community, with things such as allergies, disruptions, injuries, disease transmission, and damage to property. Makes sense.
Most of the policy addresses things like service animals in campus classrooms, pets in dormitories, and information about the possible wild animals on campus. However, on page six of the Baylor policy, it states, “For safety, feral cats or loose dogs without owners should be treated with the same caution as a wild animal.” This policy fails to mention pre-existing community cat colonies on campus by not assigning them definitions nor establishing their protections for their current daily habits. If these habits and protections are still in place, Baylor has simply failed to mention it.
I read through the City of Waco’s Municipal Codes, specifically Chapter 5 on ANIMALS, and they define a community cat as any free-roaming cat, regardless of socialization or sociability, cared for by one or more known or unknown residents of the immediate area. Baylor cannot morally, ethically, or legally ask people to stop caring for community cats, when they are recognized as legal entities within city municipalities.
From Chapter 5, Section 129, the City of Waco defines negligent care as failing, refusing, or neglecting to provide any animal in a person’s charge or custody, as owner or otherwise, with proper food, drink, shade, shelter, or veterinary care as may be necessary.
Animal Birth Control of Waco has submitted a proposal to Baylor administration that would allow them to officially manage the campus cat colonies while addressing the university’s concerns about other wildlife. The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Waco community.
In May, two cats were found shot and hanged from utility lines near the Baylor campus, sparking widespread outrage. Not to mention, Chase the Blue Heeler puppy was just saved from an abusive owner in Lacy Lakeview and is now living with Officer Nathan Rodriguez, who says he “seems very happy in his new home.”
On Friday, a volunteer with Animal Birth Control of Waco arrived to feed cats at one of several colonies she regularly visits on campus. The volunteer was met with a pest control worker, who allegedly told her Baylor University had hired his company to trap and relocate all the feral cats on campus. Carrie Spivey, executive director of Animal Birth Control of Waco, says the cats in question aren’t just strays — they’re part of a managed colony program. Spivey says that relocating these cats would be both illegal and inhumane under Texas law. The cats have become an integral part of campus life, with students regularly interacting with them, taking photos, and giving them names.
While the cats are still alive and well, how long will Baylor be keeping them around? Feeding stray animals is not a crime. College aged students should know to not interact with dangerous, wild animals. Finally, I’d rather care for helpless, innocent creatures than worry about infrastructure with a budget for cleaning.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
The Robinson Family Farm is opening up for Fall Festivities on Saturday, September 27th. Get ready for family-friendly fun, including helicopter rides, pig races, food trucks, putt-putt games, farm animals, zip lines, pumpkin patches, crazy desserts, live concerts, gift shops and so much more. The Robinson Family Farm’s Fall Fest will go on through the month of October, so plan your visit to the Farm soon!
The Western Belle Family Farm will be starting their fall celebrations on the same day, Saturday, September 27th. Open until early November, the Western Belle Family Farm is open for plenty of time to catch their pumpkin patches, hay rides, farm animals, zip lines, delicious foods, and so much more.
Over in Hewitt, Skellington Courtesies keeps the spooky vibes going year round, with inquisitive oddities, dark decor, and metaphysical supplies for all your witchy needs. Check out the curious collection at 512 N Hewitt Drive for books, candles, crystals, and all of your upcoming Halloween-season essentials.
Gallery 11 is dedicated to offering high-quality gems and jewelry to delight customers from every walk of life. Their focus on community and customer service means you’ll have a stellar experience, every time. Lucy, the official shop dog, is excited to welcome you to their pet-friendly business. Kara, the owner who founded Gallery 11 in January 2023, sources premium crystals and jewelry throughout the year, so stop by the store to see what’s new!
Downtown Waco is full of unique art galleries and interesting exhibits that attract visitors from all over the country. However, instead of exploring the conventional art galleries in Waco, try to find the locations of the six spooky rat murals painted by Xavier Prou, a well-known Parisian artist. By exploring Franklin and Austin Avenue, visitors can discover the locations of these murals. The best way to go on this unique journey is by finding the mural locations by yourself without spoilers.
