Amarillo TX Local News

Breaking news

Who: The Potter Randall Appraisal District (PRAD) and Potter County Commissioners Court.
What: Chief Appraiser Jeff Dagley has implemented new safeguards following a clerical error that resulted in a $412,000 shortfall in the Potter County budget [1][2].
Where: Potter County Commissioners Court, Amarillo, TX [1].
When: Reported on February 9, 2026 [1][2].
Details: The error involved a tax exemption oversight that will impact future county budgets, prompting the district to overhaul its internal verification processes to prevent similar financial gaps [1].

Weather

While specific meteorological data for the upcoming week was not provided in the current findings, residents are advised to monitor local alerts as the city enters the mid-February season, which historically carries risks of sudden temperature shifts and high winds in the Panhandle. In the event of severe winter storms or high-wind advisories common to the region, the city recommends securing outdoor property and maintaining an emergency kit with at least three days of supplies [1].

Events

Texas Route 66 Festival Centennial Preparation
Time/Place: Various locations along historic Route 66 in Amarillo; planning is currently underway for the 2026 centennial [1].
Price: Many community events are expected to be free to the public.
Importance: Visit Amarillo is organizing this large-scale festival to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the "Mother Road," which is a vital component of Amarillo's tourism and historical identity [1].

2026 Student Heroes Award Nominations
Time/Place: Nominations are open now through April 24, 2026, via the State Board of Education [2].
Importance: This program honors local students who perform outstanding volunteer service and acts of kindness, highlighting the positive impact of Amarillo's youth on the community [2].

local business

Transformation Park’s "The Hub"
Date/Time: Opening soon (February 2026) [1].
Details: This temporary day shelter will be staffed by former Guyon Saunders Resource Center employees. It aims to provide essential services and a safe space for unhoused Amarilloans during the transition to more permanent facilities [1].

school

West Texas A&M University (WT) Tuition Discount
Details: More than 11,000 Region 16 Education Service Center employees, along with their spouses and dependents, are now eligible for a 50% discount on tuition and fees at WT [1][2].
Timeline: Eligible students can begin enrolling under this program as early as the summer 2026 semester [1].

Amarillo ISD Prayer Policy
Details: The Amarillo ISD board of trustees officially rejected the implementation of a specific SB 11 prayer policy. Instead, the board voted to maintain the district’s existing, flexible policy, citing concerns over student safety and unnecessary data collection [1].

The Roundup

In a significant move for maternal health, an Amarillo-based advocate is partnering with a state program to expand mental health resources for mothers [1]. The initiative focuses on the philosophy that support should be proactively brought to women experiencing grief or postpartum challenges rather than requiring them to seek it out during their darkest moments [1]. On the financial front, the Amarillo City Council has officially paused the issuance of $30 million in debt intended for street projects, opting to wait for more detailed estimates and alternative funding options before proceeding