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Texas school system closes after 2 teachers die of COVID-19

WACO, Texas (AP) — A Central Texas school district closed its schools until after the Labor Day holiday Tuesday after two teachers died last week of COVID-19. Chansler’s death came days after David McCormick, 59, a seventh grade social studies teacher at Connally Junior High, died of COVID-19, Bottelberghe said. Connally High School football coach Terry Gerik says the Cadets will play La Vega as scheduled Friday night. The school has had 51 confirmed COVID-19 cases since classes began Aug. 18, Bottelberghe said Monday. The rolling seven-day average of daily COVID-19 deaths in Texas was 200 per day.

myrgv.com

Texas school system closes after 2 teachers die of COVID-19

A Central Texas school district closed its schools until after the Labor Day holiday Tuesday after two teachers died last week of COVID-19. Connally Independent School District officials closed its five suburban Waco schools for the rest of the week after the Saturday COVID-19 death of Natalia Chansler, 41, a sixth grade social studies teacher at Connally Junior High School, said Assistant Superintendent Jill Bottelberghe. Chansler's death came days after David McCormick, 59, a seventh grade social studies teacher at Connally Junior High, died of COVID-19, Bottelberghe said.

news.yahoo.com

How sweet it is: See the historic Dr Pepper mansion up for rent in Texas

Were you born a Dr Pepper fan by default? Is Dr Pepper your bubbly beverage of choice? Color yourself a carbonated beverage buff? Does a visit to the Dr Pepper Museum rank high on your Texas bucket list? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we’ve found you the perfect weekend getaway -- A stunning, 135-year-old Waco home built by one of the men who introduced Dr Pepper to the world is now a rental up for grabs on Airbnb.

Texas Tax Preparer Charged with Filing False Returns

A federal grand jury in Waco, Texas, returned an indictment today charging a Texas tax preparer with 11 counts of assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. According to the indictment, Rossalynn Thomas operated TaxPros, a tax return preparation business in Temple. Between November 2014 through January 2017, Thomas allegedly falsified clients’ tax returns by claiming, among other things, false business income and education credits in order to generate tax refunds. Thomas allegedly prepared a tax return for the IRS agent that falsely claimed charitable contributions and unreimbursed business expenses. Trial Attorneys Robert A. Kemins and Matthew C. Hicks of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

justice.gov

Update: Amber Alert discontinued for Texas teen

UPDATE: An Amber alert issued for 16-year-old Alejandra Castro has been discontinued. Authorities on Sunday issued an Amber Alert for a teenager reported missing in Waco. Castro is described as a White female weighing 140 pounds and standing 5′5′' with black hair and brown eyes. Castro was last seen wearing glasses, a white crop top, and Aria jacket with a Mexico flag on the back and blue jeans. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to call the Waco Police Department at (254) 750-7596.

Big 12 champ No. 3 Baylor beats No. 17 Oklahoma State 81-70

3 Baylor, fresh off clinching its first Big 12 title on the road two days earlier, beat No. 17 Oklahoma State 81-70 on Thursday night to end the Cowboys' five-game winning streak. Freshman standout and Big 12 leading scorer Cade Cunningham had 24 points and Kalib Boone 10 for Oklahoma State (17-7, 10-7), whose winning streak was the longest active in the Big 12. That came right after Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe had a dunk for Oklahoma State, prompting a timeout by Baylor coach Scott Drew. ... Oklahoma State was without guard Isaac Likekele (hand) for the fifth time in six games.

No. 2 Baylor returns with 77-72 win to stay undefeated

Baylor guard Adam Flagler (10) drives the ball against Iowa State guard Tre Jackson (3) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, in Waco, Texas. They finally overcame some of the rust and Iowa State for a 77-72 victory Tuesday night that made them 18-0 for the first time in school history. Iowa State (2-17, 0-14) jumped out to a 15-4 lead in less than 6 1/2 minutes on a jumper by Tre Jackson. Teague and Butler combined for the last nine Baylor points. They have been close and led in some of them, including in the second half at home against Baylor in a 76-65 home loss on Jan. 2.

