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  • Amarillo TX Local News - February 21, 2026

    Amarillo TX Local News - February 21, 2026
    Feb 21 2026
    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 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]. Weather 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]. Events 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]. local business 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 infrastruc...
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    6 Min.
  • Amarillo TX Local News - February 20, 2026

    Amarillo TX Local News - February 20, 2026
    Feb 20 2026
    Amarillo TX Local News Breaking news LAVENDER FIRE EXPANDS: The Lavender Fire burning in Oldham and Potter counties has grown to approximately 18,400 acres with 20% containment as of Thursday afternoon, up from 9,000 acres earlier this week [1][5]. The fire has prompted evacuations in Valle de Oro, with residents urged to avoid the area between Valle de Oro Highway and Highway 287 [7]. OTHER ACTIVE FIRES: Multiple wildfires continue burning across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles: the 8 Ball Fire in Armstrong County spans 13,500 acres (60% contained), the Side Road Fire covers 3,680 acres (60% contained), and the Canadian Bridge Fire in Hutchinson County is 428 acres (100% contained) [5][7]. The largest blaze is the Ranger Road Fire in Beaver County, Oklahoma [7]. Three firefighters were hospitalized with serious injuries while fighting the Ranger Road Fire [8]. HUMAN REMAINS DISCOVERED: Amarillo police are investigating after human bones were found inside a home on South Buchanan Street. Authorities believe the remains had been there for nearly three years. Police responded to a disturbance call on Monday [6][7]. VALENTINE'S DAY SHOOTING: The suspect in the Valentine's Day shooting on Jason Avenue has been booked into Potter County Jail. One man was wounded and faces multiple charges following the incident [1]. DOWNTOWN FATAL CRASH: One person died and five others were injured in a crash in downtown Amarillo Monday evening [1]. Weather CRITICAL FIRE DANGER CONTINUES: A red flag warning remains in effect as critical fire weather persists across the region. While winds decreased slightly Thursday, gusts up to 40 mph were expected with a cold front moving through [5]. FRIDAY FORECAST: Winds are NOT expected to ease Friday in Amarillo. Sustained speeds of 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are forecast, creating conditions capable of rapidly spreading fires [5]. SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS: Emergency officials urge residents to leave immediately if they feel unsafe, limit smoke exposure by keeping windows and doors closed, and not return home until authorities give the all-clear. The Red Cross recommends downloading its emergency mobile app for real-time alerts and shelter information [5]. POWER RESTORATION: Xcel Energy crews continue working to restore power to customers affected by outages due to winds and fires. Panhandle area emergency shelters remain open for residents experiencing planned or unexpected power outages [1]. Events WTAMU SPRING CAREER & INTERNSHIP EXPO When: Thursday, February 19 Where: West Te...
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    5 Min.
  • Amarillo TX Local News - February 19, 2026

    Amarillo TX Local News - February 19, 2026
    Feb 19 2026

    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 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"

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    6 Min.
  • Amarillo TX Local News - February 18, 2026

    Amarillo TX Local News - February 18, 2026
    Feb 18 2026
    Amarillo TX Local News Breaking news Wildfires Continue Burning Across Panhandle: Multiple wildfires are actively burning across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles as of Tuesday evening. The Lavender fire, located 5 miles south of Boys Ranch, has grown to 500 acres and is 0% contained, moving northeast at 3-5 mph. A mandatory evacuation has been issued for Valley De Oro, affecting areas including Highway 385 south of Boys Ranch and Tascosa Road southeast of Boys Ranch [1]. Power Restoration Underway: Xcel Energy has begun restoring power following a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) that affected approximately 14,277 customers, plus an additional 2,223 customers affected by weather-related outages. As of 8:45 p.m. Feb. 17, about 6,400 customers remained without power. The utility expects most customers to be restored Tuesday night, though some outages may extend into Wednesday due to the scale of the event and the 2,500 miles of lines de-energized during the PSPS [1][2]. Fatal Downtown Crash: One person is dead and five others injured after a crash in downtown Amarillo Monday evening. The crash occurred on N. Fillmore between S. 1st Avenue and N. 1st. Police say a 17-year-old driver showed signs of alcohol impairment [1][3]. Commercial Structure Fire Contained: Amarillo fire crews have brought a large commercial structure fire near Soncy Road and Heritage Hills under control as of Feb. 15 [1]. Georgia Street Closure Begins Thursday: Starting Thursday, Feb. 19, Georgia Street will be fully closed from SL 335 to just south of Daytona Avenue as part of the ongoing Georgia Street Reconstruction Project. The closure is expected to remain in place through May 31. Detours will route southbound traffic via Farmers Avenue to Western Street, then to SL 335 and back to Georgia Street [1][4]. Weather Critical Fire Weather Continues: The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings, High Wind Warnings, and Blowing Dust advisories for the Amarillo area through the evening hours of Feb. 17. Wind gusts reached above 65 mph in some areas, with gusts up to 70 mph possible [1][5]. What This Means for Residents: Increased wildfire risk - every spark mattersReduced visibility in blowing dustAvoid outdoor burningUse caution while driving Forecast: Conditions are expected to improve overnight with lighter winds, but winds are forecast to ramp back up Wednesday to a steady 35 mph with 50-plus mph wind gusts possible. Smoke and fire activity near Highway 87 north of Amarillo may cause road closures as the Valley De Oro fire moves east along the Canadian River Valley [1][2]. Emergency Preparation: The Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management and City departments are monitoring conditions and coordinating with public safety partners. Residents should stay aware, stay prepared, and stay safe [5]. Events Scouting America Flag Retirement Service - President's Day: Scouting America will accept frayed or torn American flags for proper retirement on President's Day as part of a community service event. This provides residents an opportunity to respectfully retire worn flags [1]. Transformation Park's Temporary Day Shelter Opening Soon: The Hub, Transformation Park's temporary day shelter, will open soon to serve unhoused Amarilloans. Former Guyon Saunders Resource Center employees will continue offering services in the new space [1]. WTAMU Spring Career and Internship Expo - Thursday: West Texas A&M University will hold its spring Career and Internship Expo on Thursday, providing students opportunities to connect with employers [1]. local business Federal Funding for Ports-to-Plains Infrastructure: President Donald Trump si...
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    6 Min.
  • Amarillo TX Local News - February 17, 2026

