From museum updates and youth sports opportunities to major meetings across Amarillo and Canyon, local organizations and government bodies are preparing for a busy week. Here’s a look at several upcoming events, closures and decisions affecting residents across the Panhandle.
Discovery Center Announces Temporary Closures
The Don Harrington Discovery Center announced it will have full and partial closures on selected days as it transitions from its “Dinosaurs in Motion” exhibit to the new “Dinosaurs Around the World” theme.
Officials said the center will be fully closed May 12 and partially closed May 13-18 with discounted admission available during the partial closure period. The facility is expected to fully reopen May 19. The center will also use the transition period to refresh portions of the building.
DPS Increasing Patrols Across Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety announced increased patrols statewide from May 11-25 as part of the All-American Enforcement Campaign and Operation CARE.
Officials said the effort will focus on seat belt use, distracted driving and enforcing Texas’ Move Over, Slow Down law. Drivers are being encouraged to avoid phone use behind the wheel and make safe driving decisions during the enforcement period.
Youth Football Camp Scheduled in Amarillo
Former Dairen Lewis, along with the Top of Texas Youth Sports League, will host a free “For The Youth Football Camp” for children ages 7-13 on May 16 at Bonham Middle School.
The camp is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will feature several Division I football players from the area, including Lewis, Avion Carter, TJ Tillman, Vern Blair and Keegan Collins.
Participants will receive free camp shirts, drinks, snacks and opportunities for skill development and competition, along with surprise giveaways. Parents will complete registration forms upon arrival, and organizers encourage early arrival.
Additional information is available on the league’s Facebook page.
Randall County Commissioners to Meet Tuesday
The Randall County Commissioners Court will meet Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom at 501 16th Street in Canyon.
Commissioners are expected to discuss accepting a donation from the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle for a Kontek Mobile Response Shield for the Sheriff’s Office, approving the early voting schedule and Election Day vote center locations for the 2026 Joint Primary Runoff Elections, and accepting contract documents for Justice Center additions and renovations.
Additional agenda items include approving Microsoft Volume Licensing purchases, accepting bond renewals and surplus inventory items. Public comments will also be accepted.
AISD Board to Consider Security Agreement
The Amarillo Independent School District Board of Trustees will meet Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Rod Schroeder Education Support Center.
Board members are expected to consider an interlocal agreement with the City of Amarillo regarding security and peace officers. Trustees will also consider approving fire alarm and detection system upgrades at Carver Academy, Carver Early Childhood Academy and Hamlet Elementary.
The board will discuss a resolution involving AISD Director of Music Education Dr. Sarah Herrington and will recognize South Georgia Elementary and George Washington Carver Elementary Academy for heroic actions, along with the Tascosa High School Speech and Debate Team for its state championship. Public comments are also scheduled.
Amarillo City Council Agenda Includes Airport, Traffic Projects
The Amarillo City Council will meet Tuesday at 3 p.m. in Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall at 623 South Johnson.
Council members will consider vacating more than 8,000 square feet of alleyway near Southwest 26th Avenue and Britain Drive at the request of Southwestern Public Service Company. The council will also consider funding distributions for the 2026 Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo and the 2026 American Quarter Horse Association Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships.
Other agenda items include the purchase of 18 traffic cameras, airport improvements, concrete repair contracts, water pump station equipment upgrades and the purchase of a Freightliner fuel transport truck.
The council is also expected to recognize Older Americans Month, National Public Works Week, Friends of the Library Day and Healing Begins at the Bridge Week. Public comments will be heard during the meeting.
Canyon Planning and Zoning Commission to Review Rezoning Requests
The Canyon Planning and Zoning Commission will meet Monday at 4 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at 301 16th Street.
Commission members will consider requests to rezone 211 Fifth Avenue and 1801 Third Avenue from single-family districts to multi-family districts. The commission will also review rezoning requests connected to the proposed Mayra Park Unit No. 2 development involving single-family, multi-family and commercial zoning classifications.