Fire Triangle Ep. 3: Fertilizer And The Feds – Houston Public Media

Eight years ago, one of the worst chemical disasters in state history ripped apart a small town in Central Texas, just outside Waco. The fallout reached the highest levels of the United States government, affecting chemical policy for nearly every hazardous chemical facility in the country. But eight years later, many improvements have been stalled or rolled back. Ironically, some of those policy rollbacks were caused, in part, by a federal investigation into this very explosion. The story of this disaster is foundational to understanding the present-day chemical regulatory framework in the United States.

houstonpublicmedia.org

No. 2 Baylor still undefeated after 84-72 win over Auburn

(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)WACO, Texas – This Baylor win was for Davion Mitchell, and the junior guard did his part against his former team. Mitchell swished a 3-pointer after losing a shoe and finished with 13 points and seven assists, helping the Bears stay undefeated with an 84-72 win over Auburn in the Big 12/SEC Challenge on Saturday. “And that’s OK, because Butler, and Teague and Davion Mitchell and Flagler are all really good,” Pearl said. "That conversation down the court, that was pretty cool.”AHEAD TO STAYButler made two free throws with 4:50 left in the first half for a 23-22 Baylor lead. Baylor: Baylor is 7-1 in Big 12/SEC Challenge games, the best record by any team in either league in the annual showdown.

Butler scores 30, unbeaten No. 2 Baylor tops No. 9 Kansas

Baylor guard Jared Butler (12) shoots a three-point basket past Kansas guard Marcus Garrett (0) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in Waco, Texas. Butler had a season-high 30 points and eight assists as the Bears remained undefeated with a 77-69 victory Monday night over No. 9 Kansas, which has lost consecutive Big 12 games for the first time in nearly eight years. “To win the Big 12, we’re going to need all 15 guys, we need everybody, we need the staff. “They were real focused, like we’ve been for every game,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said.

Become a ‘Fixer Upper’ homeowner: You can buy this iconic home renovated by Chip and Joanna Gaines

Following its renovation, the home was transformed into a rental property. Marla and David ultimately sold their “Fixer Upper” in 2018. While on the market, the house continues to operate as a rental property and is currently accepting reservations on Airbnb and VRBO. The answer: Location, location location. Whether or not you have any intention of relocating to Waco to fulfill your wildest “Fixer Upper” dreams, you can still enjoy this adorable abode, courtesy of the internet.

Can Chip and Joanna Gaines’ new Magnolia Network carry the day?

After a year without Chip and Joanna Gaines turned into two because of COVID-19, the Fixer Upper stars returned to the airwaves this week with the soft launch of their new Magnolia Network. There is more of a big city feel to Self Employed, hosted by Fort Worth barbershop owner-turned-entrepreneur Jonathan Morris. The first thing I noticed was that the difference between the shows and the promotional “making of” episodes was jarring. Like Martha and Snoop Dogg, Joanna Gaines and Bun B could have a kitchen throwdown, a Texan analog to Potluck Dinner Party TV Show. In its new format, will Chip and Joanna be able to recapture the 17 million weekly viewers it had at its peak on HGTV?

Tough Semi-Final Volleyball Match in TAPPS 3A is all too Familiar

This looks all too familiar for the TAPPS 3A State Semi-Final volleyball matchup. These two teams were matched up in last year's State Finals up in Waco where NBCA took the win and walked away State Champions. Photo from kylebiedermann.comWith the bracket change, the two teams are now on the same side of the bracket, with the State Semi-Final match slated with the two teams. The State Semi-Final match will actually be played at NBCA, Tuesday, at 6:30pm. For more coverage, follow VYPE (VYPE Texas Facebook and @VYPESATX Instagram/Twitter @VYPEATX) on social media.

Central Texas teacher accused of shooting teenage son dead

WACO, Texas – A Central Texas schoolteacher is jailed under a murder charge in the fatal shooting of her teenage son as she was driving him to his first day at a new school. Sarah Elizabeth Hunt, 39, remained Wednesday in McLennan County Jail in Waco under a $500,000 bond, charged with murdering her 17-year-old son Garrett Hunt. They also found a .40-caliber handgun, a .40-caliber magazine and cartridges on the floorboard and on the ground outside the vehicle, McNamara said. He never had a chance," McNamara told KWTX-TV in Waco. The Hunt family had just moved to the Waco area and Hunt was thought to be taking her son to Riesel High School to enroll.

Billy Joe Shaver dead at 81 due to ‘massive’ stroke, reports say

WACO, Texas – Honky-tonk hero and 81-year-old Outlaw Country legend Billy Joe Shaver died Wednesday after suffering a “massive” stroke in Waco, according to SiriusXM. Rest in peace to Outlaw Country legend Billy Joe Shaver, who has died at the age of 81. https://t.co/jS0fI5IOlH pic.twitter.com/n4eQCsshKF — SiriusXM (@SIRIUSXM) October 28, 2020Shaver was born in Corsicana in 1939 and released his debut album, “Old Five and Dimers Like Me” in 1973. He released his final album in 2014 and continued recording and touring until his death, Rolling Stone wrote. “Billy Joe Shaver might’ve been the only true outlaw whoever made his living writing about the inner workings of his heart. Shaver’s death comes just days after the death of another county legend, Jerry Jeff Walker.