    Amarillo TX Local News - February 17, 2026
    Feb 17 2026

    Amarillo TX Local News

    Breaking news

    CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER - Power Shutoffs Expected Tuesday: Xcel Energy has announced a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is likely for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, potentially affecting 14,500-15,000 customers across 14-16 Panhandle counties including Potter and Randall [1][2][3]. The shutoff is expected to begin between 8-9 a.m. and last until approximately 5 p.m., though power restoration could take several hours to several days [1][3].

    Fatal Crash in North Amarillo: One person is dead after a crash in north Amarillo on Monday evening. The crash occurred on N. Fillmore between S. 1st Avenue and N. 1st [4][5]. Details remain limited as authorities investigate.

    Woman Hospitalized After Mobile Home Crash: A woman suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing into a mobile home off East Amarillo Boulevard on the morning of February 12, 2026 [6].

    Commercial Structure Fire Contained: A large commercial structure fire near Soncy Road and Heritage Hills is now under control [1][7].

    Valentine's Day Shooting: A 28-year-old man was wounded and faces multiple charges after a shooting Saturday night near a United Supermarket [8][9].

    Wildfire Near Potter/Carson County Line: A wildfire is burning near the Potter/Carson County line as critical fire conditions persist [4][5].

    Weather

    EXTREMELY CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER ALERT - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17: The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning and Red Flag Warning for the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles and Eastern New Mexico

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    5 Min.
  • Amarillo TX Local News - February 16, 2026

    Amarillo TX Local News - February 16, 2026
    Feb 16 2026
    Amarillo TX Local News Breaking news Former Fritch Mayor Arrested: William "Billy" Robbins, a former mayor of Fritch and Baptist minister, was arrested Saturday by Amarillo police on child pornography charges [1]. Bishop Zurek Resigns: The Vatican has accepted the resignation of Bishop Patrick J. Zurek, ending his tenure as the longest-serving bishop in the history of the Diocese of Amarillo [1][4]. Commercial Structure Fire: A large commercial structure fire near Soncy Rd. & Heritage Hills has been brought under control [3]. Valentine's Day Shooting: One person was wounded and is now facing charges following a Valentine's Day shooting incident [3]. PACE Unit Pursuit: An Amarillo PACE unit pursuit ended in a rollover crash with a loaded rifle and meth recovered from the scene [3]. Gym Incident: A man was tased and arrested at Crunch Fitness after threatening to fight an officer. The individual had been kicked out of the gym the previous day for fighting another member [4]. Federal Shutdown Impact: A partial government shutdown has begun after Congress failed to agree on DHS funding. TSA agents may go without pay, potentially causing longer lines at airports, though ICE, Customs and Border Patrol agents will still be paid [6]. Weather Critical Fire Weather Alert: A HIGH WIND WATCH and FIRE WEATHER WATCH have been issued for much of the southern High Plains. An Extremely Critical Fire Threat is expected Tuesday with 60+ MPH wind gusts possible [1][4]. Power Shutoff Preparation: Xcel Energy has announced that a Public Safety Power Shutoff may become necessary to ensure public safety amid the looming critical fire weather threat. Residents should prepare for potential outages and have emergency supplies ready [1][4]. Week Forecast: A windy week ahead with warm, dry conditions creating elevated fire danger across the region [1][3]. Emergency Preparation: Residents are advised to avoid outdoor burning, secure loose outdoor items, and have evacuation plans ready. Keep devices charged and maintain emergency kits with water, food, and medications in case of power shutoffs [1]. Events Scouting America Flag Retirement Service: Scouting America is offering a flag retirement service for President's Day. This event provides community members an opportunity to properly retire worn or damaged American flags with dignity and respect
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    4 Min.
  • Amarillo TX Local News - February 15, 2026

