A mix of education, development, and community events is shaping the Texas Panhandle, with announcements ranging from major organizational mergers to local cultural showcases.
Golden Spread Council Announces Merger with South Plains Council
The Golden Spread Council, which serves the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, announced Tuesday it will merge with the South Plains Council based in Lubbock. The merger, approved by the GSC Executive Board, will take effect June 1, with collaboration beginning in May. The combined council will serve 46 counties and add two camp properties in New Mexico. Scouts and leaders will be invited to help select a new name and patch, with further operational details expected later.
WTAMU to Host Route 66-Inspired Student Art Exhibition
West Texas A&M University will open its “Sights and Sounds of the Mother Road” exhibition May 7, featuring work inspired by Route 66 signage. The exhibit highlights “No Good with Words” by Amarillo senior Kara Speedy and will run through May 23 at the Dord Fitz Formal Art Gallery. An opening reception is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 7.
Amarillo College to Showcase Night Live Burn Training
Amarillo College will host a Night Live Burn Training event Thursday at 7:30 p.m., giving the public a chance to watch cadets battle controlled fires in a realistic setting. The free event will include demonstrations, equipment displays, and opportunities to meet cadets, with strict safety protocols in place.
New Outdoor Fitness Court Planned for John Ward Memorial Park
John Ward Memorial Park will soon feature a new outdoor fitness court as part of a nationwide initiative. The ADA-accessible court will include seven exercise stations designed for all fitness levels. Installation is expected to be completed by the end of summer.
Demolition Begins on Hilltop Apartments in North Heights
Demolition is underway at the former Hilltop Apartments, clearing the site for a new affordable housing development for residents 55 and older. The long-vacant complex had been considered a safety risk in the North Heights neighborhood. Developers have not yet announced a construction timeline.
Efforts Begin to Revive Historic Borger Hotel
City leaders in Borger are working to revive the long-vacant Borger Hotel as part of a broader downtown revitalization effort. Officials are pursuing grant funding and collaborating with developers, with a community-focused event set for April 30 to discuss future projects.
Amarillo Symphony to Host Annual Music Festival
.jpg)
