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Amarillo TX Local News Breaking news City of Amarillo officials continue investigating a significant avian flu outbreak after collecting more than 300 dead birds across the area in recent days. As of Feb. 3, no cases of the virus have been reported in humans or other animals within the city, though testing is ongoing. Health officials are urging residents to avoid sick or dead birds as a precaution [1] [2] [6] . Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at a quad-plex apart...
City of Amarillo officials continue investigating a significant avian flu outbreak after collecting more than 300 dead birds across the area in recent days. As of Feb. 3, no cases of the virus have been reported in humans or other animals within the city, though testing is ongoing. Health officials are urging residents to avoid sick or dead birds as a precaution [1][2][6].
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at a quad-plex apartment located at 1309 Evergreen Street on Jan. 31. Firefighters encountered heavy fire that had spread to multiple corners of the building and was venting through the roof. No civilian injuries were reported, and the American Red Cross has been contacted to assist displaced residents [10].
The Amarillo Fire Department, City of Amarillo, and Safe Haven Baby Box dedicated the city's first Safe Haven Baby Box at Firehouse No. 9 on Paramount Boulevard on Feb. 4, providing an anonymous infant surrender option for the community [3][12].
The Amarillo City Council confirmed Thomas Hover as the new Amarillo Police Chief. Hover will be honored at a welcoming ceremony on Friday [9].
A Potter County grand jury indicted a man accused of killing his neighbor's dog and shooting at an Amarillo police officer with a pellet gun [5][6].
The Amarillo Children's Home received a $40,000 grant from Parkhill to purchase a new 12-passenger van [3].
Potter County grand jurors declined to prosecute an Amarillo man in the murder of his roommate in a fatal October trailer fire, finding insufficient evidence to continue the case [2].
Amarillo police are continuing their investigation into the 2008 murder of 21-year-old Crystal Booker, who was found dead in a vacant field off Interstate 40. Eighteen years later, investigators say they haven't given up on finding her killer [2].
A Potter County man has been arrested on decades-old child sexual assault charges [2].
The Amarillo area can expect sunny conditions with temperatures climbing into the 70s over the next several days. Forecast shows mostly sunny skies Friday with a high around 70°, Saturday reaching 74°, and Sunday at 68° [10].
While no severe storms are currently in the forecast, fire crews recently conducted a prescribed burn to create defensible space in Borger as part of wildfire prevention efforts. The National Weather Service in Amarillo met with Panhandle leaders in Borger to review wildfire watches and warnings, enhancing coordination for potential wildfire events in the region [9][12].
Safe Haven Baby Box Dedication Ceremony: The dedication of Amarillo's first Safe Haven Baby Box took place Feb. 4 at Firehouse No. 9 on Paramount Boulevard. This initiative provides an anonymous infant surrender option for the community, representing an important addition to local child welfare resources [3][12].
Precinct 2 Town Hall Meeting: Commissioner Precinct 2 is hosting a Town Hall meeting Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Downtown Amarillo Public Library, located at 413 SE 4th Ave. This meeting provides residents an opportunity to engage with local officials on community issues [3].
Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities Meeting: Scheduled for Feb. 5 at noon at the Amarillo Multimodal Bus Terminal, 509 S. Bowie St. This committee addresses accessibility issues affecting residents with disabilities [12].
Center City Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1 Board Meeting: Set for Feb. 5 at noon in room 1500 at Amarillo City Hall, 623 S. Johnson St. This meeting will discuss downtown development projects and funding allocations [12].
First United Bank Expands Leadership Team: Plains Bancorp, Inc., holding company for First United Bank, has appointed Brayden Ruthart as Vice President of Commercial Lending and Bianca Ramirez as Vice President of Mortgage Lending. Both will be located at the Amarillo Colonies Banking Center at 4501 First United Bank Parkway in Amarillo [1].
Northwest Texas Healthcare System Medical Milestone: NWTHS Heart and Vascular Center announced the hospital's first successful implant of the Barostim Baroreflex Activation Therapy device on Sept. 23. This world's first FDA-approved heart failure device uses neuromodulation to improve symptoms of patients with systolic heart failure who may not be receiving adequate symptom relief from medications alone. The procedure was performed by Dr. Bradley Trinidad, Vascular Surgeon, and Dr. Prakash Desai, Cardiology/Electrophysiology [1].
Duos Edge Data Center Coming to Downtown Amarillo: The Potter County Commissioners voted to lease a portion of the parking lot outside the Santa Fe Building to Duos Edge for $18,000 over the next five years. This marks the first data center to be located in the downtown Amarillo area [9].
Interstate Bank Continues Community Service: Serving the Texas Panhandle for over 60 years, Interstate Bank continues offering personalized banking services through its locations in Perryton and Amarillo, providing personal and business accounts, loans, and cash management services [1].
Amarillo Elementary Students Learn Financial Literacy: Amarillo elementary students recently participated in BizTown, a program that allows them to practice responsibility and money management skills. This hands-on educational experience helps students understand real-world financial concepts and workplace dynamics [4].
Amarillo College Board of Regents Leadership Change: The Amarillo College Board of Regents unanimously approved Michelle Fortunato as the new vice chair following John Betancourt's DWI arrest and suspension [5][6][7].
Area Students Excel in Academic Competitions: Area students dominated the Potter and Randall County spelling bees, demonstrating academic excellence in local educational competitions [7].
Bonham Middle School Wins Regional Science Bowl: Bonham Middle School claimed victory at the Pantex Regional Middle School Science Bowl, showcasing the strength of local STEM education programs [7].
Potter County Tax Office Honors First Employee of the Year: The Potter County Tax Office named Mekkala Vaughn as its first ever Employee of the Year during a ceremony recognizing outstanding service and dedication to the community [6][7].
Fire at Preferred Beef Group in Booker: Preferred Beef Group, a beef packing plant in Booker, Texas, caught fire on January 26, 2026. The incident was among the significant stories from the week of Jan. 25-31, 2026 [11].
High Plains Food Bank Receives Major Donation: The High Plains Food Bank received one of its largest donations—40,000 pounds of food—as hunger needs in the region remain high. This significant contribution will help support food assistance programs throughout the Texas Panhandle [9][13].
Amarillo Veteran Publishes Children's Book: An Amarillo veteran has turned his personal grief into a message of comfort for families who have lost loved ones by publishing a children's book to honor those who have passed [9].
Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q Launches Charity Campaign: Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q launched its Special Edition Pink "Cup for a Cause" campaign to support Panhandle Breast Health, combining business with community philanthropy [3].
Panhandle Community Services Receives Mental Health Grant: Panhandle Community Services has been awarded grant funding to enhance mental health outreach programs, improving access to mental health resources in the area [3][8].
Amarillo Flower Shop Celebrates Anniversary with Community Giving: A local Amarillo flower shop celebrated a major anniversary milestone by turning the occasion into an opportunity to give back to a nonprofit organization [2][3].
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