    Amarillo TX Local News - February 15, 2026
    Feb 15 2026
    Amarillo TX Local News Breaking news On Monday, February 16, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., U.S. Marshals arrested 33-year-old fugitive Bruce Edward Cason at the Motel 6 located on East Interstate 40 in Amarillo [2]. Cason was wanted on multiple charges involving child pornography and bestiality [2]. In separate news, the Vatican has officially accepted the resignation of Bishop Patrick J. Zurek of the Diocese of Amarillo [2]. Having served since 2008, Zurek concludes his tenure as the longest-serving bishop in the history of the local diocese [2]. Additionally, a man was arrested for driving while intoxicated following a rollover crash at 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 15; he reportedly told officers he was en route to purchase more beer at the time of the accident [2]. Weather The National Weather Service has issued Weather Alert Days for the upcoming week due to critical fire weather conditions across the Texas Panhandle [2]. Residents should prepare for a significant warming trend with temperatures reaching the upper 70s by Monday and Tuesday [2]. These warm temperatures, combined with dry conditions and increasing wind speeds, create a high risk for wildfires [2]. Local authorities recommend that residents avoid any outdoor burning, ensure trailer chains are not dragging to prevent sparks, and keep emergency kits ready in case of rapid fire spread [2]. Events The Texas Route 66 Motor Tour is scheduled to pass through the Panhandle, bringing an influx of global visitors to Amarillo and surrounding towns to celebrate the historic highway's legacy [2]. For those interested in local history, the "Behind the Headlines: Preserving Panhandle History" panel will feature author S.C. Gwynne and Dr. Todd Rasberry at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum; check local listings for specific ticket pricing and afternoon session times [1]. Additionally, a memorial service for Carol Musgrove will be held on Saturday, February 14, at 11:00 a.m. at Southlawn Plaza (4400 S. Washington Street), providing a space for the community to honor a long-time resident [1]. local business Transformation Park is set to open "The Hub," a temporary day shelter, next week [1]. Located in Amarillo, this facility will provide immediate meals, activities, and essential day services to the unhoused community [1]. This serves as a bridge until the permanent Joe and Laura Street Day Center opens next year [1]. Meanwhile, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM) is facing an uncertain future as its board addresses public concerns regarding potential closure or significant restructuring
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    4 Min.
  • Amarillo TX Local News - February 14, 2026

    Amarillo TX Local News - February 14, 2026
    Feb 14 2026

    Amarillo TX Local News

    Breaking news

    Early Thursday morning, February 12, 2026, a 19-year-old driver was critically injured after crashing into a building on the 4600 block of East Amarillo Blvd [1]. The Amarillo Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the high-impact collision; the driver was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries [1]. Additionally, a convicted murderer was found competent by an Amarillo federal court on February 4 to stand trial for allegedly threatening local judges [2].

    Weather

    Following recent snowfall, local officials are monitoring the aftermath and testing hundreds of birds found in the area for Avian flu as a public health precaution [2]. Residents are advised to maintain standard emergency kits and stay informed via local alerts if further winter weather develops, though current efforts are focused on recovery and environmental testing [2].

    Events

    The Amarillo Little Theatre is currently hosting a public survey to determine its production lineup for the next season [1]. Residents have until March 1 to cast their votes online to influence the local arts scene [1]. Additionally, arena football has officially returned to the city after a two-year hiatus, providing a new professional sports option for the community [2].

    local business

    Fermi America has announced a major partnership with Hyundai E&C to begin Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for four AP1000 nuclear units at the hyper-grid campus just outside of Amarillo [1]. In the nonprofit sector, Transformation Park is set to open "The Hub" soon; this temporary day shelter will be staffed by former Guyon Saunders Resource Center employees to provide essential services to the unhoused population [1].

    school

    The Amarillo ISD Board recently voted to reject the SB 11 prayer policy, opting instead to maintain the district’s existing flexible policy due to concerns regarding student safety and data collection [1]. In higher education, West Texas A&M University (WT) announced that over 11,000 Region 16 ESC employees and their families are now eligible for 50% off tuition and fees starting in the summer of 2026 [1]. WT also recently celebrated the reopening of the remodeled Geneva Schaeffer Education Building [2].

    The Roundup

    In a notable legal development, a local individual previously convicted of murder has been cleared by federal experts to face trial for making threats against members of the Amarillo judiciary [2]. On a more community-focused note, residents of The Legacy retirement community are being highlighted for their decades of shared history and local impact [1]. Meanwhile, the Amarillo City Council has placed a $30 million debt issuance on hold while they explore more cost-effective options for municipal projects [1].

    References
    1. https://amarillotribune.org/2026/02/13/in-brief-feb-13-2026/
    2. https://amarillotribune.org/
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    3 Min.