🐝Waco's Deep Freeze

Good morning, Waco! This is the Waco Buzz, where our fingers may be frozen, but our news is still fresh and our events are still hot (unlike my office thermometer).

In today’s Waco Buzz:

• Winter Weather Alert: Mid 20’s and Ice Watch ❄️

• New Laws for Texans in 2025 🏛️

• Live Music and Events Lineup for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 🎶

Let’s get to it!

Buzzworthy News

Chilly Weather Hits Waco🥶🥶
Waco is feeling the chill this week, and it’s time to break out the coats, scarves, and some common sense! TxDOT crews are already hard at work, brining the highways (I-35 and I-14, we’re looking at you) to prevent icy conditions from sneaking up on us. If you have to venture out, take it slow, give yourself some extra space, and watch out for those sneaky icy spots on bridges and overpasses. With lows in the mid 20’s and a wintery mix being called for on Thursday, stay safe out there. Here is a list of warming locations across Waco.

Pocket Park Coming to Austin Avenue 🛝
Exciting news for the Austin Avenue neighborhood! Waco could soon be home to a pocket park right across from Pinewood Coffee Bar. As reported by the Waco Tribune, the proposal is backed by local residents, city council, and Pinewood’s owners. Plans include community-friendly amenities such as a gazebo, playscape, walking paths, and even a potential garden. The $400,000 project is currently under review by the city council, and with strong neighborhood support, this green space could soon become a reality. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development. ($)^{_{indicates paid subscription required.}}

Save the Date: 2025 Waco Polar Plunge🐻‍❄️ 🪠
Ready to make a splash for a great cause? The Waco Polar Plunge is back on February 22 at Hawaiian Falls. Dive into freezing water (or just cheer from the sidelines) to raise funds for Special Olympics Texas athletes. Proceeds support year-round sports, health, and inclusion programs. Visit Waco Polar Plunge website to get more information on the plunge.

Civil News

New Year, New Laws: What’s Changing in Texas for 2025

Several new laws are set to kick in across Texas, affecting everything from your car’s registration to your personal data. Here's a quick rundown of the most impactful changes:

🚗 Goodbye, Safety Inspections
Starting Jan. 1, non-commercial vehicles no longer need annual safety inspections. Instead, you’ll pay a $7.50 “inspection program replacement fee” when registering your car. Somehow they always seem to find a way to make you pay.

🔒 Opting Out of Data Collection Made Easier
A new privacy law allows Texans to opt out of businesses collecting their personal data more easily. Starting Jan. 1, you can use browser or device settings—or even designate a third party—to block data collection. Businesses must honor these requests if they can verify your identity.

🏠 Property Tax Relief
Some tweaks to property tax laws also take effect. For example, schools will receive more state funding to offset lower tax revenues for elderly or disabled homeowners. It’s a small but meaningful step to ease the tax burden for many Texans.

Stay tuned for how these changes play out—and how they might affect your day-to-day life!

Kid Friendly Picks presented by Hewitt Kids Dental 

The Mayborn Museum is set to welcome a new, interactive exhibit, The Pigeon Comes to Waco! A Mo Willems Exhibit, opening January 26. This playful, hands-on experience invites kids to step into Mo Willems’ world, where they can make Elephant and Piggie dance, drive the iconic bus, and even dress up Naked Mole Rat for a fashion show. With activities like launching hot dogs at The Pigeon and creating art inspired by Willems' stories, it's a must-see for families looking for a fun way to engage with beloved characters.

For families in need of top-notch pediatric dental care, Hewitt Kids Dental is the place to go. Dr. Alex Piedra and his team specialize in making dental visits fun and stress-free for children, offering a variety of services in a welcoming environment. Schedule an appointment today and let your kids smile with confidence!

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Waco Buzz? Reply to this email.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Due to the freezing temperatures this week, some events may be canceled or rescheduled. Please check with the venue to confirm before heading out!