Baylor University pauses football activities over positive tests for COVID-19; Oklahoma St game still on

WACO, Texas – Baylor Athletics has suspended all football activities to evaluate recent positive tests for COVID-19 but still hopes to play its next game at home against Oklahoma State next week, the school said Thursday. Baylor reported 10 new cases among athletes across all sports in its most recent update Monday. “We are taking all possible precautions and our focus remains playing the scheduled game with Oklahoma State at McLane Stadium on October 17.”The Bears have already had two games called off over coronavirus issues. Their original opener against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 12 didn't happen because Louisiana Tech had widespread positive tests for COVID-19. Oklahoma State also is off this week.

Buyers can find Hill Country land bargains at Rio Escondido

Centrally located among the bustling metropolitan areas of Waco, Austin, Fort Worth, and San Antonio are the newest Hill Country land bargains at Rio Escondido (meaning Hidden River). This new large acreage community is being offered for sale at convenient prices, making more affordablebuyer’s opportunity of owning a piece of heavily-wooded, creekfront country property, close to the big city. The properties at Rio Escondido range in size from 10 to 200 acres, so buyers can spread out and enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside, experience panoramic Hill Country views with a high-elevation setting, explore the big creeks throughout the community, enjoy ample privacy, relax under the hardwoods, and take in a variety of wildlife. Buyers get the added benefits of low ag exempt taxes and the reassurance of a warranty deed and survey of their new homesite. Residents enjoy easy access to city conveniences, county and paved roads, electric, phone, and modern technology, with fiber optic high speed internet available to new homes.

chron.com

Texas will spend $171 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to help renters avoid evictions

Greg Abbott on Friday announced he was dedicating $171 million in federal coronavirus relief money to helping renters avoid evictions. Credit: Emree Weaver/The Texas TribuneTexas is using $171 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to provide financial and legal aid to renters facing eviction, Gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month announced a new nationwide eviction moratorium, that will last until Dec. 31. Similar rent assistance programs have been created by Texas' most populated cities and counties, mostly using CARES Act funding, too. In Houston, the first round of a $15 million rental assistance program was drained in 90 minutes.

See inside this historical Texas estate built by Dr Pepper’s founder that’s on the market for $1.39M

WACO, Texas – A historical 19th century Texas estate, described as “one of the most beautiful and historically significant homes in Waco,” has landed on the market for $1.39 million, per a listing from the Houston Association of Realtors website provided by Waco-based real estate agent Adrianna Walker. The one-of-a-kind home, which dates back to 1885, was built by none other than Wade Morrison, founder of Texas-made soft drink Dr Pepper. Its backyard boasts a California-style pool and a cabana with a fireplace, TV and outdoor kitchen. Check out the images below, courtesy of HAR, for a virtual tour inside the grand Lone Star estate:For more information on the home, click here. 1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)1503 Washington Avenue (HAR)What do you think of this historical Waco home?

What losing football to COVID-19 would mean for Texas college towns: "Its like losing Christmas"

Texas five major conference football teams Baylor University, Texas Christian University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at Austin are massive economic drivers for their cities of Waco, Fort Worth, College Station, Lubbock and Austin, respectively, generating a flood of seasonal business for hotels, restaurants and bars in a typical year. Across Texas, university leaders have supported allowing football to move forward if conference division leaders allow it. We want to play football in the fall, said Texas A&M System John Sharp in a statement to The Texas Tribune on Monday. For college towns, its like losing Christmas, Berg said. Disclosure: Baylor University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.

5 places in Waco every Fixer Upper fan must visit

Here are places every Fixer Upper fan must visit in Waco:1. Magnolia Market at the SilosMagnolia Market at the Silos is an essential stop for Fixer Upper fans. Little Shop on BosqueBefore Fixer Upper, Joanna opened the Little Shop on Bosque which is the original home of Magnolia Market. Stay in a Fixer Upper rentalIf you have ever dreamed of living in a home remodeled by the Gaines now is (kind of) your chance. Check out these Fixer Upper vacation rentals available for booking online.

Bond denied after suspect pleads not guilty in Vanessa Guillen case

AUSTIN, Texas A 22-year-old woman accused of helping hide the body of a slain Texas soldier pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges related to the crime. Cecily Aguilar of Killeen, near Fort Hood, entered the pleas Tuesday in federal court in Waco to three conspiracy charges in the death of Army Spc. Vanessa Guilln, 20. A judge denied bond for Aguilar and she will remain in the Bell County Jail in Belton, Texas, while awaiting trial, KCEN TV reports. She said they will continue to build a whistleblower case for the slain soldier and asked anyone with information on Aguilar to come forward.

