Good morning, Waco.

VanTran Transformers opened its second Waco facility on Thursday and is investing nearly $100 million to retrofit the former Sherwin Williams distribution center to triple sales to $1 billion—boosting local job opportunities and planning to hire up to 700 workers at wages from $23 to $30 per hour. The company will add more production lines as demand grows while keeping its original plant on Imperial Drive in operation.

During a DPS traffic stop on I-35 Southbound near the 339 mile marker on Thursday at 9:00 p.m.—officers discovered over 150 pounds of marijuana and arrested 27 year old Dayton James Parker from Elgin, Oklahoma on a second degree felony charge for possession of marijuana over 50 but under 200 pounds.

Vanguard College Preparatory School head of school Bill Borg, who has led the school since 2007, will retire in June after 18 years of service — his wife Susan will retire on the same day.

Borg said he may work temporarily at other schools in the future — his decision follows major campus upgrades and a growing enrollment.

TxDOT will close the turnaround at eastbound S Valley Mills Drive and the northbound I-35 frontage road starting Monday, April 28 at 1 p.m. in Waco; drivers will be rerouted through a traffic circle as the three-week closure supports drainage improvements under the My35 Waco South project — weather permitting.

The Heart of Texas Special Olympics held its annual Track and Field competition at Rice Field on Friday.

Students from several school districts, including sixth grader Justin Kimbro from Tennyson Middle School, competed and will advance to the state event in May.

Healthy Kids Running Series Waco

3-4 p.m. — City of Waco Brazos Park East — Registration required — A lively series promoting active lifestyles for kids aged 2-14 through fun running events.

17th Heart of Texas Sertoma Kite Festival

5-10 a.m. — Heart of Texas Miniature Aircraft Club — Free entry — Enjoy a free family day with kites, food, games, and fun activities for kids.

Cinco De Mayo Celebration

6:00 p.m. — The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill — Free entry — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with vibrant flavors and lively festivities in Waco's favorite backyard venue.

Awakening Events: Upcoming Christian Music Concerts

6:30-10 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Ticket info available — Experience a night of uplifting Christian music at this vibrant venue.

Leading Waco Women Spring Workshop

Lead. Inspire. Elevate. The Leading Waco Women series isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. Designed to celebrate, empower, and develop female leaders across our community, this annual series provides transformative professional development experiences. Through dynamic keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and powerful networking, you’ll gain the tools, insights, and connections to thrive in your career and beyond. This is your opportunity to invest in yourself and the future of women’s leadership in Waco. Whether you attend solo, bring a friend, or bring your entire team, you’ll leave inspired, equipped, and ready to lead boldly. Don’t just sit on the sidelines—be part of the change. Join us at Leading Waco Women Spring Workshop!

Leading Waco Women Spring Workshop

Lead. Inspire. Elevate. The Leading Waco Women series isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. Designed to celebrate, empower, and develop female leaders across our community, this annual series provides transformative professional development experiences. Through dynamic keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and powerful networking, you’ll gain the tools, insights, and connections to thrive in your career and beyond. This is your opportunity to invest in yourself and the future of women’s leadership in Waco. Whether you attend solo, bring a friend, or bring your entire team, you’ll leave inspired, equipped, and ready to lead boldly. Don’t just sit on the sidelines—be part of the change. Join us at Leading Waco Women Spring Workshop!

Los Roachez Concert

8:30-11 p.m. — The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill — $10-$15 — Enjoy a vibrant live performance from Los Roachez with great drinks in a lively atmosphere.

Infused with Love: A Mother’s Day Sips and Sweets Affair

Afternoon — 407 S 8th St, Waco, TX — Free entry — Celebrate Mother's Day with infused waters, sweet treats, and local shopping.

Latino Night Fundraiser

6-10 p.m. — Cambria Hotel Waco University Riverfront — Early bird tickets available — Celebrate Latino culture with music, dancing, and fundraising for a great cause.

Badass Texas 10km

6:45-10:45 a.m. — Heritage Square — Registration required — Celebrate a decade of badassery with a challenging 10km run in Waco, Texas.