Tuesday
- 2025 MidTex Farm & Ranch Show 8:00 AM | BASE at Extraco Events Center
- Cocktails with Jen 5:00 PM | Hemingway’s Watering Hole
- Ladies DIY Snowman Night 6:00 PM | Salvation Army Corps Community Center
- Waco Life Drawing 6:00 PM | Cultivate 7Twelve
- Beer Garden Yoga 6:30 PM | Brotherwell Brewing
- Adult Pick-Up Roller Hockey 7:00 PM | Skate Waco Bellmead
- Vinyl Night 7:00 PM | Hemingway's Watering Hole
- Trivia Night 7:00 PM | Sam's Bar
- Smarty Pints Trivia 7:00 PM | Southern Roots Brewing Co.
- Slap Stix Trivia Tuesday 7:30 PM | Freight Bar

Wednesday
- 2025 MidTex Farm & Ranch Show 8:00 AM | BASE at Extraco Events Center
- The Meetup 9:00 AM | Startup Waco
- Story Time 10:30 AM | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe
- Open Paint 2:00 PM | Hammer & Stain
- Pint Night 4:00 PM | Barnett's Whiskey House
- Wednesday Night Farmers Market 5:00 PM | Bridge Street Plaza
- Pop-Up Shop 5:00 PM | Lighthouse Coffee & Wine
- Music Bingo 7:00 PM | Brotherwell Brewing
- Vinyl Listening Night 7:00 PM | Waco Ale Co.
- Open Mic Night 7:00 PM | Last Chance Bar

Thursday
- Big 95 KBGO Party on the Patio 5:00 PM | Fish City Grill
- 2K24 Car & Truck Extravaganza 6:00 PM | The Backyard
- Music Bingo and Karaoke 6:00 PM | Waco Ale Co.
- Glass Giveaway 6:00 PM | Dancing Bear Pub
- Bingo Night 7:00 PM | The Will House
- Name That Tune Bingo 7:30 PM | Freight Bar
- Slap Stix Music Bingo 7:30 PM | Freight Bar
- Songwriter Showcase 8:00 PM | Texas Music Cafe

Upcoming
Brew & Bravo
Veterans and a plus one are invited to an evening of laughter, connection, and recognition at the Baylor Club. Enjoy stand-up comedy by Navy veteran MJ Moody, brews, refreshments, and interactive activities celebrating your service. Branch pride is encouraged—fun prizes await the branch with the highest attendance!

📅 When: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Where: Baylor Club North Lounge | 1001 S MLK Jr. Blvd, Waco, TX
🔗 Event Info & Tickets

Baylor Sports🐻🐻

Football: Some great news to kick things off: Josh Cameron and Palmer Williams earned All-American honors this year for their standout performances in punt returning and punting. Hats off to these guys for representing the green and gold on the national stage! 🎉

Men’s Basketball is coming off a hard loss to #3 Iowa State and will host Cincinnati tonight Jan. 7, for a 7 PM tip-off.

Women’s Basketball has a big one on Wednesday, Jan. 8, facing Arizona on the road at 7 PM (streaming on ESPN+). The Lady Bears are bringing their A-game to keep their momentum going.

Upcoming Baylor Games & Matches:

• 🏀 Men's Basketball (9–4): Tonight vs # 16 Cincinnati | 7 PM | Foster Pavilion | Tickets

• 🏀 Women's Basketball (12–3): Wednesday, Jan. 8 @ Arizona | 7 PM on ESPN+
  

@Waco.Buzz

📸@inishesh | 📍Downtown Waco
Congratulations to Sheryl Corley and Ronda Van Meter for correctly guessing the most recent edition of “Where Are We?” Photo was taken inside of Dichotomy. Do you have a picture taken from somewhere in Waco that you think would stump other Wacoans? Reply to this email and it may end up in a future edition of “Where Are We?”
P.S. Tag @Waco.Buzz to get your photos in the Buzz!

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, please share it with your New Year’s Resolution accountability partner.

Corrections from the last Waco Buzz Weekend Edition.
- D1 Waco Athletic Training Gym has officially closed as of January 1.
- Numerous readers sent me emails saying that they could find no information online and the ticket link was not active for Frosty the Snowman at Waco Civic Theatre.