Good morning, Wichita Falls.

Sealed Air Corporation and Wichita Falls Area Food Bank hosted a creative food drive using canned sculptures to collect donations amid a SNAP freeze that is expected to leave 42 million Americans without benefits for November—Madeline Eubanks said donations will help feed families in 12 counties. Tony Gallagher of Sealed Air added that the event was fulfilling as it brought neighbors together during this critical time.

The Wichita Falls Food Bank is coordinating many local food pantries to help residents if SNAP benefits pause starting Saturday.

Pantries in Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, and Iowa Park and additional resources like Faith Mission and the Mustangs Mini Pantry offer meals and support—check local notices for specific hours.

The Boys & Girls Club held its 17th Legacy Dinner and Auction in Wichita Falls — local donors, alumni, and supporters gathered to honor leaders while reinforcing youth programs.

Mike Beaver and scholarship recipient Yahaira Wall spoke on how the club built future leaders.

During October, Wichita Falls hosted many community events as a hometown Olympian was celebrated for earning a heptathlon bronze medal—residents also took part in Empty Bowls, a State of the Region meeting, and Halloween festivities that engaged the local community.

Castaway Cove waterpark received a national marketing award last week for its successful launch of the Riptide Racer slide — the World Waterpark Association honored the team during its symposium in Florida, noting the campaign boosted attendance.

AAA Texas reported that drivers in Texas will see lower gas prices as October comes to a close (the state average is $2.59 per gallon, which is three cents lower than last week and 10 cents lower than last year) while the national average for regular gas is $3.04 per gallon.

Texas Highway Patrol Sgt. Juan Gutierrez spoke to Quanah ISD students today during Red Ribbon Week to share his field stories and stress that using school resources for help can change lives—school leaders arranged the talk so that even one student making a new decision would mean a lot.

ENJJPT student pilots completed T-38 exterior inspections, centrifuge training and a quick dollar ride to build trust before their solo flights— they will soon prepare for a cross-country journey in the supersonic jet.

Christmas Magic Market

9 AM – 7 PM — Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall — Ticket details upcoming — Celebrate the holiday spirit with local vendors and support community projects!

Syntrio Salutes Veterans 3K Walk

9-11 a.m. — Wichita Falls — Donation-based — Celebrate and support local veterans while contributing to vital services at Base Camp Lindsey.

Hangar Holiday Shopping Extravaganza

9 a.m.–6 p.m. — Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall — Free admission — Explore a festive marketplace with over 200 vendors and a special appearance by Santa.

Gardens of Texas: Growing with Resilience

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Forum (Arts Council WF) — Free entry — Explore Texas's diverse ecoregions and their native plants with Pam Penick at this engaging symposium.

ZZ Top Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Kay Yeager Coliseum — Tickets available — Rock out with one of the few original line-up bands of the blues rock genre.

Peppermint Land Holiday Expo

10 AM – 6 PM — MPEC — Free entry — Celebrate the season with shopping, whimsical characters, and festive fun for all ages.