 On Tuesday, June 18, George Chase was sworn in to serve on City Council to fill the unexpired term for the District V seat. Chase was selected after a thorough interview process among 14 eligible candidates. The District V position became vacant when Jim Holmes, the former District V councilmember, was elected City of Waco mayor. Chase will serve on City Council until the next City of Waco general election on May 3, 2025.
George Chase is a native of Waco, graduate of Waco High School and Vanderbilt University, and he is the President of Insurors of Texas. Since moving back to Waco in 1994, George has served on numerous city and non-profit boards.
During his interview, Chase said that as a councilmember his goal is to build and capitalize on what Waco has already started, including the momentum in downtown, with Baylor University, new businesses, and growing businesses.
"I'm a big believer that quality of life drives business development, which then allows you to put more money back into better quality of life, so all those things go hand in hand," said Chase. "I think what Waco has going on is exciting."
The City Council is confident that George Chase's experience and dedication will greatly benefit the community and District V.
 The City of Waco is thrilled to announce the selection of Scott Walker as the next Fire Chief for the Waco Fire Department!
The appointment will be presented to the Waco City Council for confirmation at the July 2, 2024, council meeting.
To fill this vital position, the City engaged SGR, an executive recruitment firm based in Texas, to conduct a nationwide search. From a highly competitive pool of 60 applicants, Walker emerged as one of three finalists. His exceptional commitment to developing his peers and subordinates impressed the 40 participants in the stakeholder panels and city management interviews.
Walker brings over 30 years of fire service experience from the Phoenix Fire Department, where he began his career in 1994. Serving as the Executive Assistant Fire Chief since 2019, Walker has operated in the fifth-largest city in the United States, showcasing his expertise in every aspect of a modern, all-hazards fire department. His diverse experience includes Fire Operations, Fire Prevention, Emergency Management, Fire Logistics, Public Information, and Fiscal Management.
 The Waco Fire Department is bringing back their Cool the Heat program for the summer season. Donate a new in-box fan at your nearest fire station. Our program partners, Mission Waco, will distribute the fans to local individuals and families who need them most, especially during extreme heat emergencies.
For more information, contact Fire Administration at (254) 750-1740.
 We are excited to announce the return of the City of Waco’s annual Fourth on the Brazos celebration, featuring the H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza and live music from former Journey lead vocalist Steve Augeri!
Mark your calendars and make plans to join the City of Waco, Thursday, July 4, at Touchdown Alley (next to McLane Stadium). Enjoy food trucks, fireworks, live music and family fun. Admission is free.
Fourth on the Brazos will take place at McLane Stadium's Touchdown Alley, 1001 S. MLK Blvd. Chairs, blankets, shade umbrellas and coolers are allowed, no glass bottles or containers.
  As the City of Waco plans for future water needs and the impact the water use has on Lake Waco, Waco City Council has led the way in protecting the residents.
Starting JULY 1st, Waco residents' watering days by address will be limited to 3 days per week (business and residential):
• Odd numbered addresses water Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
• Even numbered addresses water Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
• No outdoor watering on Fridays
• No outdoor watering between 10 am and 7 pm
Together we can embrace water conservation and ensure we have enough water for our region, because in Texas the next drought could be right around the corner!
 The Municipal Court Youth Offender Prevention Program (YOPP) has been a success since its 2023 debut. Thus far, Judge Garcia has reached over 400 juveniles and young adults through his presentations at area schools and local community centers.
The program was designed to help young people learn about the criminal justice system through courtroom simulations and interactive activities. Some of the topics commonly discussed at a YOPP presentation include relevant laws, search and seizure guidelines, reasonable suspicion and probable cause issues involved in traffic stops and arrests, posting bail and surety bonds, categories and levels of offenses from class C misdemeanors to death penalty cases with corresponding punishments, jail, and prison life, probation, domestic violence, emergency protective orders, and effective communication with lawyers, prosecutors, and judges. Emphasis is placed on young adult and youth-oriented offenses utilizing real-life examples from closed cases that Judge Garcia has handled as a Judge, Jail Magistrate, Prosecutor, and Criminal Defense Lawyer. The program has become so popular statewide that other Courts are referring some defendants to it.
The next YOPP sessions will be held from 6-7 p.m. at the South Waco Community Center on the following dates. For additional questions, please reach out to the Municipal Court at (254) 750-5900.
- June 26, 2024
- July 10, 2024
 Waco-McLennan County Library offers great programs and story times for young children. They also offer programs for teens, young adults and adults.
Check out the online calendar for event dates, times, and locations by clicking below. Make sure to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge!
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