Woman charged in connection with disappearance of Vanessa Guillen set to appear in court

WACO, Texas – The woman arrested in connection with the disappearance of Fort. Hood soldier, Vanessa Guillen is expected to appear in court Monday. Aaron Robinson, who is believed to have killed Guillen reportedly asked his estranged wife, Aguilar, for help dismembering and attempting to burn Guillen’s body, officials said. According to Aguilar, Robinson killed Guillen “by striking her in the head with a hammer while on Ft. “She was very bold minded.”Aguilar is set to remain in custody after her court appearance.

Gov. Greg Abbott bans elective surgeries in four of Texas' biggest counties to preserve bed space for coronavirus patients

Greg Abbott announced Thursday morning he is once again putting a stop to elective surgeries to preserve bed space for coronavirus patients but this time the prohibition only applies to Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Travis counties, four areas where the number of patients hospitalized with virus is quickly progressing. On Wednesday, there were 1,320 intensive care unit beds and nearly 13,000 available hospital beds, but with regional disparities. Hospitals and care facilities would then employ their surge plans to build out additional capacity. Some counties could be added to the list if hospitalizations surge in other areas of Texas. That statewide ban lasted about a month before Abbott eased it, allowing hospitals to resume non-essential procedures under certain conditions, as long as 15% of beds were reserved for coronavirus patients.

TWCA Magazine Feature: The Dynasty

Under the direction of Coach Tom Earle, The Woodlands Christian Academy won it's fourth-straight Girl's TAPPS Cross Country Title and third-consecutive Boy's Title in late October in Waco. Ellie Catron won her third-straight individual title and Lindsay Worthington took fourth. Fern Shirley was sixth, Isabella Krantzke was 16th and Ellie Johnson rounded out the top five for the Warriors. Ben Shearer finished first overall on the boys' side, demolishing the competition. Can the Warriors keep the tradition going as they move up to Class 5A TAPPS competition?

TWCA Magazine Feature: The Dynasty

Under the direction of Coach Tom Earle, The Woodlands Christian Academy won it's fourth-straight Girl's TAPPS Cross Country Title and third-consecutive Boy's Title in late October in Waco. Ellie Catron won her third-straight individual title and Lindsay Worthington took fourth. Fern Shirley was sixth, Isabella Krantzke was 16th and Ellie Johnson rounded out the top five for the Warriors. Ben Shearer finished first overall on the boys' side, demolishing the competition. Can the Warriors keep the tradition going as they move up to Class 5A TAPPS competition?

NCAA approves plan for basketball players to access coaches

The NCAA Division I Council on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, approved a plan to allow college basketball players to start working with their coaches for the first time since the pandemic wiped out March Madness. The summer access period for men's and women's players will begin July 20. The summer access period for men's and women's players will begin July 20. The NCAA basketball tournaments were cancelled days before the fields were scheduled to be selected because of the coronavirus outbreak. It will also consider adding more activities for basketball players during the July 1-19 period.

Made in Texas: More than 65% of America’s best-selling candy bars are produced in this Texas city

Today, we’re featuring the chocolate treat that’s earned the title of being the best-selling candy bar in America and the world, Snickers. The Mars Wrigley Confectionery Waco plantSnickers bars have been produced at the Mars Wrigley Confectionery plant in Waco since 1976, as well as other popular candies like Skittles and Starbursts. Today, the Texas-based plant produces more Snickers products for U.S. sales than any other Mars Wrigley plant in the country, according to the Waco Tribune-Herald. KWTX reports that over 65% of all Snickers in North America are produced at the Texas facility. Everything is bigger in Texas, including SnickersIn January, the Waco plant secured a spot in the Guinness World of Records after creating a 4,728-pound Snickers bar.

Mother arrested after body of 2-year-old boy at center of Amber Alert found in dumpster, police say

HOUSTON – Police believe the body of a 2-year-old at the center of an Amber Alert has been found. According to KCEN-TV, Waco PD spokesman said search crews found the body of a small child in a dumpster early Tuesday morning. KCEN TV reports that Gonzalez’s mother, Laura Sanchez, led police to the dumpster, according to the Waco Police Department. “We did have a massive response to Cameron park because that’s where the call came in at that’s where the mother told us the child had been. What we know through the investigation at this point the child was never at Cameron park,” Bynum told KCEN TV.

