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Amarillo TX Local News Breaking news LAVENDER FIRE UPDATE: The Lavender Fire continues to burn across 9,000 acres north of Amarillo with only 10% containment as of Wednesday afternoon [1] [6] . The Valle de Oro community remains under mandatory evacuation orders, with The Church at Bushland (1800 S FM 2381) serving as an evacuation center and accepting donations for firefighters [1] [6] . Residents are urged to stay away from the area to allow emergency personnel to focus on firefighting operati...
LAVENDER FIRE UPDATE: The Lavender Fire continues to burn across 9,000 acres north of Amarillo with only 10% containment as of Wednesday afternoon [1][6]. The Valle de Oro community remains under mandatory evacuation orders, with The Church at Bushland (1800 S FM 2381) serving as an evacuation center and accepting donations for firefighters [1][6]. Residents are urged to stay away from the area to allow emergency personnel to focus on firefighting operations [6].
POWER RESTORATION: Xcel Energy has restored power to 97% of customers affected by Tuesday's Public Safety Power Shutoff and weather-related outages across the Texas Panhandle [5][8]. As of 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, 526 customers remained without electricity, with all Amarillo customers restored except those near the ongoing Lavender Fire [5]. The shutoff was implemented in 14 Panhandle counties due to wind gusts up to 70 mph and critical fire weather conditions [5].
SHOOTING SUSPECT ARRESTED: Nathaniel Maya, 29, was arrested Tuesday after a police chase that began following a shooting incident in Amarillo [3][7]. Maya faces three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest/detention in a motor vehicle and on foot, and resisting arrest [3]. The chase ended in a field near Western and Arden Road in Randall County after Maya wrecked his car [7].
HOMEOWNER REBUILDING AFTER POLICE CHASE DAMAGE: Angela Molina is working to rebuild her home after a police chase ended with a car crashing into her house nearly three weeks ago [2]. The home remains boarded up and badly damaged, with Molina stating "Everything is damaged, everything" [2].
HOUSE FIRE ON 5TH AND LAMAR: One person was treated for minor smoke inhalation after an early morning house fire Wednesday at approximately 7:30 a.m. at 5th Avenue and Lamar Street [4][9]. Fire crews arrived to find a single-story home fully involved, and the Amarillo Fire Marshal's Office is investigating [4][9].
AMARILLO COLLEGE AUDIT CLEARS SUSPENDED VP: An independent forensic audit found no missing funds at Amarillo College, four months after the Vice President of Business Affairs was suspended pending investigation [2][3]. The audit results were released Wednesday, clearing the official of financial misconduct [2].
MONSIGNOR REX NICHOLL DIES: The Diocese of Amarillo announced that Monsignor Rex Nicholl has died at age 89, with funeral arrangements pending [1].
CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONTINUES: High Wind and Red Flag Warnings remain in effect across the Texas Panhandle [1]. Wind gusts reached up to 70 mph on Tuesday, prompting Xcel Energy's Public Safety Power Shutoff in 14 counties [5]. Current conditions show temperatures at 45°F with Friday expected to reach 56°F and Saturday 51°F [2][3].
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS: Residents should avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and be cautious with any activities that could spark fires. Xcel Energy customers should be prepared for potential additional power shutoffs if critical fire weather conditions persist. The National Weather Service continues monitoring multiple fire locations across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles [5][8].
AMARILLO MUSEUM OF ART OPENING RECEPTION: The Amarillo Museum of Art will host an opening reception for two exhibitions - "Cultural Currency: Contemporary Art from the Riemer Collection" and Ken Little's "Fields of Green" - on Friday, February 20, 2026 [1][10]. Both shows examine money and consumer culture. The event will include art, music, and food. Tickets and memberships can be purchased at the museum [10].
JOY HARJO LECTURE: Former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo will give a public lecture on March 26, 2026, as part of the Creative Mind Lecture Series at Amarillo College [1].
COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR: The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum hosts Coffee with the Curator featuring AQHA Curator Emily Kelley at 10 a.m. [1].
PORTS-TO-PLAINS FUNDING SECURED: Federal funding of $19.24 million has been allocated for planning infrastructure and safety along the Ports-to-Plains Alliance corridor, with $2 million secured by Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX13) specifically for projects in the Amarillo area [1][11]. The funding will benefit Loop construction as part of the ongoing project to connect interstates [1].
OGALLALA LIFE EXPANSION: Ogallala Life will expand rehydration efforts in the Panhandle with a newest project aimed at engaging and inspiring the public [1].
AMARILLO ISD REJECTS PRAYER POLICY: The Amarillo Independent School District board of trustees unanimously voted to reject SB 11's optional policy authorizing daily prayer and religious reading times in district schools [1]. The board rejected the policy due to data and safety concerns, and because SB 11's guidelines are stricter than the district's current flexible policies [1].
WEST TEXAS A&M CAMPUS FORUM GUIDELINES: West Texas A&M University leadership is working to define on-campus limited public forums and use guidelines [1]. Additionally, WT has opened its newly remodeled Geneva Schaeffer Education Building [1].
LOVE ENDURES IN AMARILLO: Residents of The Legacy at Town Square reflected on decades spent together in a heartwarming Valentine's Day feature [1]. Over 20 residents gathered in the sports lounge decorated for the holiday, sharing stories of enduring relationships and community bonds [11].
ARENA FOOTBALL RETURNS: Arena football is returning to Amarillo after a two-year gap, bringing excitement to local sports fans [12].
AVIAN FLU TESTING: Hundreds of birds picked up in Amarillo are being tested for Avian flu as authorities monitor the situation [12].
TRANSFORMATION PARK SHELTER OPENING: Transformation Park's temporary day shelter, the Hub, will open soon to continue offering services to unhoused Amarilloans, with former Guyon Saunders Resource Center employees providing assistance [6].
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