Good morning, Waco.

The Waco Foundation opened a new nonprofit center in a former bank building—designed with local artwork and pebbles from the Brazos River to ease funding cuts for nonprofits.

Leaders at the Avenue Center Open House learned that the center will offer low-cost office rentals and free meeting space while renovations continue until next year.

McLennan County deputies arrested 41-year-old Corey Don Lynch on Friday after a three-week undercover investigation revealed he arranged two online meetings with someone he believed was a minor—he was booked and later released on bond.

The Waco Fire Department celebrated the birthday of long-time supporter Eddie Chavez at Fire Station #4 on June 5 with cupcakes and a custom fire helmet.

Chavez first visited a fire station in the 1980s and has kept close ties with local firefighters—who invite community members to tour the station when engines are in the bay.

Valley Mills welcomed new police chief Michael Hamilton today as he introduced himself on the department’s Facebook page—he brings 27 years of law enforcement experience including 14 years as a chief.

Hamilton is married with four children and will lead the department following last February’s arrests of former chief Matthew Cantrell and officer Solomon Kilasho Omotoya for alleged abuse of official capacity—investigators uncovered suspicious credit card expenditures in connection with the charges.

McLennan County Precinct Four Commissioner Ben Perry announced he will not run for re-election when his term ends on December 31 and he has served since January 1, 2011.

He led projects that boosted the economy and improved roads—investing over $25 million to make travel safer as the precinct grew.

Fox 44 and Carter BloodCare will hold an all-day blood drive on Friday, June 13 at the Fox 44 parking lot at 8803 Woodway Drive starting at 7:30 a.m. and running until 6:30 p.m.; each donor will receive a coupon for a free pint of Blue Bell ice cream (A Pint for a Pint) while donations help meet local hospital needs.

Local realtor Chris Meza of Carbajal Realty Inc. explained that a national study ranked the Waco metro area 64th for finding a starter home and that 71.7% of local homes are starter-sized with a median sale price of $217,239—homes that are being remodeled for family ownership.

Developer Larry Jackson is planning 63 affordable homes in East Waco with starting prices at $250,000 as part of the new Hilltop Heights project near Buena Vista Park pending city approval this summer.

The development will use smaller lot sizes to lower land costs — helping first-time buyers manage rising material prices.

2025 RGIII Football Academy

8 AM – 1 PM — McLane Stadium — $50 per session — Enhance your football skills with coaching from Baylor staff and players.

Evening with Darrell 'D-Rail' Ray

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Slow Rise on the Brazos — Free entry — Enjoy a lively performance with Darrell 'D-Rail' Ray and get right with your life.

Baylor Football Camp #3

8 AM - 1 PM — McLane Stadium — $50 per session — Enhance your football skills with expert coaching at Baylor University's camp.

Waco Metaphysical Fair

11:00 AM – 5:30 PM — Hilton Waco — Free admission — Explore spiritual growth, holistic healing, and a vibrant vendor marketplace.

Mics With Benefits Podcast Event

7-10 p.m. — The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill — Free entry — Showcase your talent and receive feedback from panelists while enjoying a community atmosphere.

The Monkee Men Tribute Show

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a vibrant tribute to The Monkees with interactive fun and classic hits.

TAHPERD Summer Conference

June 29 – July 1 — Waco Convention Center — Registration details available — Celebrate health and physical education with professionals dedicated to promoting active lifestyles.

Texas Youth Classic - Boys 8-10 Tournament

June 29th-July 1st — Lake Waco Golf Club — Visit the website for registration fees — Central U.S.'s premier youth golf tournament returns with exciting competitions.

Art Camp I for Kids

9 AM - 12 PM — St. Paul's Episcopal Day School — Cost not specified — Get creative with architectural designs, sculptures, and art history at this fun-filled camp.