Texas-sized Snickers claims world record for largest chocolate nut bar

Texas-sized Snickers claims world record for largest chocolate nut barThe Mars Wrigley plant in Waco recently unveiled a Snickers bar that measures 24 inches high by 26 inches wide, and weighs more than two metric tons, according to a news release. The Mars Wrigley plant in Waco recently unveiled a Snickers bar that measures 24 inches high by 26 inches wide, and weighs more than two metric tons, according to a news release. The company said the chocolate bar is equivalent to more than 41,000 single-size Snickers bars, and includes more than 1,200 pounds of caramel, peanuts and nougat combined and nearly 3,500 pounds of chocolate. ALSO READ: Highly anticipated Voodoo Doughnut opens first Houston locationThis candy is so big that Guinness World Records certified it as the largest chocolate nut bar. Mars Wrigley says this confection will be featured in its Super Bowl ad this year.

chron.com

You can stay the night at this ‘Fixer Upper’ home listed on Airbnb

The Shotgun House, a one bedroom home featured on the couple’s HGTV hit show, “Fixer Upper,” is up for grabs on Airbnb and it costs just $175 per night. “Anyone who loves the Fixer Upper needs to make the trip to Waco! Nothing about our trip was a disappointment and getting to stay at the Shotgun House made it all the better,” wrote Kimberly, who stayed in November. The location of the Shotgun House makes it the perfect place to stay for a trip to the Silos. The Shotgun House (Airbnb)The Shotgun House (Airbnb)The Shotgun House (Airbnb)The Shotgun House (Airbnb)The Shotgun House (Airbnb)The Shotgun House (Airbnb)The Shotgun House (Airbnb)

Truck hits I-10 E bridge and keeps going, leaving concrete on road

I-10 UPDATE: Crews swept up the concrete but @TxDOTHouston is assessing the bridge. Still only one lane of traffic getting by! pic.twitter.com/OOnwBaGEsS Katherine Marchand (@KatherineMABC13) December 17, 2019Freeway Closure: 4400 E I-10 (East Fwy) at Waco. All westbound lanes are closed after a truck appeared to have hit the Waco St overpass, scattering debris over the freeway. #hounews #houtraffic CC6 Houston Police (@houstonpolice) December 17, 2019EMBED >More News Videos TxDOT addressing overpass concerns on Houston Avenue.

abc13.com

Concrete all over I-10 E after truck hits bridge and keeps going

I-10 UPDATE: Crews swept up the concrete but @TxDOTHouston is assessing the bridge. Still only one lane of traffic getting by! pic.twitter.com/OOnwBaGEsS Katherine Marchand (@KatherineMABC13) December 17, 2019Freeway Closure: 4400 E I-10 (East Fwy) at Waco. All westbound lanes are closed after a truck appeared to have hit the Waco St overpass, scattering debris over the freeway. #hounews #houtraffic CC6 Houston Police (@houstonpolice) December 17, 2019EMBED >More News Videos TxDOT addressing overpass concerns on Houston Avenue.

abc13.com

East Freeway closed after truck hits overpass, scattering debris

Freeway Closure: 4400 E I-10 (East Fwy) at Waco. All westbound lanes are closed after a truck appeared to have hit the Waco St overpass, scattering debris over the freeway. Expect traffic delays in the area. #hounews #houtraffic CC6 Houston Police (@houstonpolice) December 17, 2019EMBED >More News Videos TxDOT addressing overpass concerns on Houston Avenue. EMBED >More News Videos Lanes blocked after truck slams into Houston Avenue bridgeHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- All lanes of the East Freeway westbound at Waco are shut down after an 18-wheeler apparently hit the bridge, scattering debris all over the freeway.Houston police say drivers in the area should expect delays as no traffic is getting through under the overpass.Signs on the bridge show the clearance is 14 feet 4 inches.This is just one of several times that an overpass has been hit in Houston.Less than two weeks ago, an 18-wheeler lost its load after it slammed into the Houston Avenue Bridge , which has also been hit multiple times by trucks that were too tall.

abc13.com

Waco Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding the United States

A Waco, Texas, tax return preparer was sentenced to 27 months in prison today for her role in a conspiracy to defraud the United States, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Departments Tax Division. According to the indictment and information provided to the court, Janell Lightner and her co-defendant Stacey Anderson conspired to defraud the United States by preparing false tax returns for clients of Andersons tax return preparation business, Anderson Professional Tax Services. Anderson operated the business out of her residence in Waco, but she and Lightner prepared tax returns for clients in Texas, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Anderson was previously sentenced on Oct. 9, 2019, and ordered to serve 87 months in prison and to pay more than $8 million in restitution to the United States. Mr. Zuckerman also thanked the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas (Waco Division) for their substantial assistance.

justice.gov