McLennan

Justice Champion: McLennan County’s Tara Avants Honored as Baylor Law’s Young Lawyer of the Year

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MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas — Tara Avants, an Assistant District Attorney in McLennan County, has been recognized by Baylor Law School as the 2025 “Young Lawyer of the Year” for her dedicated work in the pursuit of justice and her commitment to mentoring law students. Avants leads the Crimes Against Children Unit in the District Attorney’s Office, having built her career as a prosecutor since graduating from Baylor Law in 2017. Over her tenure, she and her team have successfully prosecuted numerous cases, with more than thirty cases being tried before juries. The team, under Avants’ … Read more

Heated Rivalry in McLennan County: Judge Thomas West and Barry Johnson Face Off in Contentious District Court Race

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Waco, Texas — As McLennan County heads to the polls on November 5, the race for the 19th District Court stands out against a backdrop of mostly unopposed Republicans, with decades of legal experience clashing between incumbent Judge Thomas West and challenger Barry Johnson. The contention transcends typical political divides, centering instead on profound disagreements over temperament, competence, and vision for the judiciary. Incumbent Republican Judge Thomas West, 59, is vying to continue his work that began when he assumed office in 2021. He is challenged by 68-year-old Barry Johnson, a seasoned civil litigator and … Read more

Local Lawyer Seeks to Rename Tennyson Middle School in Honor of Late McLennan County Commissioner, Pat Miller

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WACO, Texas – A local lawyer in Waco is leading an initiative to rename Tennyson Middle School in honor of the late McLennan County Commissioner, Pat Miller. Attorney David Schleicher believes that Miller’s three decades of service to the county, along with her ability to unite people, make her an ideal candidate for this recognition. Notably, the current namesake of the school has no connection to the area, making the renaming proposal even more fitting. Schleicher, who had a longstanding friendship with the late commissioner, has personal reasons to support the renaming. Reflecting on his … Read more

Effective Leadership Over McLennan County’s Specialty Court Programs: Swanton Takes the Bench with a Vision for Success

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WACO, Texas – Timothy Swanton has been appointed as judge for McLennan County’s three specialty court programs, in a bid to enhance the judicial system’s efficiency and address the needs of individuals with unique legal circumstances. Swanton’s appointment comes as part of an ongoing effort to streamline the court system and provide tailored support to those involved in drug, veterans, and mental health courts. Swanton brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as defense attorney and prosecutor in McLennan County. His deep understanding of the local legal dynamics will undoubtedly contribute … Read more