Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
Amarillo faces 'weather whiplash' with record heat Sat. then freezes Sun. Yellow Fire 65% contained; WTAMU receives $5M donation.
A series of indictments for serious crimes have been issued in the Amarillo area this week. In Randall County, 32-year-old Terrance Dion Moore was indicted on four counts of child sex crimes [3]. Additionally, a 58-year-old man, Juan Jose Torres, was indicted by a Randall County grand jury on one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child [9]. In Potter County, 64-year-old David Scot Houlette was indicted on a charge of possession of child pornography involving more than 50 visual depictions [6]. Meanwhile, the Yellow Fire affecting Oldham, Moore, and Potter counties is currently 65% contained as of Thursday afternoon [2].
Residents should prepare for "Weather Whiplash" this weekend [4]. Amarillo will experience record warmth on Saturday before a drastic shift brings freezing temperatures by Sunday night [4]. Due to the ongoing wildfire risks in the Panhandle, officials recommend staying vigilant and following safety protocols outlined in the "Firestorm 2026" initiative to protect families and property during high-risk periods [9].
The NAACP Town Hall recently took place at St. Johns Baptist Church [9][11]. This event brought together Amarillo Independent School District (AISD) officials and community members to address critical local issues, including enrollment trends and specific concerns regarding Carver [9][11]. Such meetings are vital for local transparency and addressing educational misconceptions within the community [11].
Ogallala Life has successfully wrapped up a weeklong rehydration project at Johnson Park in Borger [1][9]. The crew constructed 69 hand-built creek dams designed to boost soil health and water retention [9]. This project serves as a local demonstration of how hands-on conservation efforts can help protect the Texas Panhandle's shrinking water supply from the Ogallala Aquifer [1].
West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) has announced a significant $5 million donation to establish a new institute [9]. In secondary education news, Caroline Fairly, representative for Texas House District 87, recently discussed the legislative aftermath and education priorities following the recent Texas elections [10]. Additionally, a Swisher County man and his girlfriend, a former substitute teacher for Midlothian ISD, were recently indicted for numerous sex crimes involving a 5-year-old girl [8].
In a notable local crime update, Amarillo Crime Stoppers has named Chancy Cole Carver as the "Fugitive of the Week" [5]. Carver is wanted by the Randall County Sheriff’s Office on charges of theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000, specifically related to a stolen trailer [5]. On the legislative front, Texas Senator John Cornyn has denied claims that he altered his stance on the Senate filibuster to secure an endorsement from President Trump [7].
The Amarillo 5 is the premiere local news podcast for Amarillo TX. Get all your local daily news in 5 minutes or less. We cover daily weather, local events, crime reporting, local politics, local business and more. Look for a new episode at 5:00 am every morning.