Waco is the birthplace of Dr. Pepper. For this reason, visitors often go to the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco to explore the fascinating history of this popular beverage. However, there’s an experience inside the museum that is known for being unique and memorable: making your own soda. The Make-a-Soda tour at the Dr. Pepper Museum allows visitors to create their own unique, weird soda flavor – make it as weird or as plain as possible! General admission to the museum is just $10 per person, but the Make-a-Soda tour costs an additional $10.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
Baylor University’s campus looks a little different at the moment. There are fenced-off portions of campus undergoing obvious reconstruction, accompanied by the sights of orange cones and the shouts of crew workers. A major project at the heart of campus that is causing much of this congestion is a huge step towards Baylor’s future.
The Memorial to Enslaved Persons is restructuring Founders Mall to acknowledge the immoral use of chattel enslavement during the building of Baylor’s original campus in Independence and the activities of daily life for nearly two decades. On Baylor’s ‘Background & History for a Memorial to Enslaved Persons’ webpage, it states, “It is an acknowledgment of a challenging part of our history while helping us see the need for Christian repentance while we press toward renewal, reconciliation and restoration.” Unfortunately, this isn’t the only accountability Baylor needs to take.
Previously, Baylor University and the City of Waco attempted to reconcile with Indigenous populations that originally inhabited the area. In October of 2020, Baylor authorized research on the history of Baylor’s land and its connections to Indigenous People, and in November of 2022, the University presented a Land Acknowledgement during Native American Heritage Month. In May of 2022, the Baylor Board approved a four-phase plan to address priorities identified by the Commission on Historic Campus Representations:
Phase One is complete, with the new Campus Experience Project.
Phase Two formally began February 20, 2024, with the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Memorial to Enslaved Persons. This phase also includes additional historical context being placed around the existing Judge Baylor statue, connecting his history of enslavement with those individuals recognized by the Memorial.
Phase Three will include enhancements to Speight Avenue that explain how the land upon which Baylor sits evolved and was developed, often at the expense of communities and individuals already occupying the property.
Phase Four will feature improvements along the Quadrangle.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
September is upon us, and our duty this Suicide Awareness Month is to start conversations regarding mental health, spread hope to those in need, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent crises of our time. World Suicide Prevention Day is Wednesday, September 10th, but all month long, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, and allied community members are uniting to promote suicide prevention.
Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. It starts with one conversation: ask someone how they’re doing and be ready to truly listen. No one has to face their battles alone. Whether you’re facing challenges, hoping to support a friend or loved one, or looking to help, your voice matters.
Here in Texas, there are three branches of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. AFSP of Central Texas is hosting an Out of the Darkness fundraiser walk in Waco on September 27, 2025. With over 350 participants already joined, this walk at Brazos Park East is the perfect way to participate in the community in a way that matters.
Help exists, and healing is possible. Inform yourself of warning signs for suicide, encourage open conversations about mental health, and connect people to proven treatments and resources.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
The Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children in Waco is a vital non-profit organization that serves potentially anyone and everyone in our area. Their mission is to promote healing of children and crime victims through advocacy, collaboration, prevention, and treatment across six Central Texas Counties, serving over 7,000 victims.
Victims can suffer both vocally and in silence because of acts of violence committed against them. Anyone–men, women, and children–may be affected by violence, which is why the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, disability, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, English proficiency, or age.
Unfortunately, children are one of the most vulnerable populations that are susceptible to neglect, which can appear as abuse in physical, emotional, or sexual forms. The Advocacy Center not only provides an immediate response to victims of violence with their Victims Center, but they also take care of our youth through work with the Children’s Advocacy Center.
The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) provides a helping hand to hurting children by minimizing their amount of time involved in the investigative and judicial processes. The CAC takes a holistic, coordinated approach to suspected abuse, which includes steps like videotaped forensic interviews. This way, the child has the opportunity to share their story in a safe, confidential manner. They also offer forensic medical examinations that ensure the physical health of the child and weekly case reviews, in which partner agencies oversee each case.
The Advocacy Center greatly relies on the community, and a few of their partner agencies include law enforcement, child protective services, the district attorney, the medical community, social workers, and case managers. However, they utilize volunteers and donations in order to aid the Advocacy Center’s staff, allowing the day-to-day operations of the Center to run smoothly and efficiently. Without these volunteers and monetary donations, they would not be able to continue to serve and impact our community so effectively.
The Advocacy Center has two community events coming up, including the 2025 Waco Designer Purse Bingo Day and the 2026 Mardi Gras Ball. Visit their website or Instagram to find more information on these special occasions!
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.