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Amarillo TX Local News Breaking news WILDFIRE STATUS UPDATE: Multiple fires continue burning across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles for a fourth straight day. The Ranger Road Fire in Beaver County, Oklahoma has grown to 283,283 acres with 30% containment. The Stevens Fire in Texas County, Oklahoma stands at 12,894 acres with 75% containment, and the Morning Fire in Beaver County is at 820 acres with 80% containment [3] . DISASTER AID ANNOUNCED: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller visited...
WILDFIRE STATUS UPDATE: Multiple fires continue burning across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles for a fourth straight day. The Ranger Road Fire in Beaver County, Oklahoma has grown to 283,283 acres with 30% containment. The Stevens Fire in Texas County, Oklahoma stands at 12,894 acres with 75% containment, and the Morning Fire in Beaver County is at 820 acres with 80% containment [3].
DISASTER AID ANNOUNCED: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller visited Amarillo on Friday, Feb. 20 to announce agricultural disaster relief programs for Panhandle ranchers affected by the wildfires. The declaration activates assistance for livestock feed, financial aid, and rural mental-health support [4]. Donley County has declared a local state of disaster resulting from the 8 Ball Wildfire [1].
AMARILLO COLLEGE AUDIT FINDINGS: A forensic audit found no missing money at Amarillo College but identified communication failures tied to rising construction costs and contract changes. Former Vice President of Business Affairs Chris Sharp, who was placed on administrative leave in October 2025 pending investigation, has responded and disputed board communication claims [1][2].
HUMAN REMAINS DISCOVERED: Amarillo police discovered human remains inside a home on South Buchanan Street. Police believe the remains had been there for nearly three years. The discovery was made Monday when police were called to a disturbance [3].
SEX TRAFFICKING LAWSUIT: A survivor of trafficking has filed a federal lawsuit seeking $1 million against Amarillo Red Roof Inn and Lubbock Red Roof Inn, claiming the businesses chose profits over protecting a trafficking victim [1].
CHILD REUNITED: A 1-year-old child found at the Cypress Creek at Jason Avenue apartments has been reunited with family after Amarillo police sought public assistance locating the parents [3].
VALENTINE'S DAY SHOOTING: The suspect in the Valentine's Day shooting in Amarillo has been booked into Potter County Jail. The incident left one person dead [1].
CRITICAL FIRE DANGER CONTINUES: Critical fire weather conditions have persisted for a third straight day across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, with high winds and dry fuels creating dangerous conditions [3]. Xcel Energy crews continue working to restore power to customers impacted by outages due to winds and fires from Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) [1].
ROAD CLOSURES: Parts of Highway 287 have been closed due to an overturned semi from high winds. The Moore County Sheriff's Office is advising travelers to check conditions before traveling [1]. Potter County officials say a burn ban remains in effect with no fires permitted in the river area [1].
WTAMU SPRING CAREER AND INTERNSHIP EXPO: West Texas A&M University will hold its spring Career and Internship Expo on Thursday, Feb. 19. Students and community members can connect with employers for job and internship opportunities. The event is free for WT students and alumni [1].
ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: Visit Amarillo has outlined plans for the Route 66 Centennial celebration, including international caravans and a 400-foot mural based on local stories coming to Amarillo. The Texas Route 66 Festival will celebrate the historic highway's 100th anniversary [1][2].
SAND DRAGS SAFETY ADVISORY: Potter County officials are asking the public to be fire aware ahead of the annual Sand Drags event. Officials warn that sparks from chains, ATVs, or cigarettes could ignite fires. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and National Park Service will assist in the river area alongside Potter County officials [1].
FILM STUDIO EVICTION: A film studio has been ordered to vacate an Amarillo College building "immediately." The order comes amid ongoing changes at the college following the forensic audit findings [2].
FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING: Federal funding of $19.24 million has been allocated for planning infrastructure and safety along the Ports-to-Plains Alliance corridor, with $1 million benefiting Loop construction in the Amarillo area. The ongoing project aims to connect interstates [2].
WTAMU FRATERNITY CHARGES: Eight WTAMU fraternity brothers face felony charges after a midnight "flag raid" incident. The charges stem from an alleged break-in at the ATO fraternity building in Canyon where the group attempted to steal property [1][3].
DRAG SHOW BAN UPHELD: Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk has upheld the WT campus drag show ban. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Spectrum WT's appeal in the drag show case. West Texas A&M University leadership is working to define on-campus limited public forums and use guidelines [2].
GENEVA SCHAEFFER EDUCATION BUILDING: West Texas A&M University has opened its newly remodeled Geneva Schaeffer Education Building, enhancing educational facilities for students [2].
CITY HALL RECOGNIZED: Amarillo City Hall was recognized with the Texas Downtown Association President's Award for Best Restoration, earning first place among cities with populations of 50,000 or more. Councilmember Les Simpson and Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper received the award at the Texas Downtown President's Gala in Waco, TX [5].
BIRD TESTING FOR AVIAN FLU: Hundreds of birds picked up in Amarillo are being tested for Avian flu. Local authorities are monitoring the situation as testing continues [2].
ARENA FOOTBALL RETURNS: Arena football returns to Amarillo after a two-year gap, bringing sports entertainment back to the city for fans [2].
IMMIGRATION CASE: A woman is accused of using fraudulent identification papers to gain employment at an Amarillo hotel, posing as a legal resident to secure the job [1].
METHAMPHETAMINE TRAFFICKING: A man managed to hide a kilogram of methamphetamine from his driver during a road trip until they were pulled over in rural Carson County, Texas. The discovery was made during a traffic stop [1].
MATERNAL HEALTH INITIATIVE: Local efforts are underway to combat maternal depression, mortality, and morbidity in the Amarillo area, addressing critical women's health issues